Grand Rapids Radio Legend Bill Bailey Has Died

West Michigan has lost a well-known and well-loved radio personality.

Bill Bailey died of an apparent heart attack Wednesday morning.  He was 66.

WZZM talks about Bill's radio career:

Bailey had a long career in radio, working as a disk jockey at WLS-AM in Chicago, WDRQ-FM in Detroit, and stations in Washington, D.C., and other cities.  He had served as program director and afternoon personality on WLHT-FM in Grand Rapids before becoming the morning drive host on WGVU Real Oldies 850/1480 AM.

Bailey, a Chicago native, won a Marconi Award from the National Association of Broadcasters in 1998, and was a finalist for the NAB's Crystal Award from 2005 to 2007.

I was just beginning my radio career when Bill Bailey arrived in Grand Rapids.  I remember being in a meeting where Bill was introduced to many of us for the first time.  We were all instantly impressed with Bill.

That feeling never faded.

Bill had a great passion for radio.  His voice was unmistakable.  But he will be remembered for so much more.

His passion for radio poured into all aspects of life.

Bill will be missed.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.