Even though people use digital media more these days, radio is still a popular and fun way to entertain and learn new things. Today’s broadcasters are often inspired by these iconic figures, both past and present. If you have a dream of a radio career, you likely have your favorite hosts who encourage you, too. From Howard Stern’s raunchy humor to Larry King’s legendary interviews, Radio hosts have played a vital role in our lives. They have made us laugh and emotional.
This article will discuss some of the most famous and best Radio Hosts of the century. Radio hosts of the century made a significant impact on radio and media. They are role models for new generations and other radio hosts. Let’s learn about the radio heroes of the century.
Howard Stern, The Most Famous Radio Host of the Century
- Duration: (1954-present)
Howard Stern is the iconic and famous radio host of the century. He is an American Broadcaster and media personality known for his uncensored and outrageous style. He was also renowned for his mind-blowing radio show named “The Howard Stern Show” which became widely popular during its national syndication on terrestrial radio from 1986 to 2005. The funny interviews of Howard Stern attracted a large audience. Howard Stern was one of the most famous radio presenters who has entertained people for a long time since 1975.
He has been the highest-paying radio entertainer of 2022. Since 2006, he continued his broadcasting career on “Sirius XM Radio.” Stern has won “Billboard’s Nationally Syndicated Air Personality” of the Year Eight times. He was the first radio host to have the most popular morning show in New York City and Los Angeles simultaneously. His two books are Private Parts (1993) and Miss America (1995). Those books became number one in the “The New York Times Best Seller” list and sold over one million copies.
Born in | New York City, U.S. |
Birth Date | January 12, 1954 (age 69) |
Education | Boston University (B.A.) |
Occupations | Broadcaster, media personality |
Years active | 1975–present |
Ryan Seacrest, the Most Famous Host of American Idol
- Duration: (1974-present)
Ryan Seacrest is a great television host and radio personality famously known for hosting American Idol. He is not only a great presenter but also a producer and entrepreneur. The co-host and producer of an American morning talk show called “Live with Kelly and Ryan” was Ryan Seacrest. He also served as a host in other media shows like American Top 40, American Idol, and On Air with Ryan Seacrest.
He received an Emmy Award for producing “Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution” in 2010. From 2004 to 2013, he was nominated for American Idol continuously. His great work represents his personality, and he grabbed numerous awards quickly. He has a catchy sense of style and fashion and always looks shining on and off the screen. In September 2024, he will host “Wheel of Fortune” by replacing Pat Sajak.
Born in | Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. |
Birth Date | December 24, 1974 (age 48) |
Education | Graduated in Journalism from the University of Georgia (1992). |
Occupations | Media Personality & Producer |
Years active | 1993–present |
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Rush Limbaugh, the Highest-Paid Radio Host of The Century
- Duration: (1951-2021)
Rush Limbaugh was an American conservative radio host. He was widely famous for his show named “The Rush Limbaugh Show.” His show was syndicated on AM and FM radio stations across the United States. That radio show was broadcast on many radio stations and was very popular. Soon, Limbaugh became one of the most prominent conservative voices in America in the 1990s, and he hosted T.V. shows from 1992 to 1996. He was one of the highest-paid radio hosts in American history. In 2018, an American magazine called Forbes mentioned his earnings at $84.5 million. According to December 2019 reports, Limbaugh’s Show grabbed a weekly audience of 15.5 million and became the most listened radio show in the U.S.
Throughout his whole life, he wrote seven brilliant books. His two books, “The Way Things Ought to Be” in 1992 and “See I Told You So” in 1993, made a record in “The New York Times Best Seller list.” He was known for his outspoken views on politics and culture, and his show was often controversial. In addition, he was also very popular with his listeners, who appreciated his humor, his willingness to challenge the status quo, and his conservative viewpoints.
Born in | Cape Girardeau, Missouri, U.S. |
Birth Date | January 12, 1951 |
Died in | February 17, 2021 (aged 70) |
Occupations | Radio host political pundit |
Years active | 1967–2021 |
Casey Kasem, the Founder of American Top 40 Show
- Duration: (1921-2014)
Kaseem was an American disk jockey, brilliant radio host, and an outstanding actor. He launched and conducted several countdown shows, including the most famous show, “American Top 40”. His people used to call him “The legend in the Music Radio Industry. “He began his career in radio in the early 1950s and quickly became a popular D.J. From 1970 to 1988, American Top 40 was the hit show in which he played his role as a host. Then he spent nine years hosting another countdown show called “Casey’s Top 40” which he started in 1989 till 1988.
He was also a brilliant voiceover artist who performed voices for several children’s television shows—known as the first voiceover artist to perform Shaggy Rogers in the Scooby-Doo franchise (1969 to 1997 and 2002 to 2009). He enchanted and entertained his audience and became one of the most loved presenters. He founded “American Video Awards” in 1983 and kept co-producing and hosting it until his last show in 1987. He also performs many voiceovers in Children’s shows like the Transformers cartoon series and Sesame Street.
Born in | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
Birth Date | April 27, 1932 |
Died in | June 15, 2014 (aged 82) |
Occupations | Disc jockey, actor radio, presenter, activist |
Years active | 1954–2013 |
Garrison Keillor, Best Radio Host of The Century
- Duration: (1969-present)
Garrison Keillor is a well-known American singer, Voice Actor, Author, Comedian, and Radio Personality. He is famous for creating and hosting radio shows. His show “A Prairie Home Companion” ran for over 40 years. The producer of the Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) show named “A Prairie Home Companion.” He began his radio career in November 1969 with Minnesota Educational Radio (now Minnesota Public Radio). But he hosted a weekday drive-time broadcast called “A Prairie Home Entertainment” on KSJR.
From 2010 to 2015, he hosted a two-hour Sunday morning show called “Weekend Wogan” on BBC Radio 2. The great writer and publisher of books like “Lake Wobegon Days” and “The Book of Guys” was Garrison Keillor. His writing is funny nostalgic, and portrays life in small-town America. His unique voice and outstanding skill have made him a beloved figure in American culture. In 2005, Wogan became both a British citizen and an Irish national. He was also titled that year, allowing him to use “Sir” before his name.
Born in | Anoka, Minnesota, U.S. |
Birth Date | August 7, 1942 (age 81) |
Genres | Storytelling & Observational comedy. |
Occupations | Radio, print, film |
Years active | 1969–present |
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Terry Wogan, the Most Famous Radio Host in Europe
- Duration: (1938-2016)
Terry Wogan was a beloved Irish-British Radio broadcaster. He entertained audiences with exceptional storytelling and humor and worked for BBC in the U.K. People often used to call him as “National Treasure.” Due to his hosting in the Eurovision Song Contest, he became a well-known face across Europe. Wogan also presented the BBC Radio 2 breakfast show for over a decade, winning the hearts of listeners with his warm and friendly manner. He was an accomplished author and wrote several books throughout his lifetime. Wogan was known for his charity work, raising millions of pounds for Children in Need, and had a talent for putting people at ease, making him a popular guest on chat shows. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest broadcasters ever.
Born in | Limerick, Ireland |
Birth Date | August 3, 1938 |
Citizenship | January 31, 2016 (aged 77) |
Died | January 31, 2016 (aged 77) |
Years active | 1956–2015 |
Don Imus, The Most Famous Morning Show Host
- Duration: (1940-2019)
Don Imus was a radio personality known for his controversial comments and humor. He was a discoverer in talk radio and one of America’s most listened-to voices. While criticized for offensive remarks, he was admired for his charity work. Imus was a complex figure, loved and hated by many, but his media impact is lasting.
He received awards, including the “NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame.” His first radio job at KUTY was started in Palmdale, California, in 1968. He got the morning broadcast job at WNBC in New York City three years later. He got fired from WNBC in 1977. After that, he started his work at WHK in Cleveland for a year. Then, he was again hired by WNBC in 1979. In his later career, Imus was known as a “shock jock.” He hosted his final show on March 29, 2018.
Born in | Riverside, California |
Birth Date | July 23, 1940 |
Occupation | Writer, Humorist, Radio & T.V. talk show host. |
Died | December 27, 2019 (aged 79) |
Years active | 1964–2018 |