The Radio Hall of Fame has announced it has added nine “Legends” inductees of deceased individuals who will be immediately inducted into the hall.

The individuals were determined by the hall’s 2026 Nominating Committee. Co-Chair Dennis Green said, “The Radio Hall of Fame is proud to honor this year’s Legends inductees, whose extraordinary careers have helped define the history and enduring impact of radio. From iconic on-air personalities to visionary executives, each has left an indelible mark on our industry and earned their rightful place in the Radio Hall of Fame.” Co-Chair Kraig Kitchen followed, “It’s an honor and privilege to witness the induction of these radio industry legends. We hope this recognition of their industry contributions benefits their family, colleagues, friends and listeners.”

The nine inductees are:

Lin Brehmer

Lin Brehmer was one of the defining voices of Chicago radio, hosting mornings on 93XRT, WXRT-FM from 1991 to 2020. Known for his warmth, wit, and deep connection with listeners, he was a trusted companion to generations of Chicagoans while celebrating great music and the artists who created it.

Brehmer began his radio career in 1977 at WQBK-FM in Albany, New York, where he earned the nickname “The Reverend of Rock and Roll.” After joining WXRT as Music Director in 1984, he was named FMQB’s Music Director of the Year three times before becoming the station’s morning host in 1991, a position he held through 2020. He remained associated with WXRT after 2020, continuing to contribute on the air before his passing in 2023.

In addition to his on-air work, Brehmer wrote and broadcast his signature essays, Lin’s Bin, inspired first by listeners’ letters and later by emails. He estimated writing approximately 1,800 editions. His thoughtful storytelling, humor, and empathy forged an uncommon bond with his audience.

Brehmer famously described himself as “your best friend in the whole world” and regularly reminded listeners that “it’s great to be alive,” phrases that came to define both his personality and his relationship with listeners.

Brehmer’s influence on Chicago radio endures through the generations of listeners he welcomed each morning and the broadcasters he inspired. In 2026, he joined his longtime WXRT colleague, Terri Hemmert, in the Radio Hall of Fame, receiving a Legends induction.

Vivian Carter

Vivian Carter was a pioneering broadcaster, record executive, and co-founder of Vee-Jay Records.

Her radio career began at Chicago’s WGES -AM after winning a talent contest. She later joined WJOB -AM in Hammond, Indiana, before moving to WWCA -AM in Gary, Indiana.

There she hosted Livin’ with Vivian six nights a week, presenting a mix of musical genres that included blues, gospel, jazz, and the emerging sound of doo-wop. Vivian’s program was heard by listeners in both Chicago and Northern Indiana.

In 1953, Carter and her husband, Jimmy Bracken, borrowed $500 to establish Vee-Jay Records, naming the label after the initials of their first names. While continuing her work in radio, Carter helped build Vee-Jay into a major independent record label. It was the first successful Black-owned record company in the U.S. In 1963, the company secured American distribution rights to The Beatles and sold more than a million copies of Introducing… The Beatles.

A pioneer in broadcasting and the music industry, Carter helped promote and preserve the sounds of many influential recording artists. In 2026, she received a Legends induction into the Radio Hall of Fame in recognition of her lasting contributions to radio and recorded music.

Dale Dorman

Dale Dorman was one of Boston radio’s most recognizable radio voices, known for his distinctive personality, positive energy, and legendary ability to “post” a song intro.

Over a 45-year career, he became a trusted companion to generations of listeners in Boston. Dorman began his radio career in 1964 at WOLF-AM in Syracuse, New York, before earning a place at RKO’s KFRC -AM in San Francisco hired by programmer Bill Drake. In 1968, at just 24 years old, he returned to Boston and started hosting morning drive at WRKO-AM, quickly becoming one of the market’s highest rated personalities. He later enjoyed a long run at Kiss 108, WXKS-FM, before joining Oldies 103.3, WODS-FM in 2003, where he hosted The Breakfast Club with Dale Dorman on weekday mornings and later continued as a weekend personality.

Beyond radio, Dorman became familiar to Boston audiences through television as “Uncle Dale” on WLVI-TV children’s programming during the 1970s and 1980s, including the station’s popular Creature Double Feature.

Recognized for his contributions to broadcasting and popular culture, Dorman was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995 and the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2010. In 2026, Dale Dorman received a Legends induction into the Radio Hall of Fame in recognition of his remarkable career and lasting contributions to broadcasting.

Gary Krantz

Gary Krantz served as an executive who contributed leadership, initiative, organization and industry relations within the network and syndication sectors of the industry. His four- decade career consistently displayed his generosity, wit and mentorship, as well as his business acumen. As a result, he earned the admiration of colleagues throughout the industry.

After beginning his career at MJI Broadcasting in 1981, Krantz helped build the company into one of radio’s premier syndication organizations before its acquisition by Premiere Networks, a division of Clear Channel. By then, he had departed MJI to launch the syndication division at AMFM Radio Networks. Later, he held senior executive positions at Premiere Radio Networks, at Air America Radio where he served as President, and later became Chief Digital Media Officer at Westwood One. There, he helped guide the company’s digital strategy during a period of industry transformation.

In 2010, he founded Krantz Media Group, advising broadcasters, technology companies, podcast networks, and media investors while continuing to champion innovation and new opportunities for radio.

Throughout his career, Gary Krantz built successful businesses, launched influential programming, mentored countless broadcasters, and left an enduring mark on every organization he served.

Wink Martindale

Wink Martindale was one of America’s most recognizable broadcasting personalities, enjoying a career that included radio, television, recording, and production for more than seven decades. Known for his warm personality, booming voice, and effortless charm, he became a pop culture icon while never losing his roots as a radio broadcaster.

Martindale began his radio career at age 17 in his hometown of Jackson, Tennessee, before joining WHBQ-AM in Memphis while attending Memphis State University. There, he played a role in one of rock and roll’s most historic moments by arranging Elvis Presley’s first radio interview after “That’s All Right” received its initial airplay. His recording of the spoken- word classic “Deck of Cards” became a million-selling hit in 1959, the same year he joined KHJ -AM in Los Angeles before moving to KRLA-AM and later KFWB-AM. Wink joined KMPC- AM in 1971 and stayed with the station until 1987, with a four-year gap,1980-1983. His 20+ years on radio in Southern California made him one of the more familiar radio personalities.

While achieving international fame as the host of television game shows including Tic-Tac-
Dough, Gambit , and High Rollers , Martindale remained dedicated to radio throughout his career. He later hosted the nationally syndicated Music of Your Life and The History of Rock ‘n’ Roll, bringing his distinctive style and love of music to listeners across America. His remarkable career earned him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and, in 2026, a Legends induction into the Radio Hall of Fame.

B. Mitchell Reed

B. Mitchel Reed was one of radio’s true innovators. He helped shape both the Top 40 sound of the 1950s and the emergence of progressive FM rock a decade later. A gifted air personality with a distinctive style, Reed influenced generations of broadcasters while leaving an indelible mark on radio in both New York and Los Angeles.

Reed first gained prominence at KFWB-AM in Los Angeles, where his fast-paced delivery and on-air personality helped make the station a Top 40 powerhouse under Radio Hall of Fame inductee Chuck Blore, whose pioneering programming helped redefine Top 40 radio.

After moving to New York’s WMCA-AM, he played a pivotal role in introducing America to The Beatles by securing advance recordings and exclusive interviews that helped fuel the arrival of Beatlemania in 1964.

Reed joined Tom Donahue in pioneering the progressive “underground” rock format at KPPC-FM in Los Angeles before helping to establish KMET -FM as one of America’s most influential album rock stations. His vision helped redefine FM radio, proving that personality, creativity, and album-oriented programming could thrive outside the constraints of Top 40. In recognition of his pioneering contributions, Reed was inducted into the Rock Radio Hall of Fame in 2014 and received a Legends induction into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2026.

Pierre Robert

Few radio personalities have become as closely identified with a city as Pierre Robert,
whose unmistakable voice, passion for music, and welcoming greeting of “Greetings,
Citizens” made him a true Philadelphia radio icon. A lifelong champion of artists, listeners, and the community, he became the heart and soul of WMMR-FM for more than four decades.

Robert arrived at WMMR in 1981 and was a defining personality on the station for 44 years until his passing in 2025. He started his career in San Francisco on progressive rock station KSAN FM. During his remarkable 44-year career in Philadelphia, he earned the respect of countless music artists including Jon Bon Jovi, Dave Grohl, and Eddie Vedder through his authenticity, deep musical knowledge, and passionate advocacy for artists, especially the Grateful Dead, whose music became inseparable from his on-air identity.

Robert received induction into the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame in 2019. Robert’s influence extended far beyond the microphone. His tireless support of the AIDS Walk and other community causes reflected the same generosity and compassion that defined his broadcasting career. Pierre Robert embodied the spirit of Philadelphia—leaving a legacy of music, kindness, and “Philly Love” that will endure for generations. In 2026, Robert received a Legends induction into the Radio Hall of Fame

Poltio Vega

Known as “El Rey de la Radio,” Polito Vega was one of the most influential and beloved voices in radio. He shared his passion, personality, and deep love of music to help bring Salsa music to generations of listeners. Born Hipolito Vega Torres in Ponce, Puerto Rico, he arrived in New York in 1959 with a dream and would go on to become a pioneering force in Latin music radio.

Vega began his radio career in 1960 with WEVD-AM’s Fiesta Time , overcoming his initial fear of speaking behind a microphone. He’d develop a charismatic style that endeared him to listeners and music lovers. That same year, he helped change the course of Latin music history by becoming one of the first broadcasters to play a Salsa music recording on New York City radio when Jerry Masucci, founder of Fania Records, introduced him to Johnny Pacheco’s “El Campeón.” That moment helped to open the door for countless Salsa music artists who followed.

For more than five decades, Vega connected artists and audiences through his legendary programs, including Salsa Con Polito and Clásicos Sundays on La Mega, 97.9 WSKQ-FM, where he spent 20 years at the top-rated station. With his trademark cap and famous “Andando” greeting, he became a cultural ambassador whose voice represented the passion, pride, and spirit of the Latino community. Polito Vega’s legacy as a pioneer of Latin music radio and his lifelong connection with listeners make him deserve of a Radio Hall of Fame Legend induction in 2026.

D.E. ‘Duke’ Wright

Duey E. “Duke” Wright, Jr. was a pioneering broadcaster and entrepreneur whose vision helped build one of America’s most successful family-owned radio companies. A lifelong believer in the power of radio, Duke combined his passion for music, commitment to local communities, and dedication to developing great broadcasters into a legacy that would span more than six decades.

Duke’s journey began in Wausau, Wisconsin, where his parents purchased a local radio station and relaunched it as WRIG-AM. He began working at the station at age 18 and, after
graduating from the University of Wisconsin, returned to become the station’s General
Manager. In 1971, he founded Midwest Communications with the launch of WROE-FM in Appleton, Wisconsin. That was the start of a considerable expansion that would eventually make the company into one of the nation’s largest privately held, family-operated radio groups.

Throughout his career, Wright championed the importance of live, local radio and believed that success came from investing in people and serving listeners. He was recognized with inductions into the Wisconsin Broadcasters Hall of Fame, Wisconsin Polka Hall of Fame, and Wisconsin Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for his contributions to broadcasting and music.

Beyond his business achievements, Duke was known for his leadership philosophy of always providing “the best quality and service” and bringing out the best in those around him. His vision, integrity, and lasting impact on radio earn Duke Wright a 2026 Legends
induction into the Radio Hall of Fame.