Life Story
Don McCoy: A Life in Magic, Radio, and Broadcasting
Don McCoy was born on September 4, 1944, in Riverside, California, a city with a rich history rooted in the naval orange industry. This early environment shaped Don’s vibrant life, one filled with creativity, performance, and entrepreneurship.
Early Life and Introduction to Magic
Don’s early years in Riverside were marked by his discovery of magic at the age of seven when he began spending time at the Magic House of Charles in the historic Mission Inn Hotel. Under the mentorship of Charlie, he developed a passion for magic that has stayed with him throughout his life. This early love for performance led him to become a life member of the Magic Castle in Hollywood, California, where he has continued to practice and perform magic.
Theatrical Pursuits
Don’s talent for performance extended beyond magic. He enjoyed leading roles in numerous musicals and plays, showcasing his versatility and passion for the arts. Some of his most notable performances include:
- Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman
- Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls
- Professor Higgins in My Fair Lady
- Daddy Warbucks in Annie
- Harold Hill in The Music Man
- The King in The King and I
- George in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
- Willy in The Sunshine Boys
These roles underscored his ability to captivate audiences and solidified his place in the local theater community.
The Beginnings of a Broadcasting Career
Don’s journey into broadcasting began while he was still in high school. In 1961, he created and produced a weekly radio program for Polytechnic High School in Riverside. This experience sparked a love for radio that would define much of his career. While attending Riverside Community College, he worked part-time as a disc jockey on stations such as KACE, KDUO, and KCKC. His talent was quickly recognized, earning him the title of “Best Oral Interpreter” in 1963 and “Best Actor” in the Southern California Junior College Conference in 1964.
In 1964, Don served as the Entertainment Chairman and Student Body President at Riverside City College, further honing his leadership and creative skills. He went on to graduate from the University of Southern California (USC) in 1966 with a degree in telecommunications. While at USC, Don hosted a weekly radio program on KUSC and was selected to write, produce, and host “USC Perspective,” a program broadcast on KFI, Los Angeles.
Rise to Fame as "Dirty Don McCoy"
Upon graduation, Don returned to the Inland Empire and joined KFXM in Riverside/San Bernardino. He quickly became known as “Dirty Don McCoy,” the afternoon drive-time disc jockey who brought KFXM its highest ratings. His charismatic on-air presence and innovative approach to radio earned him the highest ratings ever achieved at KFXM, making him the top-rated DJ in the Inland Empire. He became known for his creative stunts, such as the infamous “Dirty Don’s Woman Hating Club,” which, despite its controversial name, garnered a massive following.
Don’s role at KFXM also included MCing concerts at the Swing Auditorium in San Bernardino, where he introduced legendary acts like Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Moody Blues, Iron Butterfly, and Country Joe and the Fish. His ability to connect with audiences both on and off the air made him a beloved figure in the local music scene.
Transition to Radio Sales and Ownership
Don’s creative talents soon led him to explore the business side of radio. He discovered that writing advertising copy and selling radio advertising was not only lucrative but also a natural extension of his theatrical skills. In 1969, he joined KMEN in the Riverside/San Bernardino market as General Sales Manager, where he set records for new sales.
It was at KMEN that Don met his first business partner, Fred Lindholm. In 1972, they seized the opportunity to purchase an AM/FM radio station in Panama City, Florida, marking the beginning of their ownership journey. With a down payment of $18,000, borrowed from Don’s parents, they formed The Janus Broadcasting Company and quickly turned WGNE-AM into the #1 station in the market. Their success led to a significant increase in billings, from $80,000 to $220,000 in the first year.
In 1975, Don married Elke, and five years later, he and Fred donated WGNE-AM to Gulf Coast Community College, making it the first community college in the nation to have both an AM and FM station. They then acquired WDLP-AM, paired it with WGNE-FM, and by 1984, had increased billings to nearly $1 million.
The U.S. Broadcasting Company and Later Ventures
In 1984, Don and Fred sold The Janus Broadcasting Company for $3,070,000.00, marking the beginning of a new chapter. Don then partnered with Doug Grimm to form The U.S. Broadcasting Company, acquiring stations in Myrtle Beach, Montgomery, Macon, and Monterey/Salinas. Their strategic acquisitions and innovative programming led to immense success, culminating in the sale of The U.S. Broadcasting Company in 2001 for approximately $116 million.
A Life of Reflection and Continued Passion
Throughout his career, Don McCoy has remained deeply connected to his roots in Riverside, frequently returning to the Mission Inn and maintaining ties with the Magic Castle. His experiences, from childhood magic shows to owning a successful broadcasting company, have shaped a life rich in creativity, performance, and business acumen.
Today, Don looks back on his career with fondness, cherishing the memories of his time in radio, the concerts he emceed, and the people he met along the way. His story is one of perseverance, creativity, and a deep passion for the art of communication, both on the stage and over the airwaves.