77 WABC has planned a gala for Thursday to celebrate the more than 60-year career of on-air personality Cousin Brucie.
“I grew up listening to 77WABC and Cousin Brucie,” station owner John Catsimatidis said. “My dream was to return 77WABC to its glory with compelling and entertaining programming and big-name personalities. Plus, I wanted to bring back music on weekends when we all need a break from news, politics, and business. I called Cousin Brucie and got him back where he belongs — on 77WABC.”
“When John called me, I couldn’t believe what was happening,” exclaimed Cousin Brucie. “Here was a talk radio station owner asking me to come home and play music Saturday evenings on 77WABC! I can’t thank John and Margo enough for their vision. It’s been fun and rewarding, and the listeners love it.”
“This is radio done right,” added Chad Lopez, President of Red Apple Media and 77WABC. “John’s programming instincts have been spot-on! We’re giving listeners what they want — big-name talent and a winning mix of news, music, lifestyle, and entertainment programs. Our success, in just three years, has been phenomenal, and Cousin Brucie is a very big part of that.”
Bruce Morrow — known by his Cousin Brucie moniker — joined 77 WABC in 1961. He later worked at WCBS-FM and hosted a weekly show on SiriusXM before rejoining 77 WABC after Catsimatidis purchased the station.
Cousin Brucie was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 1988 and the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2001.
