We lost a member of our radio family here at iHeartradio. Longtime personality Jay Hudson lost his battle with cancer yesterday.
Jay worked for many years overnights on Lite Rock 106-5, and later could be heard during a number of times of day on Mix 106-5. He was also music director, and eventually assistant program director of the station.
Jay was more than just a friend to me, he was my brother. Anyone who knew Jay REALLY knew his laugh. That was always part of every greeting and conversation. I never met anyone like him.... ALWAYS a smile, and happy to see you. We shared so many of the odd experiences that come up in this crazy radio industry... Jay and I bonded immediately.
I called us the Funk Brothers, because we took in so many great shows like Tower Of Power, Average White Band, The Ohio Players, Temptations, KC & The Sunshine Band. If it was funky, we were there. We also hit as many Cavs and Gladiators games as we could, sharing the game, beer, our lives, and lots of laughs people-watching.
He, I and the late legendary Chuck Collier (WGAR) had the same responsibilities at our respective stations, and were cubical neighbors in the office. We worked sometimes late into the night making sure the music on our stations was just right. Inevitably a song would come on the box we would all have to make comments about, and maybe even stop and sing along... when nobody else was around, of course.
Jay was the best listener, almost singlehandedly helping me through my divorce by hearing me out, and keeping me in one piece... I'll always love him for that.
When he was let go from his job, he became a mail carrier for the postal service, and he put just as much energy into that as he did his radio work. He handled the forced change in his life with a grace that many could learn from.
Jay also DJ-ed hundreds of weddings over the years for Freddie James & Associates DJ Service. He sent numerous brides and grooms off on the right foot, and was just the professional party man they needed for the best time on their special day. People ALWAYS requested him to do their wedding, because he was simply THAT good.
I love you Jay. The world is a little less bright today without that big smile and laugh of yours. But then again maybe not... we, your friends and family, are hearing and seeing both every time we think about you, since they're so impossible to forget.