[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 4 (Friday, January 23, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E42]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            ON THE LIFE OF RADIO PERSONALITY EDDIE GALLAHER

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                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 23, 2004

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker. last November Washington, DC lost one of its 
trademark voices. Eddie Gallaher, who entertained an entire generation 
of Washingtonians, passed away on November 26, 2003.
  Mr. Gallaher was a radio performer who made his mark on the city 
during some of our century's most turbulent times. His decades-long 
career began in 1946 and didn't end until 3 years ago, when Mr. 
Gallaher was a spry 85. And though he was modest about his popularity, 
Mr. Gallaher was the man the biggest stars of the day always sat down 
to chat with when they came to visit the Nation's Capital.
  Mr. Gallaher began his radio career at WTOP in Washington in 1946 as 
the host of the ``Magical Moondial'' show. In 1947, Mr. Gallaher began 
his ``Sundial'' morning program. As radio changed with the times and 
WTOP switched to an all-news format, Mr. Gallaher moved to WASH-FM and 
later on, WWDC-AM.
  Mr. Speaker, in between spinning popular American standards and 
providing news updates and color commentary, Mr. Gallaher attracted 
listeners with his wit and homespun stories of life in Washington. His 
smooth voice was legendary as was his generous and affable nature. His 
reputation earned the attention of advertisers, who recruited his name 
for their on-air promotions.
  Mr. Gallaher had a skillful knack for weaving in amusing anecdotes 
about the entertainment and political worlds that gave his audience a 
unique insider's perspective. Yet he enjoyed and valued the community 
feeling of the Washington area, and encouraged civic participation from 
his listeners. Mr. Gallaher's devotion to his fans was mirrored in his 
devotion to Fran Sisk, his partner for close to 50 years.
  Mr. Speaker, it was a pleasure for many of us--public officials and 
private citizens alike--to know Mr. Gallaher. Our Nation's Capital and 
the radio industry has truly lost a grand, old star.




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