Dave Wilson, a veteran Montana radio broadcaster, was born in Hamilton, Alabama and grew up listening to shows like the Grand Ol’Opry, Gunsmoke and the Lone Ranger.
Entering the music field as a band leader, Dave played on WVOK radio in Birmingham, Alabama on the “Noon Jamboree”. He went on the road as part of a singing group that eventually came to Montana.
Returning to live in Great Falls, he began selling radio at KUDI radio in 1968. Soon a desire to be on the air took him to KMON radio where Al Donohue hired him part time in 1969, then full time in 1970. Soon Dave took on the morning shift where in 1976 he was named “The Most Listened to Announcer in Montana.”
Dave also created the radio program “Grass Roots Gold” which is still in syndication today.
Over the years Dave worked for KEIN and KIKF radio in Great Falls, KGVO radio in Missoula and even a brief time at WMC in Memphis, Tenn. But he always called KMON radio his home, working there for more than 35 years as morning man, Program Director & Operations Manager.
In 2009, after 40 years in radio, Dave semi-retired with his wife Cheryl. You could still hear Dave on his on-line station, DaveWilsonCountry.com, through 2015 when he ended broadcasting.
His voice continues to be heard on numerous radio and television commercials. Through the years he has served as M.C. for innumerable charity and entertainment events.
The Greater Montana Foundation thanks Scripps and their Television stations throughout Montana for providing studio, production and edit facilities for the Legacy Broadcasters Initiative interviews. Without their generous support, this project would not have been possible.
The Legacy Project of the Greater Montana Foundation is produced in coordination with the Montana Historical Society. Many thanks to all who work and donate to MHS and its great work.