Since then, he’s had stints as Joe Breezy in Northern California markets such as Modesto, Monterey, San Francisco and most recently, KDND-FM in Sacramento.

Gringo Suave returns to the Phoenix airwaves taking over mornings on Top 40/rhythmic 101.5 JamZ (KZON). Program Director Bruce St. James made the announcement February 19.

Catch Gringo Suave’s first show this morning on 101.5 JamZ, 6-10am.

Original post: Feb. 22, 8:22pm. Last edit: March 8, 1:19am

The “Lopsided World of Jonathan L” has been a part of KUPD weekends since August 2005. The free-form style show currently airs Saturday mornings, 6:45-10am, and Sunday evenings, 5:45-8pm.

Jonathan L has had a career in radio, lasting three decades and over two of them spent in the Phoenix market. He had begun, inexperienced but determined, in 1982 with his successful specialty show called “Virgin Vinyl” on KLPX Tucson.

In 1986, he was among the original staff (as APD) of the newly established Key 100.3 (KEYX-FM) in Phoenix, “Arizona’s Rock & Soul.” Jonathan L is also considered one of the pioneers of the format of AM 1060 KUKQ, Phoenix, and starter of the Q-Fest music festival.

Just a few years ago, he was voted Phoenix New Times’ “Best Rock Radio Personality,” 2008, and awarded as “Best Radio DJ,” several more years.

For more information on Jonathan L’s show and retirement, click here. A journey through radio, as told by Jonathan L himself, here.

Jack has been on-the-beach since getting the budget cutting ax from the station in December of 2008. He has spent nearly seventeen years, prior, “riding in the front seat” with KOOL listeners each weekday afternoon.

Now Jack is able to return to the station and listeners who love him most, in the evenings. He takes place of the syndicated Tom Kent show.

He is no stranger to the Phoenix market– in fact, many longtime Phoenicians may know him from the KRIZ 1230 (AM) days as the Chucker– Chucker Dean. He was the last on-air as the station came to an end in 1978.

This recording captures the final moments of KRIZ then, and Camelback Jack, as Chucker Dean, wrapping it up and asking for listeners to honk their horns when the station falls silent:

Since joining KOOL in 1992, he has put the numbers in the books for his time slot and is a top rated afternoon on-air personality of all-time in the Phoenix market.

Jack is also known for his salute to our nation’s veterans, honoring each day on-the-air and in the charities and benefits he does in his off-time for organizations such as “Packages from Home.”

Mondays continue to be “Beatle Mania” days on KOOL since. It is not known how long it is to last.

ABOVE: Circa 2002. Courtesy: Archive.org / KEZ999.com

Bill Austin of  the “Beth & Bill” morning show on Clear Channel’s  99.9 KEZ  announced his retirement this morning. Austin reasoned that he turned 55 this year, had been considering the benchmark for a couple of years, and has had nearly 40 years spent in the broadcast industry.

Close to 20 years has been the amount of time the “Beth & Bill” morning show has existed. Austin came over to KEZ in June of 1990 from News Channel 12, and Beth and Bill in the mornings were quickly a hit.

They have been a staple of Valley radio throughout much of this time, including local television news presences in the mornings, a television show of their own– “Cooking with Beth & Bill”– billboards, books, community events and more.

Austin’s announcement this morning came on his last day on the show. Beth McDonald is scheduled to go solo March 1.

See Marty Manning’s video footage of Bill Austin’s announcement below:

Visit Beth and Bill’s blog on KEZ999.com by clicking here for more info, photos, and memories.

Click here to Send Your Best to Bill (KEZ email address)

The announcement was sent in the wee hours of the morning, written by Mark Curtis, friend of Pratt’s and of Channel 12.

“Well guess what? Pratt is back,” Curtis writes. “Yes, now you can still get your dose of Dave Pratt in the Morning! You can still get the bold opinions, off-beat humor and eye opening comments that have caused thousands to spit out coffee on their dashboards.”

When Pratt hinted that his announcement would have nothing to do with radio or television, he wasn’t kidding.

Starting today, he is making a unique return– still local– via personal blogging on azcentral. Get to his page here: www.davepratt.azcentral.com

Ben and Matt were located at the Scottsdale Road and Indian School intersection. Hosts were present at other intersections along the way, including Radio Free Phoenix’s Liz Boyle and Andy Olson at Scottsdale and Osborn, and a reunion of the KDKB morning team, Bill Andres and John Giese.

Mathew Blades comes from Adult Hits WLWK in Milwaukee as afternoon drive guy. He is to begin mornings on Mix 96.9 in early March.

Ramos has been with KVIB since November 2007 and has had previous programming experience at KLOL Houston and KPRR El Paso.

The brand-new programming schedule is not yet released. There is speculation on whether Mike Broomhead will get J.D.’s afternoon shift, or if the Nearly Famous Barry Young gets the earlier shift.

Hayworth is scheduled to appear on Darrell Ankarlo’s show at 10am on News/Talk 92.3 KTAR.