Tune That Name.

In the 60's, radio announcers rarely used their real names. They took on-air
"stage names." While going to college, I got a part-time job at a station and chose what I thought to be a good sounding "radio name." I just used my real first and middle names, Nick Thomas.

When I got a full-time radio job at WKBO in Harrisburg, PA, I continued to use that name.
My first night on the air.

"Hello, I'm Nick Thomas and I'm glad to be here at WKBO..."

The following day, my boss says... "Sounded pretty good last night, but we'll have to do something about your name. We already have a Nick Reynolds and a Joe Thomas on-the-air, so it might be confusing to have a Nick Thomas. Pick another name."

My second night on the air.

"Hi there, this is Tom Nicholas with all your favorite music..."

The following day, my boss says... "You reversed your name. Clever, but still too close.
Pick another name."

Choosing your own name is a fun-thing most people never get a chance to do.
I took the opportunity to name myself after someone I admired, professional golfer,
Gary Player. The last name came right out of the phone book. When I got to the "B's", the search was over.

My third night on the air.

"I'm Gary Brooks, it's 76 degrees in Harrisburg..."

Same announcer, same station, three nights, three names.

How Bizarre...

("Martha? Don't all them guys at that station sound alike to you?")

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