Gary O'Blog

FIFTH ANNIVERSARY SHOW TODAY

Posted by: Gary O'Brien

Monday, February 23, 2009 11:05 AM

It's hard to believe it has been five years already since the very first weekday "Gary O'Brien and Friends." It was a big move to come from more than 20 years at the Assembly Hall to host a daily radio show. It has been fun to utilize my contacts to get some big names on the show. That first show was a little nerve wracking...mostly because it was a new venture, but also because i had never run the board before. When I did several Saturday shows all I had to do was conduct the interviews...I had a producer to run the board and push all the buttons. I really dreaded doing that part of it, but Ed Bond was standing right behind me the first few days of the show and perhaps there were some minor glitches here and there, it wasn't too bad, and it wasn't long before I couldn't imagine having anyone run the board for me. It was immediately apparent it was important to be able to have that control. I remember one of my first guests on my first show was WGN Radio legend Roy Leonard. I wanted him on the show since I listened to him as a kid. I would listen almost every day and hear him interview the biggest names in music, television, film, etc. and I enjoyed hearing people from all areas and eras of entertainment. When I got a tape recorder for my birthday one year, I would host my own shows and interview the stars. Of course I did all the voices. Goofy for sure, but it got the wheels turning! So Roy Leonard was the first guest on my first Saturday show on WDWS, and he was on my first first regular daily show as well, and shared his experiences and gave me advice. He was great. He would also be on my 500th show and my 1000th show and has always welcomed me to contact him with questions and conversation. I sure admire his talent and appreciate hows he has opened up to me. Also on the first show was a congratulatory call from Karolyn Grimes...better known to most as Zuzu from "It's a Wonderful Life." She had been a guest on my Saturday Christmas Show and we have since spoken several times. She is a wonderful person. Henry Winkler is about the nicest guy in show biz. He was my first celebrity guest on my very first show and has since been on many times. He is just a great guy and is one of the guests people talk to me about the most---especially the show where he invited Justin, my son, to review one of his books to him on the air. A very special moment. We also appreciate Mr. Winkler because he introduced Justin and I to Mrs. C...Marion Ross and she has not only become a friend on the air, but off the air as well. I also remember on that first show, "Passion of the Christ" was the hot topic as it had just opened to an advance screening for clergy, and we had someone on to give their impression. Well, today is my 5th Anniversary on the air. We have done 1170 shows up til now and have made a lot of friends. For today's show I have invited some of the back for the occasion. Expected to be on the show today is rock legend Keith Emerson, one of the greatest keyboardists of all-time. He and his girlfriend Mari are wonderful people and Justin and I appreciate their friendship. It is six hours later in England and despite the fact that he is visiting his mother, sons and grandkids...he is taking some time out to visit with us. Thanks so much Keith! Also, the wonderful BJ Thomas is expected to be on the show, also one of the nicest people I have had the pleasure of meeting and having on the show. Bob Greene has been on the show several times. He is a personal trainer and best-selling author, perhaps best-known for being Oprah's trainer. I'm happy to have him back today. We'll catch-up with local Season 4 'American Idol' finalist Jared yates and see what he is up to. What a talented kid! He has a bright future ahead oif him if he can get that one break that all performers need. Speaking of "American Idol," musical director Rickey Minor invited me to call him to be on the show. He has a crazy schedule, so not sure if it will work as he will be with Stevie Wonder in Washington D.C. as Stevie accepts the prestigious Gershwin Award for excellence in songwriting. Hopefully, Rickey will have a few minutes to spare as he and I have had a great conversation in the past! Comic legend Carl Reiner...what can I say. How nice that he will be on the show. Amazing actor, comic and writer. He created 'The Dick Van Dyke Show," worked with Steve Martin on 'The Jerk," and of course with Mel Brooks, created the 2000 Year Old Man. It will be nice to talk to him again. Plus Dawn Wells, best known as Mary Ann from "Gilligan's Island." Had a crush on her as a kid. She's terrific, plus my friend George Patterson who started out as a singer in the group The Wellington's that sang the theme for "The Wonderful World of Disney," and also the original "Gilligan's Island" theme. He and Dave Shaul started out singing in Champaign. What a great guy George is. There might be a few surprises too...and hopefully it all works out. You never know, but regardless, our 5th anniversary show will be a lot of fun today. Thanks to all who have given me such great support over the past five years! Gary

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