Well the second half of the list is up and thanks to your votes in the Air heads face book group and guests from the Podcast this is how the cards fell in the second half of the 100th Episode of the Air heads Podcast.
24. John Peters (3XY/ Triple M)
On 11 July 1980, Australia’s first commercial FM radio station, Eon FM, began broadcasting on 92.3 MHz, behind the microphone at the momentous occasion was John Peters. One of very few in radio that has those bragging rights.
23. Euan J Dixon (Triple M)
I’m a massive wrap for announcers that don’t pretend to be someone they are not on the air and Euan J Dixon was as real as they come. A really engaging Character on the air who drew you into the content he used to put between the songs.
22. Steve Woods (K-Rock)
So a good work day announcer is normally a jack of all trades and Steve Woods is no exception. He’s been a Content Director in his time, he’s written a book and he used to mix it with the best of them on the air which is why he is sitting at number 22 on this list.
21. Rob Elliott (101.9 The Fox)
Our number 21 spot goes to a bloke who clearly didn’t have a face for radio and switched codes if you like when Tony Barber retired from Wheel of Fortune. They all have to start somewhere right? and I’m sure radio has a special place in Rob’s Heart.
20. Jason Staverly (Gold 104.3)
So here’s a guy who belongs on the air. He’s not on the air anymore in fact works tirelessly behind the scenes making sure all of the music suits the brand on Gold 104. I know for a fact he loves getting back behind the microphone when given the opportunity and in this countdown you’ll hear why.
19. Craig Bruce
Craig has done so much for the Australian Radio industry and would probably cringe knowing he’s made this list. But let’s be honest you can’t ignore talent when you hear it. Craig went on to be one of the best programmers this country has seen and hosts the other industry podcast (the Game Changers Podcast) which you really need to check out if you have not already.
18. Chris “Becko” Beckhouse
Now for the bloke who fell into radio by accident. He reached out to Stan Zemanek’s producer requesting he come in a watch the show with his parents. Becko fell in love with radio, glad he did because he is one of radio’s good guys giving a lot of his time to up and coming talent too to make sure they are heading in the right direction.
17. Jaben Ryan (NOVA/ 2Day FM)
If you are a regular listener to the Air Heads Pod cast you would know that Jaben’s motto is – Never let the Truth get in the way of a good Job offer. When you get some time make sure you flick through the back catalogue and listen to Jaben’s Episode. It’s a very funny story which I’m sure he’s still dining out on to this day.
16. Steve Fitton (WSFM)
Radio these days is all about being real and authentic and that’s exactly what you get when you hear Steve Fitton on the air in Sydney. He’s always thinking outside the box to bring his craft to life. He’s the kind of announcer you hear do something and it’s so simple you find yourself saying “Why didn’t I think of that”?
15. Dave “Higgo” Higgins
I don’t actually think Higgo has ever pulled a music shift in his life. See with Higgo it’s all about the show biz and every shift that he is rostered on for he’s always performing in some way. Higgo leaves no resource untapped with his shows and you can hear that on the air.
14. John Vinny Vincent
Commencing his radio career at 2RE in Taree John Vincent did the regional map ending up in Adelaide. John was versatile and could swap between breakfast radio and solo announcing at the drop of a hat. Vinny was soon adopted by Adelaide and that’s where that great man retired.
13. Dangerous “Dave” Williams
If I was voting in this countdown then Dave Williams would be a lot higher on my list. I think it’s because he’s now the anchor of Kennedy Molloy that’s he’s not as well know for his work when he was a solo Jock! Dave Williams by far one of the very best.
12. Craig “Huggy” Huggins
I challenge you to find me someone who has spent longer in one radio station than Craig “Huggy” Huggins. Craig is not only one of the best announcers still rolling around today but one of the best blokes in the game too. Craig loves radio and gives his time generously to those who want to learn from him.
11. Tim Lee (The Fox)
Elite on the air but off the air he’s a game changer too with the Zetta Life Hack videos he has put into motion over the years. You wanna learn about the premiere radio playout system? Look no further than Tim Lee’s Youtube tutorials.
10. Ronnie Sparks or Ron E Sparks (Triple M/ WSFM)
Radio Royalty really is the only words I can use to describe Ronnie The “E” in his name “Ron E Sparks” apparently doesn’t stand for anything. It was originally added by Program Director Rod Muir, who thought that “Ronnie Sparx” sounded too immature, and wanted Sparks to transition gradually to using just “Ron” (which he has resisted doing).
9. Lee Simon (Eon FM/ Triple M)
Lee Simon first came to prominence between the speakers in Melbourne radio stations 3XY (from 1975) and EON FM from 1980). Lee also spent 8 years from 1977 as host of Night moves, claimed as Australia’s first night-time, for adults, music TV program.
Later in Lee’s career he saw the launch of Triple M Football as you currently hear it today.
8. Gavin Miller (Gold 104.3)
Gavin Miller has the best music knowledge in the industry. Every time you tune into GOLD 104.3 there’s a fact about an artist I didn’t know. He’s like the walking talk encyclopedia of music.
7. David “Daisy” Day (Triple M/ SAFM)
South Australia’s favorite son! Not only was Daisy one of Adelaide’s best kept secrets on the air but he was a great teacher of the craft too. Daisy invested in the Adelaide Media Training Centre with Kev Mulcahy and Mark Aiston selling it later to Sean Craig Murphy. David Day has since passed away and I’m sure the whole of South Australia can agree he is missed greatly.
6. Kevin Hillier (Melbourne)
When voting went out for the Air Heads Top 50 Music Jocks Kevin’s name came up a bit. Not only was Kevin a massive player in radio with the D Generation early in his career but he held down several music shifts over the years too. he’s one of those talents that could comfortably do any form of radio and be successful, a skill not not too many people are blessed with.
5. Ash London (Hit Network)
Authentic, real, inclusive, kind and outgoing all of the attributes that make up the ultimate radio personality. She’s the queen of new music in Australia and every night of the week she delivers a show that’s informative and engaging.
4. Jamie Angel (2 Day FM)
Top five was never in doubt for this guy. He’s got it all. Localism, Word Economy, Slick Panel skills and a ability to make a 12 second conversation with a caller on the air sound like it’s meant to be between your speakers. Jamie has floated between programming and On Air over the years but let’s be honest it’s clear where be belongs.
3. Ugly Phil O’Neil (Triple M)
When I first got into radio it was Ugly Phil that occupied my hours in the evening. Originally on the Hot 30 with his (then wife) Jackie O he was a personality that drew you in and I’m sure that I’m not alone in saying that he’s one of the reasons I chose the career path I did.
2. Sean Craig Murphy (SAFM)
Sean Craig Murphy is like a good bottle of wine. Get’s better with age! Over the Years Sean has been the voice of Adelaide across the board SAFM, Triple M, Mix 102.3 and The Australian Radio School (Formally Adelaide Media Training Centre). Sean’s ability to think outside the box and create is second to none which is why he comes in at number #2 in the Top 50 Solo Jocks.
- Barry Bissel (Fox FM/ Take 40 Australia)
Everyone in radio today grew up listening in Barry Bissel on Take 40 Australia. Every Sunday afternoon I would sit in my bedroom only dreaming about life behind the microphone. Turns out you can turn a dream into reality.
I was lucky enough to catch up with Barry Bissel on Episode 50 on the Air Heads Podcast who shared openly about his career meeting Michael Jackson and Elton John’s request to join Barry on his radio show because he liked the sound of him. Make sure you go back and have a listen if you have not already to The Barry Bissel Episode of the Air Heads Podcast.
Thanks to all that voted in the Top 50 Solo Jocks past and Present! Looking forward to Season 3 of the Air Heads Podcast!
Gosh, I feel most of your voters were not alive in the 60s and 70s – the era of the ‘real disc jockey’.
A lot of great on air talent missed off this list.
Wow, I have worked at the same station with 48, 46, 43, 36, 34, 27, 24, 23, 21, 20, 15, 11, 9, 8, 6, and 1. I’ve done other small jobs with several of the others.
The most remarkable thing about this list is how unremarkable it is.
Cap city/East coast metro centric yawn fest.
Sure, there’s some great jocks there – but where’s the risk? Where’s the regions? Where’s the West Coast? Wheres the music jock who pushed the envelope?
Disclaimer – I’ve worked with a lot of these people and most are well-deserved examples of amongst the finest in their role.