Rick Dees: The King of Radio and Voice of Disco Duck

The Voice Behind the Iconic Hit

Rick Dees, born Rigdon Osmond Dees III, is an American entertainer, radio personality, comedian, actor, and voice artist, best known for his internationally syndicated radio show The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown and for the 1976 satirical novelty song Disco Duck. With a career spanning over four decades, Dees has become a household name, synonymous with humor, entertainment, and music.

Awards and Honors

Dees is a People's Choice Award recipient, a Grammy-nominated performing artist, and a Broadcast Hall of Fame inductee. His contributions to the entertainment industry have earned him numerous accolades, solidifying his position as a legendary figure in the music and radio world.

Early Life and Education

Born on March 14, 1950, in Jacksonville, Florida, Dees was raised in Greensboro, North Carolina. He graduated from Greensboro's Grimsley High School and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a bachelor's degree in motion pictures, TV, and radio.

Career Highlights

Dees began his radio career at a Greensboro radio station called WGBG while still in high school. He worked for various radio stations throughout the southeastern United States, including WCAR (now known as WXYC) in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, WSGN in Birmingham, Alabama, and WKIX in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The Rise to Fame: Disco Duck

Dees' introduction to the international entertainment arena began while working at WMPS AM 680 The Great 68 in Memphis, Tennessee, during the disco craze of the mid-to-late 1970s. It was during this time that he wrote and recorded Disco Duck, which sold more than six million copies. The song's success earned him a People's Choice Award for Favorite New Song and the BMI Award for record sales in one year.

Radio Shows and Ventures

Dees has hosted several popular radio shows, including Rick Dees in the Morning at KIIS-FM and KHHT in Los Angeles. Today, he continues to syndicate his own daily radio show, Daily Dees, and the Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown.

Television and Film Appearances

Dees has made appearances on various television shows, including The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, The Merv Griffin Show, and Solid Gold. He also performed the title song for the film Meatballs.

Legacy and Impact

Rick Dees' contributions to the entertainment industry have left an indelible mark. His satirical novelty song Disco Duck has become a cultural phenomenon, and his radio shows have entertained millions of listeners worldwide. As a legendary figure in the music and radio world, Dees continues to inspire future generations of entertainers and radio personalities.

Fun Facts

• Dees co-founded the E.W. Scripps television network Fine Living, now the Cooking Channel.
• He has hosted the Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown for over 40 years.
• Dees has been inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame.

Quote

"I've been fortunate enough to have had a career that's spanned over 40 years, and I'm still doing what I love. That's the biggest reward of all." - Rick Dees