He subsequently moved on to the late, lamented WWDJ in New York as music director and afternoon-drive jock (1971-1973) and spun records for a year at WFUN/Miami before returning to his hometown, Portland, Oregon, as "Crazy Dick Simms" on the Rose City's legendary KISN in 1975.
Bwana working at KYA San Francisco in 1969. [ LISTEN ] (9:21)
He moved on to WFUN/Miami in the mid-Seventies, then Bwana became "Bronco Johnny," spinning country records at KUUY/Cheyenne, Wyoming, in 1983. He went back to being Bwana at KSND/Eugene, Oregon, in 1985. In 2000, he worked mornings at KKBR/Billings, Montana, after which he worked in production for the Seattle branch of Jones Radio Networks before declining health led to his retirement.
Now it's June 15, 1970 in the Bay area and Bwana Johnny is still playing records. [ LISTEN ] (1:38:11)
Rich Bro is the poster child for high energy Top 40. Right up there with Jack Armstrong, Bill Lee and other screamers.
WWDJ July 12, 1972.
Popular jocks arriving or departing was big news, and thus was the case when Johnny was working at WFUN. While negotiating a better deal to stay at the station, contract talks suddenly broke off, and he found himself seeking a new home on the dial.
Johnny passed away on October 28, 2005, at the age of 59.
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WHERE DID BWANA WORK? KJR [Seattle] 1969, KYA [San Francisco] 1969, KGB [San Diego] 1970, WWDJ [Hackensack NJ/NYC] 1971, WFUN [Miami] 1974, KISN [Portland OR] 1975 - Crazy Dick Simms, KSND [Eugene OR] 1986, KZEL [Eugene] 1990-1991, and KODZ [Eugene] 1993.
Some materials found on this page were originally published by the following: Airchexx, Rich Marino.
