At Burlington By The Book

The year was 1989. I had only been working in the music business for a few weeks when I attended my first Gavin Convention, in San Francisco. This is where I met Cosmo Leone, from KGRS in Burlington, IA. We were seated at a table at my first "record dinner", with other programmers from similar markets, like Kearney, NE, and Ft Wayne, IN. After dinner, we went to another room, where we sat Indian-style on the floor in front of two new singers, who were about to release their first single. Those two singers were Amy Ray and Emily Saliers, otherwise known as The Indigo Girls, and that first single was "Closer To Fine". Yup, that was a long time ago. That's how long I've known Cos.

That's what makes this week's Out & About so special. "Yes, It's Cosmo!, Awake at 3 AM. True Stories From A Life In Radio" is a new book written by my old friend. The book follows his life, growing up in New York, through his 30 + year radio career, spent mostly in Burlington and beyond. The book is filled with fun stories of radio pranks, promotions, charity work, and special events. In short, it's a book filled with love, family, and community. You don't have to be a fan of radio to enjoy it, but it doesn't hurt. Take a look at this lovely group of people at his recent signing at Burlington By The Book. It really warms your heart, doesn't it?

I signed and sold 140 books in 4 hours at Burlington by the Book
A dream came true.

Bob and Di, Bob Shomper was a mentor and one of my first PD's. Pictured are his wife and my wife, Debbie (in Blue).

Hugs: The day ran a gamut of emotions. Hugging my friend Abby, whose Father died 3 days before signing. Larry was a dear friend and loyal listener.

Kipps: One of the many families that showed support.

There was a great cross section of people in my life: listeners, co-workers, my tri teammates, my Taekwondo students, and friends.