Condolences: Joe Dawson

• Late Tuesday we learned of the passing of yet another veteran programmer and major market air personality — Joe Dawson, who died in Atlanta after a tough battle with double pneumonia. We are told this was not COVID-related.

Dawson’s lengthy radio career was highlighted by his eight-year stint at B96/Chicago from 1982-1990, where he was a member of the original “Hot Hits” staff that also included Steve Davis, Gary Spears, Dave Robbins, Bob Lewis, Frank Foster and Tony Taylor.

Other radio stops include 92X/Columbus, WFYR/Chicago, WBXX/Battle Creek, MI, and five years as PD of WWKX/Providence. In recent years Dawson had been operating his own successful Atlanta-based sports advertising business.

In a Facebook tribute, former B96 PD Buddy Scott posted, “Joe Dawson lost his battle. He was one of a kind. Always happy, always positive, always kind! I will always remember Joe with love. His story is remarkable. Joe was a dreamer who believed he could do anything. And he would do it! Go rest high my friend. Crack that heavenly mic and announce that Smokin’ Joe has arrived!”

We will update this story with information on Joe’s family and memorial services as we get them.