By the time I met radio legend John Rook some 25-plus years ago, he owned radio station KCDA-FM above what is now the Moose Lounge in downtown Coeur d’Alene. The station challenged Duane Hagadone’s KVNI-AM for listeners and advertising dollars. John allowed the late Ron Rankin to use his station as a megaphone for his conservative political commentary. The two men were friends who shook up Coeur d’Alene’s political establishment. KCDA was chock-full of paraphernalia from John’s illustrious past as one of the most influential program managers in the country, including encased gold records and photos of John with a laundry list of entertainers, including Kenny Rogers. John helped revive Rogers’ career.

I was reminded of John’s impact on radio while viewing his Facebook page after his death Tuesday. On Dec. 3, 2015, John had posted a photo of an ad that appeared in an old trade magazine. Singers Bobbie (“Ode to Billy Joe”) Gentry and Glen Campbell had purchased the advertisement to thank John for insisting that they record the single “All I Have to Do Is Dream.” The ad copy says: “To John Rook of WLS (Chicago): You were right. Thank you!” John was known better nationally than he was locally – a prophet without honor in his own town/DFO, Sunday Huckleberries. More here.