Remembering Deano “Uncle Deano” Day
Deano Day, courtesy of the Detroit News
As a young teenager on a family-run horse farm, I envisioned myself a cowboy. What did cowboys listen to? Why, Country and Western music, of course. In those days, if you lived in southern Michigan and listened to Country and Western (it still had “Western” in it, not like today where demographic-minded marketing types have shortened it to simply “Country”), then you listened to Deano Day in the morning. WDEE, also known as “The Big D” was on the AM dial at 1500, and there every morning you could listen to Deano Day play all the great hits of the time plus the classics, crack corny jokes, and banter with the listeners who would call in.
Deano didn’t mind telling it like it was, and sometimes his opinions got him in some hot water. But that was part of who he was – a straight shooter who liked to have fun with his audience.
Deano’s career spanned not only the decades since then, but the United States, and the radio dial. Lately he was hosting a show on the new WCXI AM 1160, of which he was part owner.
I’ve been a loyal fan of Deano’s for over 35 years, but it was just last year that I met him in person for the first time. Mike and Christine, mutual friends, had arranged for Deano to provide DJ services for the wedding reception of other friends. Deano was warm and humorous, and chatting with him took me back to those early teen years. I’m grateful I had the chance to meet him.
Here’s what our friend Mike has to say
Deano Day was a kind of guy that we all wished we all could be: A kid that never grew up, a friend, a scoundrel, a voice on the radio, a guy with a big heart (literally and physically), my fish-en buddy, a guy that seemed to warm the room just with his smile, trouble with a capital T. A guy that just couldn’t get enough of his computer, friends, family, and wonderful wife.
To this day I will never forget on one of our fishing trips we ran out of gas. I had to pick up my wife from work. I knew I was in the dog house big time! Deano made the call to my wife from the boat and smoothed things out with her, Yes he had the talent to get away with murder. I shed a tear now not because he died I know god has a place for himbut because I know it will be a long time before we will be able to go out and play again.
His voice is silent now………….
Ah that voice, all I can think now is:
Good morn-en world I’m not afraid of you cus this is going to be a country day.
A country Deano Day WCXI Deano Day WCXI Deano Day.See you when its my time to get there buddy.
Mike
Approximately 15 years ago Deano bought a rusted out 1959 Chev El Camino from his neighbor Bob Truesdell on Galaxy Way in Lake Orion. I always wanted to restore that car and was wondering if anyone knows where it currently is. I’d appreciate any leads. thanks
@
Tim Petersen
Tim, I asked around. The best advice I can give you is to call WPON radio in Pontiac. There are a few people there who knew Deano personally, and might know what happened with this vehicle. Good Luck!
@Tim Petersen
I remember the el Camino.. Deano actually had a couple of them over the years, but I “think” the one you are referring to died during an accident that his son was driving. Mike was fine.. but the car was not. He then had a blue one … drove it for a long time. Deano’s last car was a black Dodge Magnum Wagon… classy car for a classy guy….. Larry