"I'm the most famous person no one's heard of." That's how KSFI ("FM-100") midday personality Bob Nelson modestly describes himself.
True, he's not in the more publicized morning time slot, but Nelson is the veteran among "FM-100" personalities, having been at the station since 1983. That runs counter to the usual DJ trend of having worked for a half-dozen or more stations during such a nearly two-decade span.
"I've been along to evolve along with the station," Nelson said. "It's such a great job to have." Nelson's deep, pleasant voice is also among the best in the business and seems tailor-made for an easy-listening station.
He is married to Maria Shilaos of "Scott and Maria" fame (she's on KSL radio in the afternoon-drive time slot with Scott Seeger), whom he met when both were working at KUER radio.
They also worked together at the old KWMS, an all-news radio station in the mid-1980s. He said rumors flew about them having an affair, so they finally confessed they were married. Maria then moved on to several other stations before ending up at AM-1160.
Their two sons think it's cool that both parents are on the air.
Nelson got into the business while he was attending Snow College from 1973-75. He was shy then and says radio was a good way to break out of his shell. "Then, I was hooked," he said. He worked at KUER from 1978-83 and was then hired by KSFI.
Things went well for Nelson until March 15, 1996, when he was in a motorcycle accident and shattered his right leg. He spent a month at home but returned to the air within two weeks, thanks to the installation of a microphone at his home. He was on crutches for five years and said only now does he feel physically recovered from the ordeal. "Twenty-three surgeries on my leg. That's nuts," he said. "But I just stayed positive and looked at the good parts of my life."
Many accident victims in Nelson's situation end up losing their leg. "I was too stubborn" he said.
For a man whose hobbies are camping, fishing and biking, it's been difficult. Today, he also sings in the choir of the Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church and exercises his auto-mechanic skills with the family trucks.
Nelson said he is looking forward to the announced Bonneville International purchase of KSFI. Once again he'll be working at the same company as his wife.
OTHER RADIO HAPPENINGS — Simmons Media has switched from seller to buyer. After having a marketing agreement with KSOS and KXOL of First National Broadcasting of Ogden, it has now purchased the two stations for a reported $925,000. Simmons sold KRSP, KSFI, KQMB and a new AM not on the air yet to Bonneville International Corporation, contingent on FCC cross ownership rule relaxation.
— KBNZ (FM-104.9, Tremonton) has dropped its oldies "KAR" format and is now a classic country-music station. KGNT (FM-103.9, Logan) is now "Kool 103.9," playing 1950s-70s oldies music.
— Shawn Stevens, formerly of KBZN and KKAT, is the new afternoon DJ, weekdays 1-6 p.m., on KBEE, FM-98.7. He replaces Scott Simon who left the market.
— Parley Baer, 88, a KSL radio personality in the 1940s, died last month in Los Angeles at age 88. He was a well-known character actor who appeared in more than 60 movies and 1,600 television shows during a six-decade career. He was best-known as Mayor Stoner on "The Andy Griffith Show."
E-MAIL: lynn@desnews.com