My Memories of Radio Great Danny Fox

It's been a tough week here at Townsquare Media, with the news that long-time radio personality Danny Fox (real name Kenneth Grimes) passed away after a lengthy illness.

When I first met the man in the start of my radio days, he was one of the voices of The Home of the Legends, AM 1130 KWKH. Then, he moved into the digital age, getting some of the best stories we've ever had on our six websites. His story about Brown Recluse spiders continues to be one of the top posts of all time on 710 KEEL's site.

While we wait to find out about funeral arrangements, I thought I'd share some of my memories of the man whose favorite phrase was "damn showiz!"

While I was working with the KEEL Morning Show, Danny's vehicle broke down. He didn't live too far from me, so I took him to work some mornings. I was getting to the station at around 4:30 every day, and he woke up extra early just so he could make sure he was there on time.

I can't really say what all we talked about during those long drives. Mostly, it was about whatever we had going on at work. He was quiet a lot of the time, but was a dynamic on-air personality. He was funny, he was humble and honest, and he was musically talented, too. I remember learning he was a bassist and being very interested in that, but I never got to hear him play. I did see him bring that guitar to work a time or two.

Fast forward a few years later, when his house was destroyed by a fire. I offered whatever help I could give, but he never asked for it. He found a new place, got a new vehicle. He was doing well. Then came the respiratory trouble.

Danny wasn't shy in talking about his smoking habit. He enjoyed it. After a cigarette, he'd say "tasty," and get back to work. He ended up in the hospital, and came back to work with an oxygen tank. He had quit smoking by then, but It wasn't too long after that first episode that he was back in the hospital with even worse trouble.

He had been post a lot on Facebook recently, and I thought he was doing better and would be back at work soon. That never happened. Yesterday, we all found out he was gone. The guilt set in for me. I wish I had gone to see him, either at the hospital or at home.

Suffice it to say there are a lot of sad people here at Townsquare Media today. We will miss our D-Fox immensely. We ask for your prayers for both his families, at home and here at TSM.

We'll let you know as soon as funeral arrangements are finalized.

In the meantime, see what his Facebook friends have posted on Danny Fox's page. It's amazing how many lives he's touched over the years.