Russ was a radio personality at many stations throughout the United States, but his most memorable stints were as The Weird Beard on KLIF in Dallas and KILT in Houston, Texas. At KLIF, he was the self-proclaimed "savior of Dallas radio", and at KILT, he introduced The Beatles to Houston in 1965. Listeners could expect to hear the latest from British invasion bands such as the Rolling Stones, the Yardbirds and Them. He later went on to program the "Make Believe Ballroom" with William B. Williams at WNEW in New York City, and was inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame in 2003.
While on the radio, his wit, humor, and compassion enhanced any city or town he worked in. He loved New York City and music, especially The Bee Gees, and disco-era music always got him up and dancing. Russ loved the Yankees and the Dallas Cowboys. His greatest joys were his sons and grandchildren, and his two cats, Jasper and Pavarotti. He loved animals, and his friends referred to him as St. Francis of Assissi.
Here's Russ on a partially scoped aircheck at KILT in Houston, Texas on June 14, 1965. [ LISTEN ] (44:02)
Russ Knight helped British DJ John Peel get a job at KLIF in the 60's when Knight, described by Peel as "a beefy college grad with a Masters degree who found himself holding down the seven to midnight show...", would talk about The Beatles and would fudge about his knowledge of Liverpool. Peel heard this and called him at the station to take him to task. Knight inquired if he was from Liverpool and "for all intents and purposes" he said yes. After a meeting with Peel, Russ decided to make him their "expert" on all things Liverpool and The Beatles and Peel, who then used his real surname Ravenscroft, became the "Man on the Street" giving KLIF listeners the info on what was going on with the Beatles. Peel described Russ Knight as one of the great broadcasters.
In the 60's after John F. Kennedy died, FBI investigators interviewed Russ because of his relationship with Jack Ruby, who assassinated Lee Harvey Oswald, the prime suspect in Kennedy's assassination. Agents found Knight's personal phone numbers in Ruby's possession.
Russ passed away on Friday, October 12, 2012.
He was survived by his wife, Roseann, his sons Stephen and Richard, from his previous marriage to the former JoBeth Garrett, his stepsons, Jason and Brandon, and his numerous grandchildren.
