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I HAVE BEEN FRIENDS WITH JOE FOR MANY YEARS . I ENJOYED HEARING HIM ON WCMS.
I was fortunate enough to work on the air with Joe Hoppel for nearly four years - early 80's - as part of Joe’s morning team.
There are simply too many stories to mention here but suffice it to say that working with Joe was not only great fun, it was a privilege to work with someone who is a legend of Country Music Radio.
Joe is as gracious as he is well known and respected. Most every country star knows the name Joe Hopple as do thousands of residents of Hampton Roads Virginia.
Joe, best of luck with this book. I have placed my order and can’t wait to read it.
I got hired at WCMS in 1989 to do the all-night show. Yes, it was actually "Live" back in those days. The all-night announcer was responsible for setting up the Morning crew,
meaning supplying fresh coffee,the hottest news items and latest weather forecast. Every morning without fail Joe would arrive ( he never missed a day of work, that I can remember) normally about 5:45am you see over the years he timed it perfectly, accounting for traffic et al. Joe would come in and I'd be as chipper as I could, no matter what to give me a positive start, not that he needed it. I'd say "Good Morning Joe ( smiling )
How it going" and he say the same thing every morning in response "to early to tell".
Finally, I just stopped asking him, after I realized this was as close to the embodiment
of a John Wayne as I was ever gonna meet.
Honesty, integrity, work ethic, home, family
America, that my friend Joe Hoppel.
and Yes as everyone says " I know him personally"
In the last decade I had the pleasure of working with Joe Hoppel. For many years as a child and teenager I listened to him on WCMS end his show with "Go have a nice day, you got a nice day for it".
The radio bug bit me in high school and I began working at a conglomerate in Norfolk, VA. One day to my surprise Joe Hoppel showed up at the doorstep of my radio station I was eager to get the chance to talk to him. Each day Joe would enter the newsroom to read his mail and email and he would take several hours if necessary to thoughtfully respond to each listener which I always thought was just the best.
Joe has a true love for country music and the folks who make it and listen to it and that shows through in every way. He is indeed one of the nicest people you could ever meet. I once told him that I could finally leave radio because I had done everything I had gone into the business to do, one of the major and important things to me being - I got to work with him. It's been over 2 years since I've stepped foot in a radio station :) I meant it Joe...you were one of my career highlights old friend - and it was all worth it.
I am the oldest granddaughter of the former owners of WCMS. I've known Joe and his beautiful wife my entire life. And I must say the two of them are in most of my fondest memories of WCMS.
Growing up, I always enjoyed visiting the radio station and his office. He had such a large collection of country music singers holding him in a headlock. I couldn't wait for the latest picture to be hung! And I can't wait to get his book!
I had the opportunity to meet Joe a few years back while he was writing the book. I was the first one on-line at Amazon when the book came out. It is full of great stories with some of the top people in country music and a fun read!! Great job Joe!!
I loved the book and I am not biased!Mine is autographed too at no cost. I am the oldest daughter, by the way as Dad points out in the book. LOL. I met Big Elvis in Vegas last week and told himk about it. I had Elvis put me in a headlock for the fun of it!
Buy this book for any country music fan you know. Love you Dad!!
Joe Hoppel's half-century in broadcasting encompassed a significant chunk of the history of country music. Joe shared the stage, and the microphone, with Elvis, Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Jim Reeves, George Strait, The Statlers, The Gatlins, Garth, Wynona and on and on. He probably knows more stories about country music stars than most country music stars know. Having known Joe for nearly 50 years, I've had the chance to hear lots of stories. Nobody tells them better. Joe's book offers all of us a chance to hear a master storyteller, who is also a lover of country music, doing what he loves to do. Buy the book! Heck, buy lots and share them with friends.
I grew up listening to Joe Hoppel and WCMS. My father was a big country music fan. If you lived in Hampton Rds that meant you listened to WCMS and Joe. Once when I was 13 or 14 my dad took me on a tour of WCMS. We saw where all the magic happened. The studios, offices, awards and the most impressive...the wall of Joes headlock pics. Big Time!! Little did I know that just a few short years I would be working at WCMS. For the next 16 to 17 yrs I had a chance to be around a great group of people and watch the legend Joe Hoppel work his magic!! It did not take long to realize that Joe was the king of radio in Hampton Rds. From "The Bull" to Dick Lamb, it was Joe that always came out on top. Once I went with him to Military for some reason and it was like walking with Elvis...every few feet it was "Hey Joe" or "What's up Joe?" Folks just thought of Joe like he was a member of the family. Lots of folks...it took forever to get thru that mall. I have a few Joe stories. Too many to tell here. I just want to say that as a kid listening with my dad I tought Joe must be a great guy...as a man having worked with him, traveled with him, just being around him I can say without a doubt...I was right!! Let me add it is true "Behind every Great man is a Great woman!" Sue is all that Joe is just a hell of alot prettier!!! So with that famous saying I still say all the time..."Have a nice day...you got a nice day for it!!!" Eric Stevens.
Joe Hoppel and the Morning Team. There were a lot of Morning Teams.
For two years, I was the all-night guy who "warmed up" Joe's seat for him in the morning. A few times, I managed to beg, borrow, or steal my way (I forget) to the traffic desk or news reporting on his show, but WCMS had the good sense to get some real talent on the Morning Team, while I was handed some gadget called an IBM-PC/XT and encouraged to figure it out.
Few things were more fun than creating the first radio station website in Hampton Roads with Joe's generous contribution of head-lock pictures and first-hand knowledge of every Country artist who ever sang a song. I can't wait to read his book.
I've been fortunate to rub elbows with many of Hampton Roads' top local personalities, but the twenty years in the company of Joe Hoppel stand out. Joe is in a league all his own. Impeccably professional (except for the one time he cussed with the microphone on and someone called in to warn him that somebody had snuck into his studio), courteous to every single one of his multitude of fans, and considerate even to us seat-warmers.
Every single minute with him was a moment to treasure, and a fond memory I still hold dear. Thank you, Joe.
In the early ‘80s I was fortunate enough to be the “designated substitute announcer” for Joe when he was off or on vacation. The then station manager told Joe that I was his heir apparent for the WCMS-FM morning show. Joe replied, “If Chuck is going to take my place…I won’t retire until I’m 100!”. Well, neither of these happened. Sad for me but most of all sad for Hampton Roads' radio listeners who still miss Joe every day. In my many years in radio I worked with hundreds of on-air folks and Joe is at the top of my list for talent, kindness, humor, and sincerity. Joe, you are the best and I’m glad I can spend my retirement years reading your book and not worrying about taking your place. Nobody could ever do that! ~Chuck Sherman
It was the mid-1950s and I was a young teenager; my best friend and I were besotted with Elvis (still are) and must have sent Joe 10 postcards every week to play an Elvis song. We really enjoyed Joe and always link him with my "salad days." Tell him hello from Jackie Todd and Louise Bass.
I got into this area 1 April 1971 and found WCMS just a few days later. Joe was on air and my radio stayed on WCMS until the string to change stations rotted away. I met Joe several years later at a show at Coliseum and he was very friendly to all ~~ in later years he helped me with the baskets I make for Vets at the Hospital in Hampton. I used WCMS glasses as baskets several years. Thanks for everything Joe. You are the best.. I miss you on air and Carolina Charlie too...
I have listened to Joe Hoppel for almost 48 years. I am blessed to be able to continue to listen to him. You see, I am his youngest daughter Judi. Dad talks about his amazing career in country music and many stories I had not known, or forgotten about. What he didn't talk about is how great of a father and husband he was and still is. Dad has taught all of us about compassion and respect, but most of all he taught his family love. If you were blessed enough to know Dad personally, you will understand what a remarkable person he is....I Love You Dad and it is a nice day for it :):) Judi
I have lived here all my life and as far back as I can remember, my mom and dad had Joe on the radio every morning on WCMS-AM- then FM. My mom used to take me to the country shows that WCMS would have at the Norfolk Arena, with folks like Bill Anderson, George Jones, Sonny James, Dolly and others. She would also take me around to wherever the "Goody Wagon" was or if Carolina Charlie was playin' a fair somewhere, we would be there. She also participated in every contest on WCMS. In the early 70's she and two of her neighbors found the legenday GOLD BRICK. They split the winnings, although my mom found it from the clues they would give on the radio. She also won a car from WCMS, but I think she was more excited to get to go to the station and meet Joe. As the years went by, I became interested in radio and those early years with my mom listening Joe had a big influence on me. I would show up at Joe's roadshows and ask questions about radio and he was always nice enough to talk to me about it. I met Joe at several events after I had gotten into the business out of high school and told him those stories about how my mom used to do the contest all the time and that was one of the reasons I became a dj and program director in radio. Flash forward to the early 2000's and the company I work for ended up buying WCMS. I got to work with Joe and was honored to be a friend to Joe. I have an autographed poster that Joe signed for me that advertised one of his "Live" broadcast hanging in my radio room at home and a picture of me with Joe that he signed "To Mike, a good friend a darn good dj!-Joe Hoppel." That autograph means more to me than any other I have. I also have a memory of bumping Joe out of the way to win a Media race at Langley Speedway. Sorry Joe, rubbin' is racin'. :) Joe came up to our station, 92-9 The WAVE, last year to record a segment for "Saturday Night At The 70's" a show I produce with Dick Lamb. My radio career was complete. I was working with 2 of my radio heros and living heaven on earth. The passion I have for this business was inspired and fueled by Joe and the way he treats and respects people is something I always keep in mind when I deal with the public. Thanks for everything Joe! I can't wait to read the book!
I consider myself incredibly lucky to have grown up with Joe Hoppel on my radio. To me, it was "watching" history being made every day, as someone who is genuinely kind, caring, friendly and wonderful was right there with me in the car every day. I could always count on Joe to bring me the best music, the finest entertainment, as if he was a neighbor and best friend. I have yet to have the honor of meeting Joe in person, but there is no one in radio that could ever match him or his style. Just as WCMS is the standard by which all country stations are and should be judged, Joe is the same standard for on-air jocks. When I went into radio in 2000, I put forth my best effort to be like Joe: kind, caring, funny, and a good friend. Radio has truly lost some of the Greats with the passing of Russ Cassidy, WCMS and Marj Crump. I thank God every day for Joe and people in radio that are just like him, who help keep radio what it was and should always be... a collection of gifted, talented souls who bring 'theatre of the mind' to a new level. God bless you, Joe. You're one amazing person.
Joe Hoppel
POB 64862
Virginia Beach, VA 23467
www.joehoppel.com
If you have ever worked in the radio biz or have known someone who has you are well aware that while there is a show being broadcast over the big wind, the real show more often than not is behind the scenes far away from any live microphone.
Many times what appears smooth or at least relatively smooth on the air is in reality being propped up with rusty wire and used duct tape. And everyone’s in a fight with the clock.
When veteran radio legends like Joe Hoppel get together these co-hosts of prime time crime will without a doubt reminisce not about their greatest shows, but over what happened far from the listener’s ear.
Now we all have the very rare opportunity to peek past the wings onto the backstage of a country music disc jockey’s career that spans a half century.
Joe Hoppel was a mainstay on WCMS when Elvis was trying to find his way around Memphis.
Joe emceed concerts featuring the stars of Nashville when the contracts consisted of no more than a handshake.
He initiated or took part in dozens of outrageous skits and crazy promotions in an effort to gather listeners—including appearances on The Bill Anderson Show as well as Hee-Haw.
Joe gathered up his WCMS morning show cast members and took the troupe to area theaters, super market parking lots, retirement homes, school lunchrooms and charity based television appearances. He accepted invitations for treks to DisneyWorld on three separate occasions as well as a week broadcasting from ABC studios in New York City.
Through it all many of the roads taken to the airwaves were filled with dangerous curves, pot holes and choking clouds of dust. But each and every remembrance brings a chuckle if not an all out fall-off-your-chair belly laugh.
Now Joe’s fascinating stories can belong to all of us. His brand new 235 page book titled People I’ve Met Things I’ve Done chronicles not only his 50 years before the mike but his memories of what it took to put it all together and keep it all together till showtime.
Joe’s tome is available at his website, www.joehoppel.com or through Amazon.com.
Watch for Joe’s signing parties and appearances and meet this Virginia Beach Country Radio Legend!
For a great personal read or a fantastic gift you can’t do better than share in Joe Hoppel’s look at five decades in the country radio business.
DGH
--30--
I was Joe's sidekick for 7 1/2 years.
Way too short a time. My most fun job-- sitting across the desk from a true legend!
Darrell Hosack
darehosack@cs.com
Life can be very strange... I met Joe Hoppel in 1997. He probably does not remember it but I do. It was at WFOS in Chesapeake. Joe was there to help with installation of a Scott automation system. I started my radio journey at WFOS in 1986 but my connection to Joe Hoppel goes back to when I was a very small child and he was one of the voices on the radio who inspired me to want to be on it too.
The fellow I was working for was Dave Desler. He was my teacher, my mentor and my friend for more than 25 years. Through Dave I met many radio legends like Wellman Jack, Bob Calvert, Carolina Charley and Joe Hoppel.
Dave passed away on September the 18th, 2010 and I cam back to Hampton Roads to be in Dave's funeral. When I returned to my parent's home in Portsmouth, my early sister said she had an early birthday present for me. It was an autographed copy of Joe's book. I made it through the entire funeral without shedding a tear but when I read the kind words Joe had written in the inside jacket I just lost it.
Reading his stories has reminded me just how wonderful radio used to be in Hampton Roads. Joe is one of the few in this business who is a really nice guy. As those of you who have worked in radio already know, it it not a kind industry.
Joe, Thank you for writing this book and thank you for setting a stellar example of what a real radio professional should be. But most of all, thank you for making me smile when all I really wanted to do was cry.
You did a great job
Joe Collins - Former Hampton Roads Radio Personality
I never had the pleasure of working with you, but I certainly have had the great pleasure of listening to you many times ... back in the days when radio still embraced personality.
Your name has always been synonymous with Country Music in Hampton Roads, but it has also been synonymous with quality broadcasting. Unfortunately, the business has changed...not because the listeners wanted less from the radio stations, but, rather, because radio stations decided to offer less to the listeners.
Joe, you have never compromised on your commitment to your audience. And that always came through on the air and in your personal appearances. I've been fortunate to work with and meet a lot of so-called "big-name" radio performers in my career, but you are definitely one of my radio heroes.
I started listening to Joe in 1964. At that time he was pretending to buile a car called the Hoppel Mobile. I was hooked from then on.
I moved from Hampton in 1998 and go back three times per year. I sure do miss WCMS and mostly Joe in the morning.
Many were the mornings I sat at the family breakfast table listening to Joe Hoppel, and his morning crew. As tastes in music changed in my teenage years, Joe still continued to be a mainstay. As the years went by, many of the voices changed, and personalities came and went. But, Joe never waivered. The day programming changed, and WCMS was gone, was a dark day in Hampton Roads history. Thank you, Joe, for being who you are, on and off the air. You have inspired many over the years, and put a smile on lots of faces. Enjoy your retirement, and as you said many times, "Have a nice day. You've got a nice day for it."
I HAVE BEEN FRIENDS WITH JOE FOR MANY YEARS . I ENJOYED HEARING HIM ON WCMS.
Posted by: RAY COLESON | June 13, 2010 at 07:48 PM
I was fortunate enough to work on the air with Joe Hoppel for nearly four years - early 80's - as part of Joe’s morning team.
There are simply too many stories to mention here but suffice it to say that working with Joe was not only great fun, it was a privilege to work with someone who is a legend of Country Music Radio.
Joe is as gracious as he is well known and respected. Most every country star knows the name Joe Hopple as do thousands of residents of Hampton Roads Virginia.
Joe, best of luck with this book. I have placed my order and can’t wait to read it.
Mike Russell
Posted by: Mike Russell | June 14, 2010 at 03:33 PM
I got hired at WCMS in 1989 to do the all-night show. Yes, it was actually "Live" back in those days. The all-night announcer was responsible for setting up the Morning crew,
meaning supplying fresh coffee,the hottest news items and latest weather forecast. Every morning without fail Joe would arrive ( he never missed a day of work, that I can remember) normally about 5:45am you see over the years he timed it perfectly, accounting for traffic et al. Joe would come in and I'd be as chipper as I could, no matter what to give me a positive start, not that he needed it. I'd say "Good Morning Joe ( smiling )
How it going" and he say the same thing every morning in response "to early to tell".
Finally, I just stopped asking him, after I realized this was as close to the embodiment
of a John Wayne as I was ever gonna meet.
Honesty, integrity, work ethic, home, family
America, that my friend Joe Hoppel.
and Yes as everyone says " I know him personally"
Denis Reidy WCMS 1989-2000
Posted by: Denis Reidy | June 15, 2010 at 10:16 AM
In the last decade I had the pleasure of working with Joe Hoppel. For many years as a child and teenager I listened to him on WCMS end his show with "Go have a nice day, you got a nice day for it".
The radio bug bit me in high school and I began working at a conglomerate in Norfolk, VA. One day to my surprise Joe Hoppel showed up at the doorstep of my radio station I was eager to get the chance to talk to him. Each day Joe would enter the newsroom to read his mail and email and he would take several hours if necessary to thoughtfully respond to each listener which I always thought was just the best.
Joe has a true love for country music and the folks who make it and listen to it and that shows through in every way. He is indeed one of the nicest people you could ever meet. I once told him that I could finally leave radio because I had done everything I had gone into the business to do, one of the major and important things to me being - I got to work with him. It's been over 2 years since I've stepped foot in a radio station :) I meant it Joe...you were one of my career highlights old friend - and it was all worth it.
Posted by: Tina George | June 15, 2010 at 11:18 AM
I am the oldest granddaughter of the former owners of WCMS. I've known Joe and his beautiful wife my entire life. And I must say the two of them are in most of my fondest memories of WCMS.
Growing up, I always enjoyed visiting the radio station and his office. He had such a large collection of country music singers holding him in a headlock. I couldn't wait for the latest picture to be hung! And I can't wait to get his book!
Best wishes and good luck, Joe!
Posted by: Cat Weller Sloan | June 26, 2010 at 09:15 PM
I had the opportunity to meet Joe a few years back while he was writing the book. I was the first one on-line at Amazon when the book came out. It is full of great stories with some of the top people in country music and a fun read!! Great job Joe!!
Posted by: Tim Druzgala, ODU Baseball Alumni | June 27, 2010 at 11:38 AM
I loved the book and I am not biased!Mine is autographed too at no cost. I am the oldest daughter, by the way as Dad points out in the book. LOL. I met Big Elvis in Vegas last week and told himk about it. I had Elvis put me in a headlock for the fun of it!
Buy this book for any country music fan you know. Love you Dad!!
Posted by: Terri Hoppel-Hicks | July 01, 2010 at 08:52 PM
Joe Hoppel's half-century in broadcasting encompassed a significant chunk of the history of country music. Joe shared the stage, and the microphone, with Elvis, Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Jim Reeves, George Strait, The Statlers, The Gatlins, Garth, Wynona and on and on. He probably knows more stories about country music stars than most country music stars know. Having known Joe for nearly 50 years, I've had the chance to hear lots of stories. Nobody tells them better. Joe's book offers all of us a chance to hear a master storyteller, who is also a lover of country music, doing what he loves to do. Buy the book! Heck, buy lots and share them with friends.
Posted by: Rick Crump | July 07, 2010 at 06:34 PM
I grew up listening to Joe Hoppel and WCMS. My father was a big country music fan. If you lived in Hampton Rds that meant you listened to WCMS and Joe. Once when I was 13 or 14 my dad took me on a tour of WCMS. We saw where all the magic happened. The studios, offices, awards and the most impressive...the wall of Joes headlock pics. Big Time!! Little did I know that just a few short years I would be working at WCMS. For the next 16 to 17 yrs I had a chance to be around a great group of people and watch the legend Joe Hoppel work his magic!! It did not take long to realize that Joe was the king of radio in Hampton Rds. From "The Bull" to Dick Lamb, it was Joe that always came out on top. Once I went with him to Military for some reason and it was like walking with Elvis...every few feet it was "Hey Joe" or "What's up Joe?" Folks just thought of Joe like he was a member of the family. Lots of folks...it took forever to get thru that mall. I have a few Joe stories. Too many to tell here. I just want to say that as a kid listening with my dad I tought Joe must be a great guy...as a man having worked with him, traveled with him, just being around him I can say without a doubt...I was right!! Let me add it is true "Behind every Great man is a Great woman!" Sue is all that Joe is just a hell of alot prettier!!! So with that famous saying I still say all the time..."Have a nice day...you got a nice day for it!!!" Eric Stevens.
Posted by: Eric Byrum | July 21, 2010 at 10:45 AM
Joe Hoppel and the Morning Team. There were a lot of Morning Teams.
For two years, I was the all-night guy who "warmed up" Joe's seat for him in the morning. A few times, I managed to beg, borrow, or steal my way (I forget) to the traffic desk or news reporting on his show, but WCMS had the good sense to get some real talent on the Morning Team, while I was handed some gadget called an IBM-PC/XT and encouraged to figure it out.
Few things were more fun than creating the first radio station website in Hampton Roads with Joe's generous contribution of head-lock pictures and first-hand knowledge of every Country artist who ever sang a song. I can't wait to read his book.
I've been fortunate to rub elbows with many of Hampton Roads' top local personalities, but the twenty years in the company of Joe Hoppel stand out. Joe is in a league all his own. Impeccably professional (except for the one time he cussed with the microphone on and someone called in to warn him that somebody had snuck into his studio), courteous to every single one of his multitude of fans, and considerate even to us seat-warmers.
Every single minute with him was a moment to treasure, and a fond memory I still hold dear. Thank you, Joe.
Posted by: Mike Budahn | July 29, 2010 at 09:00 PM
In the early ‘80s I was fortunate enough to be the “designated substitute announcer” for Joe when he was off or on vacation. The then station manager told Joe that I was his heir apparent for the WCMS-FM morning show. Joe replied, “If Chuck is going to take my place…I won’t retire until I’m 100!”. Well, neither of these happened. Sad for me but most of all sad for Hampton Roads' radio listeners who still miss Joe every day. In my many years in radio I worked with hundreds of on-air folks and Joe is at the top of my list for talent, kindness, humor, and sincerity. Joe, you are the best and I’m glad I can spend my retirement years reading your book and not worrying about taking your place. Nobody could ever do that! ~Chuck Sherman
Posted by: Chuck Sherman | August 02, 2010 at 05:34 AM
It was the mid-1950s and I was a young teenager; my best friend and I were besotted with Elvis (still are) and must have sent Joe 10 postcards every week to play an Elvis song. We really enjoyed Joe and always link him with my "salad days." Tell him hello from Jackie Todd and Louise Bass.
Posted by: Jackie Kallick | August 02, 2010 at 12:33 PM
I got into this area 1 April 1971 and found WCMS just a few days later. Joe was on air and my radio stayed on WCMS until the string to change stations rotted away. I met Joe several years later at a show at Coliseum and he was very friendly to all ~~ in later years he helped me with the baskets I make for Vets at the Hospital in Hampton. I used WCMS glasses as baskets several years. Thanks for everything Joe. You are the best.. I miss you on air and Carolina Charlie too...
Posted by: Mary Ebron | August 04, 2010 at 09:50 AM
WCMS remember to write it down, it could pay in a special waya
Posted by: Dennis Wilson | August 05, 2010 at 05:59 PM
I have listened to Joe Hoppel for almost 48 years. I am blessed to be able to continue to listen to him. You see, I am his youngest daughter Judi. Dad talks about his amazing career in country music and many stories I had not known, or forgotten about. What he didn't talk about is how great of a father and husband he was and still is. Dad has taught all of us about compassion and respect, but most of all he taught his family love. If you were blessed enough to know Dad personally, you will understand what a remarkable person he is....I Love You Dad and it is a nice day for it :):) Judi
Posted by: Judi Hoppel | August 09, 2010 at 12:40 PM
I have lived here all my life and as far back as I can remember, my mom and dad had Joe on the radio every morning on WCMS-AM- then FM. My mom used to take me to the country shows that WCMS would have at the Norfolk Arena, with folks like Bill Anderson, George Jones, Sonny James, Dolly and others. She would also take me around to wherever the "Goody Wagon" was or if Carolina Charlie was playin' a fair somewhere, we would be there. She also participated in every contest on WCMS. In the early 70's she and two of her neighbors found the legenday GOLD BRICK. They split the winnings, although my mom found it from the clues they would give on the radio. She also won a car from WCMS, but I think she was more excited to get to go to the station and meet Joe. As the years went by, I became interested in radio and those early years with my mom listening Joe had a big influence on me. I would show up at Joe's roadshows and ask questions about radio and he was always nice enough to talk to me about it. I met Joe at several events after I had gotten into the business out of high school and told him those stories about how my mom used to do the contest all the time and that was one of the reasons I became a dj and program director in radio. Flash forward to the early 2000's and the company I work for ended up buying WCMS. I got to work with Joe and was honored to be a friend to Joe. I have an autographed poster that Joe signed for me that advertised one of his "Live" broadcast hanging in my radio room at home and a picture of me with Joe that he signed "To Mike, a good friend a darn good dj!-Joe Hoppel." That autograph means more to me than any other I have. I also have a memory of bumping Joe out of the way to win a Media race at Langley Speedway. Sorry Joe, rubbin' is racin'. :) Joe came up to our station, 92-9 The WAVE, last year to record a segment for "Saturday Night At The 70's" a show I produce with Dick Lamb. My radio career was complete. I was working with 2 of my radio heros and living heaven on earth. The passion I have for this business was inspired and fueled by Joe and the way he treats and respects people is something I always keep in mind when I deal with the public. Thanks for everything Joe! I can't wait to read the book!
Posted by: Mike Allen | August 09, 2010 at 05:09 PM
I consider myself incredibly lucky to have grown up with Joe Hoppel on my radio. To me, it was "watching" history being made every day, as someone who is genuinely kind, caring, friendly and wonderful was right there with me in the car every day. I could always count on Joe to bring me the best music, the finest entertainment, as if he was a neighbor and best friend. I have yet to have the honor of meeting Joe in person, but there is no one in radio that could ever match him or his style. Just as WCMS is the standard by which all country stations are and should be judged, Joe is the same standard for on-air jocks. When I went into radio in 2000, I put forth my best effort to be like Joe: kind, caring, funny, and a good friend. Radio has truly lost some of the Greats with the passing of Russ Cassidy, WCMS and Marj Crump. I thank God every day for Joe and people in radio that are just like him, who help keep radio what it was and should always be... a collection of gifted, talented souls who bring 'theatre of the mind' to a new level. God bless you, Joe. You're one amazing person.
Posted by: Dave Lyons | September 01, 2010 at 09:42 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 13, 2010
Contact:
Joe Hoppel
POB 64862
Virginia Beach, VA 23467
www.joehoppel.com
If you have ever worked in the radio biz or have known someone who has you are well aware that while there is a show being broadcast over the big wind, the real show more often than not is behind the scenes far away from any live microphone.
Many times what appears smooth or at least relatively smooth on the air is in reality being propped up with rusty wire and used duct tape. And everyone’s in a fight with the clock.
When veteran radio legends like Joe Hoppel get together these co-hosts of prime time crime will without a doubt reminisce not about their greatest shows, but over what happened far from the listener’s ear.
Now we all have the very rare opportunity to peek past the wings onto the backstage of a country music disc jockey’s career that spans a half century.
Joe Hoppel was a mainstay on WCMS when Elvis was trying to find his way around Memphis.
Joe emceed concerts featuring the stars of Nashville when the contracts consisted of no more than a handshake.
He initiated or took part in dozens of outrageous skits and crazy promotions in an effort to gather listeners—including appearances on The Bill Anderson Show as well as Hee-Haw.
Joe gathered up his WCMS morning show cast members and took the troupe to area theaters, super market parking lots, retirement homes, school lunchrooms and charity based television appearances. He accepted invitations for treks to DisneyWorld on three separate occasions as well as a week broadcasting from ABC studios in New York City.
Through it all many of the roads taken to the airwaves were filled with dangerous curves, pot holes and choking clouds of dust. But each and every remembrance brings a chuckle if not an all out fall-off-your-chair belly laugh.
Now Joe’s fascinating stories can belong to all of us. His brand new 235 page book titled People I’ve Met Things I’ve Done chronicles not only his 50 years before the mike but his memories of what it took to put it all together and keep it all together till showtime.
Joe’s tome is available at his website, www.joehoppel.com or through Amazon.com.
Watch for Joe’s signing parties and appearances and meet this Virginia Beach Country Radio Legend!
For a great personal read or a fantastic gift you can’t do better than share in Joe Hoppel’s look at five decades in the country radio business.
DGH
--30--
I was Joe's sidekick for 7 1/2 years.
Way too short a time. My most fun job-- sitting across the desk from a true legend!
Darrell Hosack
darehosack@cs.com
Posted by: Darrell Hosack | September 13, 2010 at 02:12 PM
Life can be very strange... I met Joe Hoppel in 1997. He probably does not remember it but I do. It was at WFOS in Chesapeake. Joe was there to help with installation of a Scott automation system. I started my radio journey at WFOS in 1986 but my connection to Joe Hoppel goes back to when I was a very small child and he was one of the voices on the radio who inspired me to want to be on it too.
The fellow I was working for was Dave Desler. He was my teacher, my mentor and my friend for more than 25 years. Through Dave I met many radio legends like Wellman Jack, Bob Calvert, Carolina Charley and Joe Hoppel.
Dave passed away on September the 18th, 2010 and I cam back to Hampton Roads to be in Dave's funeral. When I returned to my parent's home in Portsmouth, my early sister said she had an early birthday present for me. It was an autographed copy of Joe's book. I made it through the entire funeral without shedding a tear but when I read the kind words Joe had written in the inside jacket I just lost it.
Reading his stories has reminded me just how wonderful radio used to be in Hampton Roads. Joe is one of the few in this business who is a really nice guy. As those of you who have worked in radio already know, it it not a kind industry.
Joe, Thank you for writing this book and thank you for setting a stellar example of what a real radio professional should be. But most of all, thank you for making me smile when all I really wanted to do was cry.
You did a great job
Joe Collins - Former Hampton Roads Radio Personality
Posted by: Joe Collins | September 27, 2010 at 09:44 PM
Aloha from Maui, Joe!
I never had the pleasure of working with you, but I certainly have had the great pleasure of listening to you many times ... back in the days when radio still embraced personality.
Your name has always been synonymous with Country Music in Hampton Roads, but it has also been synonymous with quality broadcasting. Unfortunately, the business has changed...not because the listeners wanted less from the radio stations, but, rather, because radio stations decided to offer less to the listeners.
Joe, you have never compromised on your commitment to your audience. And that always came through on the air and in your personal appearances. I've been fortunate to work with and meet a lot of so-called "big-name" radio performers in my career, but you are definitely one of my radio heroes.
I can't wait to read the book.
Dale Parsons
Posted by: Dale Parsons | October 08, 2010 at 04:26 PM
I started listening to Joe in 1964. At that time he was pretending to buile a car called the Hoppel Mobile. I was hooked from then on.
I moved from Hampton in 1998 and go back three times per year. I sure do miss WCMS and mostly Joe in the morning.
Posted by: John Stanhope | December 09, 2010 at 12:50 PM
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Posted by: Lowlirorp | December 21, 2011 at 03:01 AM
Many were the mornings I sat at the family breakfast table listening to Joe Hoppel, and his morning crew. As tastes in music changed in my teenage years, Joe still continued to be a mainstay. As the years went by, many of the voices changed, and personalities came and went. But, Joe never waivered. The day programming changed, and WCMS was gone, was a dark day in Hampton Roads history. Thank you, Joe, for being who you are, on and off the air. You have inspired many over the years, and put a smile on lots of faces. Enjoy your retirement, and as you said many times, "Have a nice day. You've got a nice day for it."
Posted by: Danny DeHaven | January 01, 2012 at 06:56 PM