Roger Barkley facts for kids

Roger Barkley (born September 11, 1936, in Odebolt, Iowa, USA – died December 21, 1997, in Duarte, California) was a famous American radio personality. He was best known for his work in Los Angeles, California, especially with Al Lohman on The Lohman and Barkley Show on radio station KFI.

Early Life and Radio Start

Roger Barkley left his hometown in Iowa when he was just 17 years old. He wanted to work in broadcasting, which means working in radio or TV. He started as a page boy at a radio station called WCCO in Minneapolis, Minnesota. While working there, he also studied at the American Institute of the Air.

After his training, Roger worked as an announcer and a program director at several radio stations. He worked in places like Mankato, Minnesota (KYSM), Fairmont, Minnesota (KSUM), and Salt Lake City, Utah (KALL). He also served in the U.S. Army. After his time in the Army, he worked in Dallas, Texas (KBOX), and Denver, Colorado (KIMN).

Becoming a Los Angeles Radio Star

Roger Barkley moved to Los Angeles, California, in the early 1960s. He worked at several popular radio stations there. These included KLAC (from 1961 to 1967), KFWB (from 1967 to 1968), KFI (from 1968 to 1986), KJOI (from 1986 to 1989), and KABC (from 1990 to 1996).

The Lohman and Barkley Show

Roger Barkley became the program director at KLAC radio station in Los Angeles. He hired Al Lohman to host the morning show. In 1961, when KLAC was sold, Roger and Al decided to team up. They thought it would give them more time to find new jobs if they worked together.

Their partnership worked really well, and they became a popular team for the next 25 years. Roger Barkley was the "straight man" in the duo. This means he played the serious interviewer or narrator. Al Lohman would play many different funny characters with unique voices.

Thousands of people listened to their morning show on KFI. They loved hearing Al's quick jokes and characters. Roger's calm straight-man style balanced Al's humor. Some of Al Lohman's famous characters included "Maynard Farmer" and "Otis Elevator."

The duo also hosted two short TV shows that won Emmy Awards. They often appeared on famous TV shows like The Ed Sullivan Show and Hollywood Squares. They even made appearances at the famous Cocoanut Grove nightclub in Los Angeles. In 1987, they were in the movie Amazon Women on the Moon. Their success in radio and TV earned them a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In May 1986, Roger Barkley decided to leave the show with Al Lohman. He wanted to try something new. He soon became the morning radio host at KJOI. Roger and Al never spoke to each other again after that.

The Ken and Barkley Company

In 1990, Roger Barkley joined Ken Minyard to host The Ken and Barkley Company on KABC radio. This show was also very popular. It was often rated number one for morning radio in Los Angeles.

After six years, the show's ratings started to drop. Roger Barkley was very upset when the station decided to make a change. Ken Minyard continued the show with a new format.

Helping Others and Business Ventures

Roger Barkley was a very generous person. He was a tireless philanthropist, which means he loved to help others. He often hosted events for different charities, sometimes nearly 200 times a year. He always donated the money he earned from these events to charity.

The Roger Barkley Community Foundation continues his good work today. It donates money to hospitals, youth groups, and supports scholarships. It also helps with medical research.

Roger was also a businessman. With his partner Jim Campbell, he opened a chain of nice restaurants called "The Barkley."

Later Life and Legacy

Roger Barkley was diagnosed with cancer in late 1997. He sadly passed away at the age of 61 on December 21, 1997. He died from pancreatic cancer at the City of Hope National Medical Center in Duarte, California.

At his funeral, Al Lohman spoke warmly about his former radio partner. Roger Barkley is remembered for his talent and his kindness.

Discography

• Light of My Life Volume One - The Breath of Dr. Duncan & Doc in the Box (LP and Cassette)
• Light of My Life Volume Two - The Arrest of Dr. Duncan & Mouse in the Hole (LP and Cassette)
• Lohman & Barkley's Greatest Hits, Vol. 7 (LP, MGM Records #M3F-4956)