Legendary WGRF Rock Jock Larry Norton Says His Goodbyes

Larry Norton Signs Off

Legendary CUMULUS MEDIA Classic Rock WGRF (97 ROCK)/BUFFALO morning man LARRY NORTON signed off TODAY after a career spanning 40 years at the station, according to the BUFFALO NEWS.

NORTON originally announced the news earlier this year (NET NEWS 9/17).

“For seven years doing the show from FLORIDA, I worked in my boxers,” said NORTON during his last shift, revealing a heart-shaped tattoo on his right bicep he got on-air which bears the name of his wife, BARB.

His show, “NORTON in the Morning,” has been on the air for four decades.
One fan remembered when NORTON spent 40 days on a Ferris wheel, helping popularize the nearby DARIEN LAKE THEME PARK RESORT.

“I stood up and read STEPHEN KING as I was going around,” NORTON said of the fundraising stunt 31 years ago that lasted from MEMORIAL DAY to FOURTH OF JULY.

Daughter JENNY, 31, son DAN, 33, and their mother BARB joined the crew for the farewell

“I remember Mom driving us to school, and turning off the radio at times. She said dad was getting too personal,” said DAN. “We grew up listening to him. It’s going to be weird driving to work and not hearing him on the radio.”

LARRY and BARB, who met as teenagers at AMHERST HIGH SCHOOL, have been married 36 years.

NORTON for years served as host for the 97 ROCK BALL DROP on NEW YEAR'S EVE. Today he and his wife reside in FLORIDA. He announced his retirement during a recent fundraising drive for MAKE-A-WISH. Over his 40 years on the air, Norton helped raise $2.8 million for the FOUNDATION.

He told the BUFFALO NEWS he plans to continue his fundraising efforts after his retirement.

“I’ll work for the CATHOLIC radio station and help them out,” he said. “I’ve been very blessed and I want to give back. If people remember me for anything it should be for helping out MAKE-A-WISH and other charities.”

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