CBS News Texas: Free 24/7 News; . Since Chapman is not only essential to ratings but is a key figure in all promotions, contests, personnel matters, etc., he is a general managers worst nightmare. I can walk faster than most people can run, Chapman once told The Dallas Morning News. RALPH CHAPMAN OBITUARY. He is very perfectionist about his personal things. Hes right. A very happy one. But later, using his real surname, Chapman became an even bigger personality. That was the power of Ron Chapman. He is single-minded, living and breathing and eating KVIL to the detriment of everything else in his life. Chapman remembers all the other long-gone-and-forgotten ones who came gunning for him: the Mobys in the Morning, the Stevenses and Pruetts. But back then, you prayed for Vince Lombardi. Before SumpN Else finished its run, Fairchild had already scored her first movie credit, appearing as Faye Dunaways double in the Oscar-winning film, Bonnie and Clyde. The station is branded as "Alt 103.7" and airs an alternative rock radio format. Suite 2100 We had this little kinkajou honey bear. There was some serious speculation for a while in Haverhill about the Ghost Tuba Player. I froze. Read our daily updates at 12:30, 2:30 and 4:30 p.m., and our complete obituaries in The Herald-Dispatch on Wednesday and Jun 03, 2004 07:18pm. He's now a news anchor for CBS Channel 11 and will replace Chapman on KLUV's morning show. A ratings war is brewing between two oldies stations, and a controversial gadget might decide who wins. Chapman liked to say he was a poor kid who grew up behind a grocery store, which his father owned in his native Haverhill, Mass. I figure we have her ears, and were the only ones shell let talk to her for the first hour of the day. And so, Ive always wanted to be YA-HA! Give me a spotlight and let me go., On Monday, the Texas Radio Hall of Fame paid tribute to Chapman by noting on Facebook: Three time radio Hall of Famer and Dallas radio ICON Ron Chapman has passed. Born plain old Ralph Chapman in Haverhill, Massachusetts, Ron began performing at the ripe age of three. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones defers comment on revival of sexual harassment lawsuit, Q and A: How MLBs streaming, TV options will impact Rangers fans ability to watch team. We had several meetings in which we hoped to gain her attention about things we didnt feel were happening correctly on the nighttime show. About 20 years ago, Id barely started working at KVIL and was the overnight deejaythe lowest life form in radio, with an equivalent lifestyle. By KLTV Digital Media Staff. Ron, how come my offer to buy KVIL never worked out? . His family is asking for time right now to process the loss and thanks the community for their "kindness, understanding and prayers.". So when we cut away to commercial, we would turn off the lights so the studio would get cool. The piece coincided with Chapman's 20th anniversary at KVIL, where, The News noted, "His hyper, happy-talk 'Ron Chapman and the Morning Group' has been the almost-constant No. Dean later called it a dream come true. He is best known as the morning drive anchor of radio station KVIL, on the 103.7 frequency. We just knew where the other one was headed. But for the first 20 minutes of the show, Id been loading this little guy up with Coca-Cola. I tell people this story, and they think its one of those urban legends. Chapman, fifty-three, fell over laughing. Yeah, he would. I told her so. 1 radio show . And the guy was the typical model. But its going to be hard to groom someone to replace him when he hogs the limelight and wants all the glory for himself.. Chapman had already carved out a legend as one-half of Charlie & Harrigan on KLIF. Id just started with Chapman, and I did that two or three times before he slammed down the headphones and blew up. He was just a wonderful, wonderful guy., And yet, on a professional level, Chapmans reputation carried with it a darker side. In honor of his life, we reproduce this 1989 profile of Chapman. RIP to a #NTX legend," wrote Dallas County judge Clay Jenkins, in a tweet on April 26. "Three time radio Hall of Famer and Dallas radio ICON Ron Chapman has passed," the organization said. KVIL (103.7 FM, Alt 103.7) is a commercial radio station dual-licensed to Highland Park and Dallas, Texas.It is owned by Audacy, Inc. and it serves the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in North Texas.The station's studios are located along North Central Expressway in Uptown Dallas. Its what youd get if God had money, Nance says. Chapman's booming voice is now a shadow of its former self, the result of a stroke suffered just before Christmas in 2012. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. This is a secret, but we take a lot of the staff to the big derrick at Six Flags and put them on top. The Morning Guys on Y-95. Chapman had a . The people who dont understand the program., A recent case in point, says Chapman, was the popular evening jock Lynn Haley, who was dismissed in early August. Done in slick, black marble, it is an oversized rectangle, big enough for Ron to pace in. To pace in. #1. 12:02 PM on Apr 26, 2021 CDT Updated at 4:57 PM on Apr 26, 2021 CDT. I cannot say I will miss KVIL, mostly because I haven't listened to it in years -- couldn't tell you its format since, oh, 1985? And its not just the lower-downs, but the higher-ups who have their hands full of Chapman ego. He served with the Army in South Korea from 1957 to 1959, producing a radio show for Voice of the United Nations Command. Ive done this in many ways in my sportscast. We just hit. It was our mascot for the show. Everyone I knew went to college. He did not. I can make her feel good about the day, or I can make her feel crappy about the day, and of course, the choice is to make her feel good. Many of us grew up listening to him on #KVIL. You tend to say things like the mayor when you mean Dallas and the mayor of Fort Worth when youre talking about them. But it doesnt mean that I wont stick my heel in your throat. Ron Chapman is a dazzlingly entertaining intellect who has refreshed my life for 25 years with his insightful wit and unerring eye for the quixotic vagaries of the human kind. *To hear some classic clips of Chapman from the old KLIF days, go to www.reelradio.com/se and www.historyofklif.com. Turn! Chapman had done the Charley and Harrigan show on KLIF during the Sixties (Chapman went by Irving Harrigan then) and had hosted Sumpn Else, a low-budget local version of American Bandstand on Channel 8. Theres a Stevie Wonder song where right in the middle of the song he does this loud, high-pitched scream. My wife made me admit it publicly: yeah. Hes now an announcer and does several shows for ABC radio. So youre that egotistical S.O.B., They became fast, but platonic, friends. The slightly bugged eyes turn flat, focused inward. 10/11/1929 - 05/23/2020 . He was always very, very kind. Ron would fairly often show up while I was on the air to go in a studio and record a promo that might run overnight, only to plug something that was going to be on his show. Ron Chapman Obituary KVIL - Death : DFW Radio Legend Died: Funeral - KVIL and DFW Radio legend, Ron Chapman died aged 85, on April, 26th, 2021, with. Turns out that a few years back, during a race around the world for a promotion, Chapman arrived late at the airportno ticket, no cash, no passport. When the drawer becomes filled with bills and change, he bundles it up and sends it to the man. Chapman knows that he is inextricably linked to KVIL. What followed was story after story about Chapman, who started as a DJ in 1953, and his more infamous bits. For two weeks, while everyone else painted and scraped, he sat in a deck chair and interviewed people to see what their talent was., After Chapman had been in Korea for about a month, he got a parchment scroll commending him for lifting the morale of the troops. And I think he said, This would be a good time to go to commercial.. KVIL wasso named for its original HQ in the Highland Park Village, after Charles Meeks acquired a broadcast license from the feds to open up shop in 1958. Right away, you know two things about her: she has no time to waste, and you dont mess with her. Following his tenure at KLIF, Chapman joined the staff of KVIL-FM, Dallas-Fort Worth, in 1969. Its a trap: if you are situated in Dallas, you look at things from the Dallas perspective, even unconsciously. So Chapman is now going to teach Brad and me how we should broadcast a football game to appeal to his target audience women. In 1959, a 23-year-old up-and-coming disc jockey from Haverhill, Mass., took on the role of morning co-host for a . Garrett remembers Chapmans blowing up at him for reading the same filler story at several news slots. Garrett remembers eavesdropping with Chapman on conversations at the local coffee shop or the grocery store, trying to get a feel for what people were talking about. In 2000, Chapman moved to KLUV/Dallas, an "oldies" station where he stayed until announcing his retirement from radio in 2005. He brought, what is known in the industry as the "adult contemporary" format to FM. Jody Dean was Chapmans producer at KVIL from 1987 to 1994. And one morning, I was going to go do a speech for the Dallas Board of Realtors at 9 oclock. About all they had were some call letters, and not very good ones at that. Tags. There was dead air for, like, 10 seconds. Because shes gonna move up. But Chapman says that the first time Haley went on the air after the deal was struck, She was dreadful. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. But the laughter was tinged with something like pity. The call letters have been tossed in the dustbin; they no longer serve a purpose. Chapman knows his audience, and he knows what they buycomfort. Youd be walking down the hall, and nothing would stop him from putting you down in a very loud voice in front of anybody. Nobody. In one infamous stunt, notes his Hall of Fame bio, Chapman told his listeners to each send $20 to the station; within three days, the station had received $200,000. Some estimates put the final amount even higher. "But it's a different world in radio, isn't it?" Chapman was inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2010 and into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2012. He will later say that its almost like having an extra lobe in his brain. Ronald Chapman July 23, 2021 Ronald Monroe Chapman, 77, of Jordan, died peacefully in his sleep at 2:32 am on July 23, 2021 while at home surrounded by his loving family. So why should you go on the air and tell people who love living here that the town is a piece of crap? And it suddenly became a craze. I knew I was fired. We tell them, Heres the concept. Im absolutely realistic in believing that nobody remembers you, Chapman says. You understand that? Boom! Whatever it took.. And yet, he would never ask me to be one of the [featured] dancers. the magic morning man takes a deep breath, raises his index finger before his eyes, and does what Ron Chapman does best: KAY he breathes, low and confiding, in a voice that mirrors the softest, kindest, deepest, afterglow moments of romantic love. We used a two-way radio. Remembering Ron Chapman. Im talking to a thirty-year-old female. Everywhere 1 go, the broadcasters are asking me how to do that. You people dont listen to me, and you are going to lose $100,000 on this auction! When she replied that the auction had never made anywhere near that much, he snapped, Thats why!. And I was going to run faster, work harder, get street-smarter. I just never mellowed out. Chapman admits. But I got my bucketful of him a long time ago. He must know where everything is at all times. Drive-time shows have opposite hours from most other jobs, starting in the very early morning hours. His rages and abuse must be swallowed whole. Knowing Ron over the years has been an adventure. In 2000, as radio began to change once again, Chapman moved to KLUV, a Dallas oldies station where he stayed until announcing his retirement in 2005. And it was Chapman who ran every single nutty promo in the station's stories history, among them a scavenger hunt that involved hidden tape recorders, secret messages and, eventually, a Braniff International Airways ticket to Hawaii. of course. He died Monday at age 85. Ron Chapman Death - Obituary, Funeral, Cause Of Death Just heard radio legend Ron Chapman has died. But hes been trying to play Creative Tension to the point that it became creative chaos. He always has some grand scheme bubbling up to the surface, she says, and hes always looking for some way to convince the rest of us that its a good idea. April 26, 2021. Hes now a news anchor for CBS Channel 11 and will replace Chapman on KLUVs morning show. And I do have a good memory. We edited it out. "And when he left, that was it.". In 1959, as "Irving Harrigan" he joined the staff KLIF/Dallas, where he teamed up with Jack Woods (a.k.a. And Ill tell you who finds it difficult to work for me. Name another program director or air person of any type anywhere in the country who would come in at 11 oclock and cut a promo thats going to run overnight. At the haunted house, Chapman took along a producer and equipped her with a microphone. But Im serious when I tell you that I learned a great deal from it. Put on your walking shoes. ", China sets this year's economic growth target at 'around 5%', 20 cars of Norfolk Southern cargo train derail in Ohio, China expands defense budget 7.2%, marking slight increase, Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway and husband are divorcing, Teen hikers rescued after days stuck in California snowstorm, Trump pitches a sequel, but shies away from attacking rivals, Indonesia fuel depot fire kills 19; 3 still missing, How one storm system wreaked havoc from coast to coast, Before Oscars, Everything Everywhere sweeps Spirit Awards, Californians await key decisions from reparations task force. Theres gotta be some point at which hes willing to pass the torch. Michael Granberry was born and grew up in Dallas. By now, everyone knows the story about how, in 1988, Chapman asked his KVIL listeners to send in $20 each, without ever saying why, and took in $240,000. Thats power. But KVIL saw a huge, underserved demographic: women listeners between the ages of twenty-five and forty-four account for some 22 percent of the Dallas/Fort Worth radio market. He was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2012. That was, perhaps, the last Most Meaningful Moment on local radio. CBS Radio's local market manager Brian Purdy, in announcing the format change, made just a brief nod to the station's past by insisting 103.7 is "not your mother's radio station any more," which hit a little close to home. And this is, like, in the 80s. You treat her with respect. But she never did., Coast to coast, when a radio stationbegins considering a format change, radio insiders say, the list of options goes like this: We could go country. I love doing the morning show but my bones are beginning to tell me that hitting the ground running at 4:10 every morning is not going to be supported forever by whatever frame that I carry around with me and happy to have served me around for a lot of years but it looks as tho I really need to be taking care of it instead of it taking care of me. Ron Chapman had this offer from KVIL. "Well, they had to do something," the National Radio Hall of Famer said. One time, I finally asked him, You seem to like my dancing, but why dont you ever ask me to be one of the dancers? And he said, Well, to be honest, youre too sexy for our show. ", At that age, Fairchild said with a laugh, I didnt really know what he was talking about.. By signing up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, Stand with us in our mission to discover and uncover the story of North Texas, We can't say goodbye to KVIL until its legendary voice Ron Chapman gives it a proper sign-off, CBS Radio has rebranded 103.7 on Your FM Dial as the Amp, Charles Meeks acquired a broadcast license from the feds to open up shop in 1958, Woman arrested in killing of 3 children at Italy, Texas, home in Ellis County, Frisco Liberty battles back vs. Lubbock Cooper to claim UIL Class 5A state championship, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones defers comment on revival of sexual harassment lawsuit, What we know after 3 children killed, 2 wounded at Ellis County home, The Cowboys are closer than you think to a total makeover at running back, American Airlines, flight attendants file for mediation during contract negotiations, New Uptown office tower lands second major lease, Years after North Texas bid for Amazons second headquarters, retail giant halts plan, Mesquite to become the site of new 2,500-home community, North Texas builders see influx of activity in new year, but challenges persist, Mark Wahlberg pours tequila for fans at Dallas restaurant during thunderstorm, Dude Perfects trick-shot town could find a home in North Texas, or somewhere else, Slow start for Luka Doncic? When he started hosting SumpN Else, I was a kid, and we loved to dance, and I would go over there to dance. Chapman is not just guessing at what his audience wants to hear He is downright methodical about it. 750 North St.Paul St. Next to the picture, the new kid on the block had penned, Dont buy a house here. He was huge in Dallas for decades doing mornings at KVILclick link to learn more. It was a woman who had a pink sweater wrapped around her neck. 2023 Audacy, Inc. All rights reserved. . We said, Okay, thats it! If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. And I did everything. Here and there, she reveals a snippet about her husband. To a person, everyone interviewed for this story believed that Chapman, if riled, could end his career. Chapman began his career in Dallas radio in 1959 at KLIF as a member of the "Charlie and Harrigan" team. Yes, my dear, the world is still a warm and safe and funny place to be, and you are on top of it with us, you know everything we do, which is a lot, and life keeps getting better. Brings new meaning to the phrase Sunday Funday. Chapmans radio station has been number one in Dallas. He directed his in more positive directions, into the station and into work.. Net Worth Inspector Menu. I was driving an older beat-up Nissan, and my alternator went out one night while on the way to work. The kids had to wear coats and ties on the show. Says Chapman, Electronically, we dont do much, but we are very conscious of highs. Ron Chapman began his radio career the DAY he graduated high school, hitting the airwaves in his hometown of Haverhill, Massachusetts. Who could follow Ron Chapman? He was always very warm and sweet with me and very welcoming, as he was to all the kids. DALLAS (CBSDFW) - The Texas Radio Hall of Fame shared the news of the passing of Dallas radio icon Ron Chapman. He seems completely oblivious to his subjects, the teeming thousands of Little People trapped and fuming in the traffic below. After 45 years in radio, Ron Chapman retired from his morning show on June 24, 2005. But Chapmans vaunted ego and his famed temper have only enhanced his hold on the Dallas radio market. He also hosted a televised series from Northpark Center in the 1960's for a three-year stint. Ron Chapman Obituary Kvil Death | Obituary | Ron Chapman Dead | Died | Has Passed Away | Funeral Plans - We are immensely sad . So I had just had my jacket cleaned. . It wont work for you.. In 1969, Chapman joined the staff of KVIL-FM/Dallas-Fort Worth as morning disc jockey, music director, and program director, bringing the "adult contemporary" format to FM radio. The winning name was Chief Rain in the Pants.. We did that to our audience constantly. Within three days listeners had sent in more that $240,000. While many have attempted to imitate his formula, nobodyat least locallyis likely to remotely approach his mastery of it. He spent more than three decades at KVIL, toiling as a morning deejay, music director and program director, transforming the adult contemporary format into a major success on the FM band. I was off the wall, and he loved it. There will never be another run like his. Chapman was 85 years old. I have the same type of personality, just not as much discipline. CHAPMAN, Ralph Frederick (Ron) Born January 25, 1936, in Newton, MA, Chapman has been heard on the airwaves in the Dallas/Fort Worth area since the 1950s. He loved kids and teenagers and music and all that was happening in the 60s, which was a lot. 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(To Everything There Is a Season) by the Byrds. According to industry analysts, fellow media, and KVIL employees, former and current, Chapman is a man of planned spontaneity, of freeze-dried warmth. Like the time when, in charge of locking away the band instruments in a wire cage, Ralph kept the mouthpiece of the tuba in his pocket. Ron Chapman Was a Warm and Fuzzy Tyrant. I once wrote Ron Chapman meant more to Dallas radio than electricity. "And that means something," Mike Rhyner said Thursday morning. And we walked around the corner and stopped. In 2007, he returned to broadcasting part-time as a substitute for radio legend Paul Harvey. We had to beg them to stop sending checks. Passing by the cage, he would surreptitiously slip the mouthpiece through the wire into the neck of the tuba and blow. His family received condolences from thousands . Now, its someone I found out of Kim Dawson headshots. But the youngsters came to understand their poverty., I liked applause early on, said Chapman, who took on Ron as his radio first name in 1965.