As a longtime fan of Tony Scott, it was bittersweet to learn that he had landed a full-time position after being in limbo for the past couple of years.
While overjoyed that he would once again grace the airwaves during the afternoon drive slot all week long, it stung to know that it would not be here in St. Louis.
Scott had spent the past eight months getting back in the swing of things as a weekend personality for Radio One St. Louis. He will now be heard in his home state of Texas on the urban adult contemporary station Smooth R&B 105.7 KRNB in Dallas.
Until 2013, Scott was the exception to the “here today, gone later today” atmosphere of radio for St. Louis listeners.
As a leading personality for the now-defunct Majic brand – which was recently re-launched as 100.3 The Beat – he actually became a staple as the corporate climate bled into the radio industry and seemed to transition towards syndication as opposed to local connection.
When he was let go as host of his morning show in 2013, his competition was Tom Joyner and Rickey Smiley. Listeners were devastated – and expressed such through several social media channels.
His departure from Radio One St. Louis was much more amicable. Scott was able to sign off to fans on Wednesday and thank them for listening to him over the years. It was still a sinking feeling to know that after nearly 30 years he would no longer be a local option for those who grew up with him on the air.
Hundreds chimed in on Facebook.
“I remember the first time I heard you in St. Louis,” Otha Thomas said. “I was still in my teens – and now I’m a grandmother. You will truly be missed.”
Scott came in as the straight man replacement for Kevin Woodson on the Majic 108 Morning Show as part of “The Breakfast Crew” in the late 1980s. He and funny man Marc Clark instantly clicked, and the connection could be felt through the airwaves.
After several years together, Clark moved to Baltimore. But the show went on for Scott.
Scott became more than just a personality to St. Louis listeners – made evident by the “Uncle Tony” term of endearment bestowed on him during the last half of his 27 years on the air here.
“I grew up with Tony Scott. He is like family,” Marlo Smith said. “I will miss him coming over our airwaves, but I know all good things must come to an end.”
He proved himself multifaceted too. His gift stretched beyond setting up the bit. He had a knack for tuning in to those who listened to him.
“This is a major loss for this city,” said Rahman Warner Sr. “Growing up, Tony Scott is St Louis. If you grew up listening to Majic, you can’t help but agree. Ever that conduit to what was going on in the city, region, nation and globe. I know he will do well in Dallas.”
People would often hit him with an imitation of his own, “Yeah, man …” catchphrase when they ran into him in public or when he hosted remotes and special events.
The points he made about particular topics would linger in the conversations of listeners long after he signed off.
At his best, he would bring the most compelling barbershop and salon conversations to the airwaves. He would share his own experiences – particularly his blended family dynamic – as a springboard for relatable conversation.
“Tony was a DJ extraordinaire here in St. Louis who had the Midas touch for playing good music and presenting thought-provoking conversational topics that engaged the listener,” Ronald Brunson said.
Scott’s departure from St. Louis radio delivers the same sting as when the patriarch of a beloved family accepts an out-of-town promotion. Everyone knows it’s what’s best, even though it doesn’t feel like it.
“Blessings on your new endeavor,” said Patricia Brown. “May your voice, humor and wisdom continue to guide you as you share your gift with others.”
Listen to Tony Scott’s new station in Dallas online at http://krnb.com/listen/.
