Longtime Hampton Roads radio personality Dick Lamb, a broadcasting fixture in southeastern Virginia for more than five decades, passed away Tuesday morning. He was 88.
What We Know: According to family spokesperson Chris Wilson, Lamb died peacefully at home November 10. He began broadcasting in Baltimore in 1955 before joining Norfolk’s WGH 1310 in 1958. During the 1970s, he hosted The Dick Lamb Show on WTAR-TV, now WTKR. In 1978, Lamb helped launch adult contemporary station 101.3 2WD (WWDE), hosting Dick Lamb and the Breakfast Bunch for over 25 years. He remained with the station following its acquisition by Entercom. In 2005, Lamb joined Max Media’s management team. He later hosted Dick Lamb and the Morning Wave on 92.9 The Wave (WVBW). Lamb left morning radio January 11, 2019, but continued working in management. He also served as program director and midday host at Oldies 1310 WGH. Moreover, His family requested donations to Alzheimer’s disease or blood cancer charities in lieu of flowers. Memorial arrangements remain unannounced.
What They Said: “His passion for radio, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to the industry earned him a lasting place in Hampton Roads broadcasting history. His legacy lives on through the many broadcasters he mentored, the colleagues he inspired, and the countless listeners whose lives he touched.”-Chris Wilson, Family Spokesperson
“Dick Lamb was one of the great institutions in our area. And again, very recognizable and a personality, not only on air, but in the community.”-Craig Moeller, meteorologist at Norfolk’s 13News Now (WVEC-TV) and former weather contributor to Lamb’s morning radio show
What Remains Unclear: Lamb’s family has not disclosed the nature of his illness or announced funeral and memorial arrangements. Likewise, it’s unclear whether local broadcasters will organize public tributes honoring his legacy.
What It Means: Lamb’s passing marks the loss of a prominent voice in Hampton Roads broadcasting. His career demonstrated the importance of local personalities in building lasting relationships with listeners. Beyond the microphone, his work in station ownership, programming and management helped shape the region’s radio landscape. Additionally, His influence spanned decades of industry change, leaving a lasting impact on colleagues, broadcasters he mentored and generations of listeners.
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