RHODE ISLAND RADIO LEGENDS HONORED
RI Radio Hall Of Fame,
presented by Navigant Credit Union, announces Class of 2009
Warwick, RI – It began as an idea - to preserve
the memories and acknowledge the accomplishments of radio professionals who have touched the lives of so many in the Ocean State.
The Rhode Island Radio Hall of Fame was established in 2008, with a goal to celebrate
the now 87-year history of the industry in Rhode Island,
and to honor the men and women who have played a part in its growth.
The RIRHOF
Board of Directors is pleased to announce the members of the Class of 2009:
Jack Comley – with fellow Hall-of-Famer Sherm Strickhouser,
Comley is considered a pioneer of the talk radio format in Rhode Island; well-read, informed and provided special attention
to the “entertainment” value of radio during the ‘60’s and ‘70’s; avid sports fan that
used his public forum to contribute to the construction of the Providence Civic Center.
Comley passed away in 1974 at age 41.
George Patrick Duffy – “Voice of the Rhode Island
Reds” professional hockey team covering four decades, Duffy is still active as a coach at St. Raphael Academy
today, at age 88. He has also been behind the microphone for numerous teams and
games since the 1940’s, on WEAN, WJAR, WICE, WXTR, WPRO, WGNG and others.
Carolyn Fox – brought “shock jock” radio
into Rhode Island through stunts and promotions on the air;
long time ratings leader at WHJY-FM, she also hosted on WPRO-AM and WWRX-FM in the ‘90’s.
Daniel “Giovanni” Centofanti – a fixture
at WPRO-FM since the 1970’s, “Gio” has hosted morning drive on 92 PRO-FM since ‘99; valuable production
manager for current Citadel station cluster, as well as on-air host.
Jimmy Gray – veteran radio personality dominating airwaves
for WPRO-AM/FM, WCTK-FM, WHJJ-AM among others; quick wit and smooth delivery made him a favorite for listeners, and advertisers.
Norm Jagolinzer – Norm is synonymous with “sentimental”
and “nostalgic” radio in the Ocean State; distinct, smooth voice and delivery recognized by many through his work
on WLKW; consistently at the top of charts in the ‘70’s and ‘80’s.
Jim Mendes – Mendes was one of the key jazz DJs in
the state during the '50s and '60s, spinning discs on WPAW-AM, WICE-AM and WJAR-AM. Of Cape Verdean descent, he was also one of the
first broadcasters of color in the market. Mendes passed away at the age of 80
in 2006.
Don Pardo – long associated with his work on Saturday Night Live, Pardo began his storied career at WJAR-AM in 1938.
He joined NBC in 1944, remaining on the network
staff for the next 60+ years. The original “voice” for The Price is Right and Jeopardy, Pardo still performs voice work for SNL today, at age 91.
The official
induction banquet for the Class of 2009 took place at the West Valley Inn
in West Warwick, RI on Thursday, May 14th, 2009 at 7:00
pm, with a cocktail reception beginning at 6:00 pm. Proceeds from the
event go to the children of A Wish Come True, Rhode Island’s oldest
wish granting organization.
As an added
attraction to the Rhode Island Radio Hall of Fame, local radio fans are encouraged to participate as Associate Members, by contributing a one-time fee of $25. For their donation, fans will earn the right to nominate local radio industry professionals for future
consideration in the Hall of Fame, receive a discount on induction ceremony dinner tickets, and receive a certificate of membership. The $25 lifetime membership fee is tax deductible, and should be made payable to A Wish Come True, Inc.
