When [CHUM listeners] reacted, they reacted negatively, and the repercussions what if a police car hit a pedestrian and I am ultimately responsible and then they told me all the things that could have happened that didnt and if they did how much trouble Id be in and how much the station would be in. My job was to talk on the radio, but now it has evolved and I fell behind in social media, I fell behind with Facebook and Twitter. A veteran radio personality of 45 years and a leader in Toronto broadcasting, Mike gathers with his co-workers, friends and family at the Mill Street . The records were cleaned, repaired and brushed with distilled water before being transcribed to tape. It must still be packed in a box somewhere. Im looking forward to celebrating our son-in-law Phils birthday today and Robs birthday, which coincides with Easter Sunday, this weekend. He was my history teacher and had some radio experience. Then in the new year it never came back, replaced by more of "Toronto's Perfect Music Mix". Guess we will see in the new year what the station will do during the Saturday evening slot.Always remember when Mike had the big goodbye when he left mornings on CHFI in January 2016. I would do it and not care. They worked it all out. Thursday, April 1, 2021 | Erin Davis Mo's Farewell | Today was Mo's last show on CHFI. Mo will - Facebook Lamb continued to host mornings, along with new co-host Maureen Holloway. Republication or distribution of this content is They did not hear the disclaimer at the end of the prank. For the better part of August, the station would have regular check-ins to see how Mike was doing. Aurora GO trains temporarily replaced by buses as additional track construction gets underway, Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign returns to support children at Markham Stouffville Hospital, Davis Drive in Newmarket to be closed for Southlake event, 'Everybody's happy place': Newmarket Farmers' Market kicked off revitalization of downtown Main Street, LIVE NOW: Its April 28 and our top story is Missing Vaughan teenager Sol Mejia-Mesa found dead in Toronto, 'The worst is behind us': York Region medical officer of health halts regular updates on COVID-19. Though I can appreciate all genres of music, my particular favourite is Country. Mike Cooper Biography, Songs, & Albums | AllMusic Then the insanity of the past few yearsand lovely Mo and Mike, of course,which brings us to today. Deborah Cooper, whose battle against cancer inspired 'thousands,' dies The station first signed on the air on February 1, 1957. If this is it tonight for Mike Cooper on air, congratulations to him on a great career! Okay, he did have another job: he drove the van for the Pickle Barrel in his teens until he took a corner too fast and a door flew open. If you subscribe to the CHFI newsletter, youll probably have seen a tribute to Ian from his daughter Ava. She visited Christopher in Mexico and watched pastel sunsets.. to colleagues, clients or customers, or inquire about Reply. I awarded the Bee Gees their first gold record back in the day. The UK market is highly regulated, explore non-Gamstop sites on this website. Now get out there and rock your reWirement. Mike has 1 job listed on their profile. Newsletters. I have to admit I looked forward to it. If you subscribe to the CHFI newsletter, youll probably have seen a tribute to Ian from his daughter Ava. In addition . Why are you choosing to retire now? maybe the whole cow, and he kind of quit on the spot. The following week, Tracy Moore from co-owned television station CITY-TV began hosting the show on a temporary basis. Copyright 2021 Real Family Productions Inc. I appears as if Mike is gone again, as well as producer Gord Rennie. Latest; On Demand . . I mean, how great is it that after five years off mornings, Mike can just slide in and feel like he hasnt missed a step? While the latest CHFI talk is about the Christmas flip on Monday, my mind turns to what I think is an even bigger deal. Then they got another hug before they left.. CHFI - Toronto's Perfect Music Mix. Rob and I adore you, Ian now go on and find your good time. Mike, in his announcement speech on Friday, joked about not wanting to like Erin at first. I know how just about every game on the midway works and theyve got you, I tell you.. You see, I began with CHFI in 1988. Add to Media list. But for them, the rest of us could not succeed. I have the best kids in the world, and just when you think theyre going to grow up and youre never going to need them, something like this happens in the family and they were absolutely marvellous. No one will fill those big shoes, or strangely little chair. Thats one Lauren had as a toddler, then we gave it to Ian and Anita and their three childrenand the day after Laurens wedding, he delivered it back to her. What wont you miss? The station was acquired in 1960 by Aldred-Rogers Broadcasting, a forerunner to Rogers Radio. Star Newspapers Limited and/or its licensors. Please retry or create an account if you have not yet done so. "I don't take back a . It was 2006, Erin had returned to the station and Mike was with her. I just know how to edit myself in spoken word, so it kind of started to pass me by and I started to feel a little ancient. While the latest CHFI talk is about the Christmas flip on Monday, my mind turns to what I think is an even bigger deal. Our own Mike Cooper and his daughter Sarah are on the patio at Bloor and Jarvis! On November 9, 2016, Erin Davis announced she would be retiring from CHFI on December 15, and would be moving to British Columbia to be closer to her family. when CHFI asked Erin to come back in the fall of '05, her new friend Mike was not far behind, and the two continued . In the middle of a live commercial, listeners heard the sound of a door opening, an argument, then several gun shots. . Publicly posted a week or so ago, his last show is in the can. I knew I had to get out because I was in trouble, and the moment I unzipped my canopy I get sucker-punched right in the head. Who knows, but they were in charge of my life and my mortgage for the longest time. Julie Adam General Manager/Program Director 98.1 CHFI bkwon: The cat is out of the bag. I loved it all.. But boy did I make a lot of people move. The story of the Coopers, who have been together since they were 15 years old, is not dead. Pitch / Send press release. I loved it all, I really did. Dont judge.) It seemed the whole city was behind him! We do more laughing before 7 a.m. than most people will do in an entire year. Rumour has it that Erin's new CHFI radio partner will be none other than Mike Cooper whom she co-hosted the morning show at EZ Rock during her gig there. Share to More [PHOTO: 98.1 CHFI] Our hearts are broken Mike Cooper's wife, Deborah, has passed away at the age of 66. Mo will always be part of the CHFI family, and we're grateful for the chapter she", "Beyond honoured to be asked to temporarily guest host @981chfi's #1 morning show. To order copies of University of Belgrade Faculty of Philology Undergradruate studies M.A. In the fall of 2004, the magic continued. Rob and I put together a little something for the radio. Hey, if you listen to Toronto radio and woke up thinking you were dreaming when you heard Mike Cooper back on the morning show on CHFI, you know by now, since hes been doing it for a week, that yes, my favourite radio guy is back in the saddle again. Mike found himself on radio, at CKGM, in Montreal for awhile before finding his way back to Toronto at 680 CFTR AM (Now 680 News). Hes filling in during Darrens absence and just doing a fantastic job, having a great time and making life joyful again for Maureen, Ian, Gord and Christine. It was themed and it was encouraged for people to dress up in their favourite era costumes. Mike Cooper: How to build a career in radio | Marketing Magazine - Strategy Alanis Morissette is headlining the 2023 RBCxMusic Concert Series Li. Just a thought. Why do think radio remains vital in the 21st century? I was desperately shy as a kid and dyslexic, so I had two strikes against me. Erin had been terminated from CHFI after some personnel changes to on-air talent had taken place. Liked. I second Radio Aaron's thoughts. Please try again, or contact customer service at marketing@halldata.com. Theyre in a plastic bin underneath the steps at the cottage. We were unable to log you in. to have it resent. She was so fierce, . I dont have a car or a washer and dryer. Radio personality Mike Cooper is seen with his wife, Debbie, who passed away on Oct. 23 after battling cancer for five years. I had a lawyer by the name of Julian Porter [who would serve as TTC Commissioner through 1987]. Ive always been fair. Initially inspired by New Orleans and Dixieland jazz, he played in skiffle groups during the late '50s. Somebody else had a great idea, and three disc jockeys got on a wheel in Boston and rode it for almost half a year, taking shifts. It was April 1st, 1976. Only problem is that I don't get to the radio dial at home very much except maybe on DX days and to test my AM stereo transmitter. 1. . Coop responds with "I think I'm done in November, by my choice".If that is still the plan. and since the CHFI Christmas switch turns on Monday. this Saturday night November 12th could likely be the last Coop's Classics ever on 98.1 CHFI (and possibly the last time we hear Coop's voice on CHFI). Of course, theres a time for appreciation and reflection, but thats for someone else to do. Back in the day, all you had to do was be on the radio and just let people use their imagination. Mike was on air and at several breaks, mentioned about getting calls from a guy making threats to him. With help from his co-host Davis, who conducted an interview using our questions (and some of her own) we found out why hes leaving now, his future plans and all the details about that 1976 April Fools Day prank on CHUM that went horribly awry. Contact information & preferences for Mike Cooper. You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Get the app. Also, this weekend Ian takes off for three weeks in his native PEI and so, from one ocean to another, I send this love letter on the airwaves and the ocean waves to my friend. During the mid-1990s, Mike was at 97.3 EZ Rock. I'm going to guess they nuke it.probably only kept it going recently as a convenient way to keep Cooper on the station in some form. Radio host Mike Cooper announced his retirement from CHFI last week, capping a 45-year career in radio broadcasting. It was a year later that CHFI management decided Don would flourish with a co-host at the older-skewing also-ran station. 3,058 talking about this. August 6, 2021 Erin's Journals. Ian is sailing off into a new life of reWirement. It was like a Mini Cooper with a fastback. I did a dreadful audition tape, but everybody looked at each other and said Are you a natural, or a great mimic? and I looked at them and said Im a natural.. Don had been there for a year, having been lured over from 99.9 CKFM. The Fan 590 is also a Rogers-owned radio station. When I can combine them all, I feel I am right where I should be. Maureen, or Mo if you will, dropped by for a deep dive into her extensive Toronto radio career, and I urge you to revisit this episode of Toronto Mike'd. I had no money and was going home in the pouring rain when a cop pulled up on Lakeshore Boulevard and said Where you going son, its a mean night? I said Im going home. I had my CHUM shirt on and he said Are you the guy from the ferris wheel? He took me back to the wheel and phoned the radio station and told them what had happened and they convinced me to stay. Mike ended the summer by breaking the record at 21 days, 10 hours and 10 minutes! via GIPHY. Listen to Pooja & Gurdeep all week at 6AM and play 'Is This You?' for a chance to # WIN a pair of tickets to see Alanis Morissette on June 10th! . (He steps down on Jan. 29 but will continue to host Coop's Classics on Saturday nights.) I have some great pictures of [me with] rock bands. Music director Michael Compeau created a number of the station's much-imitated programs. He's been replaced by Toronto radio veteran Mike Cooper. For those that listened to Toronto Mike's episode 1004 with Mike Cooperearlier this year. around the 1:27:00 mark, Toronto Mike asks Mike Cooper about Coop's Classics and how long he'll keep it going for. Whether this will be noted in the show or not is the other question. So how is that a worst moment if its part of your legend? Mike Cooper got his start in North Bay and signed off as co-host of Erin and Mike in the Morning on Friday. Today was Mos last show on CHFI. Share to Twitter. CHFI radio host Mike Cooper hangs up his earphones | The Star It really felt like a reunion! (Yes, Im admitting this. CHFI - Toronto's Perfect Music Mix When Christine went on Maternity Leave, in came Erin Davis. You gave many of us THE most memorable good-byes and Ill never be able to dance you out, as you did me from Casa Loma, ending this radio career Im not even sure was possible without you in my corner. 45 Year Radio Veteran, Mike Cooper, Announces Retirement . The second highlight was [working at] CFTR, a struggling radio station with great management and great talent. On December 26, 2009, long-time competitor CJEZ switched from an adult contemporary format to an adult hits format as CHBM-FM, leaving CHFI as the only adult contemporary station in Toronto. It got uglier every day I was behind the wheel. JOIN THE CONVERSATION. Did You Hear? Coop Is Back!! | CHFI The time I killed myself back in 1975 working for CHUM. Mike Cooper will be filling in for Darren B Lamb while he's away. Flaws in the Gamstop system have been noticed, contact non Gamstop casinos through this list. Mike isnt one to look back or to dwell on the past and Ive taken a page from him in terms of my career. You could tell these two have one of those almost fairy tale romances. But where are the other 50? Hey, if you listen to Toronto radio and woke up thinking you were dreaming when you heard Mike Cooper back on the morning show on CHFI, you know by now, since he's been doing it for a week, that yes, my favourite radio guy is back in the saddle again. Looking back, what do you consider your career highlights? Can you tell the story about setting the Guinness World Record for riding a ferris wheel? Scroll down under Classic Audio and look for the heading Mike Cooper 1976. The longtime co-host of 98.1 CHFI's "Erin & Mike in the Morning" told his listeners Friday morning that he doesn't "take back a single joke, a single word, a single laugh or a single smile," that he "I loved it all.". 28K views, 426 likes, 136 loves, 560 comments, 42 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from 98.1 CHFI: Today was Mo's last show on CHFI. We had lightning storms and here I am attached to this giant metal A-frame and it is arcing lightning. It was initially owned by CHFI-FM, Ltd.[3] CHFI was the first commercial FM outlet in Toronto to provide its own distinct programming rather than simulcasting an AM station. Check out this phenomenal toplist for casinos. The longtime CHFI morning man recounts his 45-year broadcast career. Once Tish Iceton was let go, Darryl Henry kept it going until the Christmas switch. In this segment from daytime Toronto, we visit an event held for Mike Cooper as he retires as Co-Host of Erin and Mike in the Morning on 98.1 CHFI. Fresh out of school, he landed his first radio job at CKAT-FM in North Bay, then a short gig in Ottawa, before rocking the airwaves of Toronto at 1050 CHUM AM in the mid-1970s. While writing the article, I tried to find my copy. What made Coopers story so awe-inspiring wasnt only her ardent desire to live but the way she expressed altruism to other cancer patients and how she and her husband shared their private plight and pain with the public. I'm sure this came as a shock to many of the station's loyal listeners. I got sued for assault and battery because I hit [his would-be assailant] with a crescent wrench. Cause youre The General. Newspapers Limited, 8 Spadina Avenue, 10th Floor, Toronto, ON M5V 0S8, Cooper said in an emotional statement on Friday morning. A real shame because that was a fantastic show, especially with Tish. Cooper's courage in battling cancer began in 2013, but all that stopped on Oct. 23 when she passed away at 66, leaving a . 98.1 CHFI is home to the CHFI Saturday Night Show from 6pm to midnight with your host Mik. The police came, a SWAT team came down and cordoned off Yonge St. I hate stupid management, and Ive had some very stupid program directors. I hear it now and I hate it. CHFI is often the most listened-to commercial radio station in Greater Toronto, according to the Numeris ratings. which brings us to today. The program spun off a series of best-selling record albums, many of which are now highly prized collectors' items. Standing up to people and standing up to bosses kind of made me a local hero to other broadcasters, who always wanted to do that. Can't get enough of Erin Davis, Mike Cooper & The Wiseguys? Share to Facebook. Deborah Cooper, whose battle against cancer inspired thousands, dies at 66, Even in chemo herself, Deborah Cooper found strength and courage to console other cancer patients, Deborah Cooper honoured at CIBC Celebration of Hope, LIVE NOW: Its May 1 and our top story is 'Everybody's happy place': Newmarket Farmers' Market kicked off revitalization of downtown Main Street, 'Here for everyone': Georgina Public Library joins fine-free movement. Im sure this came as a shock to many of the stations loyal listeners. CHFI-FM pioneered the "beautiful music" format in Canada. We could have passed it onto the children, but we looked at each other and said No, we dont like them that much.. Our boss Bob Wood had a DJ meeting and said I can guarantee you a washer and a dryer and a car. My hand shot up. It means the world to us and, of course, so does our dear friend, her Uncle Ian. See the complete profile on LinkedIn and discover Mike's connections and jobs at similar companies. You must be logged in to post a comment In 1962, an AM counterpart, CHFI (1540 AM) was added, which originally simulcast CHFI-FM's programming. 1. I was searching among the clippings and magazines, pictures preceding my time at CHFI, which began in 1988. Correction - January 11, 2016: This article was edited from a previous version that mistakenly said Mike Cooper's last show was on Friday. Success! 98.1 CHFI - Mike Cooper's "tender morsel of passion | Facebook Meeting one of your favourite radio personalities was a big deal! For one [in radio], you have to read a great deal and you cant be shy, but radio was a great way to hide in front of people. He will sign off for the last time on Jan. 29, the station says. Here are excerpts from this mornings show.https://t.co/pZkKI9KZ1N. Copyright 2022 Canadian Beats Media. [Meister Eckhart], As always, you can watch a video version of this journal on, I want to share with you a story or two about a guy a pillar at CHFI whos leaving the only job he ever had, today. Retweeted. For one thing, I wont have to find out if I can walk in heels. We had a sound effects record of a gun going off, and I waited seven seconds as I fell to the floor [before yelling] April Fools.. Explore Mike Cooper's discography including top tracks, albums, and reviews. Me? working alongside Mike Cooper. Thats been a huge part of the past 10 years. Awesome that Mike Cooper is back on the morning show on @981CHFI His enthusiasm is infectious - love him! The transition worked, making CHFI one of the longest-running English-language AC stations in Canada. Copyright 2021 Real Family Productions Inc. Out sailed a brisket, or an entire leg of beef, or heck who knows? Login, Andrew Waite ECMA 2023 Nominees (Interview), Corey LeRue ECMA 2023 Nominees (Interview), Moira & Claire ECMA 2023 Nominees ZOOMIES, The East Pointers ECMA 2023 Nominees (Interview), Shane Pendergast ECMA 2023 Nominees ZOOMIES. [10][11] At the same time, the station returned to using the point on the station's ID, returned to its soft AC format, and switched its slogan to "Toronto's Lite Favourites. Mike had a good run at this station. after almost 17 years on Saturday nights. He co-hosted the morning show along with Christine Cardoso. So it was with a sense of dread that I was tasked with finding pictures from my early radio years. And we hope you're as happy as we are that Erin Davis is back. The program, hosted by Don Parrish, mixed soothing instrumentals, soft vocals and occasional light classical pieces in "pop" arrangements. The record stood for less than a month. I struggled the best I could. Toronto Star articles, please go to: www.TorontoStarReprints.com, Conversations are opinions of our readers and are subject to the, The Toronto Star and thestar.com, each property of Toronto Star Yes, there were a ton of family pictures (some of those felt like a gut punch), but I tried to hurry past them. Even if theyre just of the chocolate-covered variety this year. I even punched two bosses, and Im still working in radio. Owned and operated by Rogers Sports & Media, it broadcasts an adult contemporary format, switching to Christmas music for part of November and December. (Imagine the Commodores hit Sail On playing quietly.). Explore Wagerwebs list of casinos for an independent experience. Erin had the opportunity to meet and work with Mike Cooper, one of Canada's best-known radio personalities, while she was temporarily filling in on another Toronto radio station. As many of you may know, Deb was diagnosed with colon cancer in the summer of 2013. A local radio vet, Mike Cooper got his stripes by faking his own assassination on-air on April Fool's Day 1976, which got him canned from CHUM. I want to share with you a story or two about a guy a pillar at CHFI whos leaving the only job he ever had, today. Okay, he did have another job: he drove the van for the Pickle Barrel in his teens until he took a corner too fast and a door flew open. However, he will continue to host Coop's Classics on Saturday evenings. When I asked about the tuxedo, Mike mentioned that it was the one he wore on his wedding day many years earlier. After a decade of delighting Torontonians with his wit, wisdom and charm, Mike Cooper will sign off as co-host of 98.1 CHFI's Erin and Mike in the Morning on January 29, 2016. You see, like my friend Mike Cooper, these days, were more about making memories, instead of looking back. Best Wishes For CHFI Radio Personality Mike Cooper - YouTube His life changed drastically in 1961 when he saw Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee at Reading's town hall and later witnessed James Cotton playing with Chris . I'd love it. The power on-air couple brought CHFI back to the top of the Toronto ratings charts and have had an incredible ten year run at the station. For those that listened to Toronto Mike's episode 1004 with Mike Cooper earlier this year.. around the 1:27:00 mark, Toronto Mike asks Mike Cooper about Coop's Classics and how long he'll keep it going for. View Mike Cooper's profile on LinkedIn, the world's largest professional community. What will you miss most about morning radio? Last song was Trooper, Here For a Good Time Not a Long Time. Let me know if you'd like to visit a third time for another episode of Toronto Mike'd. Mike Cooper got his start in North Bay and signed off as co . I want to be like them. He took me to the radio station with Mr. Brown, and the seed was sown. Mike Cooper's wife, Deborah, has passed away at the age of 66. 98.1 CHFI Welcomes Back Erin Davis - bakwon.ca View email address. 1050 CHUM was THE station to listen to for contests, news and the music of the era. But there just arent any of me at CFRA in Ottawa, CKLW in Windsor or CKO in Toronto, the stations whose people and experiences helped this chipmunk-cheeked newscaster grow into who I eventually became. winds, knowing you were the best brother, producer and leader you couldve been for our team (even with Beckham!). Erin Davis joined the morning show in September 1988, with "Don and Erin" becoming one of Toronto's most prominent morning shows through the 1990s. She agreed, with one condition; that Mike Cooper would become her morning co-host. The Hope Awards are an annual luncheon, hosted by the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation, giving voice to those fighting cancer. Hmmm. The moment you stop laughing is the moment you slowly die. PJ, Toronto Mike's episode 1004 with Mike Cooper. 211 Pritchard Road, Unit 4, Hamilton ON L8J 0G5. He has been co-host of Erin and Mike in the Morning with Erin Davis for 10 years, while his career also includes stops at Torontos 1050 CHUM AM, CFTR 680 and 97.3 EZ Rock. Nobody even pretended to put their hand up, they werent even thinking about it. Again, if you would like to hear the original broadcast, it can be found at: http://ondemand.streamtheworld.com/1050chum/. Its not the reason Im leaving, but it just was a huge wake-up call for us, that every time you think that youre going to live forever, you get humbled by life itself. As the show progressed, the "malt shop oldies" got replaced with late 60s psychedelia and early-to-mid 70s pop, so it's all a natural progression.Mostly, I was just stating my own personal preference, as CHFI is not my first choice on the dial, although I think they do a pretty good job of mixing current music along with stuff from decades past. Thank you! - Erin Davis photo. In addition, newer jingles were unveiled, along with an opening bumper for newer music. The Backstreet Boys certainly deserve their place on a retro show, and eventually the "newer oldies" will replace the "older oldies".My point is that the show has a heritage as an "oldies" program (as in "older oldies"), dating back to the Don Daynard days, and I also think Mike Cooper's audience tends to skew on the older side. As many of you may know, Deb was diagnosed with colon cancer in the summer of 2013. . Mike Coopers time at CHUM ended rather abruptly following, what is now, one of the best April Fools pranks in radio history. Dubbed the "new library of old 78's", these antique rarities were showcased each weeknight. For this writer, it filled me with many good memories. City TV did a report on his last show and included the famous 1050 CHUM April Fool assassination of Mike on air. rights reserved. Mike Cooper Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More | AllMusic Maureen was co-hosting the CHFI morning show with Darren B. Lamb, who hasn't actually been heard on the show this year. Join The CHFI VIP. Then the insanity of the past few yearsand lovely Mo and Mike, of course. He said How would you like to go to a real radio station and see what happens?, My father was a lineman for Hamilton Hydro, and he really wanted me to be a grunt: he wanted me to be a cop, to work for the hydro company. A new CHFI morning show will be announced shortly. Im not a big fan of following the rules, but I am a company man. But theres one thing they cant teach you in college, and that is true personality. Contents 1 Career 2 Accomplishments 3 References He mentioned a few times during the show that this was the final. I took out one guy, and when the others ran like thieves in the night I picked up my knapsack, headed down the CNE and I was walking home. Coop responds with "I think I'm done in November, by my choice". Cooper was born in Reading, England in 1942. He has been co-host of Erin and Mike in the Morning with Erin Davis for 10 years, while his career also includes stops at Toronto's 1050 CHUM AM, CFTR 680 and 97.3 EZ Rock.