Why Winning A CMA Award Is A Win For Buffalo

It is nice to just be nominated. That is very true. However, it is so much sweeter to win.

As a father of three boys, my dreams and goals sure have changed since I started my radio career at WYRK in 1996. It used to be that this job gave me an identity and was all I lived for. Don't get me wrong, radio is still a passion. But I am Hank, Teddy and Gus's dad. It is a new identity. A new reason to get out of bed everyday and a the job that gives me the greatest rewards.

But I would be lying if I told you that finally winning a Country Music Association Award didn't mean much.

I have had the pleasure, the opportunity and the blessing to be working at WYRK for nearly 25 years. Think about all the things that can happen in that amount of time.

Personally speaking, there sure have been lots of ups and downs. And you have watched and heard me grow from a young kid on the air to a guy who is now telling dad jokes on a daily basis. There have been some tough times and because of you, I have been able to get through them. I have also had the absolute honor of working with some of the most talented people to ever be behind a microphone. I would not be where I am today without the guidance of Dale Mussen. A true professional and one of the greatest radio hosts/news guys Buffalo has ever had.

But the fact that you show up everyday is truly the reason for why this win is so special. What most people call listeners in this business, I can honestly say I call friends. Through the ups and downs Buffalo has faced in the last 25 years, and certainly recently, we have gotten though it together like any good friends would do. We have cried and laughed together. We have even disagreed on occasion. We have grown together.I have watched your kids become successful adults, your loved ones pass and careers blossom! And we did it all with the help of country music!

Everything that we have been through can be tied together with the songs we play on WYRK. The sound of the music may have changed, but the values and ideals have not. Country Music brought us together 25 years ago and it binds our friendship today.

2020 has brought some of the biggest challenges for our society. We are getting through this together. Some of the greatest wins don't happen overnight. I still believe in Buffalo and it's progress. Lord willing, we can celebrate more wins together through the next 25 years.

Being nominated for an award is a great honor. But, at least for now, lets celebrate this win for Buffalo. It means more than just getting a trophy to put on a shelf. It is a clear indication of what our friendship means to me.