How does a legend say goodbye to the second largest audience in America, not counting the then budding XM Satellite radio audience? How does this website even pay tribute to this particular morning, a day which many observers mark as one of the largest bloodlettings of all consolidation events since 1996? To be sure, one career’s demise is another’s beginning (we’re talking, of course, about Ryan Seacrest), but at least Clear Channel DID allow Dees one last show.
Chris Salisbury contributes this audio, writing that he used to work for Clear Channel, at an affiliate in Lancaster, CA on the “morning that Dees took his exit”, and recorded the entire show on minidisk. Indeed, he did a great job of scoping the final product down for us, and we have a nearly perfect, studio-quality hour and a half complete final show of the great Rick Dees on Kiss-FM! Thanks, Chris!
Thank you so much for posting this!
I grew up listening to Rick, and sadly, I don’t remember this particular show when he left (I was still fairly young).
As I grow older and have a true appreciation for the radio industry, it’s so great to hear this show and reminisce on his past.
Thank you, Rick Dees, for all you’ve done– G-d Bless You!
And thank you airchexx for posting this!!
I met Rick at Columbia School of Broadcasting in Birmingham. My friend Dean owned the place. I was working at ERC in Birmingham at the time and Rick was doing mornings at WSGN 610 AM in Birmingham. We all knew he wouldn’t stay long. His talent was fresh, new and A-LIVE.
Rick, you gave us many years of insane distractions from the reality of life. I was so happy when you started streaming on the net from KISS. You were always in character, on the air and off! Thanks, you and your lovely wife are so very gifted!
Lundy B.
Dees being replaced by Ryan Seacrest? No way can he be as good as Rick. Corporate BS.
Thanks so much for saving this piece of Los Angeles radio history!