His track record in broadcasting speaks for itself. He enjoyed more than 35 years as a radio show host and Program Director for PMB Broadcasting and Operations Manager and on-air talent for Clear Channel Radio. His voice was recognized by many listeners across the Chattahoochee Valley, but Brian Waters was way more than a man behind a microphone.
Born and raised in Opelika, Alabama, Brian got his start as a deejay at 16 years old. “I was a kid in high school who got lucky,” was how he described his beginning in a job that wasn’t really work but more like a calling.
Through the years, he made many friends and touched many lives.
Thank you for being a friend
Traveled down a road and back again
Your heart is true friend
You’re a pal and a confidant
The pals and confidants who traveled down the road with Brian have fond memories.
Ed Bostic: “We worked together at Sunny 100. He was always the sunny, upbeat cheerleader type. I know thousands of people, but Brian was always at the top of the list as a true friend.”
“He never met a stranger and whatever he pursued, he always did it right.”
Alan Quin: “Brian is one of the nicest, most genuine people I’ve ever known. He was always a greater friend to us than we ever were to him.”
“He didn’t have to be involved in charities and marketing for so many organizations, but he did because he cared.”
Michael Steele: “Brian brought me on as an intern. I worked 15 hours a day, but the experience was priceless. I knew he was a pro from the beginning. He eventually hired me, and I was grateful. He has forgotten more than I would ever know about radio. He will always have a special place in my heart.”
Chris Chaos: “Brian hired me and took me under his wing. He made me feel at home. He poured his heart and soul into everything he did.”
Jesse Dupree: Dupree, lead singer for rock band Jackyl, is grateful to have known Brian. “He helped us in our very beginning. He promoted us not from a corporate perspective but out of love for our music.”
And if you threw a party
Invited everyone you knew
You would see the biggest gift would be from me
And the card attached would say, thank you for being a friend
Many of his compadres from his broadcasting days enjoyed “Man Nights” at his home.
“It was a tight knit group,” said Dave Nahley.
“He was a great host and a phenomenal cook,” said Ed Bostic.
If it’s a car you lack
I’d surely buy you a Cadillac
Whatever you need
Any time of the day or night
The calling of broadcasting and his signature voice led him to start Brian Waters Productions. He did radio and TV production voice overs for clients locally but also across the country for national clients including Six Flags, Bojangles and Denny’s, Nissan, Chevrolet, and many more.
He worked closely with his friend Dave Nahley, owner of Double M Marketing. Dave worked with Brian in the early days of his career at Clear Channel. Even then, he understood Brian’s passion for lending his voice to causes that touched his heart.
“Brian created the annual fundraiser for Paws Humane, Barks and Blues. The musical event is still going strong today. Brian is loved by his community and looked upon as someone who always put the needs of others first,” Nahley said.
When Brian left the radio airwaves, he became an advertising executive with On Media. Like everything else he has ever done, Brian poured his heart and soul into helping businesses get recognized. He also never forgot to lend his skill sets to organizations that needed a face and voice including continuing to serve as the President of the Board of Directors of Paws Humane.
Brian also served as a board member for Midtown Columbus and an announcer for Midtown Mingle. He will also be missed for his announcing skills at concerts in Columbus, at the Phenix City Amphitheater, and as the official announcer at Steeplechase.
For all that Brian gave to his career and community over the years, the love came pouring
back when he was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer last year. A Go Fund Me page was set up for his family, there was a Notes from the Heart benefit held at The Loft, and his friend Patty Bass Chappel decorated his home for Christmas, which meant so much to Brian. When chemotherapy took away his taste of food, Tuesday’s Street Tacos and Burritos created a taco just for him.
Patty and his good friend, Mamie Pound, held his hand in the hospital and when he was transferred to Columbus Hospice. The outpouring of support and prayers meant the world to Brian and his family.
Two of Brian’s former colleagues have nominated him for the Georgia Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame Award. That would be a crowning achievement to his radio career.
And when we die and float away
Into the night, the Milky Way
You’ll hear me call as we ascend
I’ll say your name then, once again, Thank you for being a friend.
Maybe God needed you more than we did, Brian, or maybe he needed an announcer with a heart of gold.
