R.I.P.: Top 40 Programmer George Wilson Dead At 84

"In my day, everything came from my belly button and seat of the pants. Today, everything is done from research."

George Wilson

Legendary Top 40 programmer George Wilson Crowell has died of complications from a heart attack suffered about two weeks ago. He had been living in Albuquerque.  He had survived several heart attacks in 2012. 

He was 84.

A Native of Katonah, NY, Wilson started out as a professional baseball player, became a sports announcer and then a DJ in the 1950s.

Wilsongained a huge reputation during the 60s and 70s as PD for WOKY Milkwaukee. He also EVP/Programming  with the Bartell broadcasting and the Star Group.  His background also includes a stint at KIQQ LA in the early ‘80s.

He also served at GM of WDRQ Detroit.  And during retirement, he operated 'George Wilson's Memory Tunes' website.

Rochelle Staab, Wilson’s secretary at WOKY Milwaukee, called him “a brilliant Top 40 programmer, a guy’s guy, a tough competitor, and a true friend and supporter”.

She shared his philosophy:

On programming radio: “Play the hits, talk dirty, watch the bottom line.”

On Vegas: “Always split aces and eights at the blackjack table.”

On horse racing: “Bet the closers at Santa Anita.”