As most folks know by now, WDEF radio/TV legend Luther Masingill has been absent from the airwaves in recent weeks, recovering from illness.

The radio station announced that while Luther recuperates at home, his most able partner James Howard (along with his great producer Gene Lovin) will fill in. James or Gene would be the first to tell you, it's just not the same.

The man I've called "The King of Morning Radio" has been an incredible influence on generations of tri-state radio listeners and television viewers. To the best of my knowledge, he's the longest-running act in the history of broadcasting.

It's easy to begin reciting his endless list of awards, from every local civic club to every local readers' poll, not to mention the national radio industry's highest honor, the Marconi Award.

But every time I've been a part of presenting those awards to him, or showering him with the praise he so richly deserves, Luther's reaction has always been the same: "Oh, shucks, David, just get on with it!" This modest man has said to me many times, "I'm just glad to have a job."

My life with Luther began as a 5-year-old child in my parents' grocery store, in Bryant, Alabama, 35 miles from his studio. Customers would come in to buy extra food and toilet paper. Why? Because "Luther" told them it was going to snow in the morning. Long before I ever heard the man on the radio, I knew that his "Luther" fellow must know an awful lot, because everyone hung on to his every word.

As a teen, I became interested in radio myself. On our weekly trips to Chattanooga, I would excuse myself from my parents' restaurant table to find a pay phone and call Luther; at his home! How many local celebrities would take a break from their rest & relaxation time to give career advice to a star-struck 13-year-old? Well, I know of at least one.

Later, I had the pleasure of working in the same building with him for four years. When I finished my TV program, I would go upstairs to say hello, and would usually end up in one of his commercials, helping him extol the virtues of cottage cheese, fresh fruit or steel-belted radials. Has there ever been a better salesman than Luther?

For the past twenty-plus years, I've had the honor of filling in for him during his infrequent vacations (never more than two weeks a year; sometimes one). This usually consisted of helping track lost dogs, announcing church fundraisers, and responding to the most frequently asked question: "Where's Luther? No offense." (None taken).

I've pushed for his admission into the National Radio Hall of Fame, based in Chicago. I've learned that it's induction policies favor broadcasters who are in large cities or on radio networks. They're not interested in a hometown "small market" guy who turned down the big cities dozens of times over the years (because he loved his hometown). I've leaned on local politicians to create a permanent, lasting tribute to the man whose voice is synonymous with Chattanooga. But it's hard to make that happen while the person is alive (which seems strange to me), so I'm still leaning on them.

I could quote many stats and anecdotes about my broadcasting hero, but one has always stood out to me. From 1947 until 2001, he never called in sick. Not once. Believe me, he came to work a few times when he probably shouldn't have. But Luther was a product of a family and a generation that valued hard work, dependability and durability. I'm sure he feels like he's letting us down; his listeners and his employers, by not showing up for his assigned shift these last few days. But I know he's focused on regaining enough strength to wish everyone a "Good Morning Every-body" in that familiar sing-song style that has launched millions of smiles for almost 69 years.

So here's wishing the King of Morning Radio a rapid recovery. Our mornings have been a little less cheery in recent weeks; the biscuits haven't tasted quite as fresh. Take it easy, "old pal" and we'll look forward to you hitting that cold linoleum again soon, bright and early.

David Carroll
dcarroll@wrcbtv.com

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What a great tribute to Luther given by Dave Carroll.

I'm glad he took the time to write it for us, and here's to Luther eventually making it into the Hall of Fame.

Dean Arnold
dean@deanarnold.org

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I, like David Carroll, go back a few years with Luther. I started listening to Luther while a fifth grade student at Clifton Hills Elementary in about 1947.

I also, like David, went into the broadcast business...working In Presque Isle, Maine, Georgia and Alabama. The opportunity came along
at WDEF to do field reports on Luther's "Sundial" from
Northwest Georgia and doing a live report from the Cape on the Apollo 14 launching.

Dave Carlock was the news director
at the time. I had been asked to do weekend anchor on TV 12, replacing
Red Brown.

So many years have past since that time, but all that to make my connection to Luther...definitely a
living legend in Chattanooga radio.

My best to Luther.

Hubert "Windy" Miller
Cincinnati

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I, too, grew up with Luther. I used to love to him say "Hamilton County schools closed today."

Thanks to Luther for your years on the radio...wishing you many more.

Thanks to David Carroll for the tribute.

Best wishes to Luther.

Lisa Parris
Abilene, Tex.

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Having been born in 1947, I literally grew up listening to Luther in the morning. My "square" parents loved the music he played each morning. I wanted to listen to WDXB, which then played the "good ol rock-n-roll" of my generation. This differing taste in music led to many a morning protest on my part, but it always ended in my pouting, and listening to the likes of Tommy Dorsey and Glenn Miller anyway.

I am amazed today at the warm memories those tunes bring back. Luther gave me an appreciation of all types of music that I carry to this day.

During the school year, almost every school child listened to Luther to see if it might snow. When it did, Luther was the sole authority on where sleds were in stock and for sale, what schools were closed, where the open roads were, and where to avoid. Luther was the authoritative voice of Chattanooga, and we all listened.

I wouldn't consider drinking any other milk than "Mayfield's", because Luther said it was the best. If my dog wandered off somewhere, Luther was the first, and usually the only, call one needed to make. Luther made things happen.

To me, Luther was, and is, the Walter Cronkite of radio. There was that character to his voice, a sound that resonated respect, truthfulness, and even security. Coming home from the military, hearing Luther's voice over the radio allowed one to realize that he really was back among family and friends.

I remember in the 70's, I had an important meeting with someone. I I showed up at 9 a.m. sharp. The gentleman I met with said I was early, and, looking at my watch replied, "I thought our meeting was at 9." He said, "Luther just said it is 8:56." It was then that I came to the realization that there was Eastern Standard Time, and "Luther Time." Chattanooga has run for 68 years on "Luther Massengill time."

If there is a hall of fame for radio announcers, it would be a slap in the face to those of us in Southeast Tennessee, North Georgia, North Alabama, and Western North Carolina, to not induct Luther Massengill. Without him, their hall of fame will always be incomplete.

I wish Luther a speedy recovery and want him to know that he is missed.

Thank you, Luther, for all you have done for Chattanooga.

Rod Dagnan
Chattanooga
roddagnan@comcast.net

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There isn't a person alive in Chattanooga that has not heard Luther announce lost dogs and cats, morning weather, school closings and various announcements.

I was lucky enough to live across the street from Luther when I was in high school and I can still see him waving at me as he pulled his old antique car out of the driveway for an afternoon spin around the neighborhood. Sometimes he would stop and talk and encourage me to stay in school and always do what's right.

He was a good influence. He was the sweetest, kindest neighbor in the world. I remember hearing him announce on the radio that my dad, a local policeman, had died. He offered to do anything he could for us and I appreciated it then and I appreciate it now.

Get well, Luther, we love you.

Linda Sehorne Weathers

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Luther, what can I say? He has been a household name my entire life. He is honest, friendly, dedicated, loyal and a wonderful human being.

My dad was Luther McCoy. My dad spoke of knowing Luther my whole life. Dad spoke so highly of Luther that he is an icon in my household - a person whom is honorable, to a fault.

May you be well, Luther. May God continue to bless you and may you speak to us Chattanoogans for many more years to come.

God Bless

Julia McCoy Buckner
Chattanooga

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Say “Luther” – just “Luther”, and anyone in Chattanooga immediately knows who you are talking about. I admit that I didn't want to listen to Luther when I was young, unless there was a chance of snow. If that were the case I, and every other school-age child in town, was straining to hear those magical words, “No school today.”

I had the opportunity to meet Luther in 1975 while working at Eastgate Mall. He was a regular shopper at Revco Drug Store, and he enjoyed chatting with anyone who was in the store. He would buy a bag of candy and share it as he shopped. Years later I was shopping at Red Food Store with my young daughter in the cart. As I went down the aisle, who but Luther approached us, with a big smile and a bag of those soft orange candy peanuts. Once again, he was sharing them with anyone he saw.

Luther used to talk about McCardle’s Tick-Tock Restaurant in East Ridge, saying he liked eating there because they would peel his tomatoes before serving them. Get well soon, Luther. The mornings just aren't the same without you.

Cathy Ward Womack
East Ridge