Gradowitz Retiring From KUZZ/Bakersfield
• The end of a morning radio era will soon be upon the citizens of Bakersfield, as Buck Owens Productions heritage Country KUZZ-AM & FM/Bakersfield, CA announced the impending retirement of long-time morning host Steve Gradowitz. Earlier Friday, the award-winning Gradowitz announced his final day on air is December 20, 2019, closing the book on a remarkable 33-year run.
“I don’t think I’ve ever had one show that I didn’t look forward to being with my friends, laughing with each other, sharing each other’s sadness, and just having a great time,” Gradowitz told his loyal listeners, adding, “You have always been Bakersfield’s number one audience, and always will be.”
Gradowitz joined KUZZ as its morning personality in 1986 and has remained the city’s top morning personality ever since. Gradowitz and his on-air partner Geoff Emery have twice won the ACM “On-Air Personality of the Year” award, most recently in 2018. He’s also a perennial winner and favorite as “Favorite Morning Personality” in the Bakersfield Californian‘s annual reader’s poll.
“We are so grateful to Steve for helping Bakersfield wake up every weekday morning and get to work or school with a smile,” said Mel Owens, Jr., CEO and General Manager of Buck Owens Productions. “He will be missed, but we wish he and his wife Jan many years of happiness in retirement. He’s earned it.” Plans for the KUZZ morning show — the next generation — will be announced soon.
