For over five decades, radio has given one veteran broadcaster, “Jivin’ Johnny Etheridge, a front-row seat to some of the most iconic moments in music history. His journey, which began as a wide-eyed teenager, has brought him face-to-face with legends like Roy Orbison, Chuck Berry, Ray Charles, and Big Mama Thornton, to name just a few. Through the years, his love for music, especially rock and roll, has never waned—and neither has his enthusiasm for sharing that love with his listeners.
It all started in the mid-60s when, as a casual fan, he accepted an invitation to see the Beach Boys, The Lovin’ Spoonful, and Chad and Jeremy in concert. That event turned his world upside down, sparking a passion that would lead him to countless concerts and eventually to a long-lasting career in radio.
Memorable Interviews with Legends
Over the years, his platform as a radio host has allowed him to meet and interview the artists he idolized. One of his most cherished memories is an interview with Roy Orbison. The two sat in a pitch-dark room at the Holiday Inn on Coburg Road, with Orbison refusing to remove his iconic shades, even in complete darkness. “Roy Orbison doesn’t take his shades off for anybody,” he recalls with a smile. Moments like that—where the artist’s personality shines through—make face-to-face interviews truly special.
The radio veteran interviewed other greats like Chuck Berry, Ray Charles, and Bo Diddley. He once had the chance to spend 36 hours with Bo Diddley, even taking him on an impromptu shopping trip to Walmart, only to have Bo humorously change his mind and ask to visit a local “dirty bookstore” instead. These personal encounters with music legends have shaped his understanding of the artists behind the hits.
A Brush with the Blues
Another unforgettable experience came when Big Mama Thornton, famous for her original recording of Hound Dog, came to town for a blues show. Thornton was performing alongside two other giants, Big Joe Turner and Muddy Waters. Still, it was her performance—and her larger-than-life personality—that captured the young radio host’s attention. He managed to arrange for her to visit the radio station, a decision he later reflected on with a bit of regret, wishing he had also invited Turner and Waters.
When Big Mama Thornton arrived, the staff at the station was stunned. Thornton was a bold figure, a lesbian dressed in men’s clothing, and she carried a Mason jar filled with liquor—likely gin—which left its scent in the air. Despite the initial shock, she gave a fantastic interview, showing the same wit and charm that made her a blues legend. Looking back, the radio host remembers her as a “hoot” and an artist who left a lasting impression.
From Dallas to Eugene and Beyond
His journey to Eugene, Oregon, wasn’t a straight path. Raised between Texas and San Diego, his early days as a rock and roll fan were shaped by late-night radio broadcasts from Wolfman Jack, whose unmistakable voice reached him from border stations in Mexico. Hearing Wolfman Jack in Texas and California was a mystifying experience for a young fan as if the legendary DJ was truly “everywhere.”
Once in Eugene, he became heavily involved with KRVM, a community radio station licensed to School District 4J, which operates next to Sheldon High School. KRVM has long served as a valuable training ground for students, giving them hands-on experience in broadcasting, from DJing to programming their own shows. It’s been a source of pride for Johnny, who has seen many students pursue careers in radio or related fields. KRVM’s current format blends a computerized music library with student-led programming, giving listeners a unique mix of Adult Album Alternative (AAA) tracks during the day and student-curated shows in the evenings.
A Legacy in Radio
One thing has remained constant through his decades in radio: Johnny’s love for the music and the artists who create it. Whether interviewing Roy Orbison in a pitch-dark room, driving Bo Diddley around town, or watching students at KRVM discover their own passion for radio, he has remained dedicated to storytelling through sound. And even after all these years, he shows no signs of slowing down.