Jonathan Green
Jonathan Green was a staple of afternoon radio in Milwaukee for 41 years and is known for his authenticity, good humor, and community service.
After several radio jobs in his native Ohio, Jonathan spent his military obligation in the US Army as a journalist in Turkey and then as the morning show host on the American Forces Network in Frankfurt, Germany. He joined WTMJ-AM in Milwaukee in 1969 hosting WTMJ’s afternoon drive show which he called The Green House.
Uniquely, on several Earth Days Jonathan canoed to the studio on the Milwaukee River reporting on the morning show using a walky-talky. His passion for riding led to WTMJ’s connection with Harley-Davidson during its anniversary celebrations, which welcomed thousands of Harley enthusiasts to Milwaukee.
Jonathan started the Kids2Kids Toy Drive in 2006, teaching listeners’ kids about the spirit of giving while collecting more than 250,000 toy donations for needy kids. He also led the WTMJ’s Teddy Bear Patrol with local law enforcement agencies.
Jonathan’s proudest accomplishment is his intern program: The Green House Air Force. Many young and ambitious kids got to be a part of the show, leading to many future careers in broadcasting.
Jonathan’s peers say his popularity is the result of humor and authenticity. He has demonstrated talent, passion, and willingness to inspire others.
He retired in 2010.
Congratulations, Jonathan! Well deserved! It was a joy working with you.
Congratulations, Jonathan! It was fun working at WTMJ in 1969. Lynne Clark Nordhoff
I remember you from 1968/69 in Frankfurt. It was a great pleasure to listen to your shows. You always closed with ” Have yourself a fun one”
Greetings from Germany
Undine Claudé
Congrats Johnathan and happy vollyballing. John Kolberg from the old Point Comfort in Okauchee !
Jonathan Green is a true Milwaukee legend! Our family listened to him for decades at our homes in New Berlin, Dyckesville and New London.
We still listen to WTMJ radio most days at our retirement condo in Madison. As a matter of fact, I am streaming it on my computer as I write this text on my computer.
We hope he has a long and enjoyable retirement…and THANKS, Jonathan for all the hours of free entertainment!
Dave & Kathy Hutchison
Dyckesville, and now Madison
I listened to Jonathan Green at home in the 70’s when I was a kid! I called in occasionally, since we have the same last name (not related) and he was always good natured and sweet to a kid being silly. He’s a legend!
Just checking in to see what happened to Jonathan Green since I used to enjoy listening to him for the years I lived in Milwaukee area. While I hope he’s enjoying his retirement as much as I am mine, he’s really missed, and always made my days better !
You were one of my inspirations for me to pursue a career in broadcasting. I thank you for that and all the creative moments
As a kid growing up in Milwaukee walking around with a transistor radio, I loved listening to Green House. I admired Jonathon and loved his show. A gentleman, witty, engaging, actually a very real bright spot in my childhood… “green, green is green they say on the far side of the hill…”
I had the absolute pleasure of working with Jonathan from 1974 to 1976 as ‘Schultz’, his made-up mess of an assistant from his AFN days in Germany. While I was attending Marquette University, I worked some days as a part of the Air Force as his gopher in the studio and helping him putting together the zany shows his explosively creative mind came up with. He also had a slide show that he took to Lion’s Club meetings and FFA gatherings, and I helped him with setup and breakdown, along with being ‘Schultz’ on the road. Jonathan was a huge humanitarian and a fantastic man to learn from as I was heading to broadcasting myself in the years that followed. Theater of the mind….and creativity beyond compare. I miss having lost touch with him. Thank you Jonathan!