The DJ Mutiny

Long time KONO morning impresario, Howard Edwards, was the cause of one of the most memorable and effective audience promotions in the early history of contemporary radio.

It all started when Howard began grumbling each morning about Jack Roth, the owner of KONO. Howard wanted some time off to go fishing but Roth refused. Finally, after a few mornings of derogatory comments about Roth, a frustrated Howard announced that he was going fishing tomorrow, regardless of the consequences.

Jerry Miller, who followed Howard on the air, announced that he was sympathetic to Howard’s plight, so he too, would not show up for work the next day. After Jerry, in succession, all the other KONO DJ’s mutinied in sympathy with Howard.

The next morning found “Roarin” Ruth Edwards filling in for Howard during his air shift. “Magnificent” Maudie Miller replaced Jerry. “Sassy” Sandra Couser subbed for Don, and “Jivin” Jean Green covered for the “Thin Man.” It seems that Jack Roth had hired the wives of the rebellious DJ’s to replace them.

The following morning, April 2nd, Howard was back doing his regular air shift. The other DJ’s followed in their normal progression, and the April Fools Promotion was a complete success.

Five years later, while doing mornings at WDNG in Anniston, AL, I talked the owner into pulling the same stunt on April 1, 1969. It, too, was a huge success.

I can’t imagine a promotion of this magnitude happening in today’s radio environment.

Skinny Don Green

Jivin' Jean Magnificent Maudie (2006)

Editors Note: We are looking for both photos and audio of the participants in the KONO "Mutiny."

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