I grew up on the east coast, but have lived in Texas for over 20 years - two different times in Dallas-Fort Worth, a long stretch in Austin, & now here in Tyler-Longview. I married a U.T. Longhorn Nurse & we have 3 daughters who are on their own now but all still live & work in Texas. One followed her mother to the Texas School of Nursing, another’s a grad student in Accounting after going to Texas A&M, & the third went to Texas Tech & is now an Elementary School Teacher. The radio business is the only career I’ve ever had since college. It’s given me the chance to see the country & experience events that most can only imagine. For instance, I’ve had the opportunity to sit down for dinner with music industry stars from all genres: Don Henley, Little Steven Van Zandt, James Taylor, Diana Ross- even Britney Spears! When people ask about my job, I always say it sure beats workin’ for a living! Here are some of my personal “top 3s”: Musicians: The Beatles, Steely Dan, The Eagles Songs: Layla, Stairway To Heaven, What A Fool Believes Concerts: Paul McCartney, Fleetwood Mac, Elton John Movies: The Godfather (all 3), Star Wars (all 8), Dirty Harry (all 5) TV Shows: The Sopranos, 24, Hawaii 5-0 And just for laughs, here 3 things about my life that aren’t common knowledge: 1. We lived at the Jersey Shore during summers when I was a kid, so learning to surf was a must. I started when I was 10 & did it almost year round until I turned 20 & began my radio broadcasting career. 2. Thanks to a scholarship, I played small college football for DePauw University in Greencastle Indiana (offensive lineman & placekicker). John Mellencamp’s long-time guitarist Mike Wanchic was a defensive back on that Tigers team in my freshman year. 3. While working in Dallas radio from 1986-89, I also did television commentary & ring announcing for World Class Championship Wrestling. Kerry Von Erich & Freebird Michael Hayes knew me from doing promotions with 97.1 KEGL, & that Eagle connection opened the pro wrestling door for me.
John Roberts
Cool Off With Free Schlitterbahn Passes
You can spend the day with your family enjoying the hottest coolest time in Texas! Listen to win all this week during our 96-Minute Music Marathons, beginning at 9am & 1pm.
A Capitol Idea- Indulge In This Tasty Turkey Treat!
Celebrate the end of a busy week- treat yourself to Lola's latest sandwich special today!
Bob Seger, Journey, Eddie Money & More Adding Dates To An Already Loaded Concert Calendar!
Check out our latest show schedule- it's packed! A dozen shows in the next month alone, & that's just for venues within a couple hours drive of Tyler.
Birthday Wishes For Don Henley Could Mean Free Seats For You At His Concert Party!
Stevie Nicks, Joe Walsh, & Timothy B. Schmit will all be in Dallas celebrating on stage. You can be there too. The first step: post a selfie with your unique Don Henley birthday card creation.
A Creole Specialty Captures Tyler Sandwich Fans’ Attention
If you've spent any time in New Orleans, you already know the greatness of a freshly made Shrimp Po' Boy. This week, Lola's "Catch 22" pays homage to the NOLA classic.
Elvin Bishop Band Headlines Longview’s Big Pines Blues Festival This Weekend
Rock & Roll Hall Of Famer Elvin Bishop performs at Maude Cobb's Rodeo Arena at 9pm tomorrow, but the music & fun actually starts later this afternoon.
Special Gregg Allman Tribute Rock Block Airs At 6pm Today
Following the wrap up of Classic Rock 96-1's Memorial Day 500 countdown, we'll honor the memory of one of Southern Rock's biggest legends, with 30-minutes of music from The Allman Brothers Band (& an iconic solo track too).
Final Day For Our “Memorial Day 500″ Countdown- Top 96 Revealed Starting At 9am
It's time to showcase the absolute best of the best! The final day of our Memorial Day 500 counts down the Top 96 classic rock songs of all time. Make it your holiday soundtrack, & crank it up!
Celebrate The Holiday With Classic Rock 96-1’s Memorial Day 500
Memorial Weekend traditions: remembering vets who gave their lives for our freedom, the Indy 500, pool parties, & backyard barbecues. Now, add something new to that list: our countdown of the 500 greatest classic rock songs of all time!
Tyler and Longview Land in Texas Monthly’s Top 50 BBQ Joints
Getting on this coveted list is not a typical feat - it's not just the cream of the crop. It's the best of the best and both Tyler and Longview are in it.
Big Name Concerts Just Keep On Comin’, & We Love It!
They don't get any more huge than Sir Paul McCartney, set to play Shreveport July 15th. And as Don Henley's Dallas birthday show July 22nd gets closer, A-list special guests like Stevie Nicks & Joe Walsh are being revealed.
Classic Rock 96-1’s On the ETX Streets
Look for us Saturday morning from 10 til noon at TJC's West Campus on The Loop, then at the new O'Reilly Auto Parts store in Tyler on South Broadway from 1 til 3pm.