WBZ-AM Boston reports the death of former morning driver Dave Maynard. He had retired in 1991 after 48 years in radio and passed away in Florida at age 82.
Maynard, who had suffered from Parkinson’s disease, was inducted into the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2009. “Maynard in the Morning” had topped the ratings in Boston for its 11 year run after he succeeded the also legendary Carl deSuze in 1980.
He began his career in 1952 at WHIL radio [now WXKS] and then moved on to WORL radio, working as a rock ‘n’ roll DJ at both stations. He began hosting a talent contest show on WBZ-TV in 1965 and eventually added talk radio duties at its sister AM.
“All of New England and the WBZ family has lost a radio icon and a treasured friend today. Dave Maynard ruled the airways and owned a special place in our hearts for many years. He was a Hall of Fame caliber broadcaster from the very first day here at WBZ. Generations of broadcasters learned how to be a communicator, entertainer, and friend from Dave Maynard. He was a pioneer at using the power of his voice and his radio program to raise money for worthy causes here in New England and set the standard on how to help his neighbors by being a friend on the radio,” said WBZ Radio Director of Programming Peter Casey.
