“Oh no, not again.”
I expect that’s the reaction heard ’round the radio industry, and especially in the Detroit Metro area. We lost another one this week.
Those of you in the rock radio community are still trying to process Jim Ladd. And now Ken Calvert, the guy who represented Detroit radio so damn well has left the building. If you’re just finding out about the passing of “The Casual One,” I hate to be the bearer of the sad news.
K.C., truly “one of the hardest working men in show business,” passed away a couple of nights back, and the sad news began to take flight yesterday afternoon. The ripples will most certainly be felt from Allen Park to Birmingham to St. Clair Shores. Ken wasn’t just an incredibly accomplished personality, he was truly one of the nicest guys you could ever meet.
I watched his ability to instantaneously eradicate the awkwardness that goes with meeting a celebrity. Ken disarmed those odd moments, immediately putting a new acquaintance or fan at ease. The jokes would flow, often with a little touch of Rodney or Shecky. But that’s who K.C. was – he made you comfortable, and he made you laugh.
In all the years I spent time with him at station events, I never saw him act the least bit cold or standoffish to a listener – or anyone else. He embraced interaction, loved to talk about music, barbequing, his lawn – anything.
I’ve had an eye on social media these past few hours and the outpouring has come from all corners – radio folks, rock stars, former Detroit Pistons, and of course, legions of fans who “knew” him from his decades on Detroit rock radio, as well as his high visiblity in the Motor City area. The man had no enemies or even people who didn’t care for him. Ken Calvert was everyone’s friend.
During some of my darker moments while programming WRIF (and there were more than a few of them), Ken would walk into my office and remind me to “Turn the frown upside down” and try to look at the bright side. As WRIF’s midday monster during the station’s first golden era, Kenny played his role well, bridging the station’s incredible tentpole shows, J. J. and the Morning Crew and Arthur Penhallow. Many jocks stuck in between those two behemoth shows might have gotten a bit lost in the shuffle.
Not K.C. In fact, he made a strategic decision to be that Swiss Army Knife of WRIF, showing up everywhere and cultivating new audiences. Back then, ABC-Owned WRIF had plenty of marketing money budgeted every year – for TV, billboards, print, and owning the street. But Ken realized he was only going to get so much promotional firepower, so he took it upon himself to make his own noise, to generate his own buzz. And in the process, he brought the station new fans with his relentless pursuit to build his own brand. As a result, he contributed to WRIF in incalculable ways.
It took me a few years as a consultant to step back and understand the method behind his work ethic and after-hours activities. In a presentation I’ve shown dozen of times over the years, often called “Building Better DJs,” I talk about how radio personalities can take control over their careers and personas by becoming involved outside the station. My poster boy for this prezo? Ken Calvert, of course. And it took two slides to explain all the truly smart and savvy things he did in just a few short years to cement his legacy.
It was textbook – how you personally take a market by storm. Look at this body of work, all during a relatively short time.
Ken sold himself to WDIV-TV, the NBC affiliate in Detroit, as an entertainment reporter. His premise? Why send one of your “suits” to cover a Queen or Led Zeppelin concert at Cobo or Pine Knob when a veteran Detroit rocker could do a great job with the interview and event coverage? It worked for the TV news department and it worked for us at WRIF. Ken got access to bands and artists because of his television cred, while the radio station had to wait its turn. Of course, I repurposed his audio on WRIF every chance I could.
On the public service front, K.C. took it upon himself to hook up with the National Chili Foundation and their annual Chili Cookoff in Saline, Michigan. And Ken enlisted power chefs in Detroit to help him craft a killer chili recipe so he didn’t just show up at the event – he competed in it.
Ken created his own Sunday morning oldies show, The Electric Brunch. But the twist was that it wasn’t hosted by Ken Calvert, it was jocked by a greased-back hair, ’57 Chevy driving wildman named Chuck Roast – yes, Ken’s alter ego. The show shot up to #1 where it stayed, and Ken hosted a special bar night every Sunday night at a popular Woodward Avenue drinking hole. It was always beyond packed.
But perhaps the biggest move was snaring the P.A. gig for the Detroit Pistons not long before they were to enter their famous “Bad Boys Era.” Ken did the emceeing when the Pistons received their NBA Championship rings in 1988 and 1989 – an amazing position for your personality DJ to be in. (See the video at the end of this post.)
After leaving the station, I bought season tickets to the Pistons, and saw Ken every night at the scorers table, always accompanied by his lovely wife, Ann. Of course, Ken developed signature sounds when the key players scored – like “Joe DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO-mars,” whenever the Pistons’ all-star guard drained a bucket. Not surprisingly, former Pistons, including Isaiah Thomas, came out on social media last night to honor K.C.
In those days, the halftime shows were pretty lame – acrobats, dogs catching frisbees, etc. And on those nights when the opponent wasn’t very good, they didn’t bother to book anything or anyone for the intermission. Instead, Ken was the halftime show. The Pistons would pull a couple dozen fans out of the stands to try their hand at a half-court shot for some sort of prize. The truly entertaining part was Ken “interviewing” each fan before their big moment, ribbing them about their clothes, their job, their hometown – their lame shooting skills. I lived for those moments. It was worth the price of admission.
Ken “grokked” that by building his brand on the Detroit radio airwaves, he’d always have a great opportunity in the market. Over the years, he graced the air of WABX, W4, WRIF of course, WLLZ, WJR, and WCSX. He also worked as a Columbia/CBS Records rep before joining WRIF in 1979. (He really missed radio.) That was when I got to work with him and got to know him. We never actually talked about specific gigs, but I would bet he would look at his years at WRIF as the high point of his amazing career.
I hope I’m not missing any of Ken’s gigs. But I know that everyone who ever worked with him, over him, or under him came away a better person for the experience. Ken made us all look good. His crossovers with the iconic Arthur Penhallow became legendary themselves. As Ken would introduce Art like an emcee would intro James Brown in concert, Ken came up with witticisms that stuck. I talked to Arthur last night to give him the sad news, and he reminded me, “He came up with all my names!” The Mayor of RIFFville, the Grand Poobah of Rock n’ Roll, and on it went.
When it was announced I was going into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018, Paul threw me a surprise party at a local restaurant. And many of the old guard – including Ken and Arthur showed up. This photo captures Calvert (fourth from the left) perfectly:
After leaving WCSX exactly 10 years ago, Ken jumped into podcasting. And did he ever have questions. I hooked him up with Seth Resler, and we did our best to help guide him. But Ken knew where he was going. His own podcast was a series of interviews. And then there was his podcast with Father Joe Grimaldi from his famous high school, Birmingham Brother Rice. Did I mention that back in those days, Ken was the Brother Rice Warrior – yes, the school mascot. Who else?
Just a couple weeks back, Beasley Detroit programming guru, Scott Jameson, tapped Ken to host an all-day “Beatles Blitz.” It was great to hear “The Casual One” gracing the Detroit radio airways once again. Here’s a photo of the dashboard display WCSX put together, a great tribute to Ken. As it turned out, it would be Ken’s “last show.” I sent him the screen cap from my dash with the note, “Calv in my car!” And he responded, “Thanks, Fred. How cool is this?!” – KC.
My sincere condolences to Ken’s wife, Ann, and his family and huge network of friends, his radio audiences over decades who spent their days listening to his great hosting and his companionship. Ken was a dear colleague and friend to so many of us.
He will be so missed.
Below are those Pistons announcements when those “Bad Boys” first got their rings. Ken is all over it, and his signature laugh is the perfect accompaniment to the celebration:
Ken also tracked the comings and goings of the rock/classic rock world every day on his socials. You can see his work on his Facebook page.
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Mike McVay says
A great and fitting tribute. In the days before the internet, I would drive to Detroit from Cleveland and camp out to hear the great personalities on air in The Motor City. He and Arthur were always among my faves. Never met him. My regrets. A loss for all who love radio.
Paul Jacobs says
Mike, if you’d have met him you would have loved him. Yes he was talented, but he was simply a great human being.
Even us suits in the cubicles loved The Casual One.
Fred Jacobs says
Ah, those pre-PPM crossovers, Mike. (Mostly) a thing of beauty!
Kurt B Smith says
KC set the bar for many of us Metro Detroit kids who looked toward a career on the air. Ultimately, my favorite of the Golden Age of Detroit Rock Radio when we had four (?!?) AORs fighting it out for supremacy. He was the best…
Fred Jacobs says
Yup, Kurt. There was a period when WRIF, WLLZ, WABX, and W4 were all going at it at the same time. Great for listeners, challenging for those of us who worked for those stations.
Buzz Knight says
Fred
This is a beautiful tribute to a great guy and a wonderful creator. I like everyone feel devastated about this loss, yet I’m grateful I got to know him. His Sweetness will live in. Rest in Peace KC.
Paul Jacobs says
“Sweetness” is the word, Buzz.
Fred Jacobs says
Thanks, Buzz. In your role with both Greater Media & Beasley, you had a great perspective on what a great talent & great guy he was.
Scott Jameson says
Being in the Midwest most of my career I was familiar with Ken and other legacy talent like Arthur, Steve Kostan, and Karen Savelly. It wasn’t until I arrived in Detroit that I got to meet and develop a friendship with him. Ken was always happy- always willing to share stories and just a great guy to talk to. His talent was legendary, his spirit and humility equally so.
I spoke with Ken nearly every day for 6 weeks as we produced a Beatles special for WCSX earlier this month. He was, as usual, wonderful, funny and above all a kind soul. The world needs more like him.
Fred Jacobs says
Congrats on giving Ken a 9th inning role on CSX, Scott. You immediately understood Ken’s value when you moved to Detroit a few years ago, and I know he appreciated the friendship.
Brian says
What a fantastic tribute, Fred. Thanks for sharing. Condolences to his family and friends. I never met him, but I now feel like I do.
As an aside, I hated those Bad Boys teams with a passion, but watching the video gave me a little twinge of positive emotion towards them…proving Ken was great at his job.
Fred Jacobs says
Yes, Ken could even make Rick Mahorn a beloved character, Brian. 🙂
Steve Richards says
That was a beautiful tribute Fred. Ken was such a special person. I am so glad I got to know him and work with him. He had a profound impact on so many people in that city, a city he loved so much. I will miss his voice on the other end of the phone. RIP Ken.
Fred Jacobs says
You got to work with him, Steve, do you know. A jewel, an ace, a great soul.
Kathleen Ruona says
The Best D. J. Ken was always friendly and engaging. My husband and I would go on the CSX Puerto Vallarta trips with other fans ! He always took the time to stop and talk,laugh. He will be greatly missed by all!
Fred Jacobs says
Truly a great ambassador for every station where he worked, Katheleen.
John Roddy says
Nice tribute, Fred. I used to work for one of Ken’s very good friends (since Brother Rice days) and so spent a bit of time with him back in the 80s. A really good guy and as you mention, down to earth and genuinely nice person (though a TERRIBLE golfer!)
Fred Jacobs says
I always figured Ken had some “Caddyshack” in him. Thanks, John.
David Manzi says
Wow, between this and Mr. Ladd’s passing, we’re reminded it’s not just the beloved artists who are leaving us, but the beloved personalities that brought them to us. And if anything, we feel closer to the personalities because they were the connection–the “mutual friend,” so to speak–who introduced us to the stars we loved and continue to love. I can’t help think of the words of the Apostle Paul, who concluded 2 Corinthians 4 with the wise reminder that as we go about our busy lives, we should also make sure to “fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” May we remember that through the holidays and the coming year.
Fred Jacobs says
David, it’s been a tough week for rock radio and ambassadors. Thanks for engaging on this one.
Eric Harthen says
Fred,
Thanks so much for your wonderful tribute to KC. It encapsulates all that Ken was, to all who knew/worked/listened to him. We miss him dearly, but as Ken said, we must “continue along in music and song.”
Fred Jacobs says
Indeed we must, Eric. Thanks for the check-in.
Billy Craig says
The world needs more Ken Calvert in the world and sadly he’s gone. Ken made it easy to understand the idea of a DJ being more, being a Personality. I’m not a radio guy but I know what that means. He had a way of making you feel like you were in the room with him or with him and his crew. It didn’t matter where you were, in the car, working, when Ken was on, he pulled you in, he was unique, original in his delivery, and definitely a great role model, for any person. RIP KC!
Fred Jacobs says
Great perspective on Ken, Billy. Truly one of a kind.
Keith says
This is a wonderful tribute – the love shines through. May we all be so lucky to get such a tribute when our time comes. Well done.
Fred Jacobs says
Thanks, Keith.
Bruce Ravid says
You are the one to break this sad news. I got to know Ken pretty well when I was “Regional AOR” for Capitol out of Chicago. He became one of my fave radio people and I found him to be all that you write about here. Our birthdays were very close to each other and one of my more memorable Detroit nights was a mutual celebration with Ken. As for the Billy Squier photo, I was in A&R by the time we had him on Capitol but that looks like a later Capitol AOR guy Jay Hart in the background. Beautiful tribute and happy holidays, Fred. R.I.P., Ken.
Fred Jacobs says
That’s Jay, a good guy. Appreciate the perspective, Bruce.
Pat Holiday says
WONDERFUL tribute and writing about Ken, Fred. Truly captured your love for him and him. I met Ken during his promo days when he’d come in and hang out with Rosalie. All that you described was him during those times. LOTS of laughs. Sad that another great one is gone.
Fred Jacobs says
A great guy all the way around, Pat. Thanks for chiming in here.
Rick Davidson says
Very nice tribute Fred. I got to know Ken during the WRIF abc days. We had lunch regularly, lots of RIF softball games and hanging out afterwards. Went to allot of clubs, he introduced me to Bob Seger (my 21st birthday). I was just a fan from Toledo and loved that time. I hadn’t seen Ken for 30 years but I’m still deeply saddened by his passing. I still have the ball cap he sent me from WJR. I’ll never forget the guy, thanks for the great times Ken, God speed.And thanks for the nice tribute Fred.