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

The latest Numbers are in, and the results are truly amazing: Over 18,000 Visitors From 65 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 publicly 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); Christopher Campbell (Hot Rod); Luke Karosi (Kustoms Illustrated); Rob Kinnan (Hot Rod);  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 18,000 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  65 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, Bulgaria, Denmark,  Estonia, Taiwan, Belarus,  Chile, Macedonia,  Portugal, Bulgaria, Iceland, Panama, Malta... 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, Gary Howard, Frank Livingston, Lee Pratt, 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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    SPECIAL BULLETIN: 

 CUSTOMIZING LEGEND ELDEN TITUS HAS PASSED AWAY.

ELDEN DIED AT HIS HOME IN DERBY, KANSAS, THIS PAST WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8th, 2008, AFTER A LONG BATTLE WITH CANCER.

ELDEN WAS A TRUE FRIEND, AND I HAVE SET UP A VERY SPECIAL TRIBUTE PAGE FOR HIM:  ELDEN TITUS TRIBUTE  (JUST CLICK-ON AND GO DIRECTLY TO IT.)

THE FUNERAL WILL BE IN WICHITA, KANSAS, AT THE 7th DAY ADVENTISTS CHURCH, 820 WEST 27th STREET SO.  THIS MONDAY, OCTOBER 13th, AT 10:00AM.

GOD BLESS YOU, ELDEN.  R.I.P. MY FRIEND.       JK

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                SPECIAL NOTICE: THEY'RE HERE !

THE SPECIAL 1st ANNIVERSARY CUSTOM-BURNED, GOLD CD'S ARE NOW AVAILABLE !!

 I've put together a "SPECIAL 1st ANNIVERSARY" CUSTOM CD 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 ! 

I've recorded a Special Message to introduce you to this very Special Limited Edition Offer.  You can hear my message, AND see pictures of all of the Trax, PLUS, find out how you can get our newest "Hall Of Fame Legends" Postcard for FREE !

Simply click here to listen:  HOFL SERIES 1st ANNIVERSARY CD OFFER !

This Special CD is Custom Burned on a Gold Disc, and normally would Retail at $25.00, BUT, I'll have a LIMITED NUMBER of  these available at a Special price of only $10.00 for 15 of the HOTTEST STORIES of this past year.  (Plus, $2.00 for Postage & Handling)  Your total will only be a Donation of $12.00, postage paid,  for this Special Anniversary CD  !!  

Many picked up their copy in Salina at the KKOA Show,  and I have a few left and they're available at this Special Price of only $12.00... RIGHT NOW !!

Just click here  to listen to my Special Message so that you won't miss out on getting your Personal copy of this Limited Edition Special Anniversary CD,  fpr you and your family to listen to for years to come.  PLUS, you'll also receive our newest "Hall Of Fame Legends" Postcard featuring the "Invicta", long with your CD...absolutely FREE !

Also, your Donation will help keep our Hall Of Fame Legends Series up and running smoothly On-Line into Year Two !!   

Thank you so much for your kindness, support, and, Donation.   JK

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

   THE DICK DEAN TRIBUTE:   Further thoughts and insight into the importance of Hall Of Famer Dick Dean:  DARRYL STARBIRD and myself with some personal memories of Dick, his sense of humour, and, his talent, creativity and craftsmanship.  (NOTE: If you haven't checked-out this Tribute Page yet, please do.  I've added some new pix to the page that I hope you'll enjoy.  Dick was one of THE best.  Period.   JK )

  You've read about the fantastic cars of  NorCal Legend & Multi-Hall Of Famer Frank Livingston for over 5 Decades !  NOW hear Frank tell the stories of his first cars, and, the one he ultimately fell in love with and turned into a Multiple Award Winner !!

 Because so many of you have asked for it,  I've re-added Part 2 of my 1981 Interview with Rock & Roll Legend Rick Nelson.   It was 27 years ago this month that we talked, and of the hundreds of Interviews I've done in my career, Rick was truly one of the kindest, and most gracious, true Super Stars of them all.  I'm proud and honored to share this with all of you, my friends, here on the Hall Of Fame Legends Series.   As you know, Rick Nelson was a real car buff - like all of us- as well as one of the earliest "Rockabilly Cats" that there was !  Rick was Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987...in the 2nd year for the Induction Ceremonies.     JK

 Master Builder Steve Frisbie  (Steve's Auto Restorations)  found an Ultra-Rare 1937 German-Built Ford Cabriolet, the only one known to have made it back to the USA after WWII, and turned it into one of the most unique & fabulous Street Rods you'll ever see !  Listen as he tells Jonnie the complete story of this truly rare piece of "rolling sculpture" that was over a dozen years in the making  !

  Hall of Famer Chuck Miller was one of the earliest winner's of the legendary "Ridler" Award at the Detroit Autorama in 1968.  On the occasion of the 40th Anniversary of that most-special win, Chuck gave me some insight as to how things played out during that time period.   ENJOY !

 Crusin' Customs John Kouw , one of the East Coast's most prolific builders,  created a '51 Ford Concept Car that Ford should have built !   PLUS, he talks about his beginnings and the first car he wrenched on.

  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: Hear George Barris talk about his projects with Elden, see some FANTASTIC Build Photos directly from Elden's Garage, AND, see a surprise from my basement !!   JK

 With a career that spans over 5 Decades, the Legendary Darryl Starbird  has done it all !  And, beginning in  1961,  he added another title to his resume': "Chief Design Consultant For Monogram Models" !   This is the story of how that situation evolved and, also, how the "Predicta" changed from Blue to Red !!

 You might have seen this super-machine in the December, 2008 Issue of STREET RODDER.  Now listen as one of the hottest builders in the "Young Guns" section of Rods & Customs today, Kansas-based Jeff Myers , in this exclusive Interview tells how it all came together, AND, why this '57 Caddy Eldorado Seville was one of his toughest builds !

    HERE'S PART 2 of "THAT FANTASTIC '49 ! ", with the Legendary  Lee Pratt in a rare one-on-one Interview with Jonnie.  In this final part of the story,  Lee tells how the beautiful paint on this "Super Coupe" was originally intended for another car altogether, how his appreciation of Flatheads has resurfaced, and, that you should always keep a close-check on your gas gauge...especially when traveling from L.A. to San Francisco !

   One of the East Coast's most respected Builders/Restorer's, Lou Calasibetta,  created one of the most beautiful, and, unusual '57 Pontiac Wagon's you've ever seen !  You read about it in Rodder's Journal, and, Hemming's Rod & Performance, now hear Lou tell the story of the "SURFARI" !  (HEY,  even the "Beach Boys" stop by and add some "Surfin' Surfari" harmony ! )

  Multiple-Hall Of Famer, John D'Agostino , has been known to tackle building not just one, BUT, two cars at a time. And, he's done it again !  After I received a call  from him a couple of months ago, we got together at the KKOA Spectacular in Salina to update his latest rides that are being worked over at Oz's Customs in Oroville, California.   John actually talked to me before he picked up his newest Olds, so you're among the VERY first to get this hottest  "info update" !

 One of the Industries most respected Artists/Designers, Steve Stanford, shares the story of his early years in St. Louis, the Magazine that jump-started him into Rods & Customs, and, the name of the then-editor of "Street Rodder" Magazine that gave him his first big break !  PLUS, listen-in as Jonnie gives Steve a "mike check" for audio levels in one of the "out takes" section  !!

 Legendary Hall of Famer, Ken "Posies" Fenical, , in this candid Interview, tells Jonnie about his early cars, the origin of the World Famous "Super Slide Springs" over 40 years ago,  and some of the cool products that his Company sells...at their store, by mail order, and, on-line !

  The "Hall Of Fame Legends" Custom-Burned, Gold Colored, 1st Anniversary CD is now available !  Please listen to Jonnie's message, and see how you can get your personal copy of this Limited Edition CD, and help keep the HOFL Series On-Line with a small Donation.

 Alan Mayes,  Managing Edtior of Car Kulture DeLuxe & Ol' Skool Rodz, discusses how he got involved in the "VIBRASONIC" Project due to a phone call from Elden Titus.  There's also a Wal-Mart in Indiana that's part of the story, and Jonnie tries again to get on the cover.  See how that's workin' out, PLUS, get a look at Jonnie's Original Vibrasonic Container...ya gotta see this !!

 With a new book that's just hit the stores NationWide, Hall Of Fame Legend Gene Winfield, is hotter than ever !  His blended/fadeaway paint jobs have been thrilling Rod & Custom fans for over 50 years, BUT here's a question for you: What was the FIRST car that Gene applied that paint scheme to...and what YEAR did he do it in ?   To find out just click here !

  From the "Young Guns" Section of our "Future Hall Of Famers" Series:  He's worked with BOTH George Barris AND Bill Hines !  One of the best of the new breed of Customizers, Brad Masterson , tells Jonnie how he hooked-up with these two Legendary Masters of the Rod & Custom Industry...and also had a short-time career working for a Private Investigator !!

  Texas Hall Of Famer/Customizer Gary Howard , clues Jonnie in on the smooth, period-perfect '54 Vickie he put together for legendary guitarist/car collector Jimmie Vaughan !

      THE ROD & CUSTOM DREAM TRUCK SAGA, PT.2 : George Barris, one of the Original Builders of the "Dream Truck", adds his take to the story of this Legendary vehicle, AND, Spence Murray continues the story of what actually happened to the truck and where it is today !

 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 !!

 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 !!

   Alan Mayes , Managing Editor of CKD/OSR, gave us the scoop last year on the Bo Huff-buiit '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 ??

 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" !!

   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 !!

 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 !)

   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

     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 ? 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 2 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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