On January 10, WHRV lost our friend and colleague Neal Murray when he passed away after a short illness. For fans of Big Band Music, there was no greater advocate than Neal. Neal joined the WHRV staff in 1990 after retiring from the Air Force and completing his college degree at ODU. Neal brought his computer technical expertise to the station along with his love of the big band era. Station Manager Vianne Webb soon tapped him to host the mid-day shift and to develop a music program for Saturday Nights. Dubbed The Fish Fry, the show quickly developed a loyal and devoted following that was drawn to Neal’s folksy and genuine announcing and his playing of music from the golden big bands. The Fish Fry continues to be WHRV’s most syndicated program, airing across on public media stations across the country and his fans were greatly saddened to hear of his passing. Said one listener, “I feel as if I have lost a dear old friend.” We remember Neal with a special Fish Fry tribute program this Saturday at 8:00 p.m. on 89.5 FM. Colleagues and fans share their memories of Neal, excerpts from Fish Fry shows, and of course, the music that he taught us all to love.

Listen to the Fish Fry archives.

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