One infamous incident occurred during last years gala for the National Craniofacial Foundation. PART OF AUDACY NEWS. One former employee, who asked not to be named, speaks for many when she says, Hes the most unfeeling, cold-hearted son of a bitch I ever met., And this woman counts herself among his admirers because of his genius at making KVIL a raging success. And yet, as he prepares to send his message radiating into those hundreds of thousands of receptive minds, he is more aware of them than perhaps anyone has ever been in the history of this city. Among the passengers on a March 4 flight out of Hanoi 45 years ago Sunday at the end of the Vietnam War were three Air Force officers who would eventually settle in Northwest Florida. After working for two years with the Voice of the United Nations Command in Korea , Chapman moved to Connecticut and station WHNC/New Haven. Copyright 2023, D Magazine Partners, Inc. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The people who dont understand the program., A recent case in point, says Chapman, was the popular evening jock Lynn Haley, who was dismissed in early August. Ron Chapman Obituary KVIL - Death : DFW Radio Legend Died: Funeral - KVIL and DFW Radio legend, Ron Chapman died aged 85, on April, 26th, 2021, with loved ones left in total devastation. EYE descending now, deeper into the warmth and coziness; the voice says Yes, my dearest, you are almost home, safe and warm here with me, with us, ELLLLLLLLLvery low and smoky-warm, like embers in the fireplace and sleeping babies in rooms with duckies on the wall, like hearth and home and cows dozing in the barn, and maybe a comforter over your legs on a winter evening, Not too long ago, Ron Chapman received a postcard. "KVIL was so big, so all-encompassing that you never thought it would go away.". Thats just the wrapper. He will later say that its almost like having an extra lobe in his brain. Ironically, Chapman so dominates the KVIL lineup that the DJs around him seem unremittingly unmemorable. According to Littauer, Chapmans massive energy manifested itself during his youth in a series of class-clown pranks. Born plain old Ralph Chapman in Haverhill, Massachusetts, Ron began performing at the ripe age of three. "But it's a different world in radio, isn't it?" 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But hes been trying to play Creative Tension to the point that it became creative chaos. Ron Chapman and Mitch Carr Photo credit Courtesy Mitch Carr. And we walked around the corner and stopped. He works on his show twelve, fourteen, sixteen hours a day. In 2000, Chapman moved to KLUV/Dallas, an "oldies" station where he stayed until announcing his retirement from radio in 2005. The late Ron Chapman, who died April 26, 2021 at the age of 85, as seen in 2014. Ron Chapman had this offer from KVIL. We had to beg them to stop sending checks. My wife made me admit it publicly: yeah. The other bold stroke by the founders of KVIL was its attitude toward Dallass sister city, Fort Worth. This duality is a big part of Ron Chapmans magic. So youre that egotistical S.O.B., They became fast, but platonic, friends. For example, co-workers wondered about his habit of dumping all his foreign currency into a drawer when he returns from trips. He was just a wonderful, wonderful guy., And yet, on a professional level, Chapmans reputation carried with it a darker side. Who could follow Ron Chapman? And because he spanned KLIF and "Sump'n Else" to KVIL -- he WAS the history of Dallas radio . But the youngsters came to understand their poverty., I liked applause early on, said Chapman, who took on Ron as his radio first name in 1965. Weve become Coke. I now think about retiring. The Radio Hall of Famer died at the age of 85 by leading an exemplary life being the pioneer of radio hosting in the country. Its a tribute to Chapman that the call letters of what is, after all, just a radio station, have entered the argot of the trade. There is no way that Vince Lombardi could coach football in todays world. Chapman had done the Charley and Harrigan show on KLIF during the Sixties (Chapman went by Irving Harrigan then) and had hosted Sumpn Else, a low-budget local version of American Bandstand on Channel 8. TYLER, Texas (KLTV) - Longtime radio personality Ron Chapman has died at the age of 85. Id just started with Chapman, and I did that two or three times before he slammed down the headphones and blew up. Chapmans associates swear that hes a perfect friendas long as you never do anything that might make him mad. He was the Dean of Dallas/Fort Worth Radio spending 31 years hosting the morning show at KVIL, most of those in the number one position. During his 31 years at KVIL, Chapman became famous for his upbeat humor and his participation in outrageous stunts and giveaways. But when the chairwoman greeted Chapman in the ballroom, she says, he lit into her. DALLAS Updated at 9:41 p.m. with more quotes from colleagues. Chapman was involved at the time with a woman in New York, an aspiring actress. Chapman knows his audience, and he knows what they buycomfort. Robert Wilonsky, Special Contributor. And we ran an electric cord out to the van, and while Im on the air with Ron, Im having my hair done. And I did everything. But back then, you prayed for Vince Lombardi. Chapman invited him to come watch the show at some point. Im rough to work for. Hell suddenly realize he needs to talk to everybody he knows.. But certainly not unrealistic. Dallas, Texas 75201. 1 radio show in Dallas for a dozen years. Robert Bird Brown Obituary - Dead | Robert Bird Brown Cause of Death April 26, 2021 Son of Mercy 0. Hes the sports anchor on ABC Channel 8. No spam, ever. He killed the competition. On the stairwell is a wall full of pictures: Ron in the midst of a million one-dollar bills. Jason Kidd hopes Mavs star stays patient in preseason play, Spring training cuts are incoming, but these Rangers prospects have impressed in camp. Legendary radio host Ron Chapman has passed away. We did that to our audience constantly. Its a small industry. Theyre gone. Info. Two things worth noting: back then, no one had any fear about writing "$20" on an envelope - and we never gave our street address. But later, using his real surname, Chapman became an even bigger personality. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Forty-five years in one market. KVIL is a commercial radio station dual-licensed to Highland Park and Dallas, Texas. However, Mylife.com suggested that Nance Chapman was born on 25 February 1941 which made her 80 years old as of . Chapman remembers all the other long-gone-and-forgotten ones who came gunning for him: the Mobys in the Morning, the Stevenses and Pruetts. We used a two-way radio. More than one KVILite also remarked that they wouldnt have had jobs at all if Chapman hadnt heard that they were down on their luck and called to offer them gigs. Ron Chapman has passed away. In the late 1990's Chapman joined KLUV-FM, an Oldies format that saw high ratings upon his arrival. He is proceeded in death by his father, Fay Chapman. A ratings war is brewing between two oldies stations, and a controversial gadget might decide who wins. Ron was one of those guys who made this a better place to live.. By now, everyone knows the story about how, in 1988, Chapman asked his KVIL listeners to send in $20 each, without ever saying why, and took in $240,000. But it was impossible to replicate a station that made a growing big city feel like a small town. Would Stevie Wonder object if we took it out? The longtime host of KVIL died in April 2021 at the age of 85. The station is branded as "Alt 103.7" and airs an alternative rock radio format. I figure we have her ears, and were the only ones shell let talk to her for the first hour of the day. RIP Ron pic.twitter.com . "This has something to do with age. Following his tenure at KLIF, Chapman joined the staff of KVIL-FM, Dallas-Fort Worth, in 1969. We are very grateful for the care and compassion he. Ron Chapman set out to claim it. His career launched in 1953, the day after he graduated from high school. But, of course, its demise was inevitable, yet another casualty of shifting tastes and platforms; it's sign-off came just two months after Clear Channel dulled The Edge by making it, too, a dull shade of Maroon 5. About all they had were some call letters, and not very good ones at that. Selden was the Afternoon Drive DJ at 1190 KLIF at the time when 75% of the teenagers in Dallas were listening. The Zoo crew used to regard KVIL's mushy adult-contemporary playlist as a punchline. I froze. So settle down with one of these throws. Ron was a longtime morning host at our sister station KVIL 103.7, where he worked with KRLD's Mitch Carr. To Chapman, a working divorced mother with two kids was the woman of his dreams. I told her so. Ron Chapman's radio career began in 1953the day he graduated from high schoolwhen he became a disc jockey at station WHAV/Haverhill, MA. Suite 2100 By KLTV Digital Media Staff. Gratefully I accepted, and drove off in his North Dallas wheels while they towed my Fort Worth bomb away. According to industry analysts, fellow media, and KVIL employees, former and current, Chapman is a man of planned spontaneity, of freeze-dried warmth. Chapman was inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2010 and into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2012. RON CHAPMAN ANDERSON - Ronald Ray Chapman, 67, of Anderson, died Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at Rainey Hospice House. He is best known as the morning drive anchor of radio station KVIL, on the 103.7 frequency. A man in the hotel found his passport and rushed it to the airport. He remained at KVIL-FM for 32 years, serving as program director, music director, promotion director and morning personality. Says Chapman, Electronically, we dont do much, but we are very conscious of highs. Chapman says he and Nancy were in excellent health at that point but age was a factor for him wanting to retire. He was huge in Dallas for decades doing mornings at KVILclick link to learn more. Hes now retired and owns a winery called Orangewoods near San Diego.In, Im going to say 62 or 63, Jack Kennedy, I think, did a 50-mile hike. So why should you go on the air and tell people who love living here that the town is a piece of crap? After a brief, hoarse "Oh my God," he shrugged off the news with all the oh-well of an 80-year-old man who bowed on Dallas teenybop radio juggernaut KLIF-AM when the Beatles were still known as TheQuarrymen. Born October 11, 1942 in Ashland, KY, he was the son of the late Otis Guy and . If someone leaves KVIL and wants, a year later, to work for Y-95, and theyve just been in the Dallas Observer calling me a, uh, you -fill- in-the-blanks, well, they know better than to call me for references.. I tell people this story, and they think its one of those urban legends. Chapman had a . He had spent his last few years on 98.7 KLUV in Dallas/Forth Worth. He was so popular in Dallas in the 70s, 80s and 90s that his station, KVIL, sold for more than the Dallas Cowboys. Hey, says Chapman, most people like living here. Chapman has seen twenty years worth of six-month wonders come and then go. From 1965 to 1968, Chapman hosted a television dance show for teens called "Sump'N Else." In 1969, he moved to KVIL, where he spent 32 years. Everywhere 1 go, the broadcasters are asking me how to do that. The station is branded as "Alt 103.7" and airs an alternative rock radio format. I havent done it all alone, but in this company, Ive been the thread that has taken the spirit of it through twenty years, and I think Ive done it rather well. But they werent really buying the station. Chapman is a perfectionist in every way, Nance says. People just trusted him, Dean said Monday. The Texas Radio Hall of Fame says "his family asks for time to process this loss, and thanks you for your kindness, understanding and prayers. RONALD E. CHAPMAN Ron passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2020, at the Scarborough Extendicare long-term care home, from pneumonia at the age of 90. Though nobodyrepeat, nobodywants to take on Ron Chapman in public (even his roast at the Dallas Press Club last year was a three-hour valentine), friends and foes alike admit to a powerful fear of the man. He ended up following Chapman at KLUV in 2005. There will be NO service, but a public gathering of friends and colleagues is being planned.". Blonde, voluptuous, impeccably well-mannered, and gracious, she smiles through a mouthful of sharp teeth. Ron Chapman was born on 25 January 1936 in Newton, Massachusetts, USA. That was his job to make that station great. He knows what people want to hear. The station's studios are located along North Central Expressway in Uptown Dallas. DALLAS - Three-time Texas Radio Hall-of-Famer and Dallas radio legend Ron Chapman died on Monday. In 1959, as "Irving Harrigan" he joined the staff KLIF/Dallas, where he teamed up with Jack Woods (a.k.a. Weve become Kleenex. Ron Chapman made Vocal Majority . Mess with Ron and I might become an ape in heat and jump all over you. Chapman had already carved out a legend as one-half of Charlie & Harrigan on KLIF. This was 1991. . But she never did., Coast to coast, when a radio stationbegins considering a format change, radio insiders say, the list of options goes like this: We could go country. Done in slick, black marble, it is an oversized rectangle, big enough for Ron to pace in. To pace in. "In so many ways around here, Chapman was the pioneer, the seer," Rhyner said. Since Chapman is not only essential to ratings but is a key figure in all promotions, contests, personnel matters, etc., he is a general managers worst nightmare. Its what youd get if God had money, Nance says. It was the only way we could get a feel for the publics impressions on what we were doing. Ron actually holds up a picture that hed cut out of a JCPenney catalog. But Ive wondered ever since., Herb Kelleher has known Chapman for years. Chapmans radio station has been number one in Dallas. You understand that? Boom! They had no bathtub, no phone, no family car. It wont work for you.. The following obituaries have been provided by local funeral homes. "And that means something," Mike Rhyner said Thursday morning. And he says, This is your audience. Ill never forget it. We said, Okay, thats it! Ron, how come my offer to buy KVIL never worked out? And every morning he was there for us, standing at his mic, drinking Dr Pepper, talking to the city. Chapman began his career in Dallas radio in 1959 at KLIF as a member of the "Charlie and Harrigan" team. You had left "Sump'n Else" and you're still at WFAA directing the church remotes. Beneath that rasp, he's still very much the manwho once broadcast while skydiving and whoin April 1988 asked listeners to send $20 without explaining why and wound up collecting $240,000 he dispensed to charity. I dont believe that any one person can be in that much control and yet allow for the station to be the living, breathing organization it has to be in order to survive. I would carpool my son to school, pick up kids. I was driving an older beat-up Nissan, and my alternator went out one night while on the way to work. And its also a public service if you use it right.. RALPH CHAPMAN OBITUARY. Everyones going to do a 50-mile hike. He moved to Dallas in 1959 a year before the Dallas Cowboys became a team and was known for a decade as Irving Harrigan, who shared a microphone with Charlie Brown. His co-hosts real name was Jack Woods, and together the two became a radio juggernaut at KLIF, known then as The Mighty 1190. Their rise coincided with the Top 40 dynamism of the Beatles, the Beach Boys and the Rolling Stones. Dallas, Texas 75201. He also had a stint on television with the local ABC affiliate, WFAA-TV, where he was featured in the mid-60s on the "Sump'N Else" show. We tell them, Heres the concept. Thousands showed up. In 2007, he returned to broadcasting part-time as a substitute for radio legend Paul Harvey. Hes now a news anchor for CBS Channel 11 and will replace Chapman on KLUVs morning show. Okay, so were in a commercial break. On April 13 in Las Vegas, Ron Chapman will be inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters' Radio Hall of Fame -- a momentous occasion that comes exactly one month after the Citadel . April 26, 2021 / 11:54 AM His family is asking for time right now to process the loss and thanks the community for . And I was going to run faster, work harder, get street-smarter. And one morning, I was going to go do a speech for the Dallas Board of Realtors at 9 oclock. Ron Chapman Death - Obituary, Funeral, Cause Of Death Just heard radio legend Ron Chapman has died. He became widely known, according to his bio page on the Radio Hall of Fame website, for his humor, outrageous stunts and giveaways. And for his astronomically high ratings. While Ron was 85 years old at the time of his death, Nance Chapman's age remains a mystery. / CBS Texas. But there is more to the message than merely commercialized feminism. Brings new meaning to the phrase Sunday Funday. Chapman's booming voice is now a shadow of its former self, the result of a stroke suffered just before Christmas in 2012. Ron Chapman received an obituary from the KVIL community. KVIL wasso named for its original HQ in the Highland Park Village, after Charles Meeks acquired a broadcast license from the feds to open up shop in 1958. The store was open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. As writer Diane Reischel put it in The News story: The store was the childrens living room, the customers their audience., His sister, Florence Littauer, said her baby brother was so clever and funny that people would pay me for him to speak. As The News noted, The parents his mother was a violinist challenged the children to think creatively. In 1968, Chapman joined KVIL-FM, a station known for pioneering the Adult Contemporary (AC) format. 26, 2021 at 1:34 PM PDT. First published on April 26, 2021 / 11:54 AM. A unique soul with a great personality has an amazing sense of humour, diligent and caring. Ron Chapman Obituary Kvil Death | Obituary | Ron Chapman Dead | Died | Has Passed Away | Funeral Plans - We are immensely sad . Here and there, she reveals a snippet about her husband. The guiding light in my life, my operational phrase, was: Ill show em. It wasnt angry. - Click to. Consultants studied and copied KVIL, launching dozens of lite-rock imitations across the country. The Right Hand of God is Dallas. . Ronald V. Chapman, age 80, passed away Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at Mount Carmel East Hospital in Columbus. Ron Chapman Death - Obituary, Funeral, Cause Of Death Just heard radio legend Ron Chapman has died. Hollywood actress Morgan Fairchild first met the radio maestro when she was a student at Lake Highlands High School. But Chapmans vaunted ego and his famed temper have only enhanced his hold on the Dallas radio market.