The Radio Reader

This is Dick Estell, the radio reader. Forty something years ago, I was an undergrad at Michigan State and since it was the campus radio station, WKAR, was listened to a lot by the students - particularly those in the School of Music as it did play classical stuff and other things that fit our demographic.  Mr. Estell was something of a local celeb at the station because his "Radio Reader" was syndicated which was and is a big deal.

He was reading a book called "Or I'll Dress You In Mourning" that was so popular you couldn't find it in any bookstore. I met him soon thereafter during a visit to WKAR on other matters and I remember him well....and folks this was the era of reel to reel duplication.  No sat-feeds, no CDs in express - this is, for you GenYs, before..yes I said before ... Federal Express. Ancient, dude.

Obviously having a face for radio - and he freely admitted to that - he has a reading pace, inflection, and general friendliness of voice that is like your old friend reading to you when you are sick in the hospital. He would be one of those who you would like to show up and like for him to return.

His "schedule" on some stations is here.  I urge you to listen in now and then.  Here is a guy, just a plain nice fellow, who wanted to do something, did it and did it very well. Much more power to him.  Live long and prosper....you bring a lot to our lives.

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