RIP--Gordon Hinkley

[JimH5]

Milwaukee Radio Icon Gordon Hinkley died this morning. Here's the JSOnline story:

 

http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/gordon-hinkley-dies-was-radio-personality-at-wtmj-b99172204z1-237350781.html

 

He was on WTMJ for many, many years, and pre-internet search engine, his "Ask Your Neighbor" show was a staple for moms and families.

 

If you had a question that could be answered throughout the community, you'd call the show, he'd put you on the air (I'm looking for someone in the south suburbs to repair some concrete, who should I call?, etc.) and then "neighbors" would call in with references or suggestions. Kind of like an Angie's list--but more than that.

 

He was on during mornings, after kids went to school, and his was a very popular show. I don't remember if he did other talk or news, or if it was just Ask Your Neighbor, but he was a fixture at WTMJ.

 

Recently, he was doing commercials for Church and Chapel, which is a fitting end to his broadcast career.

[1992casey]

Hinkley also did the early morning drive time slot for many years and followed it up with Ask Your Neighbor. Back in those days, it wasn't unusual for an announcer to be on the radio for many hours per day. He also debuted the Sunday morning musical program "Invitation to Beauty." I believe he continued doing "Invitation to Beauty" after his retirement. This was the last regular music program on the station; I think it ended about a decade ago.

 

Hinkley is one of the few local broadcasters inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame, alongside names like Gene Autry, Jack Benny, Dick Clark, Arthur Godfrey, Benny Goodman, Ernie Harwell, Bob Hope, Larry King, Edward R. Murrow, Ronald Reagan, Kate Smith, and Wolfman Jack. Bob Uecker has also been inducted.

[Invader3K]

I think I vaguely remember "Ask Your Neighbor" being on when my mom would pick us up after school, unless I'm thinking of a different program.

 

His career was mainly before my time, but seems like he was universally well respected by everyone in the radio industry. At 88 years, he lived a long full life.