Jonnie King's first trip to a radio station was when he was about seven years old. On the way home that August evening his parents asked him how he liked the station tour and being a guest on the show with Janet Daley, the St. Louis Story Lady on KXLW Radio. "I think I'd like to do that.", Jonnie replied. "Do what ?" his parents inquired. "Be on the radio !" he said without hesitation. Thus, he began his quest for a career.
Through the intervening years, Jonnie was an amateur magician, a drummer with many different groups, and an actor. As an actor he performed at first in high school and college productions, and then was a regular for many years in St. Louis Community Theatre Productions, and studied at St. Louis University. He was subsequently accepted into the Pasadena Playhouse College of Theatre Arts, studying there and living in California.
On his return to St. Louis, and at the peak of his career, he was signed to perform at the famed "Crystal Palace" in the legendary Gaslight Square. Still yearning for a career in Radio, Jonnie began working at the old KXOK/St. Louis Radio Park Studios in 1965 with his friend Johnny Rabbitt. He later worked in such varied locations as KAAY/Little Rock & WDRQ/Detroit. He has been a mainstay in St. Louis Radio since moving back in 1973, first helping to build Bartell's renowned KSLQ (now Y-98) where he spent 10 years.
He also worked at KGLD, had a 17 year run at 96.3FM in all of its phases: KADI/JOY-96/ K-JOY/JUKE BOX 96 & K-HITS. He then spent 4 years with WSSM/Smooth Jazz. Highly respected as an expert and historian on music and artists of all types, his music collection dates back to the '50's.
In addition to being an Air Personality, Jonnie's talents have included: Program Director, Music Director & Research Director. Since 1973, he has also been the Creator, Producer and Voice of the Nationally syndicated Morning Radio feature "The Breakfast Serial"...a show based on programs from the "Golden Age of Radio". He has also taught classes on "The Art of Golden Age Radio and Its' Social and Cultural Importance" at both Meramec College and Fontbonne University in St. Louis.
His off-the-air activities include: Buying, Selling and Collecting Antiques, Advertising Memorabilia, Golden Age Radio Shows & Radio Premiums, Early Disneyana & Comic Character Toys.
He also has a passion for Classic & Custom Cars and automobile memorabilia. He's owned many great automobiles, including, a '58 Thunderbird, '57 Dodge Mild Custom, '53 Buick Special, '67 Jaguar XKE, '68 Cougar XR-7, '59 Plymouth Suburban Station Wagon, a '66 Thunderbird, and a California/Arizona "Survivor" '57 Dodge D-500. His California-Custom Built '61 INVICTA (A Magazine/Feature Car) is now on display at Darryl Starbird's National Rod & Custom Hall Of Fame Museum.
Never one to rest, Jonnie's 'collecting' habit got so bad at one time the he opened up his own retail store: "All-American Comics & Collectibles" in the General Grant Shopping Center in St. Louis and ran it for seven years...while still doing a daily Radio Airshift !
A true Communicator on the highest level, Jonnie always brings to every station and project he's involved in a built-in audience: long-time listeners and fans who truly appreciate the warmth, humour and sincerity that have always been his trademark.
Now, as Jonnie celebrates his 41st Anniversary in Broadcasting, he has created"The Legends Of The Rod & Custom Hall Of Fame" Series. This is truly a 'dream come true' for this life-long, Car Buff ! Jonnie King's passion for All-American Rods & Customs could rarely be equaled, and is well known to those in the Industry !
Now, with the chance to share that passion, knowledge, and, enthusiasm with listeners' all over the World, and to bring the personal stories, histories, and voices of GREATEST Legends of the Rod & Custom Industry to the Internet for all to hear, it lets everyone have the chance to share the "Dream"...and create dreams of their own !
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Be sure to visit Jonnie's WebSite dedicated to the "lost art-form" of Golden Age Radio: "The Breakfast Serial". The "Best of Golden Age Radio Since 1973" ! www.serial.thewwbc.net
www.serial.thewwbc.net
