I listened to The Hound alone, and his show filled my world with wonderful music, fascinating characters (imagine buying a used car from “Big Bob and Pal Al”!), excitement, wonder and possibility. Obviously I knew this was a radio show and there were many other listeners, but The Hound spoke in a way which made it a very personal experience. I felt included in this amazing world he brought to life, and I could belong without needing to prove in some impossible way that I was cool, hip and special. It seems to me now that The Hound made this seem true of anyone he spoke of on the show as well.
Later on, when I met other people who’d listened to The Hound, I noticed that sometimes it would be the last person you’d expect to be touched by this show and this music. For myself, I feel the Hound reached something in me that I wouldn’t have had access to in any other way at that time, or maybe ever if this hadn’t happened. I’m deeply grateful to him for this, and for, I suspect, doing this for many others as well.
I feel I’ve been able to carry a bit of The Hound with me all these years, the love of the music of course, but also a certain attitude towards life and other persons. I will never forget him. Much thanks to Mike and his brother for creating such a fitting site to honor him, and to other people who’ve submitted memories, as they’ve brought so much back for me.