LEXINGTON, Ky. — Last month, Lexington radio personality Karl Shannon spoke to Spectrum News 1 about his friendship with Naomi Judd. Today, family and friends remember Shannon for his contributions to country radio and his philanthropic efforts. Shannon died June 1. He was 68.
Shannon’s son, David, announced his father’s death on Facebook. Radio station 105.5 HANK-FM posted about Shannon’s lengthy career. For over 50 years, Shannon was a part of country music in Nashville, Louisville and Lexington. According to the radio station, Shannon was the only person in Lexington to be Arbitron-rated Number One in morning drive on two different stations; WVLK-FM and WBUL-FM.
Shannon was nominated for multiple country music radio awards over the years, including CMA Broadcast Air Personality of the year, Billboard Radio’s Air Personality of the Year and the Country Radio Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
His desire to help others only outmatched his love of country music. According to the radio station, “Karl's philanthropic activities were legendary.” The station says for ten years, Shannon handled the largest one-day car show in Central Kentucky. The show donated almost $100,000 to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital. He also helped the University of Kentucky Children’s Hospital, the Thomson-Hood Veterans Center and the Special Olympics of Kentucky.
Shannon was the host of Honky Tonk Saturday Night on HANK-FM. Funeral arrangements are pending. He is survived by his wife Marie, sons David and Jeremy and his grandson, Colton.