When I was working on the book Backstage Vancouver, I came across this photo of Jack Cullen with Chico Marx of the Marx Brothers dated in the early to mid-50s. Jack is holding what we referred to as a “salt shaker” microphone because it looked like one. Jack inspired me to take a photographer and tape machine every time I had a celebrity interview.

Jack was Canada’s premier deejay in the 40s, 50s and into the 60s and beyond. He was my mentor, and he set the pace for all that followed.  Radio in those years was an informative and entertaining medium. He is the only Canadian deejay ever to win the prestigious Billboard Music Award for on-air personalities.