Radio's Best Friend -
Art Vuolo

by Bernie Fratto
November 2005
 

At the recent “Detroit Radio Reunion” at the Novi Sheraton in September, there could be no doubt that Art Vuolo is truly, ‘radio’s best friend.’

People came from Coast to Coast, even Casey Kasem, (yes, that Casey Kasem), to attend this grand finale of a cavalcade of radio (and tv) legends that at one time worked in Detroit.

In fact, legendary ‘Shotgun’ Tom Kelly stayed at Art Vuolo’s house. ‘Shotgun’ Tom Kelly has been a fixture in Los Angeles radio for almost 40 years, especially at K-Earth 101, one of the greatest oldies stations in the Nation.

I’ve spent thousands of hours listening to ‘Shotgun Tom’ on the LA freeways and it was a treat to meet him.

Emceed by Dick Purtan (yes, that Dick Purtan), the cast included Mort Crim, Bill Bonds, Rich Fisher, and virtually every radio personality still working in Detroit, retired in Detroit, working nationally, retired nationally, or even just walking around, that at one time had a stop off in Detroit.

The only big name that wasn’t there was Howard Stern (yes, that Howard Stern). Stern worked in Detroit in 1980 at WWWW, and although he couldn’t make it, Art Vuolo can get him on the phone pretty much anytime he wants. I know, I’ve seen it with my own eyes.

Art Vuolo is… radio’s best friend.

A Novi resident, Art Vuolo is also an original. He started something 27 years ago that has really caught on.

At an Indianapolis radio station in the late 70’s with a crude early edition color TV Camera, he taped a radio show in progress, and when they played it back, it was like, “wow, what a concept.”

Since then he has videotaped thousands of radio shows over the years, and they can be found on www.vuolovideo.com.

Art also publishes ‘Radioguide’ which is a one-source document that visitors to Detroit can find in hotels when they want to listen to the radio and want to find a certain format they like.

Art’s love for radio began back around 1960 as he loved oldies, loved radio, loved the energy and loved the personalities.

Art is talented, knowledgeable and has more vigor and liveliness than many people half his age. As such, he has been a magnet for great radio personalities nationwide that reach out to him for advice, counsel, and a favor now and then.

Sometimes they call him up simply because they want to have dinner. Art is eager to go usually, because he loves steak, loves to eat, (primarily Las Vegas buffets), and loves to be with people. Especially radio people.

There will never be another Art Vuolo.

Art Vuolo is ‘radio’s best friend.’

Just ask Howard Stern…