KSR remembers longtime caller and friend, "JT"
On today’s show, Kentucky Sports Radio mourned the passing of one of KSR’s longtime listeners and favorite callers, our beloved friend “JT.”
One of the most recognizable voices in the KSR community, every phone call from JT began with his signature line, a deep “Heyyyyyyyyy” followed by a message of positivity to the fan base. “Cal’s got this,“ he always told Big Blue Nation anytime Kentucky Basketball was in a funk. Everything was still “Cat-tastic.”
Then there is his quote about the NCAA’s ruling on Enes Kanter, a clip that has been replayed several times since JT said it in 2011: “If the NCAA was a man, I’d punch it in the face.” It’s one of our favorites.
Somewhere along the line, JT’s phone became its own KSR personality because every time he called the show, the volume faded in and out as he spoke, like he was spinning around in his chair in front of a microphone. Matt Jones often asked what was up with the phone or if he was on a Ferris wheel, but JT never had an explanation. Sometimes he even fired shots back at KSR’s studio in defense of his phone:
Beyond the radio fame, JT was a very proud Kentucky State alum and Vietnam veteran. He was kind and full of positivity, one of those never-met-a-stranger types who befriended everyone. A lot of those friends met JT through game-watch parties at the old Big Blue Country bar in Louisville; others by happenstance, like Erik, who called into today’s show to share how he formed a close friendship with JT after recognizing his voice in passing while working in an office building.
Before Erik and others called in today with memories, Matt Jones told his listeners, “We’ve been doing this a long time and if I were to say to you, who’s the caller that’s been here listening the longest, that has called the longest, that I feel the most positive connection to for somebody I don’t know. Well, it’s probably (JT)… He’s just a great man. One of these people who brought joy into everybody’s life.”
We sure are going to miss him.
Heyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.
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