Eddie Gallaher passed away today.
He was a Washington radio fixture since his start at WTOP in 1947. I listened to him on WASH when I was growing up. Every morning at about 7:25 he did the "birthdays and horoscope," where he read off the famous people born on that day, then said happy birthday to his listeners. He used to announce my name, which was quite a thrill when I was a kid. He used to announce my mom's birthday when she was little, a fact that amazed me then...because when I was five, my mother's childhood seemed like the stone age.
Another thing I loved about Eddie's show was his restaurant ads. He didn't just read ad copy, he'd start describing the dinner he'd had the night before at Alfio's la Trattoria or O'Donnell's, and next thing you knew you'd be drooling.
I actually followed him over to WWDC. I was probably the youngest "Music of Your Life" club member, but if he hadn't changed stations I might not have gained the appreciation I have now for Big Band and Swing.
The best part of his show wasn't the music, though. It was his rich voice and his sign-off, which never failed to make me smile:
Here's hoping you have a good day all day long. It's nice to know so many nice people.
Thank you, sir. It was nice to know you, too.
Posted by Nic at November 26, 2003 01:09 PM | TrackBack