Big Don at WINX-FM on the Eastern Shore.

Remembering 'Big' Don O'Bryan

It was with great sadness the news arrived of the passing of WPGC's, 'Big Don O'Bryan' from complications of cancer.

Big Don graduated high school, got married, had a child and was hired by Harv Moore at WPGC all at the tender age of 18 in 1973. He had previously worked at WOHN in Herndon and WINX where his memorable sign-off when leaving was, 'WINX stinks - goodbye Rockville! Arriving at WPGC for part time fill-in work, he went full time doing the overnight show, succeeding Bryan Lawrence, originating from the Black Ulysses restaurant in the District. He later did afternoons at WEAM.

Don 'O'Bryan' (a concession to AFTRA due to another performer already using the O'Brien name in the market) would return to WPGC in 1975 for late nights before making numerous stops around the Baltimore / Washington radio dial including WLPL, WAVA, WWDC, WQSR and too many others to recall here. For a while, he also worked on the air in Philadelphia at WIFI 92 and many years later did some weekend work in New York at Z100 for Steve Kingston.

His character voice, smart-aleck, 'Ace O'Brien' was often heard on many of his shows, one which was based in large part on Harv Moore's, 'Orville'. He later portrayed the same character for the 'Carol & Kellogg Show' at WMZQ when the late, Dave Kellogg (with whom he had worked at WPGC) was doing mornings there.

On a personal note, I worked with Don at WEEL in 1981. He was PD and doing mornings. He hired me full time to do nights and be MD. When WEEL went Country later that year, we both left.

His first stop after that was working at KIX-106 in Alexandria. A short time later, he got a higher paying unionized gig at WASH. Before leaving KIX, he recommended me for his gig. Within days, I replaced him there. More importantly, it was the first major market gig of my career (other than my internship earlier at WPGC). And it was directly because of him.

In a business as crazy as radio, it was not a surprise when we crossed paths yet again years later at B104 in Baltimore, where once more, he did mornings as one half of 'Brian & O'Brien' while I held down the fort at night. His recommendation of me no doubt led to my employment there too.

Don, like many others in the industry had been a huge fan of Willard Scott who was his mentor. It seemed fitting that like Willard, who originated the role, he too would portray Ronald McDonald throughout Baltimore and DC, opening many a new store with personal appearances. At one Grand Opening in Gaithersburg, he called to let me know they were hiring extras. Once more, it was because of his recommendation that I got the part playing the 'Hamburglar' in which I was chased around the property by the Big Mac Keystone Cop, much to the delight of the screaming kids in the audience who couldn't wait to tell him where I was hiding!

Big Don's career also encompassed TV. From 1984-88, he could be seen on Channel 13, WJZ-TV in Charm City hosting 'Dialing for Dollars' during breaks on 'Hawaii 5-0' as well as doing weekend weather there, much like Willard had done previously in DC before going to the 'Today' show. Don also later did the weather at WMAR-TV and in DC at WJLA-TV.

In more recent years, Don's health began to fail him, gradually at first but accelerated as time went on. An avid cigar smoker, he had to have part of his tongue removed to combat a cancerous growth over ten years ago. Regrettably, it effectively spelled the end to his broadcast career as his days were then spent re-learning fundamentals such as speaking.

In his recovery, he found new purpose, educating and providing moral support to other cancer patients who faced similar life altering realities as he had. He spent his final years living on the Eastern Shore, embracing the lifestyle of the Watermen who inhabited the region. As his health continued to deteriorate, more recent bouts of cancer forced his residency in a rehab center. He was moved to pulmonary care but was there for less than 24 hours. His daughter was with him when the end time came. He was 71.

Don was a remarkably gifted performer. His career was one for the annals of broadcasting. He may in fact hold the record for having worked at more stations in DC & Baltimore than anyone else over the years. His is a legacy that is lasting, one that is embraced by all who knew him. He is greatly missed.

No doubt, he is now broadcasting live from Cloud Nine for all those who will hear. If you would like to leave your remembrances of Don, please contact the webmaster.

 

Chris Carlin writes:

Remember him stopping by the station in the afternoons talking with Dino Delgallo & Alexander Goodfellow.
Always thought he was very talented. He & Harv Moore can do voices together now! RIP.

 

Mike Cohen writes:

So sad to hear about Big Don. Our paths crossed several times as well, and I remember him as a very funny guy
both on and off the air. As always, thanks for the important but unfortunate news concerning the 'Good Guys'.

 

Linda Kelly writes:

He was a great friend and colleague. Don was incredibly talented and one of the nicest broadcasters I had the
honor to work with. Don really loved Harv Moore and I'm comforted knowing Harv was there waiting for him!

 

Steve Michaels writes:

Great guy! We were WEAM Team Redcoats in '73. He was at Steve Kingston's WINX-FM on the Eastern Shore for a while.

 

 

Photos

Publicity shot in December 1973.

Print Materials

Playlists

Click on image below to see enlargement.

 
12/08/73

Sound Files

Airchecks

	09/30/73	-	-	Scoped	:38
	10/01/73	-	-	Scoped	:35
	Fall 1973	-	-	Scoped	2:37
	01/01/74	Run #1 - #063 - #001	Top 100 of 1973	Scoped	51:29
	01/01/74	Run #1 - #063 - #001	Top 100 of 1973	UNscoped	3:38:07

Sound Off!

Fall 1973

Weekly Winner

:12

Misc Audio

10/01/73

Money Plane Mention

:12

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