Radio Legend Passes

Saint Paul, Minnesota
April 7, 2009
By Marty Owings

Media outlets are reporting the death of radio legend Steve Cannon. Cannon passed away just after 10 p.m. last night at his home in Minneapolis. Anyone who lived within the broadcast range of CCO, will recall Cannon's drive time radio program the "Cannon Mess" which dominated the airwaves for more than two decades.

Cannon entertained generations of listeners with his characters Morgan Mundane, Ma Linger and Backlash LaRue, which were all creations of Cannon and all voiced by him. Cannon was inducted into the Minnesota Broadcasting Hall of Fame with two plaques, one for him and one for the three characters he brought to life.

Cannon was known as private person who would often go out of his way to avoid attention. But on the air he dominated the coveted afternoon drive time slot. Cannon, who grew up on the Iron Range had always attributed his work ethic to his roots in Evelth. Cannon began his radio career in the 1940's and worked all over Minnesota before landing at KSTP in the 1960's where he stayed for 13 years.

After being let go at KSTP he was immediately picked up by WCCO where he remained until his retirement. Cannon also did play-by-play for University of Minnesota Gopher Hockey and color for the North Stars. Cannon never really officially retired and kept busy doing spots for WCCO and some voiceover work.

Steve Cannon was 81 years old.

Here is a link to more on Steve Cannon and some great sound clips:
http://www.museumofbroadcasting.com/Cannon.htm