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The Big Ron O’Brien Archives

Big Ron O'BrienBig Ron O’Brien was only 56 when he passed away from complications of pneumonia on April 27, 2008. O’Brien left an indelible mark on the radio world, with a career that spanned both coasts, at some of the top radio stations in the nation.

This is a tribute page to one of top 40 radio’s true pioneers. An original high energy jock whose style was imitated by many who grew to love and respect both his lightning fast wit, and the man behind the microphone. His passing is a sad event, but, instead of dwelling on his death, we’d like to present a place where Big Ron O’Brien is heard again, the way we all remember him. Stations like WCFL Chicago, WXLO and WNBC New York, WPGC Washington, KFI Los Angeles, and so many other stations in between where O’Brien entertained.
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Courtesy of Big Apple Airchecks - Thanks!Big Apple Airchecks pays tribute to Big Ron

Done in three parts, here is a fantastic tribute featuring rare airchecks, interviews with co-workers, even a few words from Big Ron’s mom! Thanks to Matt Seinberg for his hard work in producing this tribute to a real radio legend!

Part one begins with a few words from Matt, then it’s on to Ron’s early years in radio. Listen, and decide for yourself what the highlight of Part 1 is. Matt and I know you’ll gain a new appreciation for a man who helped define the glory years of Top 40 radio!

Click here for Part 1

Part Two

Click Here for Part 2


Part Three



Click Here for Part 3



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Here’s a young Ron O’Brien heard on KTLK Denver. Talk about high energy! He could give Jack Armstrong a run for his money back in the day.

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Real Player Required for this Aircheck.

Our tour moves on to New York City. Not because its the first place Ron worked, but its a place perhaps at the height of his popularity in the 1970s. Starting with our original archives here at Airchexx, from sometime in the Winter of 1977, here’s Big Ron O’Brien on WXLO - “99X”

WXLO 99X

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Big Ron O'Brien at WCFL Chicago

...”CFL - How many times can you rip that out in five seconds…. Say CFL in 76!!!

Shown here in a picture featured online at the WCFL Chicago Radio Timeline, O’Brien was heard on “The Voice Of Labor” from 1972 through 1976. Here’s a HOT clip of Big Ron from sometime smack in the middle of the nation’s Bi-Centennial year!

WCFL Chicago

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102.7 Kiss-FMProving once again that the life of a radio DJ is filled with one move after another, here’s the late Big Ron O’Brien rocking southern California on a miserably hot day at Kiss-FM. Yes, Rick Dees is the morning guy by this time, and O’Brien was making the rounds of the nation’s top 10 radio markets. This particular show finds O’Brien working through a rare 90-plus degree Santa Anna heatwave as L.A. bakes its way through early 1983.

If you hated the hit music in the months between March - October ‘83, with artists like Culture Club, Kajagoogoo and the like, you’ll cringe - but fortunately this is scoped, so the tourture is short lived. Everything else about this recording is great however, including O’Brien, who sounds like he’s matured… well, okay this is about 6 years after we heard him on WXLO 99X.

Enjoy this, newly discovered recording of a legendary station and jock, both in their prime years.

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More coming shortly, stay tuned!