Robert Wilbur Morgan American radio host Date of Birth: 23.07.1937 Country: USA

1. Biography of Robert Wilbur Morgan
2. Early Career
3. Rise to Fame
4. KHJ-AM and Legacy
5. Awards and Recognition
6. Personal Life and Legacy

Biography of Robert Wilbur Morgan

Robert Wilbur Morgan (July 23, 1937 – May 22, 1998) was an American radio personality and award-winning broadcaster, best known for his work on various radio stations in Los Angeles. He was born in Galion, Ohio, and developed an interest in radio at a young age, listening to hit records on KYW radio in Cleveland.

Early Career

Morgan began his radio career in 1955 at Wooster College, where he hosted his own show for just one dollar an hour. After college, he moved to California and worked the night shift at KACY in Port Hueneme, hosting a program called "Kegler's Spare Time with Bob Morgan." In 1959, he served in the US Army at Fort Ord and then moved to Carmel, where he co-hosted a show on KTEE with Bob Elliot, the best heavyweight boxer in the Marine Corps at the time. Morgan went on to work at KMBY in Monterey and KOMY in Watsonville before returning to KMBY.

Rise to Fame

Morgan's career took off when he joined KMAK in Fresno, where he had the opportunity to work with legendary radio personality Ron Jacobs. Together, they would later create the "Boss Radio" project. He then spent eight months at KROY in Sacramento before finally securing a position at KEWB in San Francisco, where he met another talented radio personality, Don Steele, who would become one of his closest friends.

KHJ-AM and Legacy

In 1965, Steele, Jacobs, and Morgan joined Bill Drake at KHJ-AM in Los Angeles, laying the foundation for their successful collaboration. Morgan's career reached its peak on KHJ-AM, but he also worked at other Los Angeles stations such as KMPC-AM, KIQQ-FM, and KMGG-FM. He ended his radio career at KRTH-FM.

Awards and Recognition

Morgan received numerous awards throughout his career, including the "Air Personality of the Year" award from Billboard magazine in 1967. He was also honored with the Gavin Professional Programmer's Man of the Year Award, the Significant Achievement in American Broadcasting award from the National Association of Broadcasters, and induction into the Ohio Broadcasters' Hall of Fame. Examples of his work can still be found in the Museum of Broadcasting in New York, the Museum of Television & Radio in Beverly Hills, and the archives of the International Broadcasting Congress in Brussels. Morgan was also honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located near the Kodak Theater.

Personal Life and Legacy

In May 1997, Morgan shocked his listeners by announcing that he had lung cancer, using his trademark humor even in the face of adversity. His close friend, Don Steele, also passed away from lung cancer in August 1997. Morgan continued to host shows from his home studio until his own death on May 22, 1998. Despite his untimely passing, Robert Wilbur Morgan's contribution to the world of radio continues to be remembered and celebrated.