Happy Anniversary Duke Hamilton

This just in from B105: Afternoon DJ Duke Hamilton celebrates his 30th anniversary today on WUBE-FM (105.1). He debuted here Dec. 5, 1977.

I know there are many fans out there of Duke, a member of the Country Radio Broadcasters DJ Hall of fame and three times a nominee for CMA personality of the year. He's one of the nicest guys I've ever met in local radio (in a business filled with a lot of big egos). If you have a favorite Duke story or comment, please post them. (It might take a while for them to show up, because I'm going to be out of the office much of the day. But write a comment, and I'll post as soon as I can.)

Here's the B105 release.

Cincinnati, OH – WUBE Afternoon Drive personality, Duke Hamilton celebrates his 30^th Anniversary on the air on Cincinnati’s Country … B-105. The Josephville, Missouri native first hit the Tri-State airwaves on December 5, 1977.

In his time here, Hamilton has served as the station’s Program Director and then Music Director while also working a variety of shifts including Morning Drive, Midday and presently in Afternoon Drive (weekdays, 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.). As evidenced by his ratings, Hamilton has consistently been one of the top rated radio personalities in Cincinnati during the Afternoon Drive slot. He also writes and produces a weekly 60-minute show, B-105 Classic Country, now in its 14^th year. This show airs Sunday mornings at 6:00.

He has been nominated for Country Music Association’s “Personality of the Year” award in 1997, 1998 and 1999. In 2003, Country Music bestowed Hamilton its highest honor for a radio personality: induction into the Country Radio Broadcasters DJ Hall of Fame.

Hamilton’s career began at the age of 18 in Bowling Green, Missouri. He then spent three years with the United States Army in the Panama Canal Zone working for the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service before landing in the Queen City.

Away from the station, he spends his time on his farm with wife, Barb and their many miniature horses and assorted “critters.”

“In a time where there is so much change in radio, we are proud to celebrate this wonderful milestone,” said Travis Moon, WUBE Program Director. “Duke’s professionalism, talent, and commitment to country radio have continued to build on the passion that B-105 listeners have for him.”

“Duke Hamilton is truly one of radio’s great people,” added Jim Bryant, Vice President / Market Manager of Bonneville International – Cincinnati. “His long and successful career reflects the fact that Duke is loved by the people he works with and by the people he entertains on a daily basis.”