Harrison is one of the most popular American radio personalities of the past 50 years. Born and raised in Chicago, he got his start in radio at the age of 14 after being confined to his bed for a year with rheumatic fever. As a result, radio became his best friend. After brief stints at WBEZ and WCFL in the Windy City, Harrison became program director at WPEO, Peoria, IL, where he hosted the morning show as the “Morning Mayor of Peoria.” After five years at WPEO — and helping the station rise to the top of the ratings heap — Harrison moved to the Big Apple, where he spent 44 years with WMCA, WABC and WCBS, until his retirement in 2005. He is remembered for not only balancing the young sound of Top 40 radio with adult charisma, but also for a number of phrases, including “Every brand new day should be opened like a precious gift” and “Stay well, stay happy, stay right here.”