Harley Drew, a defining voice in Augusta's radio history for more than six decades, has died at the age of 82. His career spanned from the golden age of Top 40 radio to modern broadcasting, leaving an indelible mark on the community and the industry.
Known to generations of listeners as "Handsome Harley," Drew was not only a celebrated on-air personality but also a skilled station manager and technician who guided multiple stations to national recognition. His passing was confirmed on Thursday.
Key Takeaways
- Harley Drew, a veteran Augusta broadcaster, passed away at age 82.
- He was the program director at WBBQ from 1964 to 1989, elevating it to a top 10 U.S. station.
- Later, he served as operations director for WGAC, which won "Radio Station of the Year" 12 times under his leadership.
- Drew was inducted into the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame in 2011.
A Career Spanning Generations
Harley Drew's journey in radio began at the young age of 15 at WRBO in Waynesboro, where he was raised. Born at Fort Gordon, his connection to the Augusta area was lifelong. His talent quickly became apparent, and by 1964, he had taken the helm as program director at WBBQ, a position he would hold for 25 years.
During his tenure, Drew was instrumental in transforming WBBQ into a dominant force in American radio. His leadership and programming acumen helped the station achieve a remarkable feat, ranking among the Top 10 stations in the United States based on audience share.
The Era of Top 40 Radio
In the 1960s and 70s, WBBQ was a powerhouse of Top 40 radio, a format that dominated the airwaves with hit pop and rock music. As program director, Drew was responsible for curating the music and on-air presentation that captured the attention of a massive audience, making the station a cultural touchstone for the region.
A Guiding Force at WGAC
After his influential period at WBBQ, Drew's career entered a new chapter in 1995 when he became the operations director for WGAC and its affiliated Beasley Broadcasting stations. He held this role until his retirement in 2017, continuing to shape the sound of Augusta's airwaves.
His expertise proved invaluable. Under his guidance, WGAC was named “Radio Station of the Year” by the Georgia Association of Broadcasters for 12 consecutive years. In 2013, the station achieved this honor for the first time in the state's largest market category, a testament to Drew's enduring ability to build successful broadcast operations.
A Hall of Fame Career
In recognition of his immense contributions to broadcasting in the state, Harley Drew was inducted into the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame in 2011. This honor solidified his status as one of the most significant figures in the state's media history.
More Than Just a Voice
Colleagues remember Drew not just for his famous on-air persona but for his multifaceted talent and generous spirit. He was a manager, a mentor, and a skilled technician who understood every aspect of the radio business.
WGAC host Austin Rhodes described Drew as the “perfect host for his generation’s music” and the only logical choice to succeed the legendary George Fisher on the morning show in 1992.
“When Harley leaves the world, he leaves as an accomplished manager and on-air personality. He was just all about communication and entertainment. He loved that aspect of it,” Rhodes said.
Rhodes also noted Drew's surprising technical knowledge, recalling how even in his 70s, he would help people set up their first computers and offer advice on the latest smartphones. He was a “cultural touchstone” who also embraced the future.
A Mentor and a Problem-Solver
Mary Liz Nolan, WGAC News Director, was hired by Drew for her first job in Augusta. She recalled his passion for both the spotlight and the technical work that made it possible.
“His favorite was being on air, but he also loved the behind-the-scenes. If the engineer wasn’t around, he could fix it,” Nolan shared.
She emphasized his deep connection with his listeners, which she considered his greatest legacy.
“I think if you were to mention the name Harley Drew to most people in the community, they loved Handsome Harley Drew. They grew up listening to him and his Golden Hour. His greatest legacy was his love for the community and his love for the audience. He loved giving himself to the community.”
Scott Hudson, who worked with Drew for five years, remembered him as a demanding but fair boss who was always looking to develop new talent. “He was a perfectionist, but he was always looking to mentor new talent and he was a fair-minded boss. I really just adored him,” Hudson said. Drew's influence extended far beyond his own microphone, shaping the careers of many who followed him in Augusta's media landscape.