Bobby Bones read a list of the Top 40 most influential American radio personalities of all time, spanning entertainment, music, news, sports and talk radio, and posted that clip on his Instagram account. It got people talking. Some because Bobby was #21, others about Howard Stern in the #1 slot. Is he really the most influential on a list containing Jack Benny, Bob Hope and Orson Welles?
I suspect radio was a bit different in the days of Jack Benny and Bob Hope. Looking at the top three, I can acknowledge the impact of all of them in my lifetime. I’d have to put them at the top of any list.
Howard Stern Earns the Top Spot
Howard Stern was must-listen radio when he got to New York. But would Sirius even exist today if Howard had not made the move from traditional radio to satellite? He proved that when people have passion for a personality, they will follow him and pay whatever fee is required. Sirius’s market cap is now over $8 billion. So, in essence, his show drew enough revenue through subscribers and advertisers to sustain Sirius through some pretty tough times and be a success today. Given the value of Sirius as a company, Howard may have been underpaid for what he delivered. And don’t forget the 1997 movie “Private Parts.” Bob Hope may have been in movies, but Howard’s movie was all about him.
Casey Kasem and Rush Limbaugh
Casey Kasem was second on the list. While he didn’t have the financial impact of Howard, or even Rush Limbaugh, who ranked third, his American Top 40 was a must-listen and was copied by lesser personalities for decades. Even today, those old shows continue to air. Casey perfected the art of the tease. In working with personalities today, I still quote Casey. He would always keep you listening through the commercial breaks so you could hear more about the artist or song he teased right before the break.
I doubt people would be pushing for an AM mandate in cars today if Rush Limbaugh hadn’t single-handedly created a format perfect for that band years ago. If you never listened to Rush because you didn’t like his politics, you really missed out. He was brilliant, clever and funny. The man did his homework and earned his audience every day. He opened the door for all those programs that now fill the day on so many AM radio stations after a local morning show. I could easily argue that his influence was far greater than Casey Kasem’s. His effect on the political landscape in America impacted the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government.
The Rest of the Top 20
As you scroll down the list, there’s Paul Harvey, Don Imus, Dick Clark and Larry King in the top 10. Syndicated personalities dominate the rest of the list. There’s Steve Harvey and Ryan Seacrest. Delilah is also there. Really brilliant how she (with Mike McVey and Ken Spitzer) changed nighttime radio in America. Elvis Duran, Tom Joyner and Donnie Simpson round out the Top 20.
Those were my highlights from the list Bobby read on air. Here it is — tell me how many YOU agree with…
- Howard Stern
- Casey Kasem
- Rush Limbaugh
- Paul Harvey
- Jack Benny
- Bob Hope
- Don Imus
- Dick Clark
- Larry King
- Orson Welles
- Walter Winchell
- Edward R. Murrow
- Wolfman Jack
- Art Bell
- Steve Harvey
- Ryan Seacrest
- Delilah
- Elvis Duran
- Tom Joyner
- Donnie Simpson
Catch the Bobby Cast HERE
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