The QZVX inbox has been resonating with the sound of tributes rolling in for one of Seattle’s most beloved deejays, Charlie Brown. The latest was from Spokane’s KOOL 107.1 FM. The heartfelt eulogy to Charlie comes from two of his closest friends — Buzz Lawrence and Joe Michaels. Both of these guys go way back with Charlie, to the sixties and seventies on the east side of the mountains, at Spokane’s KNEW/KJRB and later at sister station KJR in Seattle.
May 16, 2020: Buzz Lawrence and Joe Michaels on KOOL 107.1 FM (2:08 runtime)
Editor’s note: In light of this evidence, a 50+ year old KJRB survey, it begs the question — Is Buzz Lawrence John Maynard’s alter ego, or is John Maynard Buzz Lawrence’s alter ego? Hmmmm.
May 17, 2020 at QZVX
Steven Smith says:
Steve,
You weree ahead of me. I was 15 years old, listening to KPUG in Bellingham, and wondering what in hell ever happened to “Harvey” Brown the 10pm to 1am jock guy.
May 17, 2020 at QZVX
Steve Sibulsky says:
Wow…June of ’67. I was working for Gary Taylor at his Sunset West Teen Club. Later that summer we’d have a Teen Appreciation Fair at the Spokane Coliseum. Fifth Dimension, the Boxtops, the Animals…lots of other bands!
May 17, 2020 at QZVX
Steven Smith says:
Seattle has some very distinctive and professional radio people.
May 17, 2020 at QZVX
Jason Remington says:
Maynard exemplifies a certain radio personality type from the Pacific Northwest, a unique style that might not transfer well to another region. Can’t explain it, but Maynard has an edge, a sharp wit, sarcasm, dry humor, and legions of fans adore him. Say what you want about New York and Los Angeles radio, but Seattle radio personalities were generally superior to most others.
May 17, 2020 at QZVX
James says:
I worked with Maynard when he came to kjr to do overnights….he came from Bellingham as I recall..age about 20 .and Otis the character came from an actual person….the night janitor at KJR was named otis and was 6’8″ BIG oaf type of guy…..Maynard much like the other jocks of the 60’s from JR were quite talented Robin and Maynard was the best!!!
May 18, 2020 at QZVX
Steven Smith says:
John got back to us on his pre-KJR days and his being known by two names. He confirmed that he worked in Spokane for 5 years prior to being moved up to the big show at KJR. He also explained how he developed his split personality as both John Maynard and Buzz Lawrence……”Funny. We’re the same guy. I was assigned the name Buzz Lawrence when I started at KNEW/KJRB. Why? They had a spare DJ jingle for BL. For 5 yrs I was stuck with that horrifying name in Spokane and I am now there again as BL, by request of KOOL. ” JM