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| Rick Dees | |
|---|---|
| Name | Rick Dees |
| Birth name | Rigdon Osmond Dees III |
| Birth date | 14 March 1950 |
| Birth place | Kennesaw, Georgia |
| Occupation | Disc jockey; comedian; songwriter; actor |
| Years active | 1970s–present |
Rick Dees is an American radio personality, entertainer, and recording artist known for his long-running radio program and novelty hit single. He became a prominent figure in Los Angeles and national broadcasting during the late 20th century, combining pop music curation with comedy and celebrity interviews. Dees's career spans radio syndication, chart success, television appearances, and legal battles over radio contracting and intellectual property.
Born in Kennesaw, Georgia, Dees attended local schools before pursuing higher education in the United States. He studied communications and broadcasting, moving through regional markets that included stations in Florida, Georgia (U.S. state), and the Southeastern United States to develop on-air skills. Early influences included radio personalities from AM radio eras and musical trends originating in Nashville, Memphis, and New York City. Dees's formative years coincided with the rise of Top 40 programming and the consolidation of Broadcasting networks.
Dees rose to prominence as a morning show host on KHJ in Los Angeles during the 1970s, where he joined a roster of influential broadcasters including predecessors and contemporaries from New York City and Chicago. His program blended pop music from artists such as The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Prince with comedic segments referencing figures like Johnny Carson, Howard Stern, Casey Kasem, and Wolfman Jack. Dees later syndicate his show nationally through radio networks and companies including ABC Radio, Premiere Radio Networks, Citadel Broadcasting, and Westwood One. He competed in major markets against hosts at stations such as KIIS-FM, WABC, WNEW-FM, and WLS. His career included positions at contemporary hit radio outlets in Los Angeles, Miami, Philadelphia, and Dallas. Dees's on-air style and program format influenced successors in Top 40 programming and morning radio formats.
Dees achieved crossover success with the novelty single "Disco Duck," which reached high chart positions on the Billboard Hot 100 and became associated with the disco era alongside artists such as Donna Summer, Bee Gees, K.C. and the Sunshine Band, and Chic. The record led to appearances on music television programs and placed Dees in charts maintained by Billboard, Cashbox, and Record World. He released comedy albums and singles on labels linked to the recording industry hubs of Los Angeles, Nashville, and New York City, drawing parallels with novelty performers like Weird Al Yankovic, Allan Sherman, and Ray Stevens. Dees's recording work intersected with producers and session musicians from studios in Hollywood and Sun Studio-influenced circles.
Dees appeared on national television programs and specials, joining ensembles with hosts and actors from The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, The Muppet Show, Solid Gold, and variety formats popular in the 1980s. He had guest roles and cameos alongside entertainers from CBS, NBC, and ABC networks and worked with producers associated with MTV, VH1, and syndication houses. Film and television credits placed him in productions that also featured actors from Hollywood films and television series produced in Los Angeles and New York City.
Beyond radio and recording, Dees performed stand-up and comedic material, sharing stages or billing contexts with comedians from the Las Vegas Strip, The Comedy Store, and club circuits in Los Angeles and Atlantic City. His voice work included narration and character voices for animated segments and novelty records, connecting him with voice actors and animation producers from companies in California and New York City. Dees's comedic approach resembled contemporaries including Jay Leno, David Letterman, Garry Shandling, and sketch performers from Saturday Night Live.
Dees was involved in high-profile legal disputes concerning radio contracts, syndication rights, and intellectual property, litigating against broadcasting companies, syndicators, and conglomerates such as Capstar Broadcasting, Clear Channel Communications, and other industry entities. His cases touched on contract law and rights issues that intersected with practices at major broadcasters including CBS Radio and iHeartMedia. Controversies also involved disputes over programming content and competition with rival hosts in key markets like Los Angeles and New York City.
Over his career, Dees received industry recognitions and honors from broadcasting organizations and music chart institutions, reflecting achievements noted by entities such as the Radio Hall of Fame, Billboard, and trade groups that recognize contributions to Top 40 radio and syndicated programming. He participated in award ceremonies alongside honorees from the recording and broadcasting industries, including inductees from NARAS and hall of fame lists that feature figures like Casey Kasem and Wolfman Jack.
Category:American radio personalities Category:1950 births Category:Living people