We tell stories. We talk about statistics. And in 1978, we added an element of the show that gave it its heartbeat: the long distance dedication.
I probably would be continuing to do voice-overs, continuing to do cartoon shows, and at the same time I'd probably be on a sitcom or a dramatic television show.
Interestingly, songs used to be short, then they became longer, and now they're getting shorter.
My agent said that I was one of the top three busiest people in the country.
My first commercial was for Miller High Life beer.
The stories are success stories. The letters from listeners often touch the heart and can be inspiring.
Despite all the technical improvements, it still boils down to a man or a woman and a microphone, playing music, sharing stories, talking about issues - communicating with an audience.
But otherwise, music is about a beat and a message.
Before that, they thought talking movies might eliminate radio as well. But radio just keeps getting stronger.
Basically, radio hasn't changed over the years.
As you know, in the past several years, month after month, radio has increased its revenues - some of it even coming from Dot-Com advertisers. So, radio is a survivor.
That something extra, I believe, is a certain humanity that comes from upbeat and positive human interest letters and success stories. Advertisers like to be associated with those qualities.
Because of my background in theater and radio acting, I knew that I could make a living as an actor.
I like the storytelling and reading the letters, the long-distance dedications.