Hope of Deliverance partners with rural shelters lacking veterinary care to rescue and fully rehabilitate dogs, providing top-to-tail care, and relying on a community of fosters and volunteers to save as many lives as possible.
🍬 RETRO TRUNK-OR-TREAT
Get ready for a fantastic, fun-filled community event! Hope of Deliverance ( teaming up with Saint Francis in the Foothills United Methodist Church and The Drive Tucson to bring you a Retro Trunk-or-Treat like no other!
🚗 CAR SHOW EXTRAVAGANZA
Show off your wheels for just $20! The first 15 registered cars get a collectible dash plate! Want to bring your ride and hand out candy to trick-or-treaters? Email: breekishman@gmail.com to sign up!
🍁 VENDORS, ANTIQUES, & CRAFTERS
Secure your spot for only $20! Bring your own table and tent, and enjoy the day outside with the cars in Tucson’s stunning weather. Email: breekishman@gmail.com to claim your space!
🐾 EXTRA GOODIES!
Keeping your cars safe: We know how precious your vehicles are, so the dog rescues will be indoors, away from the cars.
🎉 This is going to be a heavily promoted event, with 100% of proceeds going to benefit us and Helping Every Animal Receive Treatment. Don’t miss out on a day of fun, food, cars, music, and community spirit. Mark your calendars now!
We can’t wait to see you there!
4625 E. River Rd. Tucson 85718
For more information about Hope of Deliverance, click The Button.
The Drive Tucson's Classic Car Giveaway #4
Presented by
Larry H. Miller Volkswagen – Tucson Auto Mall
We're doing it AGAIN
WIN THIS CAR!
The Drive Tucson is giving away another classic car!
Our #4 Classic Car is a fully customized, 1973 Volkswagen Beetle!!
This beauty is super clean.
NEXT EVENTS TO QUALIFY TO BE A FINALIST TO WIN THE BEETLE
SUNNY DAZE CAFE
📅 This Friday, November 1st
🕚11:30am - 1:00pm
📍 4980 S. Campbell Ave.
RETRO CLASSIC CAR SHOW/TRUNK-OR-TREAT
📅 This Saturday, November 2nd
🕚3:00p - 4:30pm
📍 4625 E. River Rd. (St. Francis in the Foothills)
PLUS!!!! Come witness the EPIC stereo system our friends at The Specialists did for us.
Don't forget Bookman's Entertainment Exchange is providing 2nd, 3rd & 4th Prizes.
For official contest rules click The Button.
Why choose Larry H. Miller Volkswagen Tucson? We make car buying easy and treat you like family. With a great selection of cars and friendly service, we’re here to help you find the right car and financing. Plus, our expert team keeps your Volkswagen running smoothly. Visit us at 900 West AutoMall Drive in Tucson—we’ll help you drive home happy!
Bookman's shelves are stocked by the community—you! Bring in your items while you shop, and we’ll offer trade credit or cash for what we can use. We buy books, music, movies, video games, electronics, and more, based on demand and stock. Unsure if we’ll take something? Bring it in and we’ll check! Our needs change daily, so visit our "What We Want" post and trade in your unwanted items today! For more information, click The Button.
Get ready, Tucson! On Sunday, October 27, from 9 AM to 3 PM, the streets of downtown Tucson are transforming into a car-free playground for Cyclovia Tucson. This community event is all about celebrating active transportation, sustainability, and inclusivity by temporarily repurposing public streets to be car-free for the day. Whether you want to bike, walk, roll, or scoot, you can explore the city in a new way, without worrying about traffic!
Cyclovia encourages people of all ages and abilities to come out and enjoy the open streets, connecting neighborhoods, local businesses, and parks along the way. Expect live entertainment, food vendors, and interactive activities lining the streets, making it not just a ride but a festival of movement and fun. And the best part? It’s totally free!
Whether you’re a cycling enthusiast or just looking for a unique way to spend your Sunday, Cyclovia Tucson promises a vibrant day where the streets are for everyone.
For more events in Tucson, click HERE
For more details on routes, events, and how to get involved, click The Button.
Looking for some family-friendly Halloween fun this October? Tucson offers a variety of pumpkin patches and fall celebrations perfect for kids and parents alike. Here are two top picks for an unforgettable day of seasonal excitement.
These pumpkin patches and fall celebrations provide a perfect mix of fun and adventure for families this Halloween season. With pumpkins, hayrides, and corn mazes, it’s the ultimate way to celebrate the autumn spirit with your kids.
As Halloween approaches, thrill-seekers in Tucson have plenty of spine-chilling options to choose from. While family-friendly fun is always a hit, some haunted houses are geared towards adults looking for serious scares. Here's a look at the top three picks for those brave enough to face their fears:
These haunted houses promise an unforgettable night of terror and excitement. If you're an adrenaline junkie who enjoys a good scare, these are the must-see spots in Tucson this Halloween season.
The Tucson Pops Orchestra is excited to bring live music back to the community with its 2024 fall concert series! Starting soon, everyone is invited to gather under the evening sky for a magical season of Music Under the Stars™ at the beautiful DeMeester Outdoor Performing Arts Center (The Bandshell) in Reid Park.
Concerts begin at 7:00 PM, so bring your family, friends, and don’t forget a blanket or lawn chair to get comfortable for a night of wonderful music. Best of all, the concerts are free and open to everyone, though donations are always appreciated to help keep the music alive for future seasons.
For more information, click The Button
Bring the whole family for a fun-filled day at Oktoberfest! Enjoy German beer, delicious authentic Oktoberfest food, live traditional German music, and dancing on the large outdoor dance floor. Kids can have fun with games, and you can take in the beautiful fall colors at Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley in the Coronado National Forest. The sky ride is usually running during the event, and The Iron Door restaurant will be open as usual.
Oktoberfest runs weekends only from September 21, 2024, to October 13, 2024, from 11:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Please note, no dogs are allowed during the event.
Location: 10300 Ski Run Rd., Mt. Lemmon, AZ 85619
For more info: Ski Valley 520-576-1321
For road conditions: Pima County 520-547-7510
Fall at the farm means pumpkins, hayrides, corn mazes, sunflowers, and that perfect crisp autumn weather! Bring the whole family for a fun-filled day in the countryside. Our huge 12.5-acre corn maze, with over 600,000 stalks, is open daily starting at 9:00 AM, with last entry at 4:00 PM. With two levels of difficulty, you can spend as much or as little time wandering the maze as you’d like!
Hop on a hayride and enjoy a scenic trip through the farm to our pumpkin patch, where you’ll find Arizona’s largest selection of pumpkins right on the vine. There are rows and rows of bright orange pumpkins, ranging from mini sizes to extra-large ones, ready for you to pick!
Be sure to stop by our sunflower field, where you’ll be surrounded by sunflowers taller than you can imagine. You can even pick your own to take home! If you're up for some more farm fun, head to the vegetable fields where you can pick fresh fall produce like broccoli and winter squash.
The corn maze is open every day at 6405 W Williams Road, and our orchard is open Saturdays and Sundays at 2081 W Hardy Road.
Make a day of it and come early for our All-You-Can-Eat pumpkin and buttermilk pancake breakfast served from 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM every Saturday and Sunday. Stay for lunch and enjoy an Apple Smoked Burger from 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM, and don’t forget to treat yourself to homemade pumpkin ice cream, pumpkin pies, pumpkin bread, and cider donuts! Click The Button for more info.
One year after returning from the grave, Mary Hyde has fully embraced her terrifying new identity as the Demon Queen of Nightfall. Now armed with the dark power to summon demons from the underworld, Queen Mary is building a massive, terrifying army to solidify her reign. But her control over Nightfall is far from guaranteed. As the all-but-destroyed Resistance gathers its strength for one final battle, the fate of Nightfall hangs in the balance. Will Mary’s dark power crush her enemies, or will the Resistance rise and take back what was theirs?
Prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience across 20+ acres of spine-chilling haunts, twisted mazes, and horrifying roaming creatures lurking around every corner. Witness heart-stopping stunt shows, enjoy captivating musical theater, mind-bending magic performances, and laugh at darkly comedic dissections that will leave you squirming. Plus, indulge in delicious food and drink offerings, and don’t worry—the fun isn’t all fearsome. We’ve got family-friendly attractions for those looking for a lighter scare!
This year, get a screaming deal on both Nightfall and Yuletide! Click below for info.
With FREE PARKING and ALL ATTRACTIONS INCLUDED WITH ADMISSION, this is the Halloween event of the year!
PARK HOURS: 6:00 PM – 11:30 PM. Be ready for a night of thrills and chills!
September 27, 2024 - October 27, 2024
Old Tucson is located at 201 S Kinney Rd, Tucson AZ 85713 Tucson, AZ 85735
Get ready for intense emotions in this gripping revenge thriller, newly updated for today’s audience by popular playwright Jeffrey Hatcher (known for “Wait Until Dark,” “Holmes and Watson,” “Tuesdays with Morrie,” and “Jekyll and Hyde”). Originally written as a suspenseful play by Frederick Knott in 1952, it became even more famous with Alfred Hitchcock’s 1954 film version. This fresh, fast-moving adaptation has been a hit in theaters all over the country, bringing even more intrigue and emotion to the classic game of cat-and-mouse. With its vivid characters, sharp dialogue, and plenty of suspense, “Dial M” will keep you hooked from start to finish.
September 22, 2024 - October 12, 2024
Temple of Music and Art 330 S Scott Ave Tucson, AZ 85701
Bobby Rich: A 50-Year Legacy in Radio Broadcasting
Bobby Rich, a legendary figure in the radio industry, has crafted an extraordinary career spanning over 50 years. It all started when, at just 15 years old, Rich took his first steps into radio at a small 1000-watt daytime AM station in Washington state. From those humble beginnings, he quickly rose through the ranks, securing radio gigs in Spokane before moving on to key roles in Lansing, MI; Toledo, OH; and Davenport, IA, where he became Program Director at KSTT.
The next 25 years saw Rich excel in a variety of on-air, programming, and management positions across the country’s top markets. His career highlights include significant roles in Miami, New Haven, Los Angeles (at KHJ & KFI), New York (WXLO/99X), Philadelphia, and Seattle. Among his many accomplishments, Rich’s leadership at San Diego’s KFMB-AM and B-100FM stands out. Under his guidance, B-100FM became the first Contemporary major market FM station to reach #1 in the 12+ ratings (ARB Fall 1977). He returned to the station seven years later to pioneer the first "Hot AC" format in 1985, further cementing his legacy as a radio trailblazer.
In 1992, Rich made Tucson, AZ, his permanent home, becoming the city’s longest-running morning radio personality during a 24-year tenure at KMXZ (94.9 MIX-FM). After leaving MIX-FM, Rich, together with local partners Fletcher McCusker and Jim Arnold, launched KDRI/The Drive Tucson in 2019. The station, catering to the often-overlooked Baby Boomer generation, quickly rose to prominence under Rich’s leadership, becoming one of the top-rated stations in the market.
Rich remained a beloved on-air presence as the host of The Morning Drive on 101.7FM and AM 830, co-hosted by Hill Bailey, until his retirement in May 2023. Throughout his illustrious career, he garnered numerous accolades, including being named Tucson's "Best Radio Personality," "Best in City," and "Best Morning Radio Show." His contributions were further recognized with his induction into the Arizona Broadcasters Hall of Fame, the Greater Tucson Leadership’s Community Leadership Award, and the Tucson Advertising Federation’s prestigious “Golden Mic Award.”
Reflecting on his retirement, Rich told KOLD TV, NEWS 13, “It’s been an honor and a privilege to entertain, inform, and make listeners happy for over 50 years. I’ve been blessed to work with so many talented individuals and create lasting memories. I’m excited to begin the next chapter of my life and see what the future holds.”
When Bobby Rich stepped away from the mic, he left behind a towering legacy that will resonate in the radio industry for generations. His pioneering spirit, dedication to his craft, and unwavering commitment to his listeners have not only shaped the airwaves but also touched countless lives. Bobby Rich isn’t just a radio legend—he’s a true icon, whose impact will be felt long after the final broadcast fades to silence.
Even beyond the studio, Bobby Rich has been a tireless advocate for Tucson’s community, hosting countless charitable events and championing local causes with unwavering passion. In his retirement, he has turned his legendary expertise into a lasting gift for the industry he helped shape, launching Bobby-Rich-Radio.com. This pro-bono service is more than just a resource—it’s a legacy, offering broadcasters the wisdom and insight gained over a half-century of success. For those who dare to dream of greatness, Rich's blueprint is their secret weapon, a roadmap not just to success, but to achieving the extraordinary. This is Bobby Rich’s ultimate tribute to the craft he loves, ensuring that the next generation of radio professionals can rise to the heights that legends are made of.
On behalf of The Drive Tucson crew, we extend our deepest thank you to Bobby Rich. It was an honor cruising alongside such a legendary driver in radio! Your vision and leadership steered us to new heights. We're proud to keep the engine running on the road you've paved.
Tucson loves you Bobby and so do we!
Thank you for paving the way, for those here today.
The limited radio series, "Summer of Legends" was made exclusively possible by
In the storied world of radio broadcasting, few names shine as brightly as "Sunny Jim" Arnold. His journey from a small-town studio technician to a titan in the industry is nothing short of legendary, a testament to his talent, tenacity, and an unrelenting passion for the medium.
Early Beginnings in Marion, Indiana
Born and raised in Marion, Indiana, Jim's passion for broadcasting began early. As a teenager, while his peers were navigating the typical high school experiences, Arnold was already laying the foundation for his future career. Working as a studio technician at a local TV station during his junior and senior years of high school, he quickly learned the ropes of the broadcasting world. This hands-on experience fueled his ambition and set him on a path that would soon lead him to the University of Arizona.
From Arizona to the Airwaves
While attending the University of Arizona, Arnold continued to hone his craft. He made his first foray into radio during the summer between his freshman and sophomore years, working as a newscaster at a local Marion radio station. But it was his sophomore year that marked a significant turning point in his career. Arnold was hired as the 6 p.m. to midnight weekend DJ at KOLD-AM 1450, a station with a diverse programming schedule that included news, easy listening, and Top 40 hits at night.
It was at KOLD that that he encountered John Wasley, a mentor who would play a crucial role in his early development. Wasley, who later became an attorney in Oracle, AZ, recognized Jim's potential and helped him navigate the complexities of the radio industry. Arnold's time at KOLD was marked by a series of strategic moves from station to station, each one bringing better hours, more pay, and valuable experience in different formats, from Top 40 to Adult Contemporary.
The Move to Country Radio and the Birth of "Sunny" Jim
Jim's transition to country radio was a pivotal moment in his career. It was Bob Scholz at KHYT who first identified Jim's natural fit for the country format, bestowing upon him the nickname "Sunny Jim." This moniker would stick and become synonymous with Arnold's affable, upbeat on-air persona. Scholz introduced Arnold to Jim Slone of KHOS, and after a single meeting, Arnold was hired as the morning DJ at KHOS.
Jim Slone, a figure who would become both a mentor and a lifelong friend, played an instrumental role in Arnold's rise. When Slone acquired KCUB 1290, Arnold was among the first to be brought over from KHOS. Under Arnold's guidance, KCUB quickly rose to prominence, not only becoming Tucson's top country station but also one of the leading stations in the market. The station's success was recognized on a national level in 1976 when Billboard magazine named KCUB the Grand International Radio Station of the Year.
Accolades and Evolution
Jim's talent did not go unnoticed. In 1976 and 1977, he was honored as a top five finalist for Billboard's Country Music DJ of the Year, a prestigious accolade that recognized his influence in the industry. Although he didn't take home the top prize, Jim Arnold's impact was undeniable, and he humorously considered himself a close second.
In 1978, he transitioned from on-air talent to station management, taking the reins as general manager of KROD/KLAQ in El Paso. This move marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career, one that saw him build and manage radio and television stations across the country. His leadership at KROD/KLAQ and the creation of a brand-new station, KRUX in Lubbock, TX, solidified his reputation as a formidable force in the industry.
A Legacy of Leadership
Jim Arnold's career continued to ascend as he moved into television, taking on roles in station operations, programming, and sales management. By 1991, he had risen to the position of CEO at WMSN Fox 47 in Madison, WI, a role that would lead to similar positions at KJAA/KAMR in Amarillo, TX, and eventually, a return to Tucson as CEO of KOLD-TV in 2000.
Jim's dedication to his work was unwavering, even in the face of personal challenges. In 2010, he retired to care for his seriously ill son, a testament to his commitment to family. After his son's passing in 2012, Arnold returned to the industry, taking on the role of CEO for KGUN/KWBA-TV and overseeing multiple radio stations under Journal Broadcasting and later Scripps.
The Final Chapter: Retirement and Legacy
In 2017, Jim Arnold retired for the second time, capping off a career that spanned decades and left an indelible mark on the broadcasting industry. However, retirement didn't keep him away for long. In 2019, he became a partner in The Drive Tucson 101.7 FM/AM 830, alongside Fletcher McCusker and Bobby Rich. Arnold's involvement in this venture was a final flourish in a career defined by innovation, leadership, and a deep love for radio.
In 2023, with the acquisition of the station by Bustos Media, Jim decided to retire once more, this time for good. His retirement marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to inspire and influence broadcasters for generations to come, even if they do listen to country music (wink).
At The Drive Tucson, we consider ourselves fortunate to have worked alongside one of the true legends of broadcasting—our dear friend and partner, "Sunny" Jim Arnold. His story is not just one of professional achievement but of a man whose warmth, kindness, and unwavering dedication touched everyone he met. As we reflect on his remarkable career and contributions, we do so with deep gratitude and affection.
We love you, Jim!
Thank you for paving the way, for those here today.
Photo cred: Arizona Daily Star | Jim Arnold
From his humble beginnings in Rhode Island to his revered status as a Tucson radio icon, Alan Michaels has left a memorable mark on the broadcasting world. After earning his degree in Journalism, Alan embarked on his career as a radio newsman in Providence, Rhode Island. His dedication and talent quickly propelled him to prestigious events, such as President Carter's press conference, where he sat among top network reporters.
In 1976, Rhode Island was hit by the Blizzard of '76, which blanketed the state with 56 inches of snow. Ever the dedicated newsman, Michaels was transported to work via snowmobile. He and his colleagues spent three days and nights at the station, sustained by the kindness of neighbors who brought them food!
Alan’s life took a significant turn when he visited cousins in Tucson and fell in love with the area. In 1980, with KCEE undergoing a format change, he seized the opportunity to join a new station. On June 12, 1980, he was unexpectedly offered a DJ position, leading to the debut of "The Greatest Hits of All Time" on 790 Mighty KCEE the next day. The show quickly soared to number two in the market.
During his tenure at Kool 92.9, the station made an exciting addition to their morning lineup by promoting Joan Lee from part-time to join Michaels on the air. Together, they formed the dynamic duo of "Alan and Joan in the Morning." Their show quickly resonated with listeners and achieved the top spot in the morning ratings.
After a successful stint at Kool 92.9, Michaels transitioned to Coyote Country 92.9 FM. There, he teamed up with Savannah Jones for the morning show. The "Alan and Savannah" morning show continued the tradition of engaging and entertaining Tucson listeners, maintaining their strong presence in the competitive radio landscape.
Alan’s on-air charm saw him moving from early evening slots to afternoons, mid-days, and eventually the coveted morning drive. The station evolved into COOL 790, and later COOL 92.9/790, before 790 transitioned to KNST News/Talk.
Alan's popularity was reflected in numerous awards, including being named Tucson Magazine's Best Radio Personality multiple times from 1989 to 1995 and being voted Tucson's Best DJ by Tucson Weekly readers and editors. His influence extended beyond the airwaves, hosting community, fundraising and social events. He even took on TV roles, such as weekend and fill-in weather slots at KGUN 9 TV and hosting Fright Night Theatre on TV 18.
Michael's philanthropic efforts included hosting telethons for the Humane Society and United Cerebral Palsy, participating in Tucson Balloon Events, and working with celebrities like Michael Landon, Beau Bridges, and Rick Springfield. He was a Centurion since 1988 and chaired the 1999 event with a Woodstock-themed party. His collaboration with Ringo Starr for a Sierra Tucson fundraiser at Loew's Ventana was a highlight.
He received the first Golden Mic Award from the Tucson Advertising Federation and was named Humane Society Man of the Year. In 2002, as COOL 92.9 became KOYT Country 92.9, Michaels adapted, eventually returning to his oldies passion at COOL 1450.
On January 20, 2009, a nationwide staff reduction by Clear Channel ended Michaels’ tenure. He later hosted "POWER OLDIES with Alan Michaels" on POWER 1210, a show that enjoyed great success until the station closed.
After retiring from radio, Alan transitioned to successful roles in marketing and community development, including positions at Simply Bits, Wells Fargo, and MHC Healthcare. Currently, he serves as the Director of Development at the Children's Advocacy Center of Southern Arizona, focusing on helping children and families affected by abuse, and is gearing up for a major event on Saturday, November 23, at Rillito Racetrack: The Children's Advocacy Center Hot Air Balloon Fest.
Today we celebrate you, Alan Michaels. Your illustrious career and legendary status have left an indelible mark on the radio industry. With a voice that became synonymous with morning entertainment, your contributions have resonated deeply with listeners, shaping the landscape of Tucson radio.
Your unwavering dedication and exceptional talent have solidified your place as a true icon in Tucson's broadcasting history.
We love you, Alan!
Thank you for paving the way, for those here today.
The Drive Tucson's Summer of Legends is made exclusively possible by
For fifty years, his velvety voice resonated through the radios of thousands of Tucson listeners, becoming a comforting and familiar presence. In the vibrant tapestry of Tucson’s radio history, one name stands out.
For fifty years, the warm, velvety voice of Ed Alexander has been a comforting presence on Tucson's airwaves, becoming a beloved symbol of the city's rich broadcasting heritage. Ed's extraordinary journey, which began in 1970, has seen him rise to legendary status, his career mirroring the vibrant evolution of music and radio in Tucson. He has been more than just a broadcaster; he has been a cherished member of the community, a voice that has touched hearts and brought joy to countless listeners over the decades. Ed's legacy is one of dedication, passion, and an unwavering connection to the people of Tucson, making him an immeasurable part of the city's cultural fabric.
Ed is a proud graduate of Rincon High School (GO RANGERS!). He stepped into the world of radio during a landmark year for rock music, coinciding with the debut albums of legends like Elton John, Rod Stewart, and Black Sabbath. His early days were spent hosting morning shows on KWFM, Tucson’s original Album Rock station, where he immersed listeners in the sounds of The Beatles, The Doors, and Led Zeppelin.
Ed's versatility quickly became apparent as he transitioned to afternoons on 1330-KHIT “The Underdog,” blending old and new pop hits. By the fall of 1972, he had secured a spot at Tucson’s leading station, 990 KTKT. Over the years, Ed worked various time slots, eventually becoming the morning host, joined by sidekicks such as Tonie Stanton, Mike Letson, and Allen Kath, among others. His dynamic presence and leadership skills led him to roles as music director, program director, and eventually Operations Manager. In the summer of 1979, Ed played a pivotal role in launching Classic Rock 96.1 KLPX.
When KTKT transitioned away from music programming, Ed continued to enchant listeners with Cool Oldies on 790AM and 92.9FM, alongside notable personalities like Alan Michaels and Bill Mortimer. The mid-90s saw him holding down afternoons on 94.9 KKLD “Cloud 95” and later 94.9 MixFM. His career evolved further as he hosted mornings on Mega Oldies 106.3/104.9 and took on the role of Operations Manager for Good News Communications stations in 2010.
For a decade, he produced the “Wake Up, Tucson” morning talk show on KVOI and programmed Pop Classics 690 KCEE.
Ed’s impact extended beyond the studio. He was a prominent figure in the community, hosting events such as the March of Dimes walkathons, MDA & Humane Society Telethons, and the Michael Landon Celebrity Tennis Classic. His commitment to public service included hundreds of live business remote broadcasts and a deep involvement with nonprofit and community service events.
Ed retired at the end of 2020, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and passion for radio. Today, he enjoys a well-deserved retirement with his wife Julie, their family, and two granddaughters. He continues to give back to the community as an active volunteer with the Southern Arizona American Red Cross, where his stepdaughter, Courtney, serves as Executive Director.
The echoes of Ed's velvety voice still lingers in the hearts of Tucson's listeners. His fifty-year journey, filled with passion, dedication, and an unwavering love for radio, has not only defined his own legacy but also shaped the cultural landscape of Tucson. Ed's presence will be profoundly missed on the airwaves, yet his impact will continue to resonate through the countless lives he touched.
On behalf of the entire staff at The Drive Tucson, we salute you today, Ed. Your remarkable career is a testament to your talent, resilience, and unwavering connection to Tucson. Although your voice may no longer be a daily presence on the airwaves, know that your influence and contributions to the world of radio and the Tucson community will be remembered for generations to come.
Thank you for paving the way, for those here today.
We love you, Ed!
Photo Credits:
Ed Alexander,
“Entertaining Tucson Across the Decades,” © 2014 Entertainment Magazine.”
Read about more radio legends HERE
This on-air event is exclusively brought to you by Play It Again Sports on Speedway Blvd.
The Drive Tucson's SUMMER OF LEGENDS pays tribute to legendary bands coming to Tucson including Christopher Cross, Alan Parsons, Todd Rundgren and the Little River Band. We are also celebrating Tucson's legendary broadcasters that include, Bobby Rich, Alan Michaels, Adrianne Walker, and “Sunny Jim” Arnold, Ed Alexander and Bobby Lewis, all who helped shape an entire generation of music.
Join us in celebrating the songs we forgot we loved and the voices that brought them to life.
In the vibrant world of radio broadcasting, few names resonate as profoundly as that of a legendary Tucson radio personality who has left an indelible mark on the industry and the community he loves. His journey began in 1980 when he landed a job at KNOT in Prescott, even before he graduated from the legendary Ron Bailey School of Broadcasting.
Just two weeks into his tenure at KNOT, he received a life-changing call from 13-KHIT, right here in Tucson, a station that many long-time residents will fondly remember. This opportunity allowed him to move to Tucson, a city he would come to adore and call home.
By 1984, he transitioned to KFOX, a brand-new station at the time, which operated from the same studios that now house The Drive Tucson. His presence at KFOX set the stage for the station's rise in popularity and solidified his reputation as a premier broadcaster. It was during this time that his love for Tucson truly blossomed, as he became an integral part of the local community.
In 1989, his career took him to Phoenix, where he joined the Buck Owens-owned KNIX, the number one country station in the area. He started with the overnight slot but quickly moved up to the morning show, joining John Michaels and Carolyn Coffee in the beloved "John, Bobby & Coffee" morning lineup. Despite his success in Phoenix, Tucson always remained close to his heart.
The pull of Tucson was strong, and in 1997, he returned to take on the morning show at KHYT. For the next five years, he and his co-host Wendy Sweet climbed the rankings, providing listeners with a comforting and reliable radio experience. Known for his signature "Prize Pants" and a style of "comfort radio" that listeners could "turn on and leave on", he cemented his status as a beloved figure in Tucson's radio history.
Today, after transitioning from on-air roles to a successful position in broadcast sales, he continues to thrive. His deep understanding of the radio industry and his natural ability to connect with people have made him a formidable force in sales. His dynamic success in this new chapter of his career further solidifies his legacy as a versatile and impactful figure in the world of radio.
Legendary radio personality Bobby Lewis returns to the airwaves for one day only.
Sunday, July 28th - 12p-3p
Today, we gather to pay tribute to Bobby, a true luminary whose remarkable journey has profoundly influenced the radio world. His captivating presence and engaging broadcasts have become a beloved part of Tucson's mornings, endearing him to countless listeners. Bobby's relentless passion and extraordinary skills have earned him a well-deserved place among the legends of broadcasting.
We love you, Bobby Lewis!
More Summer of Legends HERE
This on-air event is exclusively brought to you by Play It Again Sports on Speedway Blvd.
The Drive Tucson's SUMMER OF LEGENDS pays tribute to legendary bands coming to Tucson including Christopher Cross, Alan Parsons, Todd Rundgren and the Little River Band. We are also celebrating Tucson's legendary broadcasters that include, Bobby Rich, Alan Michaels, Adrianne Walker, and “Sunny Jim” Arnold, Ed Alexander and Bobby Lewis, all who helped shape an entire generation of music.
Join us in celebrating the songs we forgot we loved and the voices that brought them to life.
On Saturday, July 6th, we officially kicked off our Summer of Legends with the voice of our radio station, Adrienne Walker! Adrienne's illustrious career has spanned iconic stations and genres, marking her as a legendary voice in radio. From the unique charm of KFMU FM, The World’s Only Wind-Powered Radio Station in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, to the cutting-edge sounds of WXRT-FM in Chicago and the soothing melodies of KOST-FM in Los Angeles, Adrienne has left an unforgettable mark on the airwaves. Throughout the '90s, her voice resonated globally as the co-host of The World Chart Show, an internationally syndicated countdown program that captivated audiences worldwide.
Adrienne’s influence in Tucson radio is unparalleled, with a 26-year tenure across various stations such as KLPX, KWFM, Cloud 95, and KTZN. Her most notable achievement was a remarkable 20-year run as the afternoon host on 94.9 Mix-FM, where her presence became a beloved fixture in the community. Now, she continues to enchant listeners as a voice-over talent, proudly serving as “the voice” of The Drive Tucson.
Adrienne Walker’s career is a testament to her versatility, passion, and enduring impact on the world of radio.
Thank you and we love you, Adrienne!
Be sure to listen this all summer long for our very special tributes and showcases to
Tucson's LEGENDARY voices!