While listening to longtime KMOX host Charlie Brennan's last talk show today, I thought about how much the past influences the present. Brennan joined KMOX in 1988. One of his most memorable shows to me was in the mid to late '90s. Brennan interviewed John Pizzarelli, and Pizzarelli and his ensemble performed a blistering rendition of "Avalon." I knew a Pizzarelli fan from college would appreciate hearing the interview, so I recorded it and mailed it to her.
Fast forward about a quarter-century, and Pizzarelli is a guest on Brennan's final show.
"It all comes around," I thought. "Good for John Pizzarelli...And, for that matter, good for Charlie Brennan...If you do quality work, you deserve to have frequent, long-lived outlets for it."
Several minutes later, I was pleased to add another name to that list. Brennan's co-host, Amy Marxkors, promised that "a special mystery guest" would appear after a commercial break. That mystery guest was Erin Bode, a local singer I've praised multiple times on this blog. I recognized her voice immediately as she performed a song written specifically for Brennan.
"Good for Erin Bode," I thought. "She has released excellent CDs and played excellent concerts for the last two decades. What a great choice for a final guest."
On KMOX and on the TV panel discussion show, "Donnybrook," Brennan has posed questions and presented opposing views with civility that not everyone has these days. Here's hoping he enjoys his retirement from radio and his continuing role as "Donnybrook" provocateur.
