03-09-2011/03-10-2011 KC RADIO LEGEND MIKE MURPHY DIES AT 71 Mike Murphy, one of Kansas City's most beloved radio talk-show hosts during a career that spanned 46 years, died tonight at his home. According to FOX 4, he was 71. Murphy retired from KCMO-AM in 2004 after more than 25 years behind the microphone. In a testament to his popularity, the Kansas City Star story of his death is the "most read." At times, over 50 percent of people in Kansas City listening to radio were listening to Murphy. In 1998, he was the winner of the Marconi Award, radio's highest honor. "He was one man who truly earned the distinction of being called a 'legend' in the radio business," said veteran KMBZ talker Mike Shanin on the "Shanin & Parks" radio show (3/10). Ironically, Murphy, KC's most famous Irishman who resurrected the city's famous St. Patrick's Day Parade, passed away about a week before this year's event. And KMBC's Micheal Mahoney, the Grand Marshal of this year's parade, broke the news of Murphy's passing on his station's site. "A fixture on the radio waves of Kansas City, broadcaster Mike Murphy died suddenly Wednesday evening at his home," wrote Mahoney. "Details of his death are unknown. According to close family sources Murphy died about 6 p.m." Murphy wrote a book in 2008 about his experiences on radio titled "Mike Murphy: I Could Write a Book, So I Did; Inside Stories from My 46 Years in Radio!" He started an annual Cattle Drive through the streets that once resulted in several cattle scattering throughout the city. Some were found wandering in a parking garage. The stunt only enhanced is fun-loving image. Local and national celebrities participated each year in Murphy's hugely successful Salvation Army Christmas Charity Drive. Murphy entertained listeners with local chatter, featuring numerous Kansas City personalities, comedians, sports figures, entertainers, editors, writers, inventors, bartenders and city officials. He adored singer Marlilyn Maye and was upset for years following the death of his friend Dr. Marshall Saper. He was a UFO fanatic and was reportedly offered the spot of national radio UFO expert Art Bell. If interviewees--local or national celebrities ---were jerks, Murphy was not above letting listeners know it, and they often never appeared on his show again. Scott Parks related a story (3/10) about how Jamie Farr, "Klinger" on the popular TV show "MASH," once went on the air with Murphy and Murphy wanted to talk about Farr's time on MASH. However, Farr wanted to talk about his upcoming play at the New Theater. "Farr told him he didn't want to talk about the TV show and Murphy said he did and it was his show," said Parks. "Murphy said if he didn't like it he could leave and Farr stopped the interview and left." "He was a good friend and a great guy," says veteran KC PR pro Pat Paton. "Another KC media icon has gone on to the great radio station in the sky. "Murph was probably one of the last great radio show talk hosts in Kansas City." Murphy's passing comes less than two weeks after another KC media legend, Bill Grigsby, died. KCMO will be remembering Murphy on shows all day Thursday. Long-time Murphy producer Andrew Yates went on the Greg Knapp morning show and regaled listeners with a number of stories. Murphy was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime icon.
"Murph never met a UFO he didn't like. He was a lot like Grigs - everytime you saw him it was an "event." He was so much fun..." --KMBC's Kris Ketz via Twitter
"Saddened to hear about death of former KC radio man, Mike Murphy. He did funny, goofy, bizarre radio that welcomed all."--Bill Anderson, KCUR Program Director
FRED BROSKI... "What a tremendous loss.This guy was such a talent. Many of us were in awe of him.He was humble. He was awesome.It is so sad to hear of his passing.I remember when he was doing the late night show on BZ about 40 years ago as a DJ and then was promoted to his daily show.Could he make it?Many wondered.He then just dominated the airwaves.So great.Was totally dominant. "He was a friend and and admirable talent.He will always be respected by broadcasters.One of a kind.If you ever audition for a radio show...better hope Murph is not your competition,,,you don't have a chance." --- Fred Broski
LARRY MOORE... "Mike Murphy and I grew up a few miles apart on the Missouri-Iowa border, he near Ottumwa and me near Kirksville. But we never met until we began working in the same downtown building weeks apart in 1968, he at KMBZ and me at Channel 9. "His morning show on KMBZ became the talk of the town and the most listened to morning show ever and TV9 News became the most watched newscasts in the Kansas City region. "On a quiet St. Patrick’s Day morning in 1973, Pat O’Neill, Sr., called me in the TV9 newsroom and said we’ve got a parade going on over here at Hogarty’s bar. Come on over and join us. "Photographer Phil French and I went over and watched Mike Murphy, Dan Hogarty, and O’Neill march out of the bar with some green stuff on and announced this is a parade. We shot film, put it on the 6 p.m. news, and the Kansas City St. Patrick’s Day Parade was born. "In the years that followed, the Kansas City St. Patrick’s Day parade grew to become the second largest of its kind in the nation. Mike Murphy will always be remembered for the success of the Kansas City St. Patrick’s Day Parade. "It’s is almost appropriate that Mike passed away during the period that we always called “the season of St. Patrick,” the first 17 days of March. "Mike and I made countless public appearances and took part in many fund-raising events together during the first 17 days of March each year. My three daughters who were Irish stepdancers provided the entertainment. Together we promoted all things Irish. "We will miss you, Mike Murphy. May you arrive in heaven before the devil even knows you’re gone. And may the Good Lord hold you in the hollow of his hand."
03-10-2011 WINNERS!! "I had the great pleasure of getting to know Mike through the Salvation Army Christmas show.For 5 or 6 years I was there at the start of the show and wrote the first check after being interviewed by Murph. "I couldn't be at the Christmas show one year, so he actually had me on the show a couple of days prior so I could still be the first one to write a check.It was because of this show that I had a very strong hunch that Larry Stewart was Secret Santa. "We have lost 2 icons with Grig's and Murph's passing.He gave us all a lot of great memories.We need more characters like Murph and Grigs, and a lot less characters like Charlie Sheen. "Murph-Grigs...winners!" ---Malcom Haney
VAN PATRICK "Mike was a true sweetheart, a classic, a "piece of work". I used to go have beers with Mike every Wednesday at the Corner Cocktail, and the funny thing is, I'm not even a drinker. I went for Mike. "When I started at KCMO, right after Mike retired, he was the first guy to call and welcome me to town. That's the kind of guy he was. Radio was, and is poorer without guys like Mike being involved. I'll really, really miss him." --V
PONACK'S TONIGHT!! "Some of us KCMO sales folks from the late 80's into early 90's are having a get-together, planned a week ago, at Ponack's this evening 6pm. More than one glass will be lifted to Mike."
SALVATION ARMY "My few personal contacts with Mike Murphy were at fund-raising events for the Salvation Army. Mike understood how much the Salvation Army helps the weakest and poorest in our community and was very proud to lend his name and fame to that worthy cause." ---Will Cook, KCMO
Copyright 2010/2011 Bottom Line Communications. BLC is a Media News Web site that analyzes media and marketing issues. Please give proper credit or link to http://www.bottomlinecom.com when using materials contained herein. Click on the FEEDBACK tab to send any media tips/comments/thoughts. BLC honors all off-the-record requests and will correct/clarify any information found not to be 100% accurate.
