Gary Burbank Legendary WLW Host Passed Away at 84
Obituary

Gary Burbank: Legendary WLW Host Passed Away at 84

Gary Burbank, the quick-witted voice behind some of radio’s most beloved characters and one of Cincinnati’s most iconic broadcasters, died on August 28 at the age of 84. His passing was confirmed by longtime friend and fellow WLW personality Bill Cunningham.

Cunningham shared the news in a heartfelt message on X, calling Burbank “the GOAT” and honoring his legacy with a simple, “RIP.”

Burbank retired from WLW in 2007 after more than four decades on the air, but his influence continued long after. He was best known for a stable of original comedic characters—including Earl Pitts American, Gilbert Gnarley, the Right Rev. Deuteronomy Skaggs, and bluesman Howlin’ Blind Muddy Slim. Earl Pitts’ satirical commentaries, in particular, remain nationally syndicated to this day.

Burbank’s Cincinnati career began in 1981 when he moved from Louisville to join WLW as a morning host. Over the years, he became a central figure in the station’s identity, blending sharp satire with a knack for storytelling. His afternoon program featured “Sports or Consequences,” a rowdy trivia show where callers attempted to stump Burbank and his cast with sports questions—only to be humorously cut off or “blown up” if they failed.

Beyond the laughs, Burbank wasn’t afraid to poke fun at public figures, lampooning celebrities like Jerry Springer and Marge Schott, while also ribbing Cincinnati’s own Reds and Bengals during their down years.

His talent earned him national recognition. Twice he was named Billboard and Marconi’s Large Market Radio Personality of the Year, and in 2012 he was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame—a fitting tribute to a career built on both humor and innovation.

Born Billy Purser in Memphis in July 1941, Burbank discovered his passion for radio early. While serving in the U.S. Army in Germany during the late 1950s, he often tuned into WLW, unaware he would one day become one of its most celebrated voices. His early career took him across the South under names like “Bill Williams” and “Johnny Apollo,” before adopting “Gary Burbank”—a name inspired by legendary broadcaster Gary Owens—during his time at Louisville’s WAKY, where he began developing the characters that would later define his career.

Outside of broadcasting, Burbank also ventured into the restaurant business, opening Burbank’s Real Bar-B-Q and Ribs in Cincinnati, which remained a popular spot until its closure in 2009.

Gary Burbank leaves behind a legacy of humor, creativity, and cultural impact that stretched far beyond the Queen City. For countless listeners, his voice wasn’t just part of the background—it was the soundtrack of their afternoons.

 

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