CKLW 1970’s DJ’s

1. Rosalie Trombley

Role: Music Director (not a DJ, but pivotal)
Tenure: 1960s–1980s
Legacy: Dubbed “The Girl with the Golden Ear,” she decided what music aired on CKLW, shaping North American radio trends. Artists like Bob Seger and Alice Cooper credited her for breaking their careers.

2. Tom Shannon

Role: Morning Show Host
Tenure: Late 1960s–1973
Style: High-energy, rapid-fire delivery. Later moved to WKBW (Buffalo) and WCCO (Minneapolis).

3. J. Michael Wilson

Role: Afternoon Drive Host
Tenure: 1970s
Legacy: Known for his smooth voice and catchphrases like “Stay cool, sweetheart!” Later worked at WXYZ-TV (Detroit).

4. Dave Shafer

Role: News Anchor/Personality
Tenure: 1967–1984
Style: Iconic newsman delivering the station’s signature urgent, dramatic news updates (“CKLW… the Big 8!”).

5. Ted “The Bear” Richards

Role: Nighttime Host
Tenure: 1970s
Style: Deep, resonant voice; popular for late-night shows. Later joined CHUM (Toronto).

6. Charlie O’Brien

Role: Midday Host
Tenure: 1970s
Legacy: Known for humor and audience engagement. Continued in Detroit radio at WRIF.

7. Mike Stock

Role: Evening Host
Tenure: Late 1960s–1970s
Style: Energetic, youth-focused shows. Later became a music producer (e.g., Snap!’s “Rhythm is a Dancer”).

8. Tom Rivers

Role: Host/News
Tenure: 1970s
Note: Later transitioned to TV news in Detroit and Los Angeles.

9. Byron MacGregor

Role: News Director
Tenure: 1970s
Legacy: His 1974 commentary “The Americans” (a pro-U.S. response to Canadian criticism) went viral on radio, selling millions of copies.

10. Jay Butler

Role: Weekend Host
Tenure: 1970s
Style: Laid-back, relatable personality. Became a voice actor (e.g., Transformers commercials).

11. Mike Melnik

Role: Overnight Host
Tenure: 1970s
Legacy: Helped maintain CKLW’s 24/7 dominance with his late-night shifts.