Jerry Williams: Boston Talk Radio Pioneer Dies at 79

Jerry Williams was an American talk radio host, a pioneer of the format. Born Gerald Jacoby on September 24, 1923, in Brooklyn, New York, he began broadcasting in Bristol, Virginia, in 1946.

He gained his largest following at WMEX in Boston from 1957 to 1965, hosted shows in Chicago, New York and Philadelphia and became the first FM talk host. He returned to Boston radio at WRKO from 1981 to 1998 and was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 1996.

Williams founded the National Association of Radio Talk Show Hosts. His nightly sign-off was "Good night, good luck, good morning, good night, Tee," for his wife Therese. He died in Boston on April 29, 2003, at age 79.

Achievements: National Radio Hall of Fame (1996), first FM talk host.

Birth: September 24, 1923 - Brooklyn, New York.

Profession: Talk radio host.

Interesting Facts: He is considered one of the fathers of modern talk radio.