Burbank’s radio show left an impact

For those of us who ran the roads in the dark ages BSR (before satellite radio), our companion was the 50,000-watt blowtorch of AM radio that covered several states late at night — 700 WLW out of Cincinnati.

It was my lone companion for many thousands — heck, probably my first million — miles in those old, rough-riding cabover trucks.

WLW had a bevy of talent around the clock.

Late nights, it was The Truckin’ Bozo.

But during the key “afternoon drive” slot, it was Gary Burbank. At one time, Gary was a huge local celebrity in and around Cincinnati.

He owned a chain of restaurants called Burbank’s Burbank’s Bar-B-Q, and his signature Burbank’s 911 Sauce was sold in local grocery stores. It even flavored a special edition bag of Grippo’s potato chips from the local brand.

Gary was also talented with voice-over work, creating characters for comedy skits and commercials for businesses across northern Kentucky and southwest Ohio.

One of his most memorable characters was his trademark Earl Pitts, Native American Redneck. Not to be confused with an Indigenous Native American — ole Earl was a “’Murican long before ’Murica” became a common slang term.

It was always an entertaining show, and I made it a point to tune in just to hear a classic Earl Pitts rant.

Gary also did a hilariously biting parody of “All My Children” titled “All My Bengals” during football season, poking fun at the Bengals during those years when wins were few and far between.

Gary has been off the air for several years now. I genuinely miss his wit and humor.

As I pass Evendale from time to time, I still glance over to the east side of Interstate 75 and remember his old Burbank’s Bar-B-Que restaurant. It was always crowded and lively. But it’s long gone now. The building has been razed, and an industrial complex stands in its place.

In the days before satellite radio, Gary Burbank was what many of us on the road considered “destination radio.” You tuned in because you knew you’d get a laugh.

Sadly, the news has come that Gary has departed this mortal coil.

Perhaps somewhere up above, Gary Burbank, Wolfman Jack and Paul Harvey are forming a superstation. If so, I hope they save a channel on my satellite radio so I can tune in.