I first met Larry in 1980--at the Fairmont Hotel. I was a bright-eyed HS senior and that fall, King was doing a remote broadcast high atop the Crown Room. Larry was anchoring his radio show for Mutual Broadcasting ("Oakland, hello!") and the guests were Diane Feinstein (then mayor) and Melvin Belli. I sat in the audience and watched the show; later during a break, I walked up to the remote and introduced myself.
Larry King was very nice to me. Told me to always be myself (insert joke) and how to possibly make it into radio. He didn't just say it and look away, but eye to eye. What a mensch. What a nice guy. He loved radio, loves it still. He went on, years later, to become a dear friend and close ally. He liked my work and allowed me to report on his radio show, from here in the Bay Area. I covered the 1988 World Series and got MLB commish, Peter Uueberoth (at the time) to be a guest with Larry direct from an Oakland restaurant. I also had Al Michaels call in to Larry following a Monday Night Football game at Candlestick involving the 49ers back in 1990.
Yes, Larry has had a charmed life. Not so rosy but good enough to land dream gigs at CNN and make for exciting, interesting and note-worthy interviews. He lobbed softballs, of course he did, but it was that style that was able to get Frank Sinatra and others to do interviews; many people who normally don't do TV or radio. Larry landed all the giants. He wasn't perfect but he was congenial and interesting.
I'm writing past tense. Shame on me. Larry is very much a fighter. He's been through a lot. He lost his son and daughter recently and now he's in one helluva fight himself. But he's got game. God willing, Larry King will pull through.
"San Francisco, hello!"
A great tribute to a survivor
ReplyDeleteNice tribute, Rich. I've always liked Larry's work and on-air personality, and I wish him a speedy and complete recovery.
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree with the 7:38 comment. Nice respect to your mentor. Larry is easy to parody ("I hear you wrote a book.") but it is a light touch that does not overwhelm his guest.
ReplyDeleteHe has too many issues with woman breaking the record.
ReplyDeleteYup. Always liked him. Hated to see his 6pmm CNN show end. No more call ins. A big loss!
ReplyDeleteHe's another one of those interviewers who doesn't listen to his guests. Then again I only noticed that over the last 20 years, perhaps he was an active listener and more engaging at some point prior.
ReplyDeleteStern, Winfrey, Maron, Walters etc. know how to do it.
Rich, are you sure about this? I thought Larry King died years ago.
ReplyDelete7 wives (1 twice), a major heart attack, a quintuple bypass, insertion of stents, a stroke, and now covid. Maybe it's just me, but I think the Kingster likes drama. The weekly monday USA Today column was a never-miss.....
ReplyDeleteI first listened to Larry King in the 70's and was hooked. He has always treated callers and guests with courtesy and a sense of humor. I think he showed that he gave a damn about the human condition, unlike the Limbaughs and Hannitys of the world. Larry is in my prayers for a speedy and full recovery
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