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King of Music
An easygoing, natural charm makes Johnny King a royal favorite with WJAR listeners
Genial Johnny King, whom Rhode Islanders welcomed home last year, interviews Miss America of 1954, the lovely Evelyn Ay.
Last year, while London turned . itself upside down in coronation festivities, Rhode Island was going quietly enthusiastic about a regal celebration of its own. Johnny King's talent, charm and dynamic personality are native products, and it was a crowning day indeed when he came home to reign at Station WJAR as host of Luncheon A La King, weekdays at 1 P.M., and This Is Your Tune, Saturdays at 8: 30 P.M. Johnny's own biggest day occurred in 1929 when he started his radio
career as a tenor for WJAR — and got married at the same time. As a teenager, Johnny had a saxophone, his best pal had the victrola, and practice sessions were held at the friend's home. At first, Johnny didn't pay much attention to kid sister Viola who served the refreshments. Then one day he took a long look at the cute little brunette and said, "You know, you could cook for me for the rest of my life."
Having his wife with him as he travelled about the country, singing
Whether it's relaxing in their colonial home with TV or out-of-doors hunting or fishing, Jackie, Viola and Johnny like to do things together.
and playing sax and banjo with such bands as Paul Whiteman and Glen Gray, has given Johnny a stability which he feels has had a great bearing on his outlook on life. But it was crib and carriage, babies and baggage for a total of sixty moves before the family settled in Detroit. As "Detroit's Irish Tenor" for Station WWJ, Johnny accumulated a total of more air time than any other Detroit performer and is especially proud of the Cinderella Weekend show on which he was emcee and producer. New Englanders at heart, the Kings found the only Cape Cod cottage in Detroit to help them feel more at home.
Back in Wakefield now, Johnny says, "We have a pretty good system worked out. I keep myself and my family healthy through exercise and my wife takes care of preparing good food for us." Johnny spends hours exercising with bar bells together with his twelve-year-old son Jackie, and Viola joins them for hiking and fishing. Although Johnny thought the family roving was over, one more move was made when 24-yearold daughter Jeannette returned to Detroit to be married.
Johnny, who is lead tenor with the Abbott Singers in addition to his radio shows, says wife Viola is his "listener-vane." Through her, he can tell how well he has done in his aim to please the people at home. According to Rhode Island fans, all signs point to fair weather and bright listening with Johnny King.