More on the loss of "the Burner" and "the Bruin"
We’re working on getting some quotes from those who worked
with Mary Turner, who finished her
long battle with cancer early last week. The “Mighty Met” veteran was 76 when
she died. The Los Angeles Times described
her as “the first lady of rock radio” during her time at KMET in the 1970s and
80s. Bob Lefsetz offers a look back at her role in local progressive rock radio, describing
Turner as the “pinnacle” of the format.
More on “the
Burner Mary Turner” in future editions.
UCLA Athletics
Another
radio veteran joined the passing parade last week. We mentioned on Friday night
about the passing of Chris Roberts, perhaps best known as the 23-year
voice of UCLA football and basketball.
Dick Lyons “I Remember Radio”
Before he arrived in Los Angeles, Roberts was developing his
talents out in the Inland Empire at top 40 KFXM in the 1970s. His shared those
airwaves with two colleagues who also are well known to Southern California
radio.
Jhani Kaye
offered his tribute of his friend who worked directly with Roberts in both San
Bernardino and Los Angeles:
Chris was my best friend. We grew up together in the business. First working together at KFXM in San Bernardino as jocks, then Chris getting me in the door at KUTE 102 in Los Angeles. Funny; we had always dreamed of making it to LA. We would say that if we made it by the time we were 30, we would consider ourselves successful. Well, we both got to Los Angeles at 22, and were we happy! Especially because we had the opportunity to work together.
Photo courtesy Jhani KayeI returned the favor when I became Program Director of KOST 103 and KFI. I called Chris in to not only be an air talent, but to also deliver the morning sports reports for both Lohman & Barkley on KFI, and Mark & Kim on KOST 103. He came up with the term "Athletic Briefs" for his reports and it stuck!
He would be so proud
of the accolades being bestowed upon him in print, on the radio, and on
television. The TV report that Curt Sandoval made for ABC7 here in Los Angeles was especially touching.
Chris deserves all the
honors the industry can provide him. He
certainly changed my life for the better... and I hope I returned the favor in
some small way.
I miss you Chris. You're my pal. (Chris always called me "pal.")
With love,
Jhani
Bruce Chandler was also a member of the
KFXM lineup before he would eventually do extended stints at KEZY, KIQQ, KRTH,
plus being nationally syndicated for over two decades on Westwood One / Dial
Global.
Trax & Grooves
“Chris was one of my oldest friends. First met him in 1971 when I arrived at KFXM. Chris told me a couple of times that of all the years he was in broadcasting he thought his years at KFXM were the happiest and most special.” Chandler remembers Roberts did 10 a.m.-2 p.m., followed by Chandler doing afternoon drive, then Jhani Kaye starting at 6 p.m.
“Chris was a great guy with so many friends. He was into a lot of things…real estate broker…he owned apartments...of course his broadcasting career, plus co-authoring a couple of books about the UCLA Bruins,” said Chandler.
About two years ago, Dick Lyons posted a video featuring Chandler, Kaye, and Roberts sharing their memories of KFXM, part of his “I Remember Radio” YouTube channel.
Roberts is survived by his wife Ann LaPeer, son David LaPeer and daughter-in-law Yvette LaPeer, daughter Nichole Hijon-LaPeer, son-in-law Octavio Hijon and grandchildren Andrs, Santiago and Carmen. Roberts had been battling Parkinson’s disease when he suffered a stroke two months ago. He was 74.
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