David O’Leary, a familiar voice to Boston radio audiences for more than four decades, is back on the air. The longtime broadcaster has joined Classical 99.5 WCRB as its new morning host, marking his first full-time role since departing Audacy’s Magic 106.7 earlier this year.
O’Leary shared the news on Facebook over the weekend, saying he was eager to start a new chapter with the GBH-owned classical station. “Monday morning I begin a new professional chapter, joining an amazing team at CRB Classical to host Mornings with David O’Leary at 99.5FM, WCRB, Boston,” he wrote. “I couldn’t be happier to be a part of the talented air staff, program and productions team that make this iconic radio station the success that it is. Please tune in beginning Monday morning, from 5 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.”
For Boston listeners, the move represents both continuity and change. O’Leary had been a morning mainstay at WMJX for two decades before a round of corporate layoffs in March forced him off the air. His new home at WCRB places him in a different format, but his return underscores the staying power of seasoned local talent in a shifting industry landscape.
The station also made sure his arrival was anything but quiet. WCRB projected O’Leary’s image on a 40-foot digital billboard overlooking the Massachusetts Turnpike to welcome him on day one. In a statement on social media, the station said, “Please welcome CRB’s new morning host: Boston’s very own David O’Leary! David has appeared on radio and television in Boston for over 40 years. Off the air, he’s a pilot, community leader, and longtime voice behind countless commercials and narrations. Now, he’s bringing his voice and passion for music to CRB Classical 99.5 mornings, 5 a.m.–9:30 a.m. weekdays. We couldn’t be happier to have him on our team.”
O’Leary’s radio resume is among the most recognizable in the Boston market. Beyond his 20 years at Magic 106.7, he has logged time at legendary rock outlets WAAF and WBCN, as well as WXKS (Kiss 108) and a 14-year run at WBOS. His ability to adapt across formats — from rock to adult contemporary and now classical — has been a hallmark of his career.
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