Dave Pratt
Dave Pratt | |
---|---|
Born | |
Other names | "Morning Mayor" |
Occupation | radio personality |
Known for | "Dave Pratt in the Morning" (radio show) |
Dave Pratt is an American radio personality, known to his fans as the "Morning Mayor". His show Dave Pratt in the Morning became the longest running rock and roll morning show in the United States.[1] Pratt has sold more than 100,000 albums with his band (Sex Machine Band[2]), headlining sold-out shows in major venues throughout Arizona.[1]
The sobriquet "Morning Mayor" was given to him by Attorney General Terry Goddard.[3]
Life
Pratt began his career at the age of 16 on KELK in his hometown of Elko, Nevada.[2]
Dave Pratt was inducted into the Arizona Broadcaster's Hall of Fame in 2009, and he is the only personality in the history of Arizona radio to be nominated nationally as "Personality of the Year" in both Rock and Country.
In 1981, Pratt joined 98KUPD in Phoenix, Arizona and became one of the most popular morning personalities in the city. During his 3 decades of radio in Arizona, "The Morning Mayor" led KUPD to be named "America's Rock Station of the Year".
In January 2002, Pratt joined CBS Radio’s alternative rock station KZON in Arizona, and once again, his show was propelled to the top. KZON quickly became Arizona's new top rated rock station.
Seeking a new challenge and the highest pay in the history of Arizona radio, in 2003 Pratt took his morning show to KMLE, one of Phoenix's two popular country stations. Once again, Dave Pratt in the Morning moved to the top of the country battle as the only personality to ever be nominated nationally as both Personality of the Year for both rock and country.
In 2005, Dave Pratt attended the CMA Awards at Madison Square Garden in New York City where he was nominated for Major Market Morning Show of the Year.
In 2008, CBS downsized many major personalities due to falling revenue across all markets and in general, for the radio industry. The remainder of Pratt's contract was paid out by CBS. Pratt remained paid but off the air while the remainder of his contract was paid out by KMLE.
In 2010, Dave Pratt founded Star Worldwide Networks. The network also produces major commercials for clients throughout the nation, produces audio books and produces videomercials for companies of all sizes.
On July 11 of 2016, Pratt added his own 1 hour, daily local television show, "Dave Pratt Live" every weekday at 1PM on CW6. and extended with a weekend show on Sunday nights. In 2018, Dave Pratt Live moved from CW6 to Pratt's own Star Worldwide Networks.
In 2018, along with already being inducted into the Broadcaster's Hall of Fame, Pratt was also inducted into the Music and Entertainers Hall of Fame with Alice Cooper, Stevie Nicks. Steven Spielberg and other notables from Arizona.
He and his wife Paula reside in Paradise Valley, Arizona. They have four children.
Bibliography
Pratt published an autobiography, titled Behind the Mic: 30 Years in Radio, the proceeds of which benefit the American Cancer Society,[4] Pratt battled prostate cancer in 2005.,[2] Pratt was the 2009 Celebrity Grand Marshal for the VA Veterans Day Parade.[5] [1] Phoenix Magazine February 2017 Internet Made The Radio Stars http://www.phoenixmag.com/valley-news/internet-made-the-radio-stars.html
References
- ^ a b c "Celebrity Grand Marshal: Dave Pratt: Radio Personality, Entertainer, Author and Community Supporter." (Google HTML version) U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- ^ a b c Larry Rodgers "DJ diary Valley radio legend Dave Pratt's new autobiography has charitable spin." The Arizona Republic. Nov. 18, 2008.
- ^ Steve Goldstein "In Their Own Words: Dave Pratt Archived 2016-02-15 at the Wayback Machine." KJZZ 91.5 FM. February 14, 2005.
- ^ "Dave Pratt Archived 2012-10-18 at the Wayback Machine." Phoenix New Times (Calendar). December 18, 2008
- ^ "VA Recognizes VA Veterans Day Parade Youth Essay Winners." U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. October 21, 2009. Reviewed/Updated Date: November 9, 2009
Phoenix Magazine February 2017 Internet Made The Radio Stars http://www.phoenixmag.com/valley-news/internet-made-the-radio-stars.html Archived 2017-02-12 at the Wayback Machine