Hamilton Hanging Up His Headphones
• Hubbard Radio Country WUBE (B-105.1)/Cincinnati announced that market icon/midday personality Duke Hamilton is retiring after a half-century career in radio. His final broadcast will be on Thursday, July 2.
Duke began his radio journey at the age of 18, on August 23, 1970, getting his foot in the door of a Country radio station in Bowling Green, MO — 50 miles across the state from his hometown in Josephville. After being drafted into the Army in 1971, Duke worked for the Armed Forces Radio and Television Services in the Panama Canal Zone. After radio stops in St. Louis and Little Rock, AR, Hamilton landed at WUBE in December 1977 and has never looked back. Over the years he has held a myriad of positions, including PD, MD and mornings, middays and afternoons.
“Cincinnati is a great radio town,” said Duke. “I could’ve moved on to bigger markets, but I loved it here too much to move. I’ve been very fortune to work for great management, and the fans have been absolutely the best. It’s just the right time to hang up the headphones.” Looking back on a career that spans six decades, Duke says its impossible to list all the highlights he’s experienced — except for one that stands out the most — he was honored to be inducted into the Country Music DJ Hall of Fame in 2003.
“Duke is a true country gentleman,” said Mike Fredrick, VP/Market Manager of Hubbard Cincinnati. “The longevity of his career is a true reflection of his character. I worked with Duke for almost two decades and never saw Duke have a bad day. The way he always treated his listeners and coworkers reflect the kindness and goodness in his heart. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement, Duke!”
“There has always been one phrase when I describe Duke to someone: ‘God broke the mold when he made him,'” said Patti Marshall, Operations Manager of Hubbard Cincinnati. “I have never met anyone like him. His generous heart and spirit are on full display no matter who he is talking to.”
WUBE PD Grover Collins said, “Duke Hamilton is the epitome of what everyone aspires to be getting into radio. First and foremost, a tremendous on-air talent, no ego, a wonderful coworker and, more importantly, a friend to myself and many others at WUBE for years. It cannot be understated the mark he left on this radio station and the many people that have come through our studios and worked with him over the years. The word ‘Legend’ is almost not a strong enough word for what Duke means to us and the station after 42+ years of on-air service and dedication.” In his retirement, Duke plans to travel as well as catch up on all the chores awaiting him on the Falmouth farm he and his wife, Barbara have owned since 1981.
