JD Barber

More than a morning show host, JD Barber was a play-by-play announcer, comedy writer, and radio ratings success in southern Wisconsin.

Barber had a lifelong love of music and shared his passion for it. He knew at an early age that he wanted to work in radio.

After serving in Vietnam, Barber attended Brown Radio Institute, landing his first job hosting nights on WISM in Madison. He moved to a radio station in Two Rivers to host a drive time show and was lured back to Madison to host mornings on Z104 (WZEE-FM).

There he led a morning team that featured original comedy bits and parodies. The team grew in size and in ratings, dominating morning drive for most of the 1980s. He was known for his comprehensive show prep and having a team-oriented philosophy that incorporated his self-deprecating humor with his morning show team.

He was proud of the money raised by the many station fundraising initiatives he was involved with.

Barber later moved to Q106 (WWQM-FM) and Y105, duplicating the success he enjoyed at Z104. After trying to retire, he joined WJVL-FM in Janesville to host a Saturday Morning Classic Country show.

Barber entertained listeners in southern Wisconsin until shortly before his passing in 2007.