For three decades, Detroit radio legend J.P. McCarthy dominated the airwaves of southeast Michigan and beyond. A nostalgic new public television documentary explores McCarthy’s impact and legacy. We talk with Detroit Public TV producer Oliver Thornton.
For decades, the voice of J. P. McCarthy was the one that got you started in the morning. McCarthy was the "Great Voice of the Great Lakes," hosting the morning show and other programs at WJR in Detroit from the 1960’s to 1995. The broadcaster’s unique style gracefully combining news, information, entertainment, sports and interview made him a broadcasting icon.
More than 20 years after his death, J.P. McCarthy is remembered in a new hour-long memoir produced by Detroit Public Television. “J.P. McCarthy: the Voice of Detroit” will be viewable online in a few days.
Current State talks with the documentary’s producer, Oliver Thornton.