Larry Norton To Sign Off After Over 40 Years On The Air At WGRF (97 Rock)/Buffalo

Larry Norton

CUMULUS Classic Rock WGRF (97 ROCK)/BUFFALO'S longtime morning star LARRY NORTON will retire later this year, after more than 30 years as morning host for the station and over 40 years total in BUFFALO radio.  The bona fide Rock radio legend’s final show on 97 ROCK will be on DECEMBER 4th, after which he will retire to spend time with his wife of 36 years, as they put their combined efforts into working for their church and favorite charities.

NORTON earned a place in THE GUINNESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS in 1985, when he spent 40 days on the new Ferris wheel at the then-DARIEN LAKE AMUSEMENT PARK (now SIX FLAGS DARIEN LAKE) to promote the new attraction. Not only did he spend 40 days on the ride, he broadcast non-stop the entire time. NORTON took the morning show reins at WGRF in 1982 with his “NORTON in the Morning” show, joined by his longtime co-host ROB LEDERMAN.

VP/Market Mgr. STEVE BEARANCE said, “It has been a great honor and privilege to work with a true professional and iconic radio legend over the past few years and I wish LARRY all the happiness that comes with retirement.  He will always be a part of 97 ROCK and it is truly great to see that all of WESTERN NEW YORK will be able to enjoy his last 80 days live on air.”

PD JOHN HAGER added, "LARRY has been the 'rock' of 97 ROCK for over three decades. His name is synonymous with the station, charity and BUFFALO. We thank him for his many contributions to our station and community and wish him all the best in his retirement.”

NORTON said, “After 40 years on the radio in BUFFALO, and living my dream to be the morning radio host for my generation, I have decided to 'Turn the Page' to the next chapter of my life. 97 ROCK has been, and will always be, an amazing and inseparable part of me. But now, together with my wonderful wife BARBARA who has supported me for 36 years as of this month, it is time to elevate our life from our many blessed successes, to a life of more significance. As of DECEMBER, we will be devoting more of our time to works of charity, for God and for our church. I can't thank the people of BUFFALO enough for their support for me and the charities of WESTERN NEW YORK that together we have helped over the last 40 years. From the entirety of my heart, thank you, BUFFALO! Rock and Roll Never Forgets, and I will always love you.”

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