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Jordan Co-Hosts MIX Morning Show for Last Time
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WRAL-FM Morning Show Co-Host Bill Jordan bids adieu to Triangle listeners he’s entertained over the past 24 years. |
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Triangle listeners have been waking up and driving to work to WRAL-FM On-Air Personality Bill Jordan for the past 24 years, but after this Friday they’ll no longer hear his voice on the radio. Jordan is giving up his 3:20am wake-up time for the life of a retiree.
Jordan will co-host his last Morning Show on MIX on Friday, March 15, 2013. His morning show crew of Lynda Loveland, Wayne Michaels and Vanna Fox will help him say farewell to a life on the radio.
“Bill is the fastest man on radio,” said his co-host Loveland. “He can come up with a funny comeback quicker than anyone. He always knows what to do and is soooo smooth and professional doing it. He can turn an unfunny topic or phone call into a funny one on the fly. I’m always amazed by how easy he makes it look. He’s an incredibly talented storyteller. I really should have taken notes on all the things he taught me.”
A Man To Be Missed
The MIX staffers know that life won’t be the same without Jordan.
Jordan has been the morning man at MIX for 24 years. |
“It’s hard to imagine life without Bill popping by our office to share a few minutes/a few laughs,” said WRAL-FM Copywriter/Air Personality Jami Caskey. “He will be sorely missed!”
“We will survive, but there will be a part of our heart missing,” said WRAL-FM Public Service Coordinator/Admin Assistant Kay Riffle.
Jordan says there’s much he’ll miss, too. When asked what has been his favorite part of the job he said:
“The listeners first come to mind. I’ve always loved the interaction of takin’ their calls. The Radiothon for Duke Children’s Hospital is, without a doubt, the most significant thing I’ve ever been involved in professionally..I’ve been here for all 19 of ’em….Very proud of them and it feels extra special good to know that you’ve helped make a difference in this world.
“I had numerous opportunities to interact with members of our military as well. I love them. I’ve been able to spend time with our Green Berets down at Ft. Bragg, Marines at Parris Island, and flew on an air refueling training mission with the incredible folks down at Seymour Johnson AFB…I passed out takin’ 6 1/2 G’s with the Blue Angels, and then contrary to every self-protective instinct in my being. I jumped with the U.S. Army’s Golden Knights last November. The biggest rush of my life. I’d do it again in an instant. I love hangin’ out with people who are the ‘best’ at what they do….and with our military, I’ve done just that.
“I’ll miss all of that…plus the professionals here at Capitol Broadcasting. Without a doubt, the best place I’ve EVER worked.”
A Man with a Mission
Jordan mentioned Radiothon has a favorite part of his MIX career. The mission is near and dear to his heart and he works with passion each year, interviewing Duke patients and their families, sharing stories of courage and much more. His dedication to Radiothon has not gone unnoticed among his colleagues.
Jordan gives his all each year to the MIX Radiothon for the Kids at Duke Children’s Hospital. |
“Bill has done a phenomenal job, along with the rest of the crew, raising money during our Radiothon for Duke Children’s Hospital, but I remember the early days when it was non-stop for a week,” said Riffle. “It was truly an exhausting endurance run in an attempt to reach every contributor possible. He’s always had a very soft spot for children, especially those he’s met at Duke.”
Michaels says his favorite memory of working with Jordan, and they’ve worked together longer than Jordan has been at MIX, is “sitting next to him at our Radiothon for Duke Children’s Hospital. It’s just rewarding for me to see how he works his magic. The magic that turns into miracles for the kids.”
WRAL-FM VP & GM agrees.
“My best memories with Bill are the ‘power hours’ at Radiothon, when everyone’s energy levels soar and so do the pledges coming in over the phones,” said Gregory.
The Short History of Bill Jordan
Jordan grew up in Newport News, Virginia, and attended the University of Richmond. His brother was the midday personality at WLEE AM, and Jordan would go hang out with him on the weekends.
Jordan has been a mainstay in the MIX studios. |
“I fell in love with the idea of ‘radio’,” Jordan explained. “I got involved in the campus radio station, got bitten by the ‘radio bug,’ and bailed on college after a year.”
He started out “doin’ nights” at WSSV AM in Petersburg, Virginia for a whopping $85 per week. His first air shirt was on July 1, 1973.
Jordan’s first day in the door at WRAL-FM was November 14, 1989. He had been doing mornings at G105, when it was owned by the Herald-Sun newspaper.
“I had to sit out a non-compete agreement to make the leap of faith to Capitol Broadcasting,” said Jordan. And he’s been here ever since.
Jordan has hosted the Morning Show with five different female personalities over the years.
A Family Man
Jordan and his wife, Marianne, have been married 32 years. They met when he was interviewing for a job in Roanoke. Jordan says that she “truly gets me” as does their daughter, Jessica.
“Jessica is tasked with passing down the ‘weirdness’ to our grandson, Mason,” said Jordan.
After retirement Jordan and Marianne will continue to live in Fuquay Varina with their dogs, Roxy and Sophie.
WRAL-FM’s Bill Jordan |
“I’ll take a little time to catch up on some sleep, and then we’ll tackle life from a different direction,” said Jordan. “I’m very excited about the next step of our journey.”
Just how do you top jumping out of a plane with the Army and raising millions to help kids?
“I wish all my friends here at Capitol all the very best,” said Jordan. “It’s been a fantastic ride.”
Thanks to WRAL-FM’s Kay Riffle for some of these capcom photos.
