Tribute to Terry Lee features classic broadcasts
Some of the most memorable programs in Pittsburgh region broadcasting history are being presented on the Internet this month as a tribute to the late Terry Lee.
“We always have people asking us to air the shows, so we decided to respond to those requests by presenting some of Terry's taped radio programs throughout July to commemorate the one-year anniversary of his passing,” said Carol Trunzo of Belleville, Ohio, Lee's widow.
The archive tapes feature Lee's shows from WMCK and WIXZ in McKeesport, WESA in Charleroi, WJAS in Pittsburgh and WLSW in Connellsville.
Terry Lee (as he was known professionally) Trunzo, a New Eagle native and a 1960 graduate of Monongahela High School, died Tuesday, July 30, 2013, at his home in Bellville after a courageous battle with lung cancer. He was 70.
His career in radio, television and entertainment spanned some 55 years.
Trunzo said the Internet tribute is being offered on Lee's successful website, www.tlsoundco.com.
“There are no set times planned for the taped broadcasts,” Trunzo said “They will air morning, afternoons, evenings or even overnight as part of the regular programming on the website.”
The shows feature the songs that Lee presented on his many popular radio shows from the late 1950s through recent years.
They are highlighted by the signature “Music For Young Lovers” ballads he created early in his career and which continue to be in demand today.
“I think we taped every show I did at every station over the years,” Lee said in a 2012 interview. “That process included the music of course, as well as commercials and interviews with a wide variety of artists and celebrities. We even taped many of the remote (live) shows we did at various sites throughout western Pennsylvania and at many of our record hops.
“That's a lot of tape,” he said with a knowing smile. “But I've always been a firm believer in preserving history this way. We have a countless number of photographs, news clippings and other memorabilia in our archives, but audio and visual tapes capture the moment in a special way.”
Trunzo said the Internet tribute to her husband will culminate when the streaming station “goes dark” (off the air) for 24 hours on July 30. Regular programming will resume July 31.
Lee began his broadcasting career while still a student at Monongahela High School. He had popular radio programs at such stations as WESA in Charleroi, WARO in Canonsburg, WMCK and WIXZ in McKeesport, WJAS in Pittsburgh and WLSW in Connellsville. He also hosted successful television dance shows on WPGH and WPXI in Pittsburgh. His myriad record hops for teenagers in the 1960s and '70s were among the biggest in western Pennsylvania.
Lee's career also included work as an on-air personality and owner at radio stations in Florida and Arizona, host of a nationally syndicated show, and success as a concert promoter and record producer.
He launched a reunion tour in early 2010 at The Palisades in McKeesport and drew more than 600 people. Subsequent dances also were successful throughout the area including those at the Stockdale Volunteer Fire Department's community center, the New Eagle Volunteer Fire Department's social hall and the Monessen Elks. He also played class reunions and trade shows in recent years.
Always an innovator, Lee took his talents and music to a worldwide audience on May 17, 2011, when he introduced the TL Magic Communications Network, an Internet streaming process featuring his website, www.tlsoundco.com. The MCN program was drawing some 135,000 hits a month just before Lee's death and continues to attract listeners from around the world today.
More than 300 people attended “A Celebration of the Life of Legendary DJ Terry Lee” dance on March 8 of this year at the Boston Spectrum near McKeesport.
Plans are being made for an end-of-summer TL Oldies Dance to coincide with what would have been Lee's 72nd birthday on Aug. 27.
The special Internet broadcasts this month perpetuate the tributes to Lee.
“Terry worked so long and hard on bringing back the memories of our youth to all of us who grew up in western Pennsylvania and all over the world,” Trunzo said “We will continue to follow his dream and we will be forever grateful for the love, prayers and support so many people have shown to Terry and our family.”
Ron Paglia is a contributing writer for Trib Total Media.
