Listen to Ken's
acceptance remarks at the October 27, 2002 Texas Radio Hall of
Fame Induction Celebration in Fort Worth. He explains how
he came to be known as "Hubcap."
(click here)
(Real Audio
Format)
In 2001, Hubcap
Carter remembered another radio great, Paxton Mills, who
had
died in Colorado ... |
Fans and Friends Remember
Ken "Hubcap"
Carter
e-mail
your
comments about Ken
-- -- They will be posted here on the Web site
I worked with Ken at River Riders Productions where we produced syndicated radio shows and specials. Hubcap was an inspiration and the kind of person you’d want to live on forever.
As many have said, I never remember him complaining about anything and would always bring joy into the studio with a funny story or joke or just the smile of his face – he made you feel comfortable.
Hubcap truly loved his work – it wasn’t work for him. Words flowed, ideas filled the room – he was never at a loss. To have experienced one tenth of life the way he did, and to touch as many people in the way he did, can only be imagined.
Come to think of it – maybe Hubcap does live on, through the countless memories he left. A loss, not only to radio – but to the world.
Kind regards,
Dave Jackson
I'm just another in a line of about a zillion people who owe their
radio careers to "Hubcap..." In the mid-80s I worked at KLUV doing
call-out research. At the end of my phone shift, Hubba "let" me pull
carts for the next shift (howdy Jason Walker!) and later for his Friday
Night Classics Party. That led me to board-op for the Sunday
early-morning shows such as PowerLine (hats off to Brother Jon
Rivers!). Hubba then hooked me up with a mobile DJ service, and with my
first airshifts at KWJS-AM, KTLR-FM, and ultimately, Metro Traffic
Control.
Pretty much everything important I ever learned in radio, I learned
from Hubba. "The three most important things," he said, were:
1. Love your audience.
2. Love your audience.
3. Love your audience.
And he surely did. What a delight of a man, and giant in broadcasting.
Brian Lynch
This is the first time I could sit down and talk about my friend, Ken "Hubcap" Carter. His passing took away someone who loved all the way. It didn't matter where you came from to him, only that you were his friend. I think about all the fun I had listening to his incredible life, and when I was troubled, or just wanted to "go play", he was game for it all and always had an answer to my circumstance. Like it or not, he was always right!
During a lonely time in my life, I told Hubba that I never felt really loved, unconditionally, by a man, and that I hoped it would happen someday. Hubba got up close to me and said "Martin, ...I love you". He changed my life with his humor, his friendship, his music, and his sweet company. It's all I can do not to cry every time I walk into our control room at KAAM and see his picture there. The only joy is in knowing that he is in heaven and when it's my turn ....I have the most wonderful friend there waiting. There will never be another Ken Carter. My thanks to Willy B, the Carter family, and KAAM, for carrying on with the Hubcap Radio Network. See you later Hubba.
Linda Martin
(I know this is a bit long, I hope you'll bear with me.) I 'stumbled across' the Hubcap Radio Network maybe 2 or 3 years ago in Denver. I was absolutely astounded in, not only the fact that Hub was really a great, fun DJ, but the music he played really 'blew me away.' I heard music I hadn't heard in over 40 years, music I was sure I'd never hear again. Not one or two songs - every freakin' song he played was a classic. I'll never forget the first night I heard him. I was on my way home from work, and ran across his show on AM 560. I mean, who listens to AM anymore? When I got home, I rushed in and tuned him in at home and sat, mesmerized, as memory after memory flooded my mind. And, this guy was fun to listen to. The station soon swapped frequencies up around 1260 somewhere, and the station began a 24/7 format, with Dave "Hotrod" Dixon (?) and others. I mean, I quit watching TV.
Well, all good things must end, I guess, and the format, and the people I had grown to love, went away. I was crushed. But, I had early on begun taping. I have about 10 Hubcap Carter Radio Network tapes, and they are my treasure. Early this year, I discovered a jewel. One morning I had called Hub to ask for a song. Would you believe it? I asked for a REQUEST! OHM'GOSH, the dreaded "R" word. And, the cool thing was, he didn't catch it. It was a total reflex habit on my part, and I didn't even realise it had happened until a couple months later when I was playing the tape in my car. I retired in March of 2004 and moved to Dallas in May. I had heard that he was playing on a Dallas station on saturday nites, and I was excited to be coming to hear him. And I really looked forward to having fun with him and my "r______" tape. Then I found his website and read the news. Another "Day the music died." I can't kid him now about the d ay the "R" got thru. But I know heaven is Rockin' and Rollin' for sure with the mighty Hubcap Carter takin suggestions.
Did you ever hear his Theme Song (Hey, everybody, here is what is going down....?), did you hear the night that someone called in; "Could I suggest Elvis, and the railroaders and the moonshiners song?" (Hub) "Which one do you mean?" (Listener) "Love Me Tender, Love Me Still! (Hub, after 3 seconds of silence) "I do the jokes," with Crusin' Al laughing his head off. After playing Love Me Tender, Hub came on, "Yep! Put one over on old Hubba (with Crusin' Al still laughing,) Make a note, that guy is barred from the show forever" as Al laughed even harder. What a classic bit.
Hub, you were the classiest of class acts. Thank you for the memories, and for bringing a little pleasure to this old life. And, Hub, when I get there, could I suggest "Let It Rock?" Let it Rock, on and on.
Walter Brown
I worked with Ken at KZAK in Tyler, TX.. He was also responsible for getting me hired at KEEE in Nacogdoches in 1967. No one can replace his enthusiasm for the 50's, 60's, and 70's Rock n' Roll like Ken Carter. There won't be another one like him.
Stanley Waghalter
Forgive the lateness of this remembrance for the kind, talented Ken Carter, who I will miss dearly on the radio airwaves. I first listened to Mr. Carter when he had the evening shift on KLUV FM back in the 1980s. I worked evenings at a public library and the drive home after 9:00 was sometimes difficult for me as I had to travel through some rough neighborhoods. But I kept my radio tuned to Hubcap and I felt as if he were helping me to get home safely in the evenings. I discovered KAAM radio in the early '90s and was thrilled when Hubcap brought his show over on the weekends. It was like an old friend I hadn't seen in awhile had returned. I'll miss him and his show, but I have sweet memories to treasure always. Much love to you all.
Teresa Gibson
Mesquite, TX
Just heard about Hubcap passing, and I am totally deflated. I moved to New Orleans 5 months ago, and the thing I miss most about being away from the Metro-Plex was not being able to hear Hubcap. I have several of his past radio programs recorded, and will cherish and replay them till I too will pass. Rest In Peace Hubcap.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Hubcap
was
and
remains
a
rock
and
roll
original.
I
first
came
to
the
DFW
market
in
1975
from
San
Antonio.
When
I
was
at
KEEZ/WOAI
back
then, some
staff
members
knew I
was
leaving
to
go
to
College
at
North
Texas
State
University,
and
they
told
me
to
tune
in
to
"Quick-
See"
to
hear
Hubcap.
I
didn't
know
where
to
find
"quick-see",
but
as
soon
as I
landed
in
Denton
I
found
the
station
and
it
was
"theater
of
the
mind".
Hubcap
rolled
off
information
about
Texas
music
legends,
New
York
Doo
wop
groups,
etc.
This
was
radio!
I
would
listen
to
the
TSN
newscasts
on
KFJZ-AM,
never
realizing
at
the
time
that
"Ken
Carter"
was
Hubcap.
I
thought
for
a
little
while
it
was
"Ken
Carter"
who
was
a DJ
at
KONO
and
later
a
news
anchor
on
KSAT-TV
in
San
Antonio.
I
was
told
in a
rather
"Johnny
Weismuller"
yell
by a
colleague,
that
it
wasn't.
Years
later
when
he
was
at
KLUV
I
listened
to
him,
and
knew
he
was
a
legend
right
up
there
with
Wolfman
Jack.
He
was
and
remains
an inspiration
RAY
Whitworth
I have
known "
Tiny" ,
and he
will
always
be
"Tiny"
to me,
for over
forty
years.
My
classmates
and I
had the
pleasure
to
really
be "crusin"
with
"Tiny'
in '62
and '63.
He was
on the
air at
KRBA
nighty.
I also
had the
pleasure
to see
him
work. I
would go
to the
station
on
Tuesday
night,
and
watch
him
broadcast
our LHS
hit
parade.
This
would be
followed
by the
request
hour.
One
could
listen
to the
request
and
music
and
follow
the
lives
and
loves of
your
follow
classmates.
I last
saw
"Tiny"
at our
40th
class
reunion
in April
of "03.
Wish I
had
spent a
few more
minutes
with
him. "
Tiny"
was a
friend
to
everyone
and
everyone's
friend.
Larry
Alford
LHS '63
I
enjoyed
listening
to
Hubcap
throughout
high
school
in Fort
Worth.
Then, in
the
spring
of 1978,
I was a
freshman
sports
information
intern
at UT
Austin.
Texas
Wesleyan
came to
town to
play a
baseball
doubleheader
and
Hubcap
was
their
sports
information
director.
He held
court in
the
press
box. He
regaled
us with
stories
of how
he knew
what
time in
his life
his
friends
were
from by
what
they
called
him.
Some
called
him
Tiny,
some
Hubcap,
and so
on, and
he could
track
the
phases
of his
life
this
way. But
the
highlight
of the
day was
the
announcement
of each
team's
next
game.
Hubcap
induced
the
public
address
announcer
to say
that
Texas
Wesleyan's
next
game
would be
played
at "the
Hubbadome."
In
reality,
they
played
in a
city
park in
Fort
Worth,
which
just
made it
funnier.
After
college
I
listened
to
Hubcap
on KLUV
before I
moved
away.
It's
been 26
years
since I
spent a
single
afternoon
sitting
next to
him, but
I still
remember
it and
smile.
Kevin
Edwards
Silver
Spring,
Maryland
One of
the
biggest
thrills
of my
life was
getting
to meet
"Hubcap"
Carter
face to
face,
during
the
summer
of 2001.
I had
just
been
hired by
the
Fabulous
560 KLZ
in
Denver,
it was
my first
job ever
in
radio. I
had been
listening
to 'Cruisin'
with
Hubcap'
every
weekend,
long
before I
got the
gig at
KLZ.
When
they
hired
me, I
was so
jazzed
that I
was
going to
be a
part of
a team
with the
likes of
DaBoogieman
& Hubcap
Carter!
These
were the
guys to
learn
from! No
broadcasting
school
can
teach
what
these
can show
you! I
was in
the KLZ
offices,
when Ken
walked
in. He
had come
up from
Dallas
to
Denver
for some
business
with KLZ.
He sat
down and
the PD
introduced
me to
him. He
was a
very
welcoming
person,
extending
his hand
he said
very
enthusiastically
to me,
"Welcome
to the
team my
friend!"
Followed
almost
immediately
by, "I'd
stand up
to greet
you, but
I'm
sort-of
attached
to this
chair."
(To this
day I
still
get a
good
laugh
about
that.) I
spoke
with him
every
Sunday
just
before
switching
over his
satellite
feed
from
Dallas,
after my
program.
Always
friendly,
always
kind and
always
cracking
a clever
one-liner.
Sometimes
people
in his
long-standing
position
won't
give you
the time
of day.
I never
felt
like
that
about
him.
When KLZ
"let"
all of
us in
Denver
go in
September
2001, I
not only
felt
like I
had lost
a dream
job, but
that I
had lost
a set of
good
friends.
Even
though I
had only
met Ken
one
time, I
felt
like he
was a
friend.
He had a
way of
making
people
feel
like
that
after
only a
short
time.
That
alone is
a gift.
There is
a lot of
talk
about
how
bland &
vanilla
radio
(especially
oldies
radio)
has
become.
That was
the HUGE
appeal
of a guy
like
'Hubcap'
and his
radio
show! He
played
the
"HITS"
the
"MISSES"
and
everything
in
between.
From BIG
JOE to
CHUCK to
DOO-WOP!
Rhythm &
Blues,
Rockabilly,
and some
serious
Blues! I
mean
what
other
radio
program,
or host
for that
matter,
would
play
"Sweet
Home
Chicago"
by both
the
Blues
Brothers
AND
Robert
Johnson!
I
learned
what
kind of
music to
play,
and I
learned
that it
is okay
to play
it!
People
love
variety
and
"Hubcap"
gave it
to them.
Thank
you Ken!
Thanks
for
showing
a rookie
in this
business
how to
do it!
Your
show
inspired
me to go
to
broadcasting
school,
in the
hopes
that
somewhere,
sometime,
I can do
the same
kind of
1950's
Rock'n'Roll
radio
show
that I
was able
to do
during
the
summer
of 2001
at KLZ!
I am
lucky
enough
to say
that I
had the
pleasure
of
working
with
you! And
to the
family
of
"Hubcap",
my heart
goes out
to you.
Heaven
has a
new
radio
program,
and I
know
they are
lovin'
it as
much as
we did
here! He
will be
missed
very
much! He
may be
gone,
but for
as long
as I am
alive,
I'll
never
forget
him. God
Bless
You Ken
"Hubcap"
Carter.
And
thanks
for the
memories!
PJ the
DJ
Host of
the
Fifties
Frenzy
Denver,
Colorado
PS- I
will
always
have the
NEED for
JIMMY
REED!!!!
I had
the
pleasure
of
working
with
Hubba on
"Crusin'
With
Hubcap"
as
executive
producer
of the
Denver
affiliate,
Legends
56, KLZ.
What can
I say
about
the man,
the
legend?
Working
with
Hubcap
was the
most fun
I've
ever had
in this
business.
We were
good
friends
and I
respected
him very
much. He
became
very
close
with my
family;
we often
would
trade
stories
about
our
daughters.
He had a
running
feud
with my
wife
over
requests,
I mean,
"suggestions"
as Hubba
would
say. She
would
always
suggest
a
British
group (Hubba
didn't
play
British
groups
on his
show)
just to
razz
him.
After
several
weeks of
this,
Hubba
finally
gave in
and
played
Petula
Clark
for her
but he
never
let us
forget
his good
deed. We
would
always
laugh
when he
would go
into his
"I hate
Petula
Clark"
speeches
both on
the air
and off.
On days
I filled
in for
him in
Denver I
would
try to
sneak
one in
between
Jimmy
Reed and
Delbert
but he
would
always
find
out.
Then the
next
week he
would
broadcast
to the
world
that "MadDog
is back
on
probation
for not
following
the
playlist".
We had a
lot of
fun
thanks
to
Petula.
I'll
really
miss
Hubba.
Thanks
for the
laughs
and
especially
for the
friendship.
Keith
"MadDog"
Marchesi
XM
Satellite
Radio
"Hubcap"
was, as
he
called
it, my "almost
Brother-in-Law".
We were
almost
related
by
marriage
a few
years
back. It
made us
both sad
that it
didn't
happen,
but even
still,
whenever
he knew
I was
listening,
he
played
"Denise,
Denise"
especially
for me.
He was
such a
charmer...
We all
lost a
great
friend...who
will
spin the
hubcaps
now?
Denise
Canon
Texarkana,
Texas
My
song/songs
were
ALWAYS
played
1-2
songs
after my
"suggestion!"
I went
to say
my "Last
Kiss",
tonight
(Wed.)
then
remembered
that
THAT'S
Peggy
Sue's
job, so
instead
I asked
if he
could
just
play one
of my ol'
favorite
songs
one more
time,
"Corrine,
Corrina"/"Corinna
Corinna!"
(Joe
Turner/Ray
Peterson!)...or
if he
could play
any
piece by
Little
Richard's...or
Chuck
Berry's
"Little
Queenie"
...PLUS,
I could
just go
on & on!
Well,
needless
to say,
I cried
& cried
& cried.
I
hurried
over to
the
station,
(purposely
late)
for his
family.
I went
tonight
to see
him and
them. Love,
Karen
Reece-Brashers
Just a
person
who
listened!
What a blow
when I heard
the news
about an old
friend.
Hubcap and I
hit it off
because we
had so much
in common.
We both grew
up in East
Texas. We
met and
worked
together the
first time
at KEEE in
Nacogdoches
and he was
kind enough
to treat a
young
program
director
with
kindness and
respect.
The only way
Ken knew how
to treat
people. We
crossed
paths again
at KFJZ/Z-97
and again at
KLUV. I
wish I had
picked up
the phone
and called
him more
often.
A true Legend
was lost the
other day. But
the word Legend
doesn't even
equate the
magnitude of
this loss. I had
the pleasure of
working with Ken
at KLUV in
1994. He was
everything and
more that what I
heard on the
radio every
Saturday Night.
By that time he
was coaching at
North Dallas
High School. I
think it was
those skills
that he brought
to those of us
that were just
trying to get
our feet wet in
radio. Even in
my 30's I was
still trying to
find my niche.
He was the one
that kept me
going. When I
felt that I
didn't have
anything left in
the tanks---
Hubba was there
kicking me in
the rear and
telling me not
to give up! I
took his words
to heart. I
will miss the
person who was a
teacher, and a
friend. It is
rare that we get
to meet such a
person in our
lives that
impose such a
larger image in
our minds. It
was not his size
physically, it
was his SIZE of
his heart that
we see! Getting
the chance to
work with him at
KLUV and then I
traveled to East
Texas and
learned that I
was about to
work for the
same radio
station that
started his
career.. KRBA
1340 in Lufkin,
Texas. I know
now what that
term means..
TEXAS
HOSPITALITY.. it
lives and
breaths in East
Texas, and it
was a very large
part of Ken's
charm! We will
miss you.... and
like the ol song
says..." IF
there's a
Rock-n-Roll
heaven.. then
life is but a
one night
stand"... and I
betcha that
Hubba is
bringing down
the house-- and
getting the
Party Started
Right for a
Saturday Night!
I was extremely
saddened by the news
of "Hubcap's"
passing. He was a
joy to work with at
KFJZ during the mid
70's. More
importantly he was
from the old school
of broadcasting.
The one that taught
you to entertain and
inform your
listeners without
fearing the bottom
line. He knew that
if he super-served
his mission, the
radio station would
truly benefit both
in listenership and
in sales. There is
no replacement for
Hubcap. The talent
coming up today
couldn't begin to
fill his shoes.
That is radio's
loss. God Bless
Hubcap and his
family. He's still
performing for his
fans in a market
where true radio is
still appreciated.
My memories of Ken
"Hubcap" Carter will be
the time I was visiting
family
back in New York. I was
in my rental car,
driving alone from
Oneonta NY up
to Albany to get my
flight back to DFW,
where my husband and I
now live,
having moved to Texas
from New York in 1977.
It was cold, dark and
lonely and I was looking
for a good oldies
station. I scanned and
scanned when I suddenly
heard that familiar
"voice". I could not
believe my ears. Here I
was over 1200 miles away
and I was listening to
Hubcap Carter!!! From
that time on, every time
I traveled up to the
Albany area I knew I
would not be alone. I
introduced my family to
WPTR in Albany, and they
too got their "oldies"
fix from Hubcap. My
trips there will never
be the same, but I will
still hear him in my
mind, on a cold, dark,
lonely highway making my
way back "home".
Linda Ringen
Kenneth Maxwell "Tiny"
Carter was a friend of
mine beginning sometime
in grade school in
Lufkin, Texas. I mourn
his death and will
celebrate his life as
will all those people
whose lives he touched.
I will share with you
all a true, funny story
that he, our longtime
friend R B McEntire and
I experienced. "Tiny",
R B and I commuted to
college at what was then
Stephen F. Austin
College, in the fall
semester of 1963. On
our first day of
orientation, one of the
necessary duties of the
new class was to elect a
freshman class
president. The three of
us were seated together
in the auditorium and
our good friend Carter
had gone to sleep.
Since part of the
election process was to
nominate candidates,
McEntire nominated Ken,
I seconded the motion
and we awakened the
unsuspecting dozer (he
was later able to use
this training as he
slept through a number
of classes) and told him
what had transpired and
he was to get on stage
and tell the class why
he would be a great
class president. Ken
then performed the
funniest ten minute
unrehearsed standup
routine that had the
whole group holding
their sides from
laughter. Their were
other nominees, but who
would try to follow that
act? I don't suppose
anyone ever can. Oh -
he was elected freshman
class president. God
Bless, my friend.
Bill Murrell
Tiny Carter was a friend
of mine. We first met at
Lufkin Junior High
school where RB (My name
is not Butch) McEntire
and I were members
of the 7th grade band. I
attempted to play the
trombone and Butch
played the drums. We
were all typical
small-town kids
suffering from raging
hormones and trying to
identify our places in
the society in which we
suddenly found
ourselves. Butch was
playing in a small band
called the "Invictas" at
a place out on Hwy. 94
and the MC that night
was Tiny Carter. I only
remember one thing of
that first meeting. Tiny
sang Hey Bodiddly .
Over the next year he
and I became great
friends. Even at that
age he was one of the
funniest people I had
ever seen. We began the
school year of 1960 and
added a new friend by
the name of David Dial.
David had a new 1960
Chevy Impala and for the
next two years, that
car hardly ever moved
without David at the
wheel, Tiny playing
drums on the "shotgun"
dash, and me sitting in
the back behind Tiny. I
am saddened when reading
all these testimonials
printed here. I visited
with Tiny one afternoon
at the Nacogdoches
station before I left
for Vietnam. The only
other time I heard him
professionally was on
the TSN in the late
60's. I called him and
he invited my new wife
and I to dinner with him
and his new wife.
Although it was the last
time that we spoke Tiny
was in my thoughts
frequently over the
ensuing years. My sister
(Tiny called her Little
Thompson) e-mailed me
today to say RB McEntire
told Houston about the
death of our friend,
Tiny Carter, on his
radio program. I guess I
must now face my own
mortality. Rest in peace
my friend.
Charley Thompson,
LHS '62
Another new oldies
station has just
been turned on in
radio heaven. Its
Hubcap Carter 24/7
and the first record
is "Bright Lights,
Big City" by Jimmy
Reed. God, I will
miss you Hubcap,
take care of Paxton
and make sure he
gets a dose of the
Monkees every now
and then.
DaBoogieman
KXKL
I was working at
KFJZ when Ken, or
Hubcap as we called
him was doing news.
He had a great sense
of humor and a
thriving DJ
business. He would
throw me and Larry
James (Thompson)
bones when he was
booked up...minus
the Hubba "finders
fee" LOL. Those were
fun times. The news
of his passing is
very sad.
Craig Jackson
I was very saddened to hear
the news of Ken "Hubcap'"
Carter's passing. I can't
remember back to when I
wasn't listening to him on
the radio. He was like a
good old friend that I never
had the pleasure of meeting.
He brought me a lot of joy
through the years. I will
miss you very much. God
bless you.
Mimi Ricord
God Bless
you Ken, You touched so many
and never asked for anything
in return, I am so happy we
spoke in recent days.....You
are the Best......I only
hope there is room in that
great radio station in the
sky for Both of us. Love
you.
Tom Bigby
WIP
I didn't know Ken "Hubcap"
Carter from radio. I was
honored to have him as a
teacher at North Dallas High
School in 1994. He was truly
an amazingly funny, loyal,
and intelligent man. We
remained friends after I
graduated but years later I
had a baby and finding time
to meet for lunch was
difficult. I now regret not
staying as close as we had
been at that time because he
touched my life in such a
way that I will never be
able to forget the man I
know as "Hubba". He was more
than a friend to me, he was
a great father figure and I
will always love him for his
support.
I
had the pleasure of working with
Hubcap back in the '80s on KLIF.
Honestly, it was more than a
'pleasure'. It was a true
blessing to know 'The Hub', as I
knew him. Hubcap Carter was "the
man", when it came to "oldies
rock". I enjoyed those special
Saturday nights when 'The Hub'
was at the wheel, bringing back
so many special memories via his
ability to present the "right
songs at the right time".
It was a built-in talent that
can be categorized as
irreplaceable. Although Hub was
an expert when it came to
classic-rock, he was also an
expert on the subject of country
music. He loved to call me in
the middle of the night, when I
was doing my midnight 'til dawn
gig on WBAP, and shout, "Lay
some Louvin Brothers music on
me!" or "I've been settin' here
at my computer listenin' to you
for over an hour and haven't
heard a single song by Roy Acuff
and th' Smokey Mountain Boys!"
Then, he would mention songs by
various classic country acts
that only a true believer could
recall. Hubcap Carter was an
icon. His name will always
generate pleasant conversations
when the topic of "real radio"
is brought into focus. He
was one-of-a-kind: Great radio
personality; wonderful
human-being.
Bill Mack
Sad news, indeed. He was always
the most positive, happy guy to
be around, even to the extent of
taking kidding about his
weight. In fact, I recall one
day when we went to lunch at a
place which advertised "all you
can eat." Hubba walked in, put
his arm around the maitre d's
shoulder and said, "Pal, you
better call in the night shift."
Mark Oristano
It seems almost
too much to bear tonight--even
before this tragic news came to
me just a few minutes ago ... It
is very unfortunate that I
wasn't able to speak to my
one-time mentor while he was
still alive. I take the news of
his passing painfully,
personally. His internship and
recommendation assisted in my
obtaining my first full-time job
in radio. He merits Heaven due
to his sometimes soft spoken yet
always fervent relationship with
God as a Christian--which was
our initial connection while I
interned under him at KLUV. At
least I may have an opportunity
now to share the radioworld my
feelings about him--albeit after
the fact. He lives on in my mind
and in the hearts and minds of
those he touches--eternally I
will see him smile in my mind,
remember his jokes, his
intern-runs to get the Boston
Baked Beans, referral to "Better
Broadcasting Thru Chemistry",
and Friday night show hosted by
Domino's Pizza. He also acted
in a few movies and was an
author. He talked to me of a
very romantic science fiction
story that I privately believe
was his. I was overjoyed to be
with him at his "last show" at
KLUV as a full-timer waaaaay
back--bittersweet, alas. Later
in his career he took much joy
in teaching, coaching, and being
an adjunct professor at my/our
alma mater, Texas Wesleyan
University/Fort Worth. Tip your
glasses to the greatest
contribution to rock radio
passing onto the ultimate
soundstage/station in Heaven.
May God bless him with his
dreams; his family with
peace; and his audience with a
smile on their faces from his
career. Honestly, I don't think
I would've ever broken into
radio at all--much less fifteen
years ago as I was able
to--aside from him. En Agape,
Paladin
KWRD
Ken game me my first job in
radio at KXOL-FM. I did mornings
and nights with Ken on the news
side. Later on, we would
broadcast high school football
games in the area and sometimes
we would go out of town for some
gigs. That's where the fun began
and my learning of the Hubcap
radio laws. Anything that almost
bent the rules of a border line
PD and his rules were broken,
but within broadcast decency.
Later on, Ken and I broadcast
UTA football games before Randy
Vick took over. 0ne of the
funniest sights I can remember
was when he and Joe Holstead did
2 man news at night on KXOL. I
would look through the control
room glass and see these guys
bouncing up and down on the
stools with their delivery. I
thought it was 4 man news. Ken
called me during a Fort Worth
Cats road trip last summer and
we talked for about 10 minutes.
I'm sorry we didn't get together
later for a few laughs. What a
talent. He will truly be missed.
John Nelson
I was honored to work with
Hubcap at KLIF in the early
80's and at KLUV from
1985-89. Hubba was doing
the 6p-10p show and I
followed with the 10p-2a
shift. Every night was an
experience. I often came in
early to do production and
then talk to Hubcap. He was
one of the funniest people
I've ever known. And an
oldies guru supreme! He
probably forgot more about
oldies than the rest of us
at KLUV ever knew. Rest in
peace my friend.
I spent many a saturday night
listening to Hubcap and enjoyed
every minute of it. He
introduced me to Delbert
McClinton and his music. I liked
it that he always wanted
"suggestions", not requests. I
don't think saturday night radio
will be the same now.
Jim Dyer
I was 18
years old in the summer of 1987 when
I started working at KLUV in the
music research department. It was my
first job in radio and I was
thrilled to be there. I sat behind
an old wooden desk from 6pm to 10pm
each weeknight calling people at
random and luring them into
participating in a music survey.
Behind two doors about twenty feet
away was the control room where
Hubcap worked his magic. After a few
weeks of music research, Hubcap
recruited me to help him out during
the 9 o'clock request hour. This
basically consisted of answering the
telephones, running the board as
well as making his Sonic runs when
he got a little hungry which was
usually around 9:30 each night :-)
He showed me how to run the board
and even paid for my dinner most
times, which at the time, was the
best thing in the world to me, a
punky little kid who didn't know
much of anything. He was always
kind, funny, honest and generous to
a fault.
Thank
you Hubcap for the lessons. They
never fell on deaf ears. May you now
rest in peace.
I've
listened to him for over 20 years and
now I feel like I've lost a good friend,
even though I never met him in person.
He was a great radio talent. He will be
missed by his loyal listeners and by
those he helped in his educator role as
well.
Michael Brooke
Knew
him...not well tho. Going by the
wonderful thoughts shared by others
today on his site, it's hard not to feel
kinda shortchanged cuz I didn't
have the chance to know him better. Do
remember a few of his sto-rees tho.
n'I'm smilin' :-)
GNBowen
K-??? (too many letters...too many
gigs...too long ago:-) - Dallas
Friday the 27th of February 2004. It
was about 3:30 in the afternoon when I
got through to Dallas' Parkland Hospital
room 988. Ken Carter answered the
phone. His voice was weak and he told
me he may have suffered a minor stroke.
He was having a problem holding the
phone and his tonal quality was
different. He had no speech impediment
but rather sounded like a young boy. He
sounded 11-to-13 years old. It was a
difficult conversation. He would drop
the phone and there were long periods of
silence as he tried to get the handset
back to his face. He mentioned the
possible stroke only once and then told
me "I think I will play oldies for a
different station in Dallas." He
dropped the phone and when he came back
on he said "I like you Big Un."
And that's the last thing I heard him
say. I replied "I love you my brother
and we will all be praying for you." I
don't know if he heard it. I sure hope
so. Within the next 8-to-12 hours he
was gone.
Kenneth M. Carter, Ken Carter, Hub Cap,
Hubba -- or as I knew him -- Tiny
Carter. "Big Un" was a nickname that
got hung on me in high school, but in
Lufkin, Ken Carter had always been
"Tiny." We became close friends in
junior high school. We were both
getting our knuckles ruler-pounded by a
no excuses math teacher. We both liked
rock and roll music, reading and radio.
No math in those 3-R's. Our friendship
began with me in awe of his presence. I
didn't know at the time that I was in
awe of his creativity, imagination,
confidence and his ability to speak
quickly and correctly on his feet.
Sounds like we're talking about a good
radio man, and we are.
To read Carter's bio-page takes awhile;
and it should, he left huge footprints
down many trails of Texas broadcasting.
This is probably preaching to the choir
but I want to sing Ken Carter's
praises. I have never had his
confidence but I depended on and
borrowed from his confidence from those
childhood days through February 27,
2004.
For over 40-years he was my mentor, my
inspiration, my coach, my confidant and
my trusted good friend. I knew early on
that I could write and speak well and
handle just about any situation that
came along, but not as well as Ken
Carter. But trying to be as good as Ken
made me better. I believe that those of
you who have worked with him know
exactly what I'm talking about. I have
lifted more stuff from Ken Carter than
Otis Elevators and I lifted THAT line
from him. In all these years I don't
remember him having many "down" days.
He played his hand as dealt and used
that creative mind to put a positive
spin on anything that came along.
If you worked with Ken he had good
things to say about you. He always
spoke well of you in his conversations
with me. He was in awe of many of you.
I feel like I know you from his stories
of Dallas-Fort Worth radio. I can't
think of an aspect of radio that Ken did
not do and do well. He was never "4-and
out the door." He was old school:
loyal, prepared, creative and willing to
do what it takes to win. I had hoped to
write this without using the phrases
"bigger than life" or "one of a kind."
But he was one of a kind and was easily
many characters bigger than life.
Elaine Parker Flowers is a school friend
of ours. She wrote to tell me about the
time she went to the Scarborough Fair in
Waxahachie and Ken was King of the
Fair! She remembers how immersed he was
in the role of King. He had a wonderful
time and made sure his "subjects" did as
well. Thank you Elaine. I think all of
can see him as the good King of
Scarborough Fair and it makes us smile
to think about him that way
Our friendship began with me in awe of
his presence and I still am. When he
said "I like you Big un" I wish I had
been smart enough to answer "and I like
you Tiny.....very-very much."
R
B McEntire
Hubcap will be missed. He
was a major part of Texas
broadcasting.
Kent Burkhart
When I
left KVIL in the Autumn
of 1984 and went across
town to KLUV to do
afternoons, the first
friend I made at KLUV
was "Hubcap". While some
were
less than accommodating
of this guy coming from
the #1 station in town
to
what then was basically
an "also ran" A/C
station, Hubcap welcomed
me like
an old friend, despite
the fact that although
I'd heard him for years,
had
never met him. Hubcap
did a Friday night
oldies show at the time
and later when the
station went full time
Oldies, he became the
night guy following my
afternoon shift
every evening. We spent
many moments in between
shifts recounting the
glory
days of Top 40 radio and
such. He was about the
only person I knew who
loved to talk about old
Top 40 radio more than
myself! He would love it
when I'd find my old
45's of local Dallas
groups doing "Public
Execution" by
Mouse & The Traps, or
"Dr. Jon the Medicene
Man" by Jon & Robin and
bring
'em in for him to play
on the "Friday Night
Classics Party" on KLUV.
I did "gigs" on the side
at the time (playing
music at company
parties,
reunions, and such).
Hubcap would often get
calls to do this too,
but did
not have the equipment
to do so, nor the desire
to haul all the stuff
around
and such. He asked me
one day if I'd like to
go in with him and help
him do
some gigs. A group at a
Nurses convention had
made him an offer for a
gig.
It was to be from 6pm
till 2am on a Saturday
night. My ego kind of
got in
the way as I thought of
the prospect of
basically being Hubcap's
"roadie"
while he was the "star".
I kind of shrugged, and
Hubcap leaned in toward
me
and said, "Eberhart,
they'll pay us $2000!",
to which I said "what
time do
we set-up?"! From there,
we did many gigs
together on our after
KLUV hours, going where
the checks took us. One
gig that especially
stands out to me was one
where
we were invited to San
Angelo, TX for a high
school reunion. They
listened
to Hubcap on KLUV on
cable out there. Another
lucrative deal lured us
to
journey all the way out
there and back. On the
way to Fort Worth to
pick
him up and head west, it
occurred to me I was
about to be in the car
for 6
hours or so with Hubcap
and knowing his penchant
for wanting to "talk
radio", it occurred to
me that this might very
well indeed be a VERY
LONG
RIDE! Honestly though,
we were there before we
knew it, and did spend a
lot
of time talking radio,
but we also talked about
his family, (who he was
adamantly proud of), his
love of teaching (which
he craved), and life in
general (which he
cherished). Once, when
he was in the hospital,
he was relating how the
doctors were telling him
this and that, and he
said, "you know, I'm
comfortable with what I
am and who I am". As
many health issues as he
had, I don't recall ever
hearing him complain.
Hubcap was
multi-talented, a great
air talent in both news
and as a DJ, a thought
provoking teacher, but
more than anything, he
was a genuinely nice
person, and always a
good friend.
Steve Eberhart
This
weekend we lost our dear
friend, Mr. Ken "Hubcap"
Carter. We knew him as
"Uncle Hubba". He was a
Legend in Radio, a
Teacher, Historian, a
Mentor, but most of all
a great friend. He
loved his family, his
friends, and loved
kids. We met him in
1989 and he took us
under his wing. We
started playing charity
sock hops with him all
across the metroplex.
He believed in us and
our music and it was
such a blessing to have
someone like Hubcap on
your side. He promoted
us, played our records
on the radio, and was
always behind us. We
appreciated him so
much. We became close
friends and enjoyed many
late night, after show
dinners at JoJo's and
IHOP. We played many
rounds of golf in which
he and dad would take on
me and Matt. We had a
rivalry going. We loved
playing golf with him
because you never got
through a putt without
him trying to throw you
off with an uttered
statement under his
breath during your back
swing. He heckled us
throughout the day and
that was what made it so
much fun. He always had
a quick comeback to
everything. We loved
doing shows with Hubcap
and what he termed
"Music Sessions" in
which he would show us
songs to do at our shows
and we would plan our
next show together. We
always had so much fun.
We will miss him so
much. We know he is in
a better place and not
having to deal with his
illness anymore. That
doesn't keep us from
missing him and wishing
that we could have just
one more music session,
just one more show with
him, or one more dinner
at JoJo's, or On The
Border. He Emceed our
last show on January
19th at The Palace even
though he felt so ill.
On Thursday we spoke
with him in the hospital
and he was helping us
plan our show for March
the 19th. He asked us
to play "Danny Boy" at
our next show. He
sounded upbeat and
planned on Emceeing the
show. We have Danny Boy
on the set list for the
next show. I just wish
that he was going to be
there. We loved him as
did so many people that
he touched with a life
that was so full but
much too short. We love
you Uncle Hubba!
Mark and Matt Rankin
Whether we were cruising
around town or working
on a friends race car,
Hubcap was always along
for the ride. He always
spun some great tunes
when he was DJin' at
KLUV. Even got Hubba to
autograph a hubcap for a
buddy at a remote
broadcast he did one
night at the old
location of Friendly
Chevrolet. The radio
station had one their
first give away cars on
display that night, I
think it was a '57
Chevy. Hubba graciously
autographed my token and
dedicated a song to my
buddy. Ken ' Hubcap '
Carter will be greatly
missed in DFW radio
land. May God keep you
close and enjoy some
oldies spun by one of
the best.
Richard Ferguson
He was my mentor, when I
was a board-op at KLUV,
back in the late 80's.
He taught me about the
business, helped me
succeed, and made me
laugh. I produced his
"Friday Night Classics
Party", and called in
fake requests for "Big
Boss Man" so he would
have an excuse to play
it. One of the most
genuine people I've ever
had the pleasure to work
with. Radio is worse
without him.
I feel like I've known Hubba
most of my life, even though
I never met him
face to face. I've followed
him all over the radio dial
for the better part
of 20 years. It broke my
heart to learn of his
passing on Saturday night.
As
a teacher, I have always
had a special place in my
heart for Hubba. His
love of kids, his
"gruffness" which barely
masked the kindest, most
loving
heart will always be
remembered by me. We lost
someone very special
Saturday, and he can never
be replaced. I'll never hear
a Delbert tune and
not think of dear Hubba. May
he rest well.
Ginger Mullenix
Saturday nights just won't
be the same without Hubcap.
Jim Culver
I got to know Hubba when my
husband, Keith, was
producing the Denver
installment of the "Hubcap
Radio Network" for Crawford
Broadcasting. He
quickly became "Uncle Hubba"
to our daughter, Crystal,
giving her advice
about college and boys! He
always had a great story to
tell... he'd been in
he business forever, and
knew how it should be done
correctly. I considered
him "The Last DJ". Gonna
miss ya, Hubba
Elizabeth Marchesi
Germantown, Maryland
My husband and I went to
high school with "Tiny" as
we referred to him at Lufkin
High School. Tiny and I had
a speech class together
along with R.B. McEntire.
In fact, notes were passed
from Tiny to R.B. to Jerry
Ferguson, to me trying to
get me to go out with
Jerry. As you can tell,
they could all do this
nonsense - especially Tiny
and R.B - and still listen
and lose the East Texas
accent. I couldn't. He
still teased me about it at
our 40th class reunion last
April. As I have traveled
all over the state of Texas
with Aggie Moms, many women,
in fact one on this past
Saturday, tell me how they
love my accent. However,
not all appreciate a good
"ole" East Texas accent.
One Aggie Mom friend tells
me she has learned to read
lips since she met me. Note
passing in Speech and Drama
paid off. Jerry and I will
celebrate our 39th wedding
anniversary next month.
Whenever we have gone to
Dallas the last few years,
we have tuned our radios to
Tiny. He always played our
kind of music and brought
back many, many happy
memories.
We will miss you!!
I
only recently got to know Hubcap
through the air waves on 1540
WPTR in Albany, N.Y. When
Hubcap came on board It reminded
me of was what radio in the top
40 days was really all about and
the reason I got into the
business. I'm glad I got to
hear him, he was truly one of
the original greats.
Bob O'Neal
I am
sad... VERY sad...."Hubba" as I
called him when he worked with
me in the sixties was a lot of
fun on and off the air...He
would fly around in that chopper
in the summer time and in
between real traffic reporting
he'd go looking for babes sun
tanning and he'd always find a
beautiful tanner to report on...
I'm sure he made some of them up
cause he knew I always got a
kick out of the "tanning babe
spottings" and he didn't want to
disappoint me.And now with his
passing I'm extra sad...Extra
SAD cause I didn't keep in touch
and I didn't get to tell him
(enough) how much I loved
knowing and working with him.
And if he's NOT in Radio
Heaven... I don't want to go
there either!!
Sorry
to learn of Hubcap Carter's demise.
He always sounded good.
Hypertension and diabetes - same
combo a lot of us have. On
recovery from my bypass surgery, I
suffered congestive heart failure --
died on emergency table.
Miracle work revived me. Guess
it proves that nobody lives forever.
I plan to pay tribute at the funeral
home. He was a good guy and
he'll be missed.
Charles Payne
What
a loss to the the DFW radio scene.
He will truly be missed. He will
always live on in the hearts and
minds of all of his fans. You are in
gods hands now living the eternal
life. May god bless you and your
family during this time of mourning.
A true fan,
Rodney Williams
I
heard it and read it but I still
can't believe it. Ken was an
inspiration to many and to me. The
first time I heard Ken was on KLIF
in Dallas in 1969. I had just left
the Army after three years and was
going thru Elkins to get that ever
popular first phone. Ken was doing
the news, and decided to do the
traffic reports using a
TRAMPOLINE!!!!! ... It was the
funniest bit I'd ever heard. I
laughed so hard I had to pull over
to the side of the road for a few
minutes. A few years later, I was
the News Director in Denison Texas
at KDSX and Ken was in Big Spring at
KBST. We had the chance to talk a
lot and exchange stories. He could
come up with the funniest fake
stories quicker than anyone I know.
A few years later, our paths crossed
again and we were working at KFJZ in
Fort Worth. Ken was playing oldies
at night and I came in at 10PM. Ken
and I would exchange war stories for
a few minutes during the exchange.
When Ken left KFJZ to become a
teacher at Texas Wesleyan, Ken
suggested I do the oldies at night,
after telling the PD that I was the
one who should take his place, I was
chosen. It was a big pair of shoes
to follow, but I had some of my best
times in radio playing those
oldies. A few years later, I was
working at KAAM playing oldies in
the morning and I talked to Ken
several times about coming to work
for us but he was at KLUV and
wouldn't budge. Since those days
I've talked off and on with the
Hubba about Radio, Life and the
Pursuit of happiness. He was a
great man in my book and will be
forever. I'll miss you a bunch
Hubba, and I'll see you in Radio
Heaven when I get there....save me
seat!!!! I'll bring my
headphones....
Jim Thomas
Gonna miss ol' Hubba. He was one of
a kind.
Ed Miller
I
was very sorry to hear of Ken's
passing. My prayers and thoughts
go out to his family. I had
spoken with Ken only a few
week's ago. He had asked me to
send him some old KLIF airchecks
that I had and I was more than
glad to do so. He told me he got
great enjoyment out of hearing
them. I never had the chance to
meet Ken, but I know he was a
great guy and I enjoyed
listening to his weekly program
on KAAM. He will be dearly
missed.
Working
with Ken Carter was one of the
highlights of my career. What a
fun guy. Musically, no one had a
better knowledge of Texas radio as well
as the characters who were a part of it.
What a decent, nice guy. I'll miss him.
Rob Milford
KTRH Houston
I do
remember, from time to time,
hearing him on KAAM-AM for parts
of his rock-n-roll oldies
show...but I also remember his
play-by-play duties on the
Diamond Shamrock high school
football radio network back in
the 1980s. He was a master of
doing p-b-p as well as the
oldies show. I'll miss him.
Tremendously.
Mineola, Texas
Ken Carter was not only a great
on air talent in every capacity,
he was a
scholar, an amazing writer and a
friend. We worked endless hours
together on
the air and in the writing and
production of syndicated shows
that ran
worldwide. I learned the term "a
good man to ride the river with"
from Ken.
It was an old west term and one
of the highest compliments a
friend could
receive since riding trails
along any river, especially the
Rio Grande, was
a perilous undertaking. Bandits
and murderers infested the river
banks just
waiting for some unsuspecting
"pilgrim" to ride their way. You
wanted only
your most trusted and dependable
friends along for the ride if it
involved a
river. It would eventually
become the name of our ranch and
production
company. There are horses and
productions worldwide with the
prefix of
"River Riders" all because of
that one friend that I could
count on come
hell or high water, in any
circumstance and along any
river. That friend was
of course Ken "Hubcap Carter".
Ken also taught me the language
of the
"mountain men" that he admired
so much. Like the famed Jeremiah
Johnson, if
Ken liked something, he "found
sign in it" and in the world of
"backstabbing
and double dealing" that we call
radio he would often say "son,
watch your
top knot"! He was referring to
the possibility of being scalped
at any
moment and without notice! In
one of our last conversations
Ken told me that
he had finally found some really
honest folk with Crawford
Broadcasting, a
company that he could "ride the
river with". At last he was
appreciated for
his "free style" and his
eclectic and endless knowledge
of music.
Somewhere, over the mesas and
across the great divide, Ken is
riding along
with Jeremiah, Grizzly Adams and
Will Penny with not a care in
the world (or
universe) and finding "sign"
every step of the way. "Sign" of
the final
"trail boss" who's love and
understanding will never end.
Jon Rivers
Ken
Carter was a true radio professional
and a very nice guy...phrases you
don't often hear in the same
sentence. Aside from our friendship
over the last few years, I was a
longtime fan of his, as nobody could
spin the oldies quite like Hubcap.
His local weekend oldies requests
shows were a staple throughout the
1980s and 90s, and his intense
knowledge of the music he played was
always impressive. He'd accommodate
nearly any request, even if it meant
digging it out of his collection at
home to play the following week for
you. As a friend, Ken was very down
to earth, and often stood in awe of
others who probably learned their
craft from him. His nickname, 'The
Semi-Legendary, Almost King of Rock
and Roll,' was a little too
self-effacing for someone who was
truly a legend in Texas radio. He
will be sorely missed.
Mike Shannon
Hate to hear it. My fondest
recollection is of a time in the
late 70's when Ken was ND of the
Texas State Network. He called me
to see if I'd like to move to Fort
Worth and anchor the morning drive
slot on TSN. We talked for weeks,
and he thought I was coming. But I
decided against it. I was at KRLD
at the time, and we had just had a
management change and I wanted to
see what was going to happen at KRLD.
Ken was a little perturbed at me at
the time. Who knows? Maybe my
career would have gone in a
different direction had I taken that
offer. At any rate, I never got to
work with him, and for that reason,
I am sadder today.
I am
devastated and heartbroken. Ken was
truly one of the dearest friends I ever
had. It was an honor and privilege to
work with Hubba at KFJZ and the Texas
State Network. One of the greatest joys
in my life was being his broadcast
partner on University of Texas Arlington
football games. I will forever fondly
recall the touch football games in motel
parking lots with Hubba and my two
sons. And, of course, Club Hubba at the
back of team buses and airplanes
featuring the corny jokes that never
failed to make me laugh. I miss those
days and I will really miss him.
Hubcap's "semi-legendary" status will
live forever in the hearts of those who
knew and loved him. We love you Ken.
Rest in Peace.
Randy Vick and Family
I am
very sorry to hear of the passing of Ken
"Hubcap" Carter. To me, listening to
Rock 'n Roll radio in Fort Worth as a
kid in the 1970s meant listening to
"Hubcap" Carter. There was no mistaking
who you were hearing when you heard his
voice. Whether at KXOL or KFJZ he WAS
Fort Worth (and Texas) radio. "Hubcap",
thank you very much for such wonderful
memories and many smiles. May God keep
you always.
Ken and I were
friends for 30 years. During that time he
was always a gentleman, the epitome of a pro
who never allowed the frustrations of the
business or his ego to get him down. Ken
influenced at least two generations of
listeners far and wide with his delivery
and, moreover, his knowledge of music. He
encouraged countless young people just
starting their careers in broadcasting,
never forgetting his formative years in the
business and the support he himself received
when working the hours no one else would
work, and for minimum wage. Dallas-Ft.
Worth and everywhere Hubcap Carter ever took
to the air should be grateful for his talent
and presence. It was all very real, just
much too short. We'll miss you, Ken. Rest
well, my friend, you've earned it. And keep
on rockin'.
Ken's last gig may
have been with us at the Texas State Network,
where I got to know him a little over the
phone. I loved talking to the man. I think I
thought of him as somewhat of a
celebrity because I loved listening to him play
oldies back when I was young and somewhat
impressionable. He was a great guy and will be
dearly missed.
I am feeling a real
loss. He was a very good friend. He and his wife
at the time gave me a lot of home cooked meals and
kind friendship when I was a young reporter. I will
miss him. He was a lovely spirit.
David Day
Another legend has fallen. Paint a record gold and
hang it on the wall over your radio. I had the
opportunity to work with Hubcap at KFJZ in the late
1970's -- big man, big voice, gentle spirit. I have
heard that the older you get the more of your
friends will pass on. It's true. Hubcap made a mark
-- a very large mark in more ways than one -- on the
industry and especially Texas Broadcasting.
The door on another era has closed -- with a
HUBBA-HUBBA-HUBBA! and some old time, Top 40 Rock 'n
Roll music.
Art Jones
Please say it's not
so.
Jim Rose
A true Texas
radio legend, Hub Cap, appeared at our
school at a pep rally in the late 1980's.
I've called in since that time and he
remembered the school and had good things to
say about the school and community. I've
spent numerous Saturday nights with Hub Cap
on KLUV and KAAM. He will be truly missed!
Frost High
School
Thanks for
sharing Jimmy and Delbert with us.
Dan T.
When I
arrived in Dallas the thing I
enjoyed most was Hubcap on KLUV
playing my music. I followed him to
KAAM 1310 and then again to Legends
77 . He will be missed and
remembered for all he has done and
the memories he has recalled.
Bob Brown
It's
very sad.
Brad Wilson
I
never met Hubcap but I have listened
to him for so many years - on many
different stations - that it is like
losing a close friend. I often
thought of calling to tell him how
much I enjoyed him and his music but
I didn't and now I wonder if he knew
just how much joy he brought to his
audience. I have years of fond
memories of tinkering around in the
garage on a Saturday evening while
listening to oldies. I am 55 and
Hubcap played the music of my youth
which brought back so many good
memories. I have a old portable
radio that I carry around the house
when I am listening to Hubcap and it
snaps, crackles, pops, and fades so
the music sounds just as it did when
I was a teenager cruising around in
my '54 Plymouth. Another good thing
was that he didn't have a "play
list" so I got introduced to many
wonderful songs that I never heard
anywhere else. There is a lot of
good music out there, old and new,
that should be heard and I hope that
someone continues in Hubcap's steps.
Hubcap made many people turn off
their TVs on a Saturday evening and
listen to the radio. That was a
terrific achievement.
John M. Abbott
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What can I say about Paxton
Mills? Just this. I have been knocking around the radio track
for almost forty years. In that time I have worked with some
people whose talent still causes me to just shake my head. But
none more than Paxton. He was creative, intelligent, well read,
friendly, and one of the funniest jocks I ever heard. I was
honored to be his newsman for almost a year at KLIF when he was
doing mornings. We were sort of the first newsman/disc jockey
team show. This was before my days as an oldies guru .... I was just a newsman. I got up at 3:30 am six days a
week and I looked forward to it..because I would have another
chance to see and hear Paxton work. They were not high priced or
high tech bits...just stuff that was funny because of the way he
did it. Like the time we were running a contest and were taking
the 90th called...Mills would get to about 50 or so and then
forget where he was and start over...We invented the traffic
trampoline and I would supposedly jump off the old triangle
building at Commerce and Central and bounce high into the air
and report the traffic on the way up and down...I will never
forget how one Columbus Day morning we discovered a vacant lot
across the street from KLIF. It was where the old Cellar Club
had been during it's glory days in Dallas. We talked for days on
the air about building a downtown amusement part there to rival
Six Flags....We would do live 60 second spots for Shakey's Pizza
that would last for five or ten minutes...I figure if there is a
Radio Heaven, Pax is there...along with folks like Joe
Holstead..George Erwin..Bill Ennis..Porter Randall..and many,
many others that we have lost along the way. I talked with Pax
about a year ago when I was getting ready to go up to Denver and
do a sock hop for the station I jock at there by satellite. We
were going to have lunch one day while I was there...but I got
busy...he got busy...and it never happened...I will apologize
for that when I see him at out next station...Who knows...maybe
I can do mornings with him again.
Ken "Hubcap" Carter
(read more Paxton Mills tributes)
Chapter 17
It has been my good
fortune over the years to work
with some very talented disc jockeys. Each and every
one of them had something special going for them. It
was something they worked hard to develop and it
showed.
Looking back over the years, my first broadcast
hero was John R on WLAC in Nashville, Tennessee. John
R was so smooth and so cool that no one else has ever
even come close to him in my book. Hugh Jarrett and
Hoss Allen on WLAC was also favorites of mine. Hugh
was the bass singer with the Jordanaires for a time
but he was one heck of a dj too.
There were others in Nashville about the same time
working at WSM and on stage at the Grand Ole Opry.
Ralph Emery was great on radio, so was Grant Turner
and my favorite of the trio T. Tommy Cutrer.
When my radio career got started I had the chance
to work with some people that would go on to bigger
and better things in broadcasting. One of the first,
and one of the best was "Old Weird" Michael Selden. I
worked with Mike the first time at KEEE in
Nacogdoches, Texas. He came to us from his first
radio job in Palestine, Texas. Both Nacogdoches and
Palestine are a long way from the big time but you
could listen to Mike, even back then and know that he
was going to make it. In later years he would become
one of the most popular and highest rated dj's in
Dallas. Bad health took him from us way before his
time.
There was another young fellow at KEEE a few years
later by the name of Paul Van Sickle. His radio
career would take him to the northeast and a long
tenure at WRKO and stations such as that. I guess
that is okay but he could be one hell of a rock and
roll jock when the mood struck him.
As the years passed I worked with several more good
people on the music side of the glass. George Erwin,
the long time morning man at KFJZ in Fort Worth was
the perfect morning personality. He was older than
most of his peers but that gave him credibility that
others did not have. The afternoon jock at KFJZ at
the time was none other than Markie Baby Stevens. I
used to just love to stand in the control room and
watch this guy work. He was the best "drop-in" dj
that ever turned on a microphone. I spent about a
year as his newsman and that was an adventure too.
Our night man was a piece of work too...Sweet Randy
Robins. The hippest of the jive-talking jocks of that
time. Wish I had some of his old air-checks. That
was entertaining radio the way it was supposed to be.
During my time at KLIF in Dallas I worked with
Selden again and also got the chance to work closely
with the most creative and funniest jock I ever
knew...Paxton Mills. Mills and I did a newsman/dj
team show for a while at KLIF and I must say it was
some of the most fun times I ever had in radio. We
lost Paxton a while back too.
I don't know what "Rock and Roll Heaven" is
going
to be like....but Radio Heaven is going to be a tough
gig to get. With the staff that is already there,
many of us may have to settle for overnights on the
weekends before we get a shot at drive-time.
That's it for this week...
Ken "Hubcap"
Carter
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