The Bullfighting Campaign Ends

I noted with sadness that Bill Edwardsen died this past Monday.

I have several vivid recollections of Edwardsen: it seems to me he left WGY in about 1970 when WGY started playing contemporary music (I remember Hy Agens playing "Signs' by the 5 Man Electrical Band, which blew my mind). He complained often about the revised music policy. Also, he did a bit in the 1960's to bring Bullfighting to the Capital District, I recall he even had bumper stickers printed. When he came back from Cleveland, he was on in the afternoon on WQBK, and was of course later at WMVI and WABY. Sad to see him go.

Another Albany radio vet, Mikel J, set me this ad for WGY from the 60's. The obit as noted in the Albany Times-Union:

ALBANY Bill Edwardsen, 78, died at St. Peter's Hospital on February 6, 2006 after a short illness. He was the long-time area morning radio host of Breakfast with Bill starting at WGY from 1954-1970, followed by WQBK, WMVI, WABY, WGNA and WVCR. After serving in the Navy in the Pacific Theater during World War II, Bill worked at several jobs until he found his true calling in 1949 working for WNLK in Norwalk, Connecticut. He then moved to radio stations in Bridgeport, Conn. and Albuquerque, N.M. and to a TV station in Fresno, Calif., before coming to WGY. He did an afternoon radio show at WJW in Cleveland from 1970 to 1972. Bill was well known for playing the Great American Standards by Frank Sinatra, Mel Torme, Ella Fitzgerald, the Four Freshmen, Duke Ellington, and others, although he also hosted a radio talk show from 1976 to 1982 on WQBK. Bill was an avid golfer and belonged to several area golf courses throughout the years and until recently, played an average of four to
five days a week in season. To his delight, he played the Old Course at St. Andrews twice. Bill loved to travel and hosted several listener tours to Europe and one to South America to hear the Bossa Nova played. He also traveled extensively with his wife to Europe, China, Tahiti, and Costa Rica. Survivors include his wife of 24 years, Jean Stern Edwardsen of Albany; his daughters, Melody and Elizabeth; and three grandchildren. A memorial service will be held later in the spring at the convenience of the family. Donations in Bill's name may be made to the Capital City Rescue Mission, 259 South Pearl St., Albany, NY 12202; The Peter G Young Foundation, PO Box 1338, Albany, NY 12201; or to a charity of the donor's choice. Funeral arrangements are by the Hans Funeral Home, Albany

RIP, Bill.
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