Gary Michaels (née Rau)

Date of Death: April 6, 2023

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Larger-than-life radio personality Gary Michaels (née Rau) passed away Thursday, April 6.

Born May 29, 1951, in Baltimore, MD, Gary knew he wanted to be a DJ by age 5. In high school in the 1960’s, he began interning at Baltimore’s WSID Soul station, and by age 19 garnered his own nightly Top 40 show at WLPL there. He ushered the Golden Age of Rock-N-Roll through the Golden Age of radio, bringing the biggest hits of the 60s to 80s into the lives of listeners at WQCM in Hagerstown, MD, WKMZ & WICL in Martinsburg, WV, and countless other FM & AM stations from the South Atlantic to the Northeast US (WMET TV, WAYE, WDJQ, WRNC, WTLB and more). He was known on air as Baltimore’s “Boogie Man” and Martinsburg’s “Much More Music” Michaels and was lauded by fellow DJs as notable as Wolfman Jack and other radio greats.

Gary’s enormous personality was outsized only by his extensive love of music and technical expertise of every aspect of radio. He was known for his wit, his penchant for pushing boundaries and buttons, and his big heart. He was proud of his garden (especially his tomatoes), his kitchen, cats, cocktails, and most of all the home and life he shared with his partner, Bob Burhenn.

In his retirement, Gary couldn’t quit radio. He built a small studio in his basement and crafted playlists for family and friends. From classic Rock to Soul to Classical and Smooth Jazz, music was his love language.

Gary gave his final sign off suddenly and unexpectedly under his favorite 100+ year old oak tree on his way to water his garden. He is survived by his spouse, Bob Burhenn (Gore, VA), stepdaughter Laura Burhenn (Los Angeles, CA), sister, Debra Mobley and nephew Randall Mobley (Allen, TX), and a host of friends and radio colleagues who will miss him dearly.

Brian Mongeon

Jim Curtis

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All services will be private

Larger-than-life radio personality Gary Michaels (née Rau) passed away Thursday, April 6. Born May 29, 1951, in Baltimore, MD, Gary knew he wanted to be a DJ by age 5. In high school in the 1960’s, he began interning at Baltimore’s WSID Soul station, and by age 19 garnered his own nightly Top 40 showContinue Reading

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I was relatively new to radio in 1979 when I began working as a DJ at WQCM. Gary was the Program Director and the top jock. He was a decent and generous soul. Gary was very talented and one of the best DJs I had the pleasure to work with during my radio career. He left us too soon.

I worked with Gary at WKTK/WQSR FM Radio in Baltimore, MD. I remember him very fondly and just learned of his passing. My sincere condolences to everyone who was lucky enough to know him. I lost touch after he left for better opportunities... I remember the Grammy Party he threw for friends at his house in Lutherville. We had so much fun that evening...all of us from the station together. May he be with all those that left before him that he loved. ♥️

I called Gary at WLPL back in the early 70s asking for a request. That phone call changed my life is so many ways. He was a fantastic person and really fun to be around. I remember riding around with him listening to his basement transmitter. RIP Gary. I'll miss you.

In memory of Gary Michaels (née Rau), Brian Mongeon lit a candle

I joined the the staff of WLPL to do the all-night show in 1973. Gary preceded me 7-midnight. He came up with an ingenious plan to take on our AM competition...WCAO. He would tightly wrap about 2 inches of Scotch Tape around the capstan of both turntables. So every current song we played, always a 45 RPM, would actually be heard at 45 1/2 or 46 RPM. It wasn't fast enough to sound like The Chipmunks but a listener, being familiar with that current hit, would subconsciously think it was "slow" on WCAO after getting used to it on our station. Genius! I just found out about Gary's death yesterday. I'm truly saddened. What a character. He was so much fun to work with. So long, Pal.

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

I met Gary when WYRE in Annapolis MD changed over to a "straight ahead" Jazz format. I had never been on the radio or DJ'd before. He showed me what to do and made me feel comfortable despite my non-existent radio experience. All I can add is that he seemed to be a very kind man and was an absolute "real pleasure" to work with.

Very sad to hear of Gary's passing. He was "one of a kind". I have to thank him and WQCM Station Owner, Gary Portmess for hiring me in the summer of 1979 at the age of 19. I was in heaven. I went to work at "Radio Wonderful". January 1, 1980, WQCM went 24 hours and I was offered overnight position. I enventully moved up to the 7p-12m / 8p-1a shift and was the host for most of the High School Dances that were very popular in the early 80's. This never would have happened if it weren't for Michaels. He was fun to work with. He taught me how to be a better D.J. It was some of the best years of my life. You never knew what words would come out of his mouth whenever he opened the mic. One of his best lines I ever heard was..."You can watch the soaps on TV to see who's doin' who...or you can listen to me on 97Q". Rest in peace GM. Todd "Dan Kennedy" Smith

I have had the honor to know Gary for many decades, I was just getting my FCC license after Gary had a few years on air. Gary was generous, one of the best Top 40 jocks, and a whiz at production. We often talked music, his time at WSID provided him the knowledge of “soul” music, he had a huge collection including hard to find recordings. Gary also worked at the old channel 24, he talked about the good old days there at a young age. Oh, the stories he told of his time in Baltimore radio. He’d call on me to talk engineering, comparing notes. Frankly, he had much more patience at times in “IT” related issues as the technology changed, I was real proud of him. I spent many weekends at his little piece of heaven west of Winchester, he and Bob were great hosts! Gary had a soft heart for cats, he rescued quite a few. He was a great cook too, and loved a fine bottle of wine. On top of that Gary became a bit of Mister Green Jeans and always had quite a garden, he loved canning and was very good at it. My dad once told me that as we get older, we lose more friends. I sure do miss Gary as a friend, and as one who shared so many broadcast memories. We could talk for hours!

I'm so sorry of hearing about Gary's passing. He was the Program Director at WYRE in the mid 90's while I was a DJ. I fondly recall his enormous energy and excitement for the new jazz station! Most importantly I remember his kindness, patience and unwavering help he gave me to usher me on the air my first time and all times! He was always a nice guy and great individual. RIP Gary. Thanks for the wonderful memories!

I worked with Gary many years ago at WQCM radio. It was always interesting. He helped me be better at my job as I was younger than him. Great guy we all will miss him. RIP

Gary was absolutely one of the best in radio. He inspired me as a teenager to consider the field of broadcasting as I was a fan of his evening radio show on WLPL. Just loved his energy, personality and knowledge of the music. It was an honor working with him at WQSR and he was often strict with me as a beginning broadcaster; however, I soon learned that it was out of caring and he became a true friend. Sending love and comfort to Bob and all of Gary's family and fellow friends. He will be missed, but always in our heart.

Gary was the Sweetest friend and MORE then a co-worker. He took me under his wing when I was in my 20’s when I was a DJ on WQSR. He had my friend Candy andI over for the best meal of my life. He showed us old films and we laughed constantly. He told me once that I should be on Saturday Night Live. Gary believed in me and we cared for each other unconditionally. I enjoyed finding Gary over the years and our conversations were always inspiring. I will Love you as aBest Friend Forever. He just reconnected with me on Facebook and all he could talk about was the love for his Husband and cats….we had so many classic funny moments on air and off I have shared with many a bartender…lol. I’m smiling and crying at the same time. Love to you All, give his kittys a pet from my two kittys. Hugs. Till we meet again inRock n Roll Heaven…Peace

Gary Michaels was an incredible radio talent, and such a kind, giving person. I grew up listening to him on WQCM and in 1982 he generously gave of his time to sit for an interview about radio and rock and roll with me that got published in my high school paper — a story that led me to pursue writing as a career. I will always be grateful to him and I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I am sure he touched others’ lives in a similar fashion — he will not be forgotten.

I was sorry to hear that Gary had passed. I enjoyed working with Gary at WHAG/WQCM Radio in Hagerstown, MD in the seventies.

SAD LOSS FOR US OL RADIO GUYS....GARY IS "MOVIN ON UP"

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