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Monday, April 26, 2021

Ron Chapman, DFW radio legend, dies at age 85


Ron Chapman, a Dallas - Fort Worth radio legend, has died at the age of 85, according to CBS 11 KTVT in DFW.

According to the Texas Radio Hall of Fame, no public service is happening, but there will be a public gathering of friends and colleagues which is being planned at this time.

The TRHOF posted in a Facebook Group,  "His family asks for time to process this loss, and thanks you for your kindness, understanding and prayers."

Chapman was inducted into the the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2010 and into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2012.


Click here to read full Twitter thread of Jody Dean's remembrance of Ron Chapman

Dallas - Fort Worth radio  listeners have heard Chapman's voice since the late 1950s , but he got his start in broadcasting right after high school graduation in 1953 at WHAV-AM Haverhill, MA.

From there, Chapman broadcasted for the U.S. Army in Korea.

Upon returning to the United States, Chapman worked at WNHC-AM New Haven.

Texas came calling in 1959 and Chapman joined KLIF-AM Dallas where he spent six years hosting "Charlie & Harrigan Show" as “Irving Harrigan” with Jack Woods playing "Charlie Brown."

During the 60s, Chapman joined WFAA the TEGNA station reports.  He hosted "Sump n Else," a teen dance show, and "The Group and Chapman," a bandstand program. 

In 1968, joined a group that bought KVIL-FM which is known for pioneering the Adult Contemporary (AC) format.  His time at KVIL lasted 32 years where he did everything from working as the morning host, program director, music director and promotion director.

Chapman joined KLUV in 2000 where she stayed until retiring in 2005. 

Retirement didn't last too long though, as Chapman returned to behind the microphone in 2997 when he was asked by ABC to become the regular substitute for "Paul Harvey News."