You treat her with respect. Even in a social setting, conversation revolves around radio and the show and the things that are, for other people, rather peripheral., Chapman says he has always had to be aggressive because back in the early days, the ratings were so low that they didnt even show up on Arbitron. Exact sum is $73000000. Imagine working in a situation for five or six years where your first question every day had to be, What kind of moods he in today?, Tony Garrett got a dose of it too, though he took it philosophically. I told her so. So one of our sponsors was Coca-Cola. Even Ron Chapman was not at all shocked to hear of its demise when I called him Wednesday afternoon to tell him his beloved KVIL was now, um, the Amp. . We play some stuff that cooks pretty good, but there are a lot of songs we wont play at all. . Ron Chapman Obituary: In the loving memory of Ron Chapman, we are saddened to inform you that Ron Chapman, a beloved and loyal friend, has passed away. It gives him this ability to do separate things simultaneouslyto be charming and light and breezy and set up the next little joke-and yet never lose clear, cold-blooded sight of the target audience. This is a secret, but we take a lot of the staff to the big derrick at Six Flags and put them on top. His family received condolences from thousands . We are very grateful for the care and compassion he. what happened to archie in monarch of the glen; funeral poem our father kept a garden. 750 North St.Paul St. Chapman is not just guessing at what his audience wants to hear He is downright methodical about it. Suite 2100 On it was a headshot of some fierce new arrival on the Dallas radio scene, the latest young gun bent on a showdown with Chapman at the WBOK Corral. I used to do the 11 to 2 a.m. shift, during college. Chapman returned to the states in 1959, took a radio job in New Haven, Connecticut, and then, when a co-worker landed a job with KLIF in Dallas, Chapman went alongat $175 a week, more than double his Connecticut salary. But the thing about it is, ten minutes later, its like it never happened.. I hear it., I said, Yes. And, you know, Im an easy-going guy. 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. So why should you go on the air and tell people who love living here that the town is a piece of crap? Ronald V. Chapman, age 80, passed away Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at Mount Carmel East Hospital in Columbus. This month, after 45 years on the Dallas airwaves, Ron Chapman signs off. Last time I dialed in for any length was the first day of September2000, whenRon Chapman signed off after a 31-year stint as The Voice of KVIL and, by extension,Dallas radio. About 20 years ago, Id barely started working at KVIL and was the overnight deejaythe lowest life form in radio, with an equivalent lifestyle. Ron Chapman made Vocal Majority . From Haverhill, Mass (also Ed McMahon's first rad - 2 years ago. But I got my bucketful of him a long time ago. Everyones going to do a 50-mile hike. Former Dallas Morning News columnist Robert Wilonsky contributed to this report. I grew up listening to his voice, though as many different characters, in Arlington. So if anyone were to remember me. But telling Brad after 20-plus years how to broadcastDont be talking about blitzes and the nickel defense. And Chapman was being pretty emphatic about it. Enjoy unlimited access to all of our incredible journalism, in print and digital. And we ran an electric cord out to the van, and while Im on the air with Ron, Im having my hair done. In terms of logistics and creativity, hes a towering genius. No dice. And no decision is really final until Chapman signs off on it. The Zoo crew used to regard KVIL's mushy adult-contemporary playlist as a punchline. 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. There are a lot of stations right now that will say, after they read this, Oooooh, so thats what theyre doing. They still dont know it., Even the KVIL signal is altered to be pleasing to a womans naturally more sensitive ears. She said, How do you expect me to do a good job after all Ive been through? I said, Thats it, weve been talking too long. He will later say that its almost like having an extra lobe in his brain. List Of Coronavirus Testing Sites In Texas, Legendary radio host Ron Chapman has passed away, Featured Image Photo Credit: Courtesy Mitch Carr, Bankman-Fried might use flip phone under stricter bail plan, Woman accused of killing ill husband released from jail, Alaska's arduous Iditarod kicks off with ceremonial start, Snow blankets Northeast as cleanup begins from deadly storm, Civilians flee embattled town as Ukrainian pullout looms. Chapman knows that he is inextricably linked to KVIL. It was a woman who had a pink sweater wrapped around her neck. So we all lined up, and we said, Okay, hoooo! And we started to walk. Next to the picture, the new kid on the block had penned, Dont buy a house here. Chapmans cohorts speak of having to walk a very fine line; remaining clever and at least half-witty without ever being more clever than Ron. The Right Hand of God is Dallas. The winning name was Chief Rain in the Pants.. Everywhere 1 go, the broadcasters are asking me how to do that. It was, after all, the city's top radio station for years, throughout the 1970s and '80s and even into the '90s, when it was finally capsized by country radio. Nance (pronounced Nancy), Chapmans wife of three years, is the centerpiece of the home tour. The kids had to wear coats and ties on the show. Chapman was on his way to becoming, twenty years later, a small industry unto himself. I hand it to Ron, and the little guy hops on Rons shoulder, and when the lights come up, you know, animals react. Im paying you to write! So he comes to me, and I open the mic. RIP Ron Chapman. He was so popular in Dallas in the 70s, 80s and 90s that his station, KVIL, sold for more than the Dallas Cowboys. So settle down with one of these throws. According to Littauer, Chapmans massive energy manifested itself during his youth in a series of class-clown pranks. Trusted friend and colleague Jody Dean does not disagree, comparing Chapman to 1960s coaching legend Vince Lombardi, who led the Green Bay Packers to multiple championships as an unyielding taskmaster. Garrett remembers eavesdropping with Chapman on conversations at the local coffee shop or the grocery store, trying to get a feel for what people were talking about. Then the man loaned him enough money to buy a ticket. It was a 45-minute show. My wife made me admit it publicly: yeah. 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. He knew you dont talk down to your audience, you speak up to them, and thats when Ron enjoyed his greatest success., Dean added that Chapman helped transform radio in the city into a shining example of what the media can do and should be. I'm saddened to tell you that legendary Dallas DJ Ron Chapman has passed away at 85. Ron in makeup for his role in an episode of Police Story. Rons face superimposed on the body of Michael Jackson. Didnt think about it until after I handed the keys back to him. HE IS AN EAST TEXAN: Judge Ron Chapman is a native Texan, an experienced public servant and a dedicated member of his community. Read our daily updates at 12:30, 2:30 and 4:30 p.m., and our complete obituaries in The Herald-Dispatch on Wednesday and 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. Incidentally, the quarterback is the guy behind the center. And thats a problem KVIL itself will have to face one of these days. Ron Chapman Death - Obituary, Funeral, Cause Of Death Just heard radio legend Ron Chapman has died. But KVIL saw a huge, underserved demographic: women listeners between the ages of twenty-five and forty-four account for some 22 percent of the Dallas/Fort Worth radio market. I dodged flying reels of tape more than once., Later, Dean said, Im sure Ron regretted a great deal of it. And now. At one point, Chapman broadcast live while skydiving from a plane. First published on April 26, 2021 / 11:54 AM. Ron Chapman was born on 25 January 1936 in Newton, Massachusetts, USA. I love the guy. Ron.. The radio industry took to social media to reflect on Chapman's life and career. All great relationships are built on trust . 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. And you were supposed to live up to them. Ron Chapman's radio career began in 1953the day he graduated from high schoolwhen he became a disc jockey at station WHAV/Haverhill, MA. Catch up on the day's news you need to know. So youre that egotistical S.O.B., They became fast, but platonic, friends. Turn! His career launched in 1953, the day after he graduated from high school. While many have attempted to imitate his formula, nobodyat least locallyis likely to remotely approach his mastery of it. His family is asking for time right now to process the loss and thanks the community for . The Emperor is in his tower, conjuring, working on the exact wording and inflection of the incantation that will once again secure his seemingly unending supremacy. I tell people this story, and they think its one of those urban legends. In 2000, Chapman moved to KLUV/Dallas, an "oldies" station where he stayed until announcing his retirement from radio in 2005. Garrett remembers Chapmans blowing up at him for reading the same filler story at several news slots. Ronald Chapman July 23, 2021 Ronald Monroe Chapman, 77, of Jordan, died peacefully in his sleep at 2:32 am on July 23, 2021 while at home surrounded by his loving family. The magic is about to happen, the same magic thats been running nonstop for twenty years. He was huge in Dallas for decades doing mornings at KVILclick link to learn more. No one would do that.. Industry critics say that while Chapman is full-tilt today, he is not really doing much to prepare his station for Life After Ron. Jan 3, 2017. I would hope it would be as someone who elevated the art.. Chapman knows his audience, and he knows what they buycomfort. There will be NO service, but a public gathering of friends and colleagues is being planned.". I would carpool my son to school, pick up kids. And he admits that, in part, it is the reason his first marriage ended after nineteen years. Many years later, both of their first marriages ended (Chapman divorced in 1982) and Ron and Nance began seeing each other, but again, just as friends. Im absolutely realistic in believing that nobody remembers you, Chapman says. Catch up on the day's news you need to know. The slightly bugged eyes turn flat, focused inward. . It would be rude not to let Ron Chapman give it a proper send-off. First it was six to nine. Nothing to embarrass a woman who is even remotely prudish. Paul: Okay, so let's go back to Bud's career. "It was what it was when it was. A ratings war is brewing between two oldies stations, and a controversial gadget might decide who wins. Broadcasting great Ron Chapman, who introduced himself to Dallas radio in 1959 under the pseudonym of Irving Harrigan on AM pioneer KLIF, and who elevated his legend after more than 30 years at KVIL-FM and another five at KLUV-FM, died Monday of natural causes. 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 so, Ive always wanted to be YA-HA! Give me a spotlight and let me go., On Monday, the Texas Radio Hall of Fame paid tribute to Chapman by noting on Facebook: Three time radio Hall of Famer and Dallas radio ICON Ron Chapman has passed. During his 31 years at KVIL, Chapman became famous for his upbeat humor and his participation in outrageous stunts and giveaways. . And she looks so good by the time she gets to the office, she had to be up by 5:30. Chapmans associates swear that hes a perfect friendas long as you never do anything that might make him mad. The guiding light in my life, my operational phrase, was: Ill show em. It wasnt angry. At the haunted house, Chapman took along a producer and equipped her with a microphone. And this was totally not intended. In 1959, a 23-year-old up-and-coming disc jockey from Haverhill, Mass., took on the role of morning co-host for a . He did not see the humor in it. The things that attracted Marilyn to me in the first place were the things that drove her crazythe drive, the ambition, the living in the eye of the tiger eventually drove her crazy. But certainly not unrealistic. Im talking to a thirty-year-old female. By KLTV Digital Media Staff. Ron Chapman Death - Obituary, Funeral, Cause Of Death Just heard radio legend Ron Chapman has died. But his desire was for you to get the best out of yourself. He was born in Pittsburg, in East Texas and was raised in East Dallas -- in the area that is now District 5 -- where he graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School. There is no way that Vince Lombardi could coach football in todays world. @RGreggHart : A giant of Dallas-Fort Worth radio, Ron Chapman, has died at 85. Ron actually holds up a picture that hed cut out of a JCPenney catalog. And brother, let me tell you something: It was a different age., In 1989, The Dallas Morning News devoted a High Profile cover story to Chapman, noting that peers described him variously as a genius, tyrant and hero. He served with the Army in South Korea from 1957 to 1959, producing a radio show for Voice of the United Nations Command. Shes divorced, and may have a kid at home that shes sole support for. I once wrote Ron Chapman meant more to Dallas radio than electricity. Ron Chapman is a dazzlingly entertaining intellect who has refreshed my life for 25 years with his insightful wit and unerring eye for the quixotic vagaries of the human kind. There are no excuses in Ron Chapmans world except You screwed up. KVIL TIDBITS: Ron Chapman's radio show was simulcast live with video on KXAS-TV as a 30-minute daily program (mid-1970s.). Id just started with Chapman, and I did that two or three times before he slammed down the headphones and blew up. There will be no service, however a "public gathering for friends and colleagues" is being planned at this time. We could go AOR. In honor of his life, we reproduce this 1989 profile of Chapman. Ron has never been much for physical labor, says Littauer, so he stood there nodding and saying, Mm-hmmm and very good, very good, while the sergeant gave jobs to the rest of the men. Dallas, Texas 75201. Chapman says he and Nancy were in excellent health at that point but age was a factor for him wanting to retire. Chapman said. His family is asking for time right now to process the loss and thanks the community for their "kindness, understanding and prayers.". The center is the guy who is bending over with the football.. Be sure to wear a hat. Menu. 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. Who could follow Ron Chapman? The late Ron Chapman, who died April 26, 2021 at the age of 85, as seen in 2014. One time, I finally asked him, You seem to like my dancing, but why dont you ever ask me to be one of the dancers? And he said, Well, to be honest, youre too sexy for our show. ", At that age, Fairchild said with a laugh, I didnt really know what he was talking about.. 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. We had a contest to name the honey bear. An announcement in this newspaper heralded his arrival, along with the promise that KVIL would play music that was "always in good taste, but contemporary in all ways" -- a rather unwieldy slogan. And the little guy loved Coca-Cola. He was so popular in Dallas in the 70s, 80s and 90s that his station, KVIL, sold for more than the Dallas Cowboys. That was the power of Ron Chapman. Consultants studied and copied KVIL, launching dozens of lite-rock imitations across the country. In a 1985 issue ofBillboard, the music industry's trade publication, a radio consultant called it "dominant" -- "the best-run radio station in Dallas" among a pile of worthy contenders, including K104. And thats the way Ron was. He likes certain things in certain places. But it was impossible to replicate a station that made a growing big city feel like a small town. To this day I still get the shakes whenever I hear Chicago's "If You Leave Me Now," Gerry Rafferty's "Right Down the Line"and anything by Anne Murray or Barry Manilow. ', Chapman isnt surprised to hear that many former associates want deep cover before discussing his character and work style. Chapman was involved at the time with a woman in New York, an aspiring actress. When he started hosting SumpN Else, I was a kid, and we loved to dance, and I would go over there to dance. Shes now a motivational speaker and lives in Fredericksburg, Texas.From the first moment we ever opened our mouths, we clicked. We could go New Age. He directed his in more positive directions, into the station and into work.. FOX 4. The station would cycle through many owners, all of whom readily admittedthey were really buying Chapman-- "a warm and fuzzy tyrant," D called him in 1989, which he took as compliment. Baby, it's cold outside. Chapman, who was inducted to the Radio Hall of Fame three times, started his career in 1953the day he graduated from high school, according to his bio on the organization's website. He always has some grand scheme bubbling up to the surface, she says, and hes always looking for some way to convince the rest of us that its a good idea. He had spent his last few years on 98.7 KLUV in Dallas/Forth Worth. Chapman had a . A unique soul with a great personality has an amazing sense of humour, diligent and caring. In one infamous stunt, Chapman told his listeners to each send $20 to the station; within three days, the station had received $200,000 (the money was donated to charity). Bud Buschardt worked as the unit manager on Away We Go and Sumpn Else, two television shows that Chapman did for WFAA Channel 8 in the mid-60s. 750 North St.Paul St. Please enter valid email address to continue. Chapman died Monday at the age of 85, the Texas Radio Hall of Fame announced on its Facebook page. But stories of Chapmans sentimentality and generosity are almost as abundant as the tales of his colossal ego. "It's a shame it's gone, but KVIL had a great history," he said. Chapman had served as emcee for a couple of years in a row and had complained both times about the sound system. The longtime host of KVIL died in April 2021 at the age of 85. Ron didnt say a word. And it suddenly became a craze. The other bold stroke by the founders of KVIL was its attitude toward Dallass sister city, Fort Worth. 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. His family asks for time to process this loss, and thanks you for your kindness, understanding and prayers., There will not be a service, but, the Hall of Fame noted, a public gathering of friends and colleagues is being planned.. We just hit. Ron Chapman Obituary - Death: Ron Chapman Obituary Kvil | Ron Chapman Cause Of Death Ron Chapman Obituary: In the loving memory of Ron Chapman, we are saddened to inform you that Ron Chapman, a. Im sitting there, and Im cracking up. I swear to you. When New York-based Infinity Broadcasting bought KVIL a couple of years ago, they paid more than $80 million, the highest amount ever paid for a stand-alone radio station in the U.S. Or, according to Alex Burton, until his recent firing the voice of KRLD, Hes a right-brained man who manages to sound left-brained.. Oh, Lord. But her memories of her tenure at the station are not pleasant. 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. He remained at KVIL-FM for 32 years, serving as program . The feature says Chapman and his wife, Nance, had met at a charity telethon in the late sixties and spent decades as platonic friends before both parties . Copyright 2023, D Magazine Partners, Inc. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Barack O-blame-a. Forty-five years in one market. You know, because Id just paid to have the jacket cleaned. And every morning he was there for us, standing at his mic, drinking Dr Pepper, talking to the city. I never brought it up with him, either. This is the story of how a chance encounter lead to a close friendship that would span four decades, and a revolutionary radio travel program that is in it's 46th year. Jason Kidd hopes Mavs star stays patient in preseason play, Spring training cuts are incoming, but these Rangers prospects have impressed in camp. His hard-scrabble experience inspired him to say, Ill show them. And his broadcasting career accomplished exactly that he showed them. "How sad that all of those KVIL things are now part of history. And its not just the lower-downs, but the higher-ups who have their hands full of Chapman ego. Before SumpN Else finished its run, Fairchild had already scored her first movie credit, appearing as Faye Dunaways double in the Oscar-winning film, Bonnie and Clyde. Hes the sports anchor on ABC Channel 8. And I want you to know that Leonard jerked the plug out from the wall. We used a two-way radio. And some who have shown too much personality, critics charge, get the ax. When Ron Chapman, Morning Host of KVIL in Dallas, Texas, asked his listeners back in 1998 to send $20 to the station, they did to the tune of $240,000. Rhyner, co-founder and sage of the sports-talking Ticket, spent the '70s and '80s just down the FM dial from KVIL at KZEW, where the jocks playedhard(ish) rock while Chapman and his band spun cotton candy. We put them on constantly.. Ron Chapman and Mitch Carr Photo credit Courtesy Mitch Carr. And the guy was the typical model. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Deborah Chapman; mother Helen Chapman; twin sister Connie Smith; sons Eric . Each year, I am more and more aware of the power we have in that room, Chapman confides. Ironically, Chapman so dominates the KVIL lineup that the DJs around him seem unremittingly unmemorable. 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. And because I drove the yellow van, I could go wherever I wanted to go. When the show aired its final broadcast, Chapman played as its swan song Turn! He must know where everything is at all times. They were gonna change owners and he knew the new owner. Then it became Jane Fonda for a while. Chapman had already carved out a legend as one-half of Charlie & Harrigan on KLIF. "In my own little world, the end of KVIL was something unthinkable," he said. He was always very warm and sweet with me and very welcoming, as he was to all the kids. She loved going to NorthPark to dance with other teenagers during the daily weekday broadcast of SumpN Else. Ron preparing to parachute out of an airplane and broadcast all the way to the ground. "But a well-respected punchline," Rhyner said. 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. It is owned by Audacy, Inc. and it serves the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in North Texas. So we hit the air, and Ron got it. And guess what? . After I left, there were several attempts to be 'the new KVIL,' but KVIL left such an impressive mark on Dallas that they were neverable to shake this old image of its old people there, me being among them.". With that warning, we move through room after room of airy, fresh pastels, past furniture that looks as if it never gets touched, with the exception of Rons well-worn leather chair. Ron Chapman joined KVIL-FM/Dallas-Fort Worth in 1969 as morning disc jockey, music director, and program director, and stayed there for 31 years. Long before the KLUV World Tour, our travel program began as the KVIL World Tour, pioneered by my parents and Dallas Radio legend Ron Chapman. Its a trap: if you are situated in Dallas, you look at things from the Dallas perspective, even unconsciously. Of course, back in those days, I was also given to partaking in the pleasures of cannabis and had a couple of joints with me for the ride. I noticed that they would feature me dancing a lot on the show. Next to it is a portable telephone, complementing cellular phones in his and Nances cars. Ive always tried to make my sportscast understandable to the non-sports fan. / CBS Texas. How would he like to be remembered? Ive had two scoops of everything, Chapman likes to say. He never said anything to me about it. A computerized Young Chang Grand Piano is playing Gershwin via floppy disk over near the bar. He is very perfectionist about his personal things. But, quite frankly, we werent real excited about learning it at the time.. 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. They were buying Ron Chapmanat something like a half million dollars a pound. The longtime host of KVIL died in April 2021 at the age of 85. (To Everything There Is a Season) by the Byrds. He knew exactly what he was going to do and started work reprogramming KVIL in their big studio. The station is branded as "Alt 103.7" and airs an alternative rock radio format. Everyone I knew went to college. He did not. Chapman was 85 years old. Selden, now an aide at a substance abuse clinic in Tyler, believes that Chapman has accomplished what it took him much longer to do: harness a runaway ego and put it to good use. Thats just the wrapper. You understand that? Boom! Stevens and Pruett. @garycogill : RT @HawkeyeOnAir: I'm saddened to tell you that legendary Dallas DJ Ron Chapman has passed away at 85. 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. Thousands showed up. I figure we have her ears, and were the only ones shell let talk to her for the first hour of the day. Dean later called it a dream come true. And we stayed in touch over the years. So, Chapman can afford to surprise his wife with a 4.9-carat diamond, keep houses in town and country, and fly to Madrid on a whim., Born in January 1936, Ralph Frederick Chapman was the youngest of three children raised in the back rooms of his dads store during the Depression. Chapmans radio station has been number one in Dallas.