THE NEWS IS DEFINITELY OUT !  IT'S OUR FIRST ANNIVERSARY !!

The latest Numbers are in, and the results are truly amazing: Over 12,204 Visitors From 58 Different Countries WorldWide, With Over 2,000,000 Hits... IN JUST ONE YEAR ! 

 I Sincerely Thank You All !!      JK                              

 SPECIAL  NOTICE:  Before you continue scrolling down the page, I want to publically thank those in the Rod & Custom Publication Industry that have been so generous and supportive of both the "Hall Of Fame Legends" Series WebSite, and,  my efforts to put it together and produce it.

So, as to give fair "thanks" to all involved, I'll put them in alphabetical order.  The list includes:  Tim Bernsau (Rod & Custom); Brian Brennan (Street Rodder); Luke Karosi (Kustoms Illustrated); Alan Mayes (CKD/OSR); Jim Rizzo (Street Rodder); Jerry & DeVona Titus (KKOA Trendsetter).   My sincere thanks to each and everyone of you !  And, it goes without saying, a constant thanks to Darryl & Donna Starbird for their help, support, and, friendship.   (Links to ALL of the above mags can be found on the "Visit Some Of Our Friends" Page.)

 I think we all know that our Industry/Hobby brings us together, not just as friends, but more like an extended "family".  And, although this Site went through a "start-up" stage  beginning last July, it wasn't officially launched until September 10th of last year. The response WorldWide since that time has been not only heartwarming...it's FANTASTIC !  

 However,  it could not have been  done without the help of all the above named individuals, as well as each and every Legend/Hall Of Famer that is listed, been Interviewed, and given so generously of their time, as they understood my concept for the Series, and, the need for documenting their personal histories. PLUS, my thanks for the "word of mouth" that each of you visiting here has helped pass on to others so that they can log onto the Site.

FROM THE PERIOD OF JULY, 2007 THROUGH THIS CURRENT POST, THE SITE HAS HAD OVER 12,204 VISITORS, AND, 2,000,000 HITS...which for a specialized niche Site like this is just excellent.  What astounds me even more is the list of  58 Countries that some of these Visitors have logged on from. Here's a partial list:  Ireland, Canada, Norway,  Greece,  Italy, Argentina, Hungary, Mexico, Israel, Nambia, Finland, Germany, Columbia, Sweden , Thailand, Great Britain, China, New Zeland, Brazil,  France, Turkey,  El Salvador,  Lithuania, The Ukraine, Spain, The Netherlands, Romania, Peru, Japan,  Belgium,  Guam,  Russia, South Africa, The Phillipines, Poland, Jamaica,  Denmark,  Estonia, Taiwan, Belarus,  Chile,  Portugal.  AND, of course, the U.S.A. ! 

 In retrospect, that's one of the reasons I named my company The WorldWide Broadcasting Company...the reach of the www is just tremendous.   And, to be able to share the stories of these Pioneers of the Industry with those all across the Universe is a feat that would have been unheard of only 10-12 years ago.

I constantly strive to upgrade the entire Site.  The "visuals" are tweaked and added-to as necessary, as well as the audio, to showcase each of these Legends with the respect and importance that they deserve.   And, again, many thanks for all of your eMails !   I read each one, and thank you for taking the time to send them.

Be watching for more Legends News, Interviews, and, Special Pages to be added soon...for both your listening & viewing enjoyment.   With the constant help and support of each of you,  the World of Rods & Customs will power through this new Millenium and into the next !  More importantly, the "Legends Of The Hall Of Fame" will continue to be heard all over the World...and their histories and voices will continue to inspire a new generation.

  With sincere thanks...JK

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I'm Jonnie King, and I want  to personally welcome you  to our brand  new  website, and  let you know that  the "HALL OF FAME LEGENDS" Series is now On-The-Air !

 You can hear my exclusive One-On-One Interviews with the Great Legends of the Rod  & Custom Industry documenting and preserving their oral histories, PLUS, see pictures of their work in the Legends Gallery.  And, the best part  ?   You can listen anytime you want : 24/7 !  Right here...right now !!

The Greatest Rod & Custom Legends of All-Time: their voices, their stories...ONLY on the "Hall Of Fame Legends " Series :  "Where The Legends Come To Life" !

 Here's a  list of just a few of  the Legends' that you'll hear from:  Darryl Starbird, George Barris, Gene Winfield, Spencer Murray, Norm Grabowski, Jerry & Elden Titus,  John D'Agostino,  Ken "Posies" Fenical,  Steve Stanford,  Steve Frisbie, Chuck Miller,  John Kouw, Jerry Weesner, M. K. John,  Lou Calasibetta,  Dennis Mc Phail, Mark Moriarity ,  and many, many more to come .  Just click  on any of the buttons on the left of your screen with the name of the Legend you want to hear, or, on their name in the stories listed below...it's that simple !  (PLEASE NOTE::Depending on the speed of your computer it may take a few seconds for the interview to start after you "click"on the button.  Please be patient, and click only once.)

You'll hear a NEW story from each of these Legends every few weeks !   The stories cover a special subject each time, they last for 2 to 3 minutes, and then they will repeat in case you may have missed part of the story or want to hear it again.   After that, you can click on another " Legend" name and hear one of their stories.

 Thanks for stopping by !  Stay as long as you want , "bookmark" us, log us in as one of your "favorites" and come back anytime.  AND, be sure to tell  all of your  R&C friends to check-in with us too ! 

  WHILE YOU'RE HERE: be sure to visit THE LEGENDS VIDEO GALLERY There are now OVER 160 Great Pix !  Cool Cars, Classic Ads that you will probably never see anywhere else, and even some Special Pix  from my Personal Archives that I dug out to share with you !  THE LEGENDS VIDEO GALLERY is a virtual "Time Machine" that you can enjoy  over and over again as I'm always adding new images !   JK

  NOW It's Easier Than Ever To eMail us !  Just click here to eMail us and let us know where you're from, what you drive, and how you like hearing these great Legends and their personal stories.

 IT'S SIMPLE:  Log-On ANYTIME You Want !  We're On-Line 24/7/365 !!   

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           IT'S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR ONCE AGAIN !!

IT'S ON THE WAY...THIS WEEKEND !  The 28th Annual KKOA Lead Sled Spectacular !   July 25th, 26th, & 27th, 2008 !  The Place: Salina, Kansas !

Jerry Titus, KKOA Prez, and his crew, are putting together one of the most Super Kool Events  that you'll ever hope to attend  !    Rods, Kustoms, NCC, OSR...whatever ya got will be welcome !   Drive it in, trailer it in, tow it in !   Just be sure you get there so you can join in the fun with Rod & Kustom lovers from all over the  U.S.A. !!

Join Industry Leaders &  Hall Of Fame Legends Darryl Starbird, Gene Winfield, George Barris, Bill Hines, Frank Livingston,  John D'Agostino,  Gary Howard, M.K. John, Steve Stanford, Chuck Miller, Elden Titus, Dennis McPhail, and many, many others !   It's a GREAT chance to meet these fantastic pros one-on-one, and see some of the MOST fantastic cars on the Planet !

PLUS, wanna see "Stars" ?   Movie stars, that is ??    Okay !   They'll be there too !!   My old friend, Paul LeMat (John Milner) from "American Graffiti" (Check-out our  Interview further down on this page),  AND, the beautiful  Stella Stevens...Hearthrob of Hot Rodders the World over...will also be there for you to see and visit with !!!

They're all in one place, at one time:  THE 28th ANNUAL KKOA LEAD SLED SPECTACULAR, JULY 25-27, 2008 IN SALINA, KANSAS !!

   PS:  My bag is packed too !  I'll be there grabbing some brand new Hall Of Fame Legends Interviews for the Fall Season of our On-Line show that you'll hear on this very Site !  Please stop by and say "hello" !   I'm hoping to meet all of the Super-Visitors to our WebSite, so check-in with me and please let me know how you like the Site !!  

SPECIAL NOTICE: I've put together a "SPECIAL 1st ANNIVERSARY" CUSTOM CD to bring with me that has 12 of the HOTTEST TRAX from our First Year, AND, I've added 3 BONUS TRAX to boot !  This way you can listen to these HALL OF FAME LEGENDS STORIES in your car, at home, wherever you want !  Normally they would Retail at $25.00, BUT, I'll have these available at a Special "Lead Sled" price of only $10.00 for 15 of the HOTTEST STORIES of this past year  Ask me about 'em...you  won't want to miss out on this SuperKool Offer !    JK 

For More Info, Log-Onto The KKOA WebSite:   http://www.kustomkempsofamerica.com/index.htm

THIS JUST IN:  ELDEN TITUS JUST NOTIFIED ME THAT  HE'LL BE BRINGING THE "VIBRASONIC"  IN IT'S CURRENT BUILD-STATE TO SALINA !

IT'LL BE YOUR FIRST OPPORTUNITY TO SEE THIS PHENOMINAL NEW MACHINE BEFORE ITS (FINISHED) JANUARY DEBUT AT DARRYL STARBIRD'S 45th ANNUAL TULSA SHOW NEXT FEBRUARY !!

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COULD THIS BE THE ONE  OF THE RAREST CARS IN THE WORLD:  THE FIRST REAL "BUBBLE TOP" CAR ?

READ MORE ABOUT IT IN THE NEWEST STORY FROM "HALL OF FAMER", "BUBBLE TOP" BUILDER/RESTORER, MARK MORIARITY .  JUST SCROLL DOWN AND "CLICK" ON MARK'S NAME BELOW !

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      A HALL OF FAME LEGENDS SERIES

                      FEATURE PRESENTATION:

                                 "THE  ROD & CUSTOM DREAM TRUCK SAGA"  

 LISTEN TO PART 1 of this Special Two Part Series: Spence Murray's first-hand account of the Crash, Parting-Out, and Sale of the Wrecked Body of the Industries very first "Step-By-Step" Build-Up Vehicle:"The Rod & Custom Dream Truck"... one of the most famous Customs ever built ! 

 And, then begins the mystery of the 20 year search for this missing icon of Rod & Custom History !

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 HOT TOPIX:  These Are The Hottest "Legends" Stories On-Line Right Now !  Just "Click"  On 'Em To Listen : 

   ONCE AGAIN THIS YEAR, tragedy has struck the Rod & Kustom Community.   The Legendary Dick Dean passed away July 10, 2008.  Dick was one of the most creative of  customizers, and was not only a "Hall Of Famer" but also a friend.  I've put togther a Special Tribute Page for Dick.   Just click here to go there.

 One of the most innovative customizers & builders for over 50 years, Darryl Starbird,  in this exclusive Interview done at his National Rod & Custom Car Hall Of Fame, talks with Jonnie about the challenges ALL builders face, PLUS, sheds light on his truly futuristic "Crystal Ball" Merc !

 Widely-known Editor, Writer, Photographer, Jerry Weesner,  has "done it all" and has the stories to prove it !  During the course of their Interview, Jerry fills Jonnie in on one his MOST memorable photo shoots...and his meeting a beautful, young, future Mega-Watt Movie Star !!

 From the "Young Guns" Section:  Artist/Owner/Tattoo Guru, Dennis McPhail, on his early years in Wichita to a fateful meeting with his Hero: "Big Daddy"! PLUS, be prepared for some Summer Time Audio Fun that I've added...sure to be loved by "Rat Fink" Fans the World over !!

The Legendary Norm Grabowski,   one of the funniest Hot Rodders and expert story tellers to ever put pedal-to-the-metal, explains his Hot Rod beginnings, and treats us to the hilarious story of "16 Kids...No Brakes" !!

 The Rod & Custom Industry continues to expand year-by-year, and on a WorldWide Basis.  In this exclusive Interview, the Legendary George Barris, and Hall Of Famer John D'Agostino tell how the truly American-Art Form ot the Rod & Custom, er, "Kustom", affects owners & builders all over the WORLD !  PLUS, we talk to John about the resurgence of the true Industry Pioneers !!

 From Lou Calasibetta's Old Stillwater Garage, in Stillwater, New Jersey, to its new home in Santa Monica, California, we follow the trail of one of the most magnificent '58 Ponitac Wagons you'll ever see: the "Bonnewood" !

   One of the Industries long-time leading Rod & Custom Artists,M. K. John, and Jonnie have been friends for years, but it took them a couple of years to have the right time-frame to get this Interview accomplished. As you'll hear, it was well worth the wait !   AND, you'll hear how M. K. turned a Thunderbird into a Riviera !!

 Paul LeMat (John Milner) from "American Graffiti" was in the same film as Jonnie's old friend the Legendary "Wolfman Jack" But did he actually work with the "Wolfman" ?   Paul tells Jonnie the truth !  PLUS:  Hear the "Wolfman" himself !!

     Industry Legends, George Barris & Elden Titus team-up to bring you the ground-breaking "VIBRASONIC ROADSTER"  Hear Elden with the newest info on this Project, PLUS: see some FANTASTIC Brand New Build Photos directly from Elden's Garage !

 It has to start somewhere for all of us, and Internationally-Known Hall of Fame Legend, John D'Agostino, tells Jonnie how his love of Custom Cars began, and what his very first Custom was !  PLUS,  for the first time here, John puts a list together of  four of his All-Time Favorites !!

 Hall of Fame Member & Ridler Award Winner,Chuck Miller,  tells Jonnie about his favorite cars,  PLUS, re-lives those glory days of the "Rapid Transit System" that he created for Chrysler...when you raced on Sunday and took the car back in for Warranty work on Monday !

 The Legendary Gene Winfield , the Detroit Autorama 2008 Builder Of The Year, reveals his two favorite cars, Plus, fills Jonnie in on his TV & Movie Cars ! (NOTE:  See some newly added  pix !)

   One of the rising stars in the "Young Guns" section of builders/painters today, Kansas-based Jeff Myers ,  is now on the road with his newest masterpiece: a Chop-Top '57 Caddy Eldorado Seville !  In this exclusive Interview he tells how it all came together, AND, why it was one of his toughest builds !

 Newly inducted Hall of Fame Member, Mark Moriarity , talks with Jonnie on how Ed "Big Daddy" Roth told him to build "bubble tops", what he's restoring now, and has some final thoughts on his relationship with "Big Daddy" !   PLUS, see what could be the world's very first "Bubble Top" Car !!

 Jerry Titus, Founder & President, discusses how & why the internationally-known Kustom Kemps Of America Association began 28 years ago.  It involved a meeting in Wichita, Kansas, a Cadillac Sombrero hubcap, and, 14 hardcore Car Guys

   Alan Mayes , Managing Editor of CKD/OSR, gave us the scoop last year on the Bo Huff-build of his '61 Ventura. Hear the story and  take a look at the Award Winning results !  Plus, Jonnie tries again to get Alan to put a pic of them on the cover of CKD...will it happen ??

  Hall of Famer Steve Stanford designed it as a "phantom" '50 Ford Coupe; ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons built it as a driver !  Hear Steve's take on "The Kopperhed" !

 John D'Agostino fills Jonnie in on the history behind his Award Winning '57 Eldorado "Starfire". Originally owned by one of America's Favorite "Singing Cowboy" Heroes:  the Legendary GENE AUTRY !!

    One of the newest Hall Of Fame Members, Steve Frisbie , checks-in with Jonnie on his shops full capabilities, PLUS, you'll hear the story "from the man himself" on how his shop, S.A.R., in Portland, Oregon, zeroed-in on the "Double Dozen Roadster" Project !

Posie gives Jonnie one of the best stories so far: How the "Extremeliner" was conceived and turned into one of the most unique modern-day "Coach Built" cars ever !  AND, you'll also get to see some "extremely" RARE Pix of  the car that inspired it !!

      Jonnie goes one-on-one with John Kouw (Crusin' Customs) about the restoration of "The Victorian"...one of the most famous customs ever built by Hall of Fame Legends Mike & Larry Alexander of Detroit

    Ever dream about seeing your car in a magazine ?  Editor/Writer/Photographer, Jerry Weesner, gives some tips and shares some info on what the Pros look for and tells Jonnie about a real out-in-the-field Event find !

         From 1964-1966 one of the hottest shows on TV was The Munsters !  But did you ever see the "Hot Rod Herman" Episode ?  Well, Jonnie accidentally happened on to it the day he was set to Interview George Barris !  George gives the real story on The Munster Koach and The Drag-U-La Car...which he actually drove in this Classic Episode ! (PS: Grandpa Munster makes a cameo appearance  especially for our listeners; and, listen for the "wheelie" !!)

  One of the Industries long-time leading Rod & Custom Artists, M. K. John, and Jonnie have been friends for years, but it took them a couple of years to have the right time-frame to get this Interview accomplished. As you'll hear, it was well worth the wait !

    Back  by popular demand, on a Special Page of its own:  the return of George Barris explaining the full story of  the Origin, Concept & Design of the World Famous TV  "BATMOBILE"  !  This is a classic, new version of the Interview that  I've created, with a Mini-Origin of the "Batman" himself just added, especially for visitors to our "Hall of Fame Legends" WebSite ,and one that you definitely won't want to miss...the kids will love it too !   

 Darryl Starbird's groundbreaking "PREDICTA" Bubble Top is known World-Wide, BUT what gave Darryl the idea for the concept to begin with ?

  Gene Winfield : His origins from a chicken house in Modesto to World Wide Fame !

 Jerry Titus, Founder & President of the KKOA: Family Values & Kustoms...with a "K" !

   Jerry Weesner  (Street Rodder/Custom Rodder/'Ol Skool Rodz) & Jonnie King on Crusin' : The Barris Shop, Hollywood, and, St. Louis !

      Spence Murray tells how the World Famous "Rod & Custom Dream Truck" was built ! 

    The Historic CKD #15 Buck Owens/Gene Pitney "Death Issue" !   Is Jonnie doomed ??  

       Boyd Coddington (1944-2008): to view Boyd's Tribute Page please click on his name.

   John ('Lil John) Buttera (1941-2008): to view John's Tribute Page please click on his name.

      AND, AS ALWAYS, SEND US AN eMail  let us know how you like our Site, and tell us "Where In The World" you are !  We appreciate your input, and realize the World of Rods & Customs is truly Universal and covers the World...and, we thank you for taking the time to check-in with us from wherever you live .  JK

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 THIS JUST IN:  The wait is over !  "The Hall Of Fame Legends" CD Catalog is now ready and on-line !  Way ahead of schedule, the list is complete and you can see it by clicking-on CATALOG which will take you right there !   REMEMBER: These are the COMPLETE, Exclusive , Interviews with all of the Legends listed...and, they're available right now.

    While you're here be sure to visit THE LEGENDS VIDEO GALLERY Over 130 Great Pix,  Cool Cars, and even some Special Pix  from my personal archives that I dug out to share with you !  ____________________________________________________________________________________________

SPECIAL BULLETIN !  In October of 1981 I was at KSLQ Radio/St. Louis.  In addition to my other shifts  I also did a Saturday Nite Oldies Show I called "Flashbacks !".   On one particular Saturday  night we had the Legendary Rick Nelson in town for a special show, and  he graciously agreed to give me an  exclusive on-the-air Interview and personally called me that afternoon so that we could tape it.  Rick was one of the earliest Superstars and Pioneers of Rock & Roll...a true Living Legend.   His early Rockabilly influences were felt far and wide, and his friends included some of the coolest "Rockabilly Cats" that were out there:  Elvis, Gene Vincent, Carl Perkins, Eddie Cochran, and, the Burnett Brothers (Johnny & Dorsey).

Through the years , I've had the privilege of Interviewing some of the Greatest Legends in the Music Industry:  Johnny Cash, Kenny Rogers, Paul McCartney, Anne Murray, Bob Seeger,  Paul Anka, "Wolfman Jack", and too many others to mentiion.  BUT, Rick Nelson was one of  the kindest, most generous, most giving individuals I ever had the pleasure, and true privilege of Interviewing.

Sadly, on New Year's Eve, 1985,  I was on-the-air when the news bulletin came across the wire service stating that Rick had been killed in a firey explosion and plane crash in DeKalb, Texas, while on his way to a New Year's Eve Concert in Dallas.  It sincerely pained me to  read that  bulletin and report the story, but I dedicated the rest of my show that night to Rick.

As a Special "thank you" to all of the fantastic viewers & vistors who have sent us so many eMails and kind words about the "Hall Of Fame Legends" Series, Interviews, pix, et al, and have complimented us about what we're doing on this Site,  I've set up a Special Page which contains Part 1 of that rare,  Exclusive, October, 1981 Interview with Rick so that I can share it with all of  you.

This special Interview has been locked away in  my  private Archives for over 25 years, and has never been heard publicly since I originally aired it in 1981.  In it, Rick  tells about his early history as one of the Original "Teen Idols", and how he decided to record his first hit record: "I'm Walkin' ".   I hope you enjoy it,  and remember what a GREAT Legend that this gifted, talented,  man was.    Thanks again, Rick.   You were the BEST !    (Part 2 of  The Rick Nelson Interview will air  again in a few weeks.for those of you who missed it.)

[Remember:  You'll hear all of these EXCLUSIVE Interviews nowhere else but here on our "Hall Of Fame Legends" Website !  E-Mail a friend and tell them to log onto us soon: www.legends.thewwbc.net ]

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By the way, if you're driving through Oklahoma, be sure to stop in and visit  the Starbird National Rod & Custom Hall  of Fame Museum.  Check out Darryl's story on the Origin of the Museum and see some of the FANTASTIC cars on display at: www.darrylstarbird.com

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"THE HALL OF FAME LEGENDS" Series is produced with the co- operation and support of Starbird's National Rod & Custom Car Hall of Fame Museum.  And, my special thanks to Jerry Titus, and our friends at the Kustom Kemps of America for their help and support: www.kustomkempsofamerica.com

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