Tom Rivers

Tom Rivers was a rock ‘n’ roll DJ known for his “larger than life delivery” on radio stations across the continent.

He was one of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll jocks of that era. With that wonderful voice, and his ability to excite his listeners, made him sound almost untouchable.

He spent four decades in Top 40 radio, with stops at KFRC San Francisco, WIBG Philadelphia, CKLW Windsor, CFTR Toronto and several other top stations. Rivers, known by many as “Shotgun,” is perhaps best remembered for his many years at CHUM Toronto, where he came and went several times between 1970 and 2004.

On the air, Rivers was known for his rebellious demeanor. After arriving at 1050 CHUM in the early evening shift in 1970, Rivers went on to host a memorable morning show at CHUM in the early 1980s. He was in fact a key player in a new high energy era at CHUM in the 1970s, working alongside such memorable talent as Terry Steele, Scott Carpenter, Mike Cooper, Jim Van Horne, John Majhor, John Rode, Roger Ashby, Mark Edwards and Duke Roberts.

Rivers caused ripples throughout the industry when in 1984 the Canadian Labor Board ruled that CHUM unjustly fired him from his $65,000-a-year job in September 1982.

Though he left to practice his craft in Edmonton for a stint, “Shotgun” returned to Toronto in the ’90s and could be found entertaining folks on CKFM, CJEZ and CHOG.

Tom Rivers at CHUM on January 1, 1971 [ LISTEN ] (47:38)

Tom Rivers counting down the Top 100 of 1970.

Tom Rivers' CKLW shift ends and Johnny Williams jumps in on August 29, 1971 [ LISTEN ] (30:20)