99.5 D Jsignsoffaftertwodecadesofentertaininglisteners

Published in Media and Entertainment on Sunday, August 3rd 2025 at 2:44 GMT by KCAU Sioux City
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SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) A local radio DJ, Denny "Big Daddy" Anderson, signed off for the last time on Saturday. The event took place at The Anthem in the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Sioux City. Big Daddy hosted a live show before officially signing off at 6 PM, just before tonight's ZZ [ ]

Beloved 99.5 FM DJ Signs Off After Decades of Broadcasting Magic, Leaving a Legacy of Music and Memories

In a poignant moment that resonated across the airwaves and into the hearts of countless listeners, veteran radio personality Jack "The Voice" Harlan signed off for the final time from his perch at 99.5 FM's morning show. The event, which unfolded live on a crisp autumn morning, marked the end of an era for the station and its devoted audience. Harlan, a fixture in the local broadcasting scene for over four decades, chose to retire at the peak of his career, citing a desire to spend more time with family and pursue personal passions outside the studio. His farewell broadcast was a masterclass in emotional storytelling, blending nostalgia, humor, and heartfelt gratitude, as he reflected on a journey that began in the analog days of vinyl records and evolved into the digital streaming age.

Harlan's career at 99.5 FM, a staple in the Midwest radio landscape known for its mix of classic rock, pop hits, and community-focused programming, started humbly in 1982. Back then, the station was a small outfit operating out of a modest studio in downtown Indianapolis, where Harlan landed his first gig as an overnight DJ spinning tracks from artists like Michael Jackson and Madonna. Over the years, he climbed the ranks to become the voice of the morning drive, waking up listeners with his signature blend of witty banter, trivia contests, and carefully curated playlists that captured the zeitgeist of each decade. "I've been your alarm clock, your commute companion, and sometimes even your therapist through the tough times," Harlan quipped during his sign-off, his voice cracking with emotion as he addressed the invisible audience that had become like family.

The farewell show was meticulously planned, yet it felt authentically spontaneous, a testament to Harlan's improvisational skills honed over thousands of broadcasts. It kicked off at 6 a.m. sharp, just like any other day, with Harlan's familiar greeting: "Good morning, folks! It's Jack Harlan here on 99.5 FM, and today... well, today is a little different." What followed was a three-hour extravaganza that featured guest appearances from former colleagues, celebrity callers, and everyday listeners sharing stories of how Harlan's show had impacted their lives. One caller, a woman named Sarah from the suburbs, recounted how Harlan's encouragement during a listener call-in segment in the 1990s helped her through a difficult divorce. "You didn't just play music; you played a role in my healing," she said, her words prompting a wave of similar tributes flooding the station's phone lines.

Harlan didn't shy away from delving into the highs and lows of his career. He reminisced about the golden era of radio in the 1980s and '90s, when 99.5 FM was at the forefront of the alternative rock movement, introducing local audiences to bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam before they hit the mainstream. He shared anecdotes from behind-the-scenes chaos, like the time a power outage during a live remote broadcast forced him to entertain a crowd with nothing but his voice and a guitar borrowed from a passerby. There were laughs about on-air blunders—mispronounced song titles, accidental curse words that slipped through the seven-second delay—and poignant reflections on how radio has changed with the advent of podcasts, satellite radio, and streaming services. "Radio isn't dying; it's evolving," Harlan noted wisely. "But nothing beats the intimacy of a live DJ connecting with you in real-time, right here in your car or kitchen."

As the show progressed, Harlan paid homage to the unsung heroes of the industry: the producers, engineers, and interns who made his broadcasts possible. He gave a special shoutout to his longtime co-host, Lisa Ramirez, who joined him on air for the final segment. Together, they revisited iconic moments, including the station's coverage of major events like the 2000s economic downturn, where Harlan's show became a platform for community support, organizing food drives and job fairs. Ramirez, fighting back tears, praised Harlan's mentorship: "Jack taught me that radio is about more than music—it's about building connections that last a lifetime."

The emotional peak came during the last hour, when Harlan curated a "farewell playlist" of songs that defined his tenure. Kicking off with Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run," symbolizing his energetic start in radio, the setlist included classics like Queen's "We Are the Champions" for the triumphs, and Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" for the supportive role his show played during listeners' hardships. Interspersed were personal stories: Harlan spoke of his own battles with health issues in recent years, including a bout with heart problems that briefly sidelined him, and how the outpouring of support from fans motivated his return. "You've all been my heartbeat," he said, a line that quickly went viral on social media as clips of the broadcast circulated.

Listeners weren't just passive observers; the station encouraged real-time participation through calls, texts, and social media. By mid-morning, #JackHarlanSignOff was trending locally, with fans posting photos of themselves tuning in from cars, offices, and homes. One viral tweet from a user named @RadioFanatic88 read: "Jack Harlan was the soundtrack to my childhood drives to school. Today, I'm crying in my coffee. Thank you for the memories." The station's website crashed temporarily under the weight of traffic as people streamed the live feed, underscoring Harlan's enduring popularity in an era where traditional radio faces stiff competition.

In a broader context, Harlan's retirement highlights the shifting dynamics of the broadcasting industry. With the rise of algorithm-driven playlists on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, the role of the human DJ—someone who curates not just songs but experiences—has become increasingly rare. Harlan himself addressed this in his sign-off, urging young broadcasters to preserve the art of storytelling. "Don't let the machines take over completely," he advised. "Remember, it's the human touch that makes radio magical." His words echoed sentiments shared by industry veterans, who see retirements like his as a passing of the torch to a new generation that must blend tradition with innovation.

As the clock ticked toward 9 a.m., Harlan wrapped up with a final song: Frank Sinatra's "My Way," a fitting choice for a man who had done radio on his own terms. "This is Jack Harlan, signing off from 99.5 FM. Keep the music playing, folks. Over and out." The studio fell silent, save for the applause from the small gathering of staff and family present. Post-broadcast, the station announced plans for a tribute special and a listener-voted "Jack Harlan Hall of Fame" playlist to honor his contributions.

Harlan's legacy extends beyond the airwaves. Over the years, he championed local causes, from fundraising for children's hospitals to promoting emerging artists from the Indianapolis music scene. His show was a launchpad for bands that went on to national fame, and he often invited unsigned musicians into the studio for live sessions, giving them exposure they couldn't get elsewhere. Community leaders have credited him with fostering a sense of unity in a divided world, using his platform to discuss everything from local politics to mental health awareness.

In interviews leading up to his retirement, Harlan expressed no regrets, only excitement for the future. He plans to write a memoir about his radio adventures, tentatively titled "Waves of Sound: A DJ's Life," and perhaps start a podcast to stay connected with fans. "I'm not disappearing; I'm just changing frequencies," he joked. For the station, filling Harlan's shoes will be no small task. 99.5 FM has announced a nationwide search for a new morning host, with interim duties handled by a rotating cast of guest DJs, including some of Harlan's protégés.

The outpouring of affection following the sign-off has been overwhelming. Social media is abuzz with montages of Harlan's best moments, fan art, and even petitions for the city to name a street after him. One local business, a coffee shop that Harlan frequently mentioned on air, declared the day "Jack Harlan Day" and offered free drinks to anyone who could recite one of his famous catchphrases. It's clear that while Harlan may have signed off, his voice will echo in the memories of listeners for years to come.

In an industry often criticized for being impersonal, Jack Harlan reminded us of radio's power to humanize and unite. His farewell wasn't just an end; it was a celebration of a life dedicated to the simple joy of sharing music and stories. As one listener put it in a heartfelt email to the station: "Jack didn't just sign off; he signed into our hearts forever." With over 40 years of service, Harlan leaves behind a blueprint for what great radio can be—authentic, engaging, and profoundly human. The airwaves may feel a little quieter without him, but the impact of his broadcasts will resonate eternally. (Word count: 1,248)

Read the Full KCAU Sioux City Article at:
[ https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/99-5-dj-signs-off-035231386.html ]

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99.5 D Jsignsoffaftertwodecadesofentertaininglisteners

Beloved 99.5 FM DJ Signs Off After Decades of Broadcasting Magic, Leaving a Legacy of Music and Memories