Monthly Archives: May 2020

Geo’s Media Blog (Into The Mystic) New for 6/29/20

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Even though I’m not much for Horoscopes, Tea leaves, Palm Readers, Fortune Tellers, or Psychics, but I do find them somewhat entertaining and sometimes even scary. In fact, a couple of incidents that I had with them, still give me pause.

One day while walking around the San Diego Fair with my friend Jamie, we decided for giggles, to visit a Palm Reader. I don’t remember what she told Jamie, but when she looked at my palm and said, “I see a new child in your future,” Jamie said, “Don’t look at me, I’m not having kids.” I, of course, laughed it off and forgot about it until I became the proud father of Camera Anne Johns Summerfield, ten years later.

As weird as that was with the Palm Reader, it wasn’t the first time strange things happened. The first of them was when I was living in Ottawa and my wife Lana and I decided to adopt a baby boy and the reason we were going the adoption route, was because Lana had a tough time giving birth to our daughter Candis, and the Doctor strongly advised against her having any more. Hey, but a man has to have a son right?

Now in Canada, unlike the States, you have to go through a government agency to adopt a child and the way it works is the agency does a lot of research on both we and the biological parents so that they can match the child as closely as possible to the new parent’s, so we were prepared for a long wait. After filling out the reams and reams of paperwork and knowing that it would be quite a while before we heard anything, we decided to take a little vacation and go see our friends the Hilliard’s in Indianapolis.

As soon as we arrived, Barb excitedly says, “Hey, hope you’re hungry because we’re leaving right now for dinner at a fabulous new restaurant that features a Sand Reader. “A Sand Reader,” I say to myself, “I wonder what that is?”
Sure enough, after we finish our dinner, a guy comes over to our table, carrying what looked like a breakfast tray with a layer of sand in it. He tells Lana to sign her name in the sand with her finger and after she does so, he looks at her strangely. Then he says, “I know this is going to sound very weird, but I have to tell you what I see. It’s pretty obvious that you’re not pregnant, but the sand tells me that you’re about to become a new mother.”

Once we were back in Ottawa, we discovered that the agency had been trying to get a hold of us for a couple of days because my son Curtis Allen Johns needed a ride home.
Whew! (pictured on top with me, and below with his mother, Lana, and Candis)   
 
GEO’S LIFE-LINERS
There are no short cuts to becoming successful. 
 
Having no political experience may actually be a positive for a politician who is currently running for office. 
 
I believe that due to the Corona Crises, most products will have to be rebranded, names, and slogans fade fast. 
 
The three ways to become successful:   
1. Create something the public doesn’t even know they want, then make them want it. (Henry Ford & Steve Jobs)
2. Figure out what the public wants and then create it. 
3. Figure out how to duplicate something the folks are already buying and then sell it cheaper. 
 
You can always tell when a person has found a new love. 
 
No amount of money buys you any class. 
 
It’s all the little things that make the big things so spectacular. 
 
Ignoring the truth does not change what the truth is. 
 
If you need to get something done quickly, give it to a person too busy to do it. 
 

The only perfect person you will ever meet will be the one that you love.

I learned early on that it’s the words that follow the word ‘but’ that count. Like when Jim Hilliard would say, “Hey Johns, nice book, but! I knew enough to yell down the hall, Hey … Ya’ll better hold the Champagne!” 

COMMENTS

Paul Cavenaugh: Hey George, forgive me for disagreeing with you. As per Ken Leman’s comments regarding creativity,  he’s right. Who says you can’t translate that deadpan look on the radio? Kenny did that every day; you just weren’t paying attention. (Guitar Man)
Geo: I think I said that it was tough, Paul. Ken Lemann and Bill Gardner were the best mid-day guys I’ve ever heard, and I was lucky enough to have worked with them both. Hey, and the reason that they were so good was simple; they did a hell of a lot of show prep.

Jim Harper: Regarding your idea of Radio doing “product placements” instead of just spots…we did that at Magic in Detroit and with great success. It’s tricky…it makes the lawyers very nervous (we did disclaimers at the end of every hour to indicate we’d been paid for mentions), but it CAN be done! The salespeople created a whole new item on the rate card for it, and it appeared on the log as a unit (we called them Poz-Mens for positive mentions), and the morning show figured out a way to bring a product or service up in natural conversation. Just like on TV shows or movies, but it’s more challenging since it can’t have been seen sitting on a desk or in someone’s hand. Be glad to explain it in detail if anyone’s interested. Clients loved it, and it was added revenue. It did NOT impact the spot load per hour. So once again, George, you’re onto another great idea. Close-minded/nothing should impact the product-people/ won’t get it. But it’s as old as showbiz itself. And it makes the talent very sharp. (Radio Royalty)

Geo’s Media Blog is an inside look at Radio, Music, Movies, and Life. For a sneak peek at some upcoming Blogs, or to see some that you may have missed, go to Geo’s Media Blog @ GeorgeJohns.com. On Twitter @GeoOfTheRadio. Sharing and commenting is appreciated.

 

 

 

Geo’s Media Blog (Out Of The Box) New 6/08/20

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A year or so ago, when Cami and I were visiting her sister Candis and Nephew Nathaniel in LA, we had lunch at the Dish restaurant in La Canada. All of a sudden, Cami, who was sitting across from me, says, “Don’t move Daddy,” and takes a picture of film actor Vince Vaughn who is sitting in the booth behind us. (see photo above, I’m the green tee-shirt)

Now, what made this whole thing a little weird was that Cami and I had just seen him in a movie called “The Internship” the night before. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty funny guy, and in fact, his “The Wedding Crashers” is one of my all-time favorite movies.

However, he sure wasn’t funny today, though, which was making my Daughter Candis upset because his language was atrocious.
Vince was ranting, “The f**king critics claim that I play the same part in all my movies, then when I step outside the f**king box and do something serious, the f**king a**holes say that I should stick to what I do best, p**cks!”

For the life of me, I couldn’t figure out what movie he meant. I’ve seen him now and then in some relatively straight parts, but nothing I would call out of the box.Then I saw it! The movie’s called, Seberg, and is about Jean Seberg, an actress from France who came to Hollywood to shoot a new film. While there, she got involved with the black movement, and the FBI tried to ruin her. Vince plays the part of a racist, bigoted, sexist, FBI agent who was harassing her. Hey Vince, the critics are right, you should stick with what you do best.

GEO’S LIFE-LINERS

In Russia, China, and various other countries, when the government tells them to do something, they do it. In America, we’re so arrogant that when the government orders us to do something, we take it under advisement.

Speaking of arrogance, what the hell are the French so arrogant about, they haven’t done anything memorable for several hundred years.

The first rule of Show Biz is, get noticed. The second is, figure out what the public wants and give it to them.

I don’t think I’m racist, but I may be prejudiced, hell, who ain’t.

Speaking of racist, a retired running back with the Miami Dolphins told me that the most racist people in the world are black ladies when a brother gets involved with a white woman.

Jack McCoy told me long ago that whoever funds the survey usually does much better in it.

When is somebody with deep pockets gonna put a band together in Winnipeg called Bachman Turner Cummings & Young? I’m pretty sure these guys would fill stadiums worldwide.

The only way to grow is by doing something that you’ve never done before.

If you can change one person’s mind, you can change the world.

Depressed people may be the life of the party, but believe me, they’re not having any fun.

What a person’s trying to say shows up immediately after the word, but.

How come the more expensive the shipping, the slower the delivery?

Who a man sleeps with, changes little, but who a woman sleeps with could change the world.

You get another chance to be somebody every day.

How can America claim to be concerned about world hunger when North Dakota alone can feed the whole world they send money instead. Hell, who doesn’t know that the corrupt politicians in those countries take their share first?

COMMENTS

Alexander Mair: Gordon Lightfoot and I were at the Buffalo concert too. The promoter was a pair called Harvey and Corky Harvey Winestein. (Guitar Man)
Geo: No doubt you guys had better seats than me, Al.

Billy Bob Harris: George, thank you for running the tribute(s) from Larry Gatlin and The Righteous Brothers honoring our selfless healthcare workers on the front line of the COVID pandemic. As you know, I was a young stockbroker in Dallas and had zero journalism, radio, or media experience. Still, by the grace of God, I got to piggyback (for about 15 years) on the smashing success of this radio station as it was blowing up the charts in radio history. It would be impossible to exaggerate what it did for my career and life experiences. As I recall, in the late ’80s, New York-based Infinity Broadcasting bought KVIL for more than $80 million, which was the highest amount ever paid for a stand-alone radio station in the U.S. at that time. I’m forever grateful to Ron Chapman, you, and all of the people that you mentioned were the heartbeat of KVIL, which I was so blessed by being at the right place at the right time, and most particularly with the right people. (Corona)
Geo: My pleasure, Billy Bob, we all owe the front liners so much, and just so you know, that blog is already my second most read this year.

Jill Lucas: The tribute to our first responders was moving & amp; heartfelt! Billy Bob Harris is probably the most selfless human on Earth! His wealth of friendships is incomparable! I have been blessed with his Friendship for 51 years, and many of my most cherished life experiences include him! He is what every person strives to be as a Friend and just a GOOD person! When he sent me the Bill Medley tribute…It affected me. Personally! I lost my precious Mother on 12/30/19 & amp; my shattered Heart was having a hard time with being aline in our Home we shared for 30+ years! She was my Best Friend & oh how she loved Billy Bob! The Righteous Brothers sang directly to me with every word of…”You Will NEVER Walk Alone”! It was as if God, himself, had sent me a message from Heaven! I just wanted to share this! God always knows what we need, and when we need it! #Amen (Corona)
Geo: Amen, indeed, Jill.

Thanks, Billy Bob, I enjoyed George’s stories and one liner’s, and the picture of you and Holly—two of my favorite friends. You are also a Dallas legend!   All the best,  Danny Robinowitz (Corona)

Thank you for sharing George’s blog with me.  No doubt those were the greatest years in radio and happiest memories for you. Hugs. Tracy Glover

Billy Bob – -this is the coolest thing ever!  You haven’t lost your touch!!!  Terry Savage

Thanks for sending, Billy Bob!!!!  Kate Ditzler

I am logged in.  Gene Street

That is great.  Thnx Signed up to receive his blog. Billy Emerson

Awww! That was AMAZINGlY beautiful!  I got chills!!  God Bless them and all our healthcare workers. Thank you for sharing! XO  Holly Forsythe

This is awesome! Love it and great job!! XXOO  Kim Gatlin (Corona)

Geo’s Media Blog is an inside look at Radio, Music, Movies, and Life. For a sneak peek at some upcoming Blogs or to see some that you may have missed, go to Geo’s Media Blog @ GeorgeJohns.com. On Twitter @GeoOfTheRadio. Sharing and commenting is appreciated.

#3 Geo’s Media Blog (Corona Special Edition) 5/21/20

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Back in the day when the FCC required all radio stations to broadcast a certain amount of news each week, you had to get creative. In ’73, when we launched America’s first AC station on KVIL in Dallas, everything else had to be entertaining.

The other things that counted as news content other than our regular news were weathercasts, sports, traffic reports, and stock market tips.

Our news was done by future Hall Of Famers Andy McCollum and Bob Morrison. For weather, we got color radar. The radar enabled Chapman, Gardner, Schell, Selden, and Major Tom to do block by block coverage of a storm as it passed through Dallas.

The sports was done by Wes Wise, who was the Mayor of Dallas at the time, which, to say the least, was very controversial, and for our traffic reports, we put the highly entertaining Suzie Humphrey in a chopper.

Now comes the hard part, how the hell do you make stock reports entertaining? I was taught early on in my career by Jim Hilliard that a person is always the answer. So with that in mind, we went out and got a stockbroker by the name of Billy Bob Harris. (see on top) What a character, when he called in each morning to Ron Chapman’s show on his two-way, he claimed he was driving from Ft. Worth to his Dallas office in his beat-up old pickup truck. The reports were hilarious, but knowing Billy Bob as I do, he was probably doing them from the back seat of a Bentley with a driver.
Billy Bob and I have stayed in touch over the years, and the other day he was telling me about a conversation he had with his neighbor, Lara Burnside, who is the Administrator of John Peter Smith Hospital. Lara said that they had 7200 employees at JPS who were all putting their lives on the line 24/7 of every day, and she no way of communicating to them how much they were appreciated.
After thinking about it for a few days, Billy Bob got his friends, Larry Gatlin (pictured on top) of the Gatlin Brothers to do a special message for the staff at JPS, and Bill Melody of the Righteous Brothers (also pictured above) to do one for the 50,000 employees of Baylor Scott & White.
 
To see and hear what the staff saw, click on the links below. However, be warned, you may need a tissue for the Righteous Brothers.
 
LARRY GATLIN
THE RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS
https://youtu.be/OUrmtkNWpuY

Geo’s Media Blog is an inside look at Radio, Music, Movies, and Life. For a sneak peek at some upcoming Blogs, or to see some that you may have missed, go to Geo’s Media Blog @ GeorgeJohns.com. On Twitter @GeoOfTheRadio. Sharing and commenting is appreciated.

 

Geo’s Media Blog (Rocket Man) New for 7/6/20

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Wow, because of the Corona Virus, I finally got to see the movie, “Rocket Man.” It was like watching a big Broadway Musical except unlike most musicals, the movie was kinda depressing. What I picked up on early on was, no matter how much talent you have, it’s almost impossible to make it big unless your childhood was fucked up.
Hey, but maybe that’s how the music industry cleanses itself of those who are only in it for the booze and broads.

While sitting there enjoying the movie, it took me back to one of my all-time favorite nights. I was in New Orleans attending a radio convention, having a few adult beverages with my radio buddies in the hotel’s lobby bar when a record executive tapped me on the shoulder, and said, “come with me.”
A few minutes later, after following the yellow brick road, we arrived at “The House Of Blues,” where we were greeted by signs that read, “Closed for a private party.”

Once inside, I discovered that we were going to be part of a special VH1 presentation of “Story Tellers.” Now, what made this particular “Story Tellers” so special was that it was going to be shown live, and it featured Elton John.

As showtime approached they quickly sat us around the grand piano sitting in the middle of the room and then out came Elton John. Wow, I never realized what a great piano player he was, “He didn’t need no stinkin’ band, man!”

Oh what a night, Elton told us the background of his hits before playing them and even answered some questions from the audience. One of the questions was, “Do you know right away when you write a song if it’s going to be a hit or not?” Elton replied, “When I was eighteen and still living at home with my parents, Bernie Taupin came around with the lyrics for “Your Song.” As soon as I started singing it, we both knew that our lives would never be the same again.

As great as that whole night was, for me, the neatest part was when he brought Bernie out just before doing his last song and introduced him to us. (see that special moment by clicking on the link at the bottom of the blog)

GEO’S LIFE-LINERS

How long something took to create has little to do with its value.

What you see might just be your perspective, and what you hear may just be an opinion.

The only thing that will save the radio industry is the product, but it has to be unique.

You have to kill the person you were born to be so you can become the person you want to be.

Because of social media, a newsperson today must assume that we already know what they are about to say. So their job now is only to give us their take on what they think it all means.

The reason that there is no such thing as a good conspiracy theory is they aren’t theories.

Here’s how it works in America, if you can figure out how to get things done using fewer people, they’ll pay you anything you want.

Speaking of America, the only thing it has going that’s better than Canada is, you can get rich and famous here.

California has killed the American dream, if you’re not there already, it won’t matter if “Surfs Up,” you won’t be there.

In our quest for perfection which is usually unattainable, maybe a more achievable goal would be to just make it better?

It’s sure a lot easier to rile up the Democrats than the Republicans.

I think that the evilest racists and bigots are the politically correct ones.

You’re never too old to do anything.

The only way I know to become a decent person is by continually resisting temptation.

COMMENTS
Cousin Daniel Townley: Jeez! What an outstanding and exciting life. So many memories and so much history. Very few have had such a fulfilling past. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this autobio and the format just added to the pleasure. Well done, George. (Rhyming My Life Away)
Geo: Thank you, Danny. Wow, so cool connecting again with my long lost cousin.

Doug Chappell: Great story by Steve Gorman. I can only imagine the feeling and I have been in the presence of many, many stars, Little Richard and Elvis are the two I would have loved to have met. (R I P It Up)
Geo: Saw Elvis a few times and almost saw Little Richard and Chuck Berry in West Palm Beach but the show was canceled. I was very disappointed because I thought that Chuck would finally have a decent band backing him, and like you, I wish I could have met them.

Leigh Wilton: I believe everything posted made a lot of sense. But, think about this, what if you added a little information? I am not suggesting your information isn’t good, however what if you added something that makes people desire more?
I mean Send In The Troubled Ladies. (new for December 14/15) Geo’s Media Blog is kinda vanilla. You could look at Yahoo’s front page and watch how they create article titles to get viewers interested. You might add a related video or a pic or two to grab people excited about what you’ve got to say. Just my opinion, it would bring your posts a little livelier. (Send In The Troubled Ladies)
Geo: Ya gotta catch up, Leigh. That post was written in 2015 and the way it works with me is, “If I didn’t say it yesterday, it’s probably not true anymore.”

Bill Gardner: As always, nice story, George!
As I told Little Richard during my 2005 interview with him, the words “genius,” “icon,” etc. are WAY overused, but he truly was all of them. A reminder that you can hear the real depth of Little Richard at the end of my “Hangout” with legendary East Coast jock Joey Reynolds from May 2020. The interview was from my decade as morning guy at KOOL 94.5 Phoenix. Hear it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsrSTxxc57E
Geo: I heard it, Bill, It was very fun, and Little Richard was very warm sounding, he must have liked you.:-)

Cousin Donna Townley: George, I just love your beautiful daughter’s song! She is an amazing singer, and it was really neat that the song was written for you & her mom! Hope she continues her singing.
Also, George, that’s quite a story of your amazing radio career and your connection with your friend Burton Cummings! Thanks for sharing it with me. (Reminds Me Of Me)
Geo: I’m afraid those days are long over for Candis, Donna. When she was the Licensing Director of WEA (Warner Brothers, Electra, and Asylum Records) in LA, she was still singing with her band, The Tortured Poets, at the Roxy and the Whiskey on Sunset while recording her songs for an album. Then all of a sudden her baby clock went off and the next thing I knew, she went from becoming a Super Star to a Supermom.

Elton & Bernie

https://youtu.be/7gBGXp5zWDA

Geo’s Media Blog is an inside look at Radio, Music, Movies, and Life. For a sneak peek at some upcoming Blogs or to see some that you may have missed, go to Geo’s Media Blog @ GeorgeJohns.com. On Twitter @GeoOfTheRadio. Sharing and commenting is appreciated.

 

Geo’s Media Blog (R I P It Up) New 5/18/20

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Sadly, Little Richard, (pictured on top) recently passed away. Not only was he a huge star, but he was also the inspiration for other big stars like Elvis and the Beatles. Hell, even the famous guitar rift from Roy Orbison’s, “Pretty Woman” came from his big hit, “Lucille.” Little Richard who appeared to be very flamboyant, was actually very shy once the lights went down, showed us through his actions, that the words, “The greater the artist, the greater the person, are actually true.
The following is how Steve Gorman of The Black Crowes (pictured above) remembers him.
I met Little Richard twice. Once, for 30 seconds in an elevator – Hyatt/Riot House LA on Sunset in 1990 with fellow Crowe, Chris Robinson. Little Richard Immediately, said, “Y’all must be in a band!” Chris said, “Yes, sir! And we’re from Georgia! The Black Crowes. “Richard said, “Oh, y’all, the ones that do the Otis song? I love that!” He hugged us both and wished us well and then the elevator stopped, he walked off, and we were left speechless.
Flash forward ten years later –  Kennedy Center Honors in 2000. Don Was put us on the show honoring Chuck Berry.
Richard walks into the rehearsal room, the night before. Says his hellos to everyone and then zooms in on Chris and me and says, “Hello, Black Crowes – you probably won’t even remember this, but we met on an elevator years ago!”
Again, we’re speechless, but I manage to say, “Yeah, we remember …I just can’t believe you do!” He says, “Y’all did Otis so proud, he was my little brother…I loved that man so much!”
Then he sits down at the piano and busts into ‘These Arms Of Mine’….it sounds EXACTLY like Otis. I mean, he’s CHANNELING OTIS REDDING.“These arms of mine, they are lonely
Lonely and feeling blue.”

It was mind-blowing. The whole room is still. No one moves. I glanced at Steve Jordan, and we shared a “Holy Shit this Is actually happening” look. Richard ran through the form twice, then stopped and said, “Y’all don’t want any more of that, do you?” laughing.
Everyone in the room (G.E. Smith, Steve Jordan, me, CR, RR, Don Was, The B-52’s) yells, “YES! More! Keep going!”
He laughs again …No, no, that’s enough, let’s do what we’re here to do.” He killed us all. He knew it. And he left it there.

After that, we had a solid hour of hang/rehearsals before he got up to leave, saying, “I gotta go now! Y’all be ready tomorrow, ’cause I’m sure gonna SHOW UP!” and walked out of the room.

I didn’t see him the next day except for onstage during the performance.
I originally went to DC excited and honored to shake a tambourine for Chuck Berry, but I left DC with my mind spinning over Little Richard and the fact that for an hour or so, I was standing next to a nuclear reactor.
My entire body was buzzing the whole time he was in that room with us. Head to toe…on fire. I can’t even begin to imagine what it was like to see this man on a stage when he first showed up in the 1950s….but I can tell you that in the year 2000 it was still a visceral experience that goes well beyond my feeble attempt to describe.
Steve Gorman
The Black Crowes

GEO’S LIFE-LINES
Is there anything more archaic then our school system?
 
If I lived in New York or California, I’d be pissed; they pay about the same in taxes as Canadians do but don’t get the free health care. 
 
What’s the sense of having a good-paying job in LA or New York if they take most of your pay for rent. 
 
Being a great athlete doesn’t mean that you’re also a great person, nor does putting an R or D in front of your name. 
 
Right or wrong isn’t black or white; it’s mostly grey. 
 
I figure that the only way to stop drugs is by killing all the Cartel bosses, hell the CIA kills a lot of people all over the world, why not some more deserving. 
 
I find it intriguing that JFK got us into Viet Nam, LBJ escalated it, but Nixon gets blamed for it. 
 
Have you noticed that the lower the rate, the harder it is to get a loan? 
 
At this very moment, most people would rather be somewhere else. 
 
Whatever happened to Harry and Meghan? 
 
Guys are fools; there is no woman out there that is going to understand or love you better than your first love. However, by the time you finally realize it, unfortunately, you’re gonna be broke. 
 
Have you ever noticed that sexual accusers are always from the other party? 
 
Wow, who in their right mind would think that Jerry Lee Lewis would end up being the last man standing? 
 
Things always turn out best for people who are the best at something. 
 
Why do singers talk so much? Stick with the gift, man! 
 
Every time an air talent cracks the mic, not only are they a few good words away from becoming a part of somebody’s life, but they also may be moments away from becoming successful. You never know who’s listening.
 
Sometimes, changing for change’s sake is good for a change. 
 

There are two parts to time, the moment before and the moment after.

The only people in show biz who think they don’t need a script are radio people.

Unfortunately, because of overuse, the word racist is fast becoming a buzz word and will probably fall by the wayside as has, dope, sick, crazy, epic, down with it, right on, far out, cool man, swing daddy, go cat go, not to mention, see you later alligator.

Wow, Jeff Bezos (Amazon) is about to become the world’s first trillionaire. Only in America baby!

COMMENTS

Jed Duvall: George:  I saw on the P.B.S. “Frontline” program a few years back, on “Why the Towers Fell,” that there was foreign footage (probably Pakistani) of Osama bin Laden discussing that his intention of flying planes into The World Trade Center Towers was to set them on fire and create widespread panic.  Apparently, bin Laden thought that since the 1993 bombing left the bombed tower standing, that the buildings were too strong to completely takedown.  He then started praising Allah that he, bin Laden, had the good fortune to hit the towers in a weak point such that they were completely destroyed.  A tragic design flaw that at the end of the program, the lead architect stated, almost in tears on camera, as the program closes, that he never thought that he had to design the towers to withstand an airliner crash, as the buildings were designed around a central elevator / HVAC core with everything else hanging off stringers from that core and the exterior with minimal structural support.  The World Trade Center Towers were not built like The Chrysler Building or The Empire State Building. (Necessity Is A Mutha)

Geo: Scary times for sure, Jed, but not as scary as now.

Doug Chappell: George, I learned a big lesson playing in a band and later in the record biz…the best players are not always the best bandmates. You are on stage for about an hour but have to live and deal with the other band members for the other 23. I learned to never replace an adequate player that is a great bandmate with a great one because it can break the “one for all and all for one” feeling. (Here’s To The Phantoms)

Doug Thompson: Ah Donnie Burns…what stories we could all tell about Donnie. A short stint at CHUM Toronto (where I worked with him), then became a legend at CKGM Montreal, and again at CHFI Toronto (he owned afternoon ratings for several years)—all the while voicing national spot after national spot after national spot.  Donny was so cool. I worked with him again when I was Creative Director at Telemedia Network Radio in Toronto.  Again….stories!  Hope you’re well, George. (Here’s To The Phantoms)

Geo: I am well, Dougie. Who would have thought that Donnie, me, and the guy that booked the Phantoms, John Wood, would end doing well in the radio biz? When we all worked together in the band days, our eventually working in radio never came up.

Dave Charles: What a combination, being in a band and radio!  That way, you get the best of everything, right George. Great to get a sense of your history. (Here’s To The Phantoms)

Geo: An evil combination, Dave, that’s for sure. 🙂 Thanks for the read and the comment.

James Molly: Bob Marks sends me your stuff, and I enjoy the content AND the humor! Thank you, & keep ’em coming! (The Economy)

Geo: Thanks to you for the read, James, and thanks to Bob for the shares.

Geo’s Media Blog is an inside look at Radio, Music, Movies, and Life. For a sneak peek at some upcoming Blogs or to see some that you may have missed, go to Geo’s Media Blog GeorgeJohns.com. On Twitter @GeoOfTheRadio. Sharing and commenting is appreciated.

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