Who's Who at WONN

Alex's Co-Workers

Willie Anderson, Sr.
Jerry Bright
Jim Campbell
Brooke Chamberlain
Bob Crews
Tom Dell
Larry DeVore
Jack Eilertsen
Howard Ellis
Florida Citrus Mutual Calling
Ron Fraiser
John Gilman
Eddie Glover
Rich Halten
Ron Hart
Bob Helmick
Mike Helminski
Cal Hendricks
Don Hiers
Joe Pyne Show
Bob Jones
Jay Kuppers
Frank Laseter
Ernie Legge
Jim Maloy
Bill McClure
Duane McConnell
Yvonne McDaniel
DuLaurence Miller
Pat Morgan
Buddy Penn
Jonnie Pinkston
Ed Pyle
Terry Roberts
Dave Ross
Butch Rush
Dan Sanborn
Gene Schlei
Marge Schmidt
Jerry Smithwick
Smoke House Serenade
Bill Snyder
Dave Sousa
Steve Sparkman
Russ Starner
Vic Swan
Tom Talcott
George Tuttle, Sr
Jacqueline Valentino
Phil Wayne
Mark Wheeler
Bob White
Bob Wolfe
Shirley Wolfe

Alex Houston

Alex joined WONN from sister station WSLC in Clermont in 1963 and worked the morning show from 5:30 until 9. Later, he moved to afternoon drive, picked up the moniker “The Big A” and became program director.

In 1965 and 1966, he coordinated efforts with promoter A.J. Perry to bring in top recording stars for WONN’s Star Spectaculars at the Lakeland Civic Center. Encouraged by management to become more involved in the community, he became active in the Lakeland Sertoma Club and the Jaycees, serving two terms on its Board of Directors.

In 1967 Alex moved to cross-town rival WLAK as an account executive, while keeping an on-air presence in afternoon drive. He was there a little over a year before leaving the area and heading back to Atlanta, his hometown, to become operations manager for WGKA AM & FM.

Eventually becoming dissatisfied with radio, his plans were to get out of the business. However, a chance meeting in 1969 with Paul Reynolds, a news anchor from Atlanta’s WQXI-TV, changed everything. Reynolds, who had worked in Tampa Bay radio and television in the 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s, told him that his station was looking for a booth announcer and that he should look into it.

Alex followed his advice and auditioned for the position. Not only did he get it, but doors opened up for him to host the “Dialing for Dollars Movie,” do commercials, and be the Sunday night weatherman on the local news.

By 1973, he was bored again with the broadcast business and left it for good this time. For the next fifteen years, he worked in outdoor advertising as an account executive and consultant and then ventured into real estate in 1988.

Alex retired at the end of 2002 and passed away on July 13, 2006.

Station History

1963 - 1967 WONN (On Air Personality)
1966 - 1967 WONN (Program Director)

Home | WPLA | WONN | WLAK | Other Stations | Related Links | Contact Us

© 2023 RadioYears.com All rights reserved.
Built by fusionZONE, Inc.