John Garry dies
September 17, 2023Local broadcaster Mark Roberts has related the news that one half of the O’Brien & Garry morning team has died. John Lindemulder, better known as John Garry, was 91.
Garry was hired at WTAE-AM (1250) in 1972 after Larry O’Brien, who had recently been hired from WCFL in Chicago and asked that Garry, who was in North Carolina, be hired as the two had worked together some years before. But it wasn’t until 1975 when O’Brien & Garry would become the station’s morning team where they developed many recurring character sketches including “Lt. Macho”, “Mr. Science” and more.
The duo would move to sister station WHTX (96.1) in 1983 and WMXP (100.7) in 1992 and finally back to WTAE-AM in 1994. Garry retired in 1997, but the duo would make occasional apperances on KDKA-AM (1020) and even filled in at WWSW (94.5) on a few occasions.
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Requiescat in Pacem.
I worked with John and Larry for a couple of years-they were the best. We had some fun times on WHTX-and they were able to add some much needed credibility to the station in its transition from CHR to a \”Hot AC\”. More importantly – both were totally brilliant entertainers. Rest In Peace, Mr. Garry.
Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear when Larry O’Brien and John Garry ruled the Pittsburgh morning drive time on WTAE-AM (“the nifty 1250”) and WXKX-FM/WHTX-FM.
All 25 tracks, featuring Marlon Jerkins, Mr. Science, Little Jimmy, Sloan and Mona Drone, Lars Pele Jaquis, Lieutenant Macho, Brucie, Mary Heartbeat and Carl, Beauty and Kittyface, “The Guy”, and Tethers the Clown. Plus the legendary Kaufmann Dental Spot, and a brief cameo appearance by Intrepid Scout.
PLUS-Some random tracks that kept things interesting: aka train wreck segues and format violations.
Growing up listening to O’brien & Garry what a wonderful show
Always really enjoyed them back in the day. You just don’t find funny stuff on the radio anymore. 91 is a pretty full life. RIP.
There aren’t enough words to describe the impact that John Garry had on the tri-state’s radio audience – and my own broadcast career. I went from a humble run-of-the-mill fan of the O’Brien & Garry Show – to actually becoming a member of the on-air staff at the nifty 1250/WTAE. John’s contributions to the dynamic duo ranged from poignant to hysterical – and you could tell that Larry didn’t wany any other partner in the studio. So to John I say “God Bless!” And to Larry, Mark Roberts and, of course, the “Dear Captain Ted”, I say thanks for making it possible to work at a radio station that in every sense of the word WAS a true radio station! Jay Mitchell
I grew up listening to OB&G they had a very positive effect on my life. They brought joy and laughter to my teen and early adult years. I was a big fan. I exchanged emails with Larry years ago. He couldn’t have been nicer. To this day my email addresses end in puppy. They would call people things like “sports puppy” or “news puppy” . God Bless John an Larry. thanks for everything.
He was a remarkable talent. Shame on the Post-Gazette for never mentioning his passing.
I’m pretty sure that it was April 1, 1976 – (or near that year) – the INFAMOUS “Pineapple Princess” April Fools show! For those who didn’t hear it or remember it, they would introduce the next song as (pick a hit song of the day, e.g.: ‘here’s Gary Wright – Dream Weaver’) and, of course, (Annette’ Funicello’s) Pineapple Princess would play again … and again .. and again …! I didn’t hear the entire show, I was driving to work (and laughing so hard by the time I got there I’m glad I didn’t wreck!) but everything I heard was Pineapple Princess! Even into the next week, every once in a while Pineapple Princess would pop on and they would say something like ‘there’s still a few of those hanging around in here’ and break the record. I still remember that as one of the best of the best! I always wondered what the station management, PD, etc. thought about that one and what kind of calls they got that morning! I seem to remember that they used that song for lots of other gags as well.