Don Barrett grew up an only child in the 1950s on the beach in Santa Monica and experienced the explosion of rock 'n roll music and with it Top 40 radio. The men and women, who played the music, told the stories about the artists and became his imaginary brothers and sisters. His dream to be on the radio was crystallized while listening to his transistor radio.
Don has had an amazing career as a disc jockey, program director, national program director for legendary Gordon McLendon, and eventual general manager of WDRQ and W4 in Detroit and then launching KIQQ (K-100) in Los Angeles.
After 25 years in motion picture marketing for Columbia, Universal and MGM/UA, Don returned to his first love of radio and began to chronicle the industry, writing three books on Los Angeles Radio People and publishing a radio-themed website, www.LARadio.com. www.LARadio.com is the most comprehensive listing of 6,000 Los Angeles Radio People, spanning the last 58 years, is now available just by clicking on your favorite personality. The listings provide a colorful snapshot of where they came from, where and when they worked, and what they’re doing now.
In 2013 Don was appointed the radio columnist for the Orange County Register.