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Legendary WAKY/Louisville Talent Johnny Randolph Dead at 78


Johnny Randolph
Johnny Randolph

WAKY/Louisville's legendary Johnny Randolph has died at age 78. He passed way on July 22 at his home in Danville, KY, following a short, non-COVID 19 related illness. As Program Director for WAKY-AM (790), Randolf was the station's creative force during the 1960's and 1970's as well as the heart and soul of WAKY-FM during his return to the station in 2007 as afternoon air personality, a post he held until 2020. Randolph also co-owned WKLO in Danville and consulted radio stations for iHeartMedia and the East Kentucky Broadcasting Group.

Randolph had a fantastic sense of humor and was a good-humored prankster. When his sister was listening to her favorite songs on her radio in her room as a teenager, he would set his radio to a similar station to interfere with her reception. He loved musicals, dancing and traveling around the world. Randolph was a student of anything and everything and he had a long-time fond love of old diesel Mercedes. He was a member of Southland Christian Church and a volunteer for Heritage Hospice.

Randolph was preceded in death by his wife of 34 years, Frances Evelyn Aspenleiter and a granddaughter, Jennifer Franklin. He is survived by three sons and two daughters.

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