Inside Capsule Countdown: Rick Johnson’s Radio Journey
By
Dakota Lavota
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- Are you from Racine? If not where? I have lived in N.E. Illinois most of my life. I started in radio In the Navy with A.F.R.T.S. and when I got out in 1976 I started at the former WRKR just across town on Green bay road.
- What got you into Radio? I guess it’s like most kids…in this area, I grew up listening to WLS and Later WCFL, WOKY, and WRIT. I played records on my phonograph at home in my bedroom , and spoke into a real cheap tape recorder at about age 7. I didn’t know then that I was honing my skills. I knew I wanted to be in radio. Did some collage and some radio when I was in college.
- How did you come up with the show “Capsule Countdown?” I ripped off WCFL for the capsule countdown *laughs*. Well not totally. In the 1960’s they had a capsule countdown every week that went along with the top 10 songs on their survey each week. I remembered that and thought it would be fun. Obviously I don’t play the current top ten songs, but pick a week between 1960 – 1974, read a few stories around that week to jog memories, and present the songs.
- What other radio stations have you worked for and why did you choose to be here at WRJN? I’ve stayed close to home. Worked in the Chicago, Milwaukee, Rockford market, and did quite a few fill in for friends at other radio stations. WRJN is a great heritage station. Yes I’ve listened off and on throughout the years. I love timeless hits. When I heard WRJN was going to go back to timeless hits, I contacted Chris and said I’d love to be on the air at WRJN. This makes me really happy. I Started out my career in 1976 in Racine and now after all these years have come full circle back to Racine. I love Racine.
- What are some of your hobbies outside of work? Wow, hobbies outside of work. I suppose you could say Glamping (yes, Glamping was not a typo). Yeah not much for sleeping in a tent on the ground, but I do like to take our travel trailer out especially in the summer and visit places I’ve only read about. It’s relaxing and enjoyable.
- Favorite Artist/Band? My favorite artist / band would have to be the fab four. A lot of my formative years as a child were in the Beatles hey day. I always loved top-40 music and the radio stations that played it.
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