Johnny Hayes

Stars

Born March 10, 1939 in Macon, GA

After starting his radio career in his hometown and then graduating to the big time in Atlanta in 1961, Hayes landed at Los Angeles Top 40 station KRLA in 1965 and put in 27 years there, hosting his show, announcing promos and voicing “The big 11/10 Countdown Show,” a mix of music and news nostalgia.

"I was fortunate enough to be in on the most glorious time, which was the discovery of the Beatles invasion," he told The Times in 1998.

During the ‘80s he was twice named Oldies DJ of the Year by Billboard magazine, and from 1992 until 2002 held down the afternoon post at K-Earth.

In retirement, he pursues his three passions: politics, photography and music.

— Richard Cromelin for the Los Angeles Times June 14, 2010

Four thoughts about Johnny Hayes

“

I truly had the good fortune of meeting Johnny Hayes more than 20 years ago in Old Town Pasadena my old stomping grounds where I once lived as a boy!! Johnny Hayes is truly a world of knowledge in the world of rock music trivia. He is truly very talented and it really was a very high honor to meet him in person in Pasadena. I've had been a KRLA listener as a boy since 1965 when the studio was located at the old Huntington Hotel on Oak Knoll here in Pasadena. Johnny Hayes is a very nice man!! Sincerely, Steve Wakimoto from Pasadena. He truly deserves the honors and of the star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!! Sincerely, Steve Wakimoto 12/1/12

” — Steve Wakimoto, December 1, 2012 at 9:52 a.m.

“

I am a fan of Johnny Hayes and, yes, I finally met him when KRLA celebrated 30 years on the air back in 1989. They cooked up a trip to Catalina where Dick Dale and the Deltones played on the beach while we enjoyed In-n-out burgers. Then the tokens and the Turtles played in the historic Casino ballroom. All the KRLA DJ's were there and I got to meet most of them. I was a huge fan of the Big 11 countdown show and listened faithfully every day at noon to hear what Johnny had prepared for us and it was always good. I've often wondered if these shows are somewhere archived and could they be presented again. I'd certainly support such a show. I used to write letters to Johnny and, sometimes, he would read them on the air which was a thrill for me. Haven't heard much about Johnny lately but I assume he's still around. Johnny was very cordial when I met him in Catalina and he even came up to me on the boat on the way back to say hello. All Best to you Johnny! Pete Marquard, Northridge, ca

” — Peter Marquard, August 17, 2013 at 9:33 a.m.

Share a thought about Johnny Hayes

Did you ever meet Johnny Hayes? Share your memory.
Which other stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame have connections to Johnny Hayes?
Are other places in the world important to Johnny Hayes?
Does Johnny Hayes deserve this star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?