10 Questions with ... Dick Bartley

NAME:Dick Bartley TITLE:Syndicated Program Host and Producer COMPANY:United Stations Radio Network; D.B. Productions BORN:Schenectady, NY RAISED:Syracuse, NY, Lynchburg, VA

Please outline your radio career so far:

WWOD-AM, Lynchburg (1969-70)
WLLL-AM/FM, Lynchburg (1971)
WCHV-AM, Charlottesville (1971-72)
WELK-AM, Charlottesville (1972-75)
WBBM-FM, Chicago (1975-78)
WFYR-FM, Chicago (1978 -84)
RKO Radio Network (1982-85)
United Stations Radio Network (1985-88)
WNSR-FM, New York (1986)
Westwood One Radio Network (1988-91)
ABC Radio Network (1991-2009)
United Stations Radio Network (2009-present)

1) What got you interested in radio?

Great Rock, Pop and R&B music... terrific jingles and contests... DJ's who were fun, hip and sometimes irreverent.

2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining "this is it" moment?

I had worked part-time commercial and college radio during my four years at the University of Virginia. To be quite honest, a full-time radio gig was the only job offered to me when I graduated in 1973. I took the position with the thought that I would give radio a shot until I figured out what I wanted to do with my life... and I'm still at it.

3) What was the biggest gaffe you've made on the air?

I once introduced a famous band at a live concert and broadcast, calling out each group member by name as they took the stage. So far so good... but the band's longtime lead guitarist had recently died, and when it came time to introduce the new guitar player, my brain thought the correct name... but my mouth automatically spoke the name of the deceased guitarist just as I'd said it on the air hundreds of times... I still have nightmares about that.

4) What do you like best about working in this format?

In my opinion, the music of the Classic Hits era (the 60's, 70's & 80's) is the greatest popular music ever recorded. From the Beatles to Elton John, CCR to the Doobie Brothers, the Eagles to Billy Joel, The Stones to Hall & Oates... it's a pleasure to be working in a format with such a rich, vibrant musical history.

5) What do you view as the most important issue facing radio today?

From my point of view as a music-based program producer, I am most concerned with the Performance Rights Act currently being considered by Congress. It has the potential to have a ruinous effect on radio stations and listeners.

6) What's the best liner you've ever heard?

It was a custom ID that Gary Owens recorded for WFYR in Chicago when he was hosting the old "Soundtrack of the 60's" syndicated show. The station's transmitter and antenna were on top of the Sears Tower, and the legal ID copy included the line, "Broadcasting from atop the world's tallest building." To which Gary added, "Ahhhhhh" - as if he were falling from the top of the building... it just cracked me up.

7) What is your most rewarding personal moment in broadcasting?

My most rewarding moment would be my induction into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2000 with my family and friends present to help celebrate.

8) What techniques do you use to get a celebrity to open up in an interview?

I interview music people, so I study their bio, their discography, their awards and honors, their current projects and activities. In short, I become as comfortable and conversant as possible about their musical lives. Then I just try to have a pleasant, interesting conversation. The better prepped I am, the more rewarding the interview.

9) Who would be your dream guest on the show?

I've interviewed some fantastic people in connection with this job: Paul McCartney, Lionel Richie, Gordon Lightfoot, Wolfman Jack, Donovan, Mike Love, Sly Stone, Chuck Negron, Peter Noone, John Sebastian, and so many more... and I keep a running list of people I'd love to interview: Aretha Franklin, Mick Jagger, Carole King, Elton John, Glenn Frey, John Fogerty, Billy Joel... hopefully I'll speak with them all someday!

10) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?

Things usually go better when you're prepared. It sounds very simple I know, but it's profoundly true. I'll never forget a sign that was posted on the wall in the on-air studio at WFYR in Chicago when I was doing middays there: "This is not a dress rehearsal. We are professionals. This is the big time."

1) Favorite artist you have met?

Without a doubt, it would be Paul McCartney. I interviewed Sir Paul in conjunction with the "Beatles Anthology" book, CD and television special release in 1995. The allotted 20 minutes soon stretched to an hour, and became the best interview I've ever recorded with an artist. Paul was great! He was smart, funny, interesting, nice, and well-spoken. I remember calling my wife Cynthia as I left the interview and saying, "You know how much we've loved Paul and The Beatles all these years? Well we were right to feel that way. Paul's a very cool guy."

2) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?

WNDR in Syracuse, New York - I discovered them and Rock & Roll music about the same time I got my first transistor radio at the age of 9.

3) What was the first song or full-length release you purchased?

The first time I ever purchased recorded music I saved up my allowance and bought two 45's in the same afternoon: "Surfin' USA" by the Beach Boys and "Da Doo Ron Ron" by the Crystals. It was May of 1963... I was 11 years old... and I was hooked!

4) What do you do in your spare time?

I read a lot. I usually have two books going, one fiction, and one non-fiction. I enjoy watching movies - in the theater and on DVD. And I love playing tennis.