Ep. 78 Shotgun Tom Kelly

2026-02-12

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EPISODE SUMMARY: Shotgun Tom Kelly is a legendary Southern California broadcaster with experience at iconic stations and several broadcasting awards. He shares his journey from high school announcer to Emmy-winning icon with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Shotgun Tom about: Growing up in San Diego and working his first gig as a high schooler Getting into legal trouble operating a pirate station from his garage His...

EPISODE SUMMARY: Shotgun Tom Kelly is a legendary Southern California broadcaster with experience at iconic stations and several broadcasting awards. He shares his journey from high school announcer to Emmy-winning icon with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Shotgun Tom about:

Growing up in San Diego and working his first gig as a high schooler
Getting into legal trouble operating a pirate station from his garage
His love of trains, radio towers, and other hobbies
Becoming an Emmy-winning children’s TV host
How he got the name “Shotgun Tom Kelly”
The story of the iconic hat he’s worn for over 55 years, and presenting one to President Reagan
Filling the shoes of Real Don Steele and hosting other oldies shows like 60s Gold on SiriusXM
Creating “Shotgun Tom’s Jukebox Live From the Corvette Diner”
Getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Stevie Wonder’s role in the
ceremony
His book, “All I Wanna Do Is Play The Hits”, available now on Amazon
His advice for the next generation

And More!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST:
“Shotgun Tom” Kelly has been entertaining Southern California radio and TV audiences for over 6 decades. He has worked at such renowned radio stations as KGB (in its “Boss Radio” days) and gained national acclaim at the legendary KCBQ. “Shotgun Tom” was honored at B-100 radio (KFMB-FM) with the Billboard magazine Air Personality of the Year Award for Major Markets in the mid-70’s. He also received two Emmy Awards for his performance as host of the McGraw-Hill syndicated TV word game show “Words-a-Poppin’” for children. For twelve years at KUSI-TV he was host of their morning and afternoon children’s programs. In 1997, after a nationwide talent search, “Shotgun Tom” Kelly was chosen by CBS Radio’s K-EARTH 101/Los Angeles to fill the coveted afternoon drive slot after the death of The Real Don Steele. In 2000, “Shotgun Tom” won Radio and Records “Oldies Air Personality of the Year” and competed for that award with radio personalities in New York, Philadelphia, Chicago and Detroit. “Shotgun Tom” is also heard around the country doing voice work and commercials for many other stations. In 2013, “Shotgun Tom” Kelly received his Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located at the corner of Hollywood Blvd. and La Brea Ave.

LINKS:

Shotgun’s latest book, All I Wanna Do Is Play The Hits!: https://www.amazon.com/All-Wanna-Do-Play-Hits/dp/B0DB6YCM97

His Emmy award: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNddkwtGnqs

His Walk of Fame star: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNQek1WYE_c

Riding his dad’s train: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLe1BkEibRY
More model trains: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDGIRpgVUUg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDq3zp56Xkk

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