Living Legend: Randy McDaniel Celebrates 50 Years Behind a Mic

If you look up "Radio Broadcaster" in the Dictionary, there's a good chance you'll see Randy McDaniel's picture next to the definition. I've been lucky enough to work alongside Randy for four years now, but he's been in the business since... well, since he still had hair on the top of his head!

Credit: Randy McDaniel TSM

Randy may have been born in Minnesota, but he's called the Mount Rushmore State "home" for the entirety of his radio career. His first stop was in the small town of Winner at KWYR. He also had stops in Aberdeen at KKAA, and Brookings/Volga at KVIA. In Rapid City, Randy was on several stations and was known as one of the "Breakfast Flakes", along with Tom Collins.

Eventually, Randy made his way to Sioux Falls and Results Townsquare Media. Randy worked on a very successful show called "Viewpoint University" with Rick Knobe on KSOO. After his time at KSOO, Randy was asked to be the Brand Manager of KXRB Radio and has been on its airwaves ever since.

On a personal note, not only is Randy one of the best broadcasters I've ever had the pleasure of working with, but he's also a mentor and a friend. Randy is one of the last of that rare breed of radio DJ's who spun vinyl, played carts, and used reel-to-reel. He has a wealth of knowledge about the radio industry and life in general... Some of my favorite conversations with Randy are when we get side-tracked and end up talking about the Civil War, or what it was like hearing classic country artists like Waylon, Merle, Willie, or Kristofferson on the radio for the first time.

Randy has been out for a few months, dealing with some health issues, but we can't wait to have him back on the KXRB airwaves every weekday afternoon again soon, talking your ear off about longnecks, the Minnesota Twins, and real country music.

Credit: KXRB TSM

From Christine Manika:

There are so many words I can use to describe Mr. Randy McDaniel. He's a huge Minnesota Twins fan, he can tolerate the Minnesota Vikings (haha), loves sharing fun facts about sports and history, he's a comedian, a fantastic father and grandfather, a clever songwriter and playwright, and an advocate for the country music world. But more importantly, Randy McDaniel is family.

Randy is a major reason why I'm with KXRB today. He played a part in hiring me five years ago. I'm sure he thought this "city kid" didn't know much about radio let alone country music. But I hope he's proud of not just my growth, but the continued growth at KXRB. Randy is a teacher and I've learned a lot from him. 50 years is a lonnnggg time in radio. It's rare to find disc jockeys like Randy who have stayed in this profession. He truly is one-of-a-kind!

Randy, we miss seeing you at the station. You're a fighter. We are all on YOUR TEAM! Thank you for being a friend. We love you!

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5 Things South Dakota Gave the World

South Dakota may not get much respect. We get a blizzard and it's a footnote on the national scene, but if Florida gets a bit chilly it's breaking news. But, maybe it's fine to be forgotten about. We kind of like being left alone on our quiet piece of the plains.

South Dakota has given a lot to the world though. Not just giant mountain carvings and settings for HBO shows, but awesome things that the rest of the world should thank us for.

Gallery Credit: Ben Kuhns