The Johnny Dark Memorial and Scholarship fund
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About Us
Our Goal
On September 15, 2016, a radio broadcasting legend spoke his final words. But Johnny Dark was much more than a broadcasting legend. He was a husband, a father, a grandfather, neighbor, coach, athlete, poet. Before Johnny Dark, he was Albert Lowe Bennett, Jr., a young man who, encouraged by his high school English teacher, was "bitten by the bug" of public speaking after entering his first high school public speaking contest. The months and years that followed were filled with challenges, hardship, hard work, opportunity, and a dedication that would inspire even the least motivated of us. This site is a memorial to his legacy and will serve two important purposes.
One - to share JD's professional journey as well as the parallel "behind the mic" personal journey by those who knew him best - his family, co-workers, friends, and listeners. This site will include memorabilia - photos, recordings, and documents long forgotten, yet eloquently holding the key to an unparalleled time in broadcasting. The personal family stories will come alive via the Blog. Please subscribe to receive notification when new content is added to the site or a new Blog is published.
Two - To memorialize his journey and share it with media students so that they may be encouraged by his humble beginnings and tenacious pursuit of a dream. We have started a $2500 scholarship fund in JDs name, to be awarded yearly to a Maryland high school graduating senior who wishes to pursue a career in media and who exemplifies the qualities embodied by JD (details on Scholarship page).
All we ask is that those who appreciate the site, and are able, please donate relevant photos, recordings, and articles to the site. And, if so inclined, a monetary donation to the scholarship fund to continue his legacy for generations to come.
We will acknowledge ALL donors on this site as well as on Facebook, unless the donor wishes to remain anonymous. Donors will also be acknowledged each year when scholarship is awarded. You may securely and safely donate by using the link on the Scholarship page which will redirect to the Scholarship GoFundMe account. Thank you!
The Timeline
Johnny Dark's Biographical Timeline
- July 31, 1934 - Welcome to the world, Albert Lowe Bennett, Jr.
- Peabody School, Cambridge, MA (1940 - 1948)
- Cambridge High & Latin, Cambridge, MA (1948 - 1952)
- Emerson College, Boston, MA (1953)
- Northeast School Radio Institute (1954)
- local Boston stations including WHIL
- Feb 18, 1957 - Inducted to the U.S. Army as recruit (E-1)
- April 1957-June 1957 - Service School, Ft. Slocumb, NY
- June 18, 1957 - Promoted to E-2, Broadcast Specialist, Fort Belvoir, Virginia
- U.S. Army broadcaster (1957 - Feb 1959), finished two year obligation for active duty, transferred to Army Reserves to complete commitment.
- WCAO (05/61 - 06/65 - on-air name, Johnny Dark
- October 24, 1962 - Legal name change to Johnny Dark
- September 13, 1965 - Introduced the Beatles at the Baltimore Civic Center
- WEAM, Arlington, VA (11/65 - 04/66)
- WCAO (04/66 - 11/91)
- May 25, 1987 - Celebrated 25 years with WCAO
- Separated from WCAO (11/22/91, format change to Gospel)
- 1992 - named Program Director of the Year (1991)
- WBIG
- WQSR
- July 25, 2003 - Celebrated 50 years in broadcasting
- WTTR (2010 to 2016)
The History of Our Family
JD was married twice having three children (two sons - Alan and Brian - and a daughter, Shelly) with his first wife, Donna (married 12 years), and one daughter (Danielle) with his second wife, Colleen (married 33 years).
My name is Shelly, his first born daughter, and I am the primary author of this website, along with all of you and your submissions which I am blessed and excited to include.
I do not, in any way, share personal stories in an attempt to blemish his stellar reputation but, more so, to reveal the more human layers of "The Legend" - the man behind the mic - who made so many smile, laugh, and dance while, at times, confronting some of life's most difficult challenges. In my opinion, knowing some of the backstories only magnifies his success.
I hope these stories will inspire you, make you laugh, cry, think, reflect, reminisce and enjoy your time spent on the site. God bless.
And rock on!
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Johnny Dark - The Man Behind the Mic
Reisterstown, Maryland, United States
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