Greetings Rock Family,
It’s coming up on four years since we lost our brother and soul of WDHA- Curtis Kay. He left us on June 8th, 2020.
Curtis was not only my co-worker, but my best friend. Even when I left WDHA in 2005 for other radio ventures, we spoke nearly every single day. He was my first friend when I joined the station, was the first guy to help you with a move, help you if you were ill, offer help to your family. He was simply the best.
WDHA was what Curt loved the most. He was at the station from the very beginning in the 1970’s, a pioneer, and true on air founder of the rock format when the station switched. In fact, most of us on the air that grew up in New Jersey listening to rock radio were inspired to be on air personalities BECAUSE we listened to Curtis Kay.
Me, TC included.
The music, the staff, the artists, the lifestyle. Curt was all about it. Even when his health was declining and he was personally suffering, being at the station, on the air, with the WDHA listening family was where he wanted to be. Those of us that were at the station knew of Curt’s terminal diagnosis for quite some time. We encouraged him to take time off, for himself, but most times he declined. WDHA was where he wanted to be. Curtis was a massive Mike Anthony fan. Curt was out sick and hadn’t met Mike yet and Mike did his first show with us on July 4th 2017. Curtis phoned him on the WDHA hotline to tell him “Man, you sound great!, Welcome to the team”! That was Curt, and it’s quite fitting that Mike is carrying the afternoon torch, I’ve on the air for New Jersey. Curtis wanted it that way.
Fun moments to remember? Curt having the loudest “volume” during his show, speakers always blasting, his love of AC/DC, Dave Edmunds and John Mellencamp. His killer pipes and signature phrase “Thank You Much For The Use Of The Ear” and his laugh.
It’s very important to all of us at WDHA that Curt’s memory lives on with us everyday and on his Birthday (February 4th) he is never forgotten. His photos are still up in the building, the studio is named after him and we speak of him often. His presence is still felt.
We have countless photos of Curt and on his Birthday week I wanted to share a few.
Curt’s DJ page is still up on our website- We are well aware of that. We didn’t “forget” to take it down, but rather didn’t take it down because we will never “forget” him.
Happy Birthday Curtis- We Miss You.
Terrie Carr and the WDHA staff
