Remembering Paul “Boom Boom” Cannon
• UPDATED: We were deeply saddened to learn that legendary longtime programmer Paul “Boom Boom” Cannon died Tuesday, Jan. 4 at Backus Hospital in Norwich, CT at the age of 67, due to complications from metastatic urothelial carcinoma. Cannon, whose real name was Paul George Boulais, was a resident of Danielson, CT.
Cannon was well known for his successful programming stints at several legendary radio stations, including WKSE/Buffalo from 1984-89, 92PRO-FM/Providence from 1989-93, 96TIC/Hartford from 1993-96 and WMAS/Springfield, MA until 2007. Since leaving radio Cannon had been working as an Area Sales Manager for Schwan’s Home Food Service.
While at WKSE, Cannon worked with talented personalities like Rocky Allen, Kid Kelly, Mike McGowan, Dave Universal and Janet Snyder (who is still there doing mornings). Snyder told RAMP, “Paul ‘Boom Boom’ Cannon was a true radio legend! He helped to create a heritage radio station in Buffalo NY, and orchestrated some of the most epic radio station promotions and contests ever! I know every air talent that worked with him is better because of his passion and love for GREAT RADIO!”
Kid Kelly commented, “Paul ‘Boom Boom’ Cannon was a really special person. He was a guiding, trusting, non-judgmental force of positivity as a person as well as an awesome air talent and a fearless and gifted programmer. He was always fun, had the best laugh and always made the folks around him feel better about themselves. He was one of a kind.”
Dave Universal recalls, “‘Boom’ was the PD and morning guy when I started at WKSE and he gave me the ‘Assistant MD’ title back in 1989, which was the highlight of my life at the time! Everyone in the building LOVED the guy — he helped shape the careers of legends like Rocky Allen, Kid Kelly, Mike McGowan, and Janet Synder — what a team that was back in the late ’80s with Boom at the helm!”
Tony Bristol (pictured here, right, back in the day with Cannon and Taylor Dayne) commented, “Paul ‘Boom’ Cannon was a mentor of mine at PRO-FM where he gave me my first Music Director job. I learned a lot from Paul, had many good times and will forever hear his hearty laugh. Condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.”
Dana Lundon, currently doing middays for SummitMedia’s WZZK/Birmingham, worked for Cannon back in the day at 96TIC as MD/midday personality. “He and I would butt heads about music when I worked for him at TIC-FM, but he was ALL about personality radio and I was always able to get on board with that,” Lundon said. “He had the most boisterous laugh and the best sense of humor. I actually learned to respect him more after I left.” Lundon added, “We would bust each others’ asses whenever we talked, but I could always count on him for sound advice. The last time I chatted with him was Thanksgiving Day and he was making dinner. He loved his daughters and was a proud grandfather. I will miss him and his friendship immensely.”
Cannon leaves behind daughters Sarah and Jess, and three grandchildren. Calling Hours and a Service of Remembrance will be held Thursday, Jan. 13 from 3-5pm at Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home in Danielson, CT, followed by a reception at the Golden Greek Restaurant in Dayville. Those who wish to remember Paul in a special way may make donations in his name to the V Foundation for Cancer Research, a cause close to his heart.
