The Green Lite Club

Shortly after returning to KONO for the SECOND TIME, we plunged into uncharted waters. The idea was to develop and to document who was listening to Skinny Don Green.

It came together quickly as The Green Lite Club, led exclusively by Skinny Don Green. Listeners would submit their contact information. In return, they would receive a personal Green Lite Club card and a member number. A drawing of a green light, and Louie the lean green leprechaun mascot, were on the front of the membership card, which was the pathway to special attention and privileges as a KONO listener. It’s a bit fuzzy now but I recall the membership grew to about 1100.

Each evening I started my program with a highly produced opening by Jerry Miller, which said “The green light is on!” In addition, I decided we needed a special Green Lite Club Cheer. It ended up being a guttural sound, which transitioned into squeals, ending with a “Bronx Cheer.” I’d like to take credit for it, but I plagiarized it from newsman Tom Ellis.

One evening he recorded it for me. That way I could use his version as a regular drop-in on my program. However, I foresaw a problem. I knew eventually I’d have to perform the cheer at a public appearance, so I practiced and practiced until I could do it as well as the Tom Ellis recording. The sales department loved The Green Lite Club because it documented listeners for advertisers.

I left KONO for the second time…but then I returned for the THIRD time. That's when I reformed the Green Lite Club and Elizabeth "Liz" Houston, a high-energy student at Edison High School, became its President. Liz had been a member of the original club and a loyal listener of mine since my first days at KONO. Liz went on to a career in radio that included air work at KBAT and KQXT-FM and work as continuity director at KTSA. We have remained close friends all these years.

Skinny Don Green

Click here to listen to Skinny's version of the Green Lite Club Cheer.

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