2022 Karl Shannon Award: Jack Pattie
Karl Shannon's name became synonymous with Country music for generations of Kentucky radio fans. For over 50 years, Karl entertained country music audiences in Nashville, Louisville and Lexington. He was also a part of the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Advisory Board. During his career, Karl was recognized by his peers with many prestigious Nominations. He was nominated for the CMA Broadcast Air Personality of the year in 1989, 1995, 1998, 2001, 2003 and 2005. In 1993, he was a Finalist for the Billboard Radio Award for Air Personality of the Year. In 1994, he was nominated for the Country Radio Broadcasters Air Personality of the Year, and for induction into the 2018 Class for The Country Radio Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
Karl held the distinction of being the only person in Lexington to be Arbitron rated Number One in morning drive on two different stations; WVLK-FM and WBUL-FM. His love for the Bluegrass, his tireless philanthropic activities, his reverence for Country music, and his deep affection for his audience, were hallmarks of the Karl Shannon experience.
Karl’s philanthropic activities were legendary. For a decade, Karl put on the LARGEST one-day car show in Central Kentucky, to promote awareness for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Karl’s car show donated nearly $100,000 to help fund care and research at St. Jude. In 2015, Karl held another local car show to benefit the University of Kentucky Children’s Hospital raising nearly $9,000 in the one-day event.
Karl’s Veterans appreciation picnic each year at Thomson-Hood Veterans Center in Wilmore, Kentucky, raised money for the center to buy much needed extras for the center, such as TV’s, exercise equipment, furniture, and more. Karl’s efforts for the center raised around $20,000 over 10 years. The “picnic” featured a classic car cruise, live entertainment, family events & more. Karl secured the food and drinks for the picnic, so ANY Veteran, even those not at the center, could have a “free lunch.”
Karl’s philanthropy extended to the Special Olympics of Kentucky. Karl had a cousin he lost to Downs Syndrome several years ago, and this event was very special to him.
On June 1, 2022, Karl Shannon passed away, leaving a legacy of radio interviews, philanthropy, and more. This year, the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame has established a Karl Shannon Legacy Award to honor those that have followed his footsteps. Karl's family will decide on each recipient that continues to carry on his legacy.
For 2022, Jack Pattie has been chosen as the recipient. Jack Pattie began his radio career at age 16 at WAXU (Top Gun) Radio in Georgetown, Ky. After three years in Florida and a year in Paducah, Ky. Jack joined the staff at WVLK in Lexington in 1975, This year marks his 46th year with WVLK. He was inducted into the Kentucky Broadcaster's Association Hall of Fame in 2006 and also received the Golden Mic Award. At Christmas time, Jack portrays Santa just like his friend Karl did.
According to Karl Shannon's family, "Jack Pattie was pretty much the AM version of my dad for the longest time. Their time on WVLK AM & FM mirrored each other for years. Dad always saw Jack as a friend and colleague. Shortly before Dad’s retirement Jack also introduced him to the role of Santa Claus and that brought an immense amount of joy to Dad."