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August 15, 2007 marked the beginning of my 40th year of doing morning radio in Dubuque. I can't believe it's 40 years - but the calendar doesn't lie. I've worked with dozens - probably hundreds of wonderful people during this "short" span of time. Thanks to each of you and thousands of listeners who made this more fun than work. This surprising letter arrived in the mail on August 17th
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I began my radio career in Dubuque at WDBQ while still a student in high school in 1960. That means I was playing most of the KGRR Classic Rock when it was brand new - on 45rpm vinyl or 12" long play albums. I started my full-time radio career on August 15, 1967 at WDBQ-AM as morning man. I remained there until October 1994 when my wonderful wife Jan, son Steve, a hefty bank loan and numerous mortgages created 97.3 KGRR-FM. My favorite classic rockers are The
Beatles, Clapton, & CCR. And, I really like Steely Dan, Billy Joel, early
Elton John, Chicago, etc. I'm not much for Zeppelin or the heavier bands --- but
give me a break, I'm 61 years old. I grew up listening to both Glenn Miller
and Elvis. And, I play jazz piano and sing standards for a hobby.
So, what
else do I do? I'm Vice President of Radio Dubuque, Inc.
the company which
owns KGRR, KAT-FM,
WVRE "The River", and KDTH. My wonderful wife, Jan, son Steve and I
built KGRR as a "stand alone" in 1994 when I got
tired of working for the same company. (34 years is more
than enough) And we ran KGRR successfully for over 5 years, until
I had the opportunity to form a partnership to purchase the two stations formerly owned by Woodward Communications.
(The Telegraph Herald). Radio Dubuque added WVRE as a brand new FM licensed to Dickeyville,
WI. I love doing the KGRR morning
show with Lisa - who
provides an undending source of amusement with stories of her young family.
Getting up at 4am is such a "habit" that I'll probably still be waking up then
long after they bury me. Is that possible? To totally confuse
anyone who dials between KGRR and KDTH, I also "voice" a 9p to 1a program called
"Nice & Easy" on AM 1370. It's the mellow music of Sinatra, Tony Bennett,
and includes great newer talents like Diana Krall, Michael Buble, Peter
Cincotti, etc. If you're in the mood to "mellow out" late some evening, give it
a try. My whole family has been involved in
broadcasting since we first signed KGRR on the air. Only Jan has retired
from the business and is now Office Manager for the
Dubuque Arts Council . Our daughter,
Michelle and her husband Tom live
in Connecticut and both are in broadcasting. After spending 15 years
as Programming Co-ordinator and Director of Research for
Saga Communications , one of the
nation's most successful large group operators, our daughter Michelle has taken
a position with Presslaff Interactive,
an internet company that works with radio/tv, etc.
She's excited about the new position. Her husband, Tom has been producer
of "Dick Bartley's American
Gold ", a nationally syndicated radio program. I'm sure you're all
familiar with our son, Steve , as Program Director of KGRR and
afternoon drivetime host ("The Five O'Clock Funnies, etc.") and producer of the
award winning "Midwest Music Makers" on 97.3. He and our daughter-in-law,
Michelle (yes, that can be confusing at times) are the proud parents of
Dylan Christopher Hemmer - our first grandchild. Here's the whole Hemmer gang together
at our home in March of 2007.
In the community I've been active in the Rotary Club of Dubuque for 15 years and helped create the popular "SwingFest" and "Rock n Soul Reunion" events which have been a popular summertime attractions. In recent years I've been writing "pops" orchestrations for the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra including many of the selections played at the Christmas concerts. And, recently was contracted by Randy Owen (former lead singer with Alabama) to write symphonic arrangements of his four most recent solo recordings. It's been a real change of pace working in the "country" genre. But, I've gained a real respect for the Nashville song writing techniques. Not to worry...I'm still a rocker at heart. You've probably figured out that my favorite activities revolve around music. You're right! I love Dubuque and never regret having stayed here to earn a good living, raise a fine family and enjoy the beauty of the tri-state area. mailto: mailto: dbqpaul@mchsi.com |
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To Jan and I, our grandson, Dylan, is truly the great joy of our lives.
Dylan is 18 months old and loves playing with his blocks
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