Steve Cannon
Inducted 2002
He called it "The Cannon Mess," but Steve Cannon's
daily show was one of the most finely tuned, highly crafted
and entertaining radio programs on the dial.
Born in Michigan, he grew up on the Minnesota Iron Range.
He pursued an acting career before starting in radio in
Mason City, Iowa, later moving to Bemidji, Stillwater, Duluth,
and Milwaukee.
He joined WMIN Minneapolis/Saint Paul in
1953, and also appeared as cowboy "Rangler Steve"
on WMIN TV/WTCN TV (now KARE TV).
In the 1960's, after working
in Los Angeles and San Francisco radio, he brought his wonderful
voice back to the Twin Cities, first at WLOL and then at
KSTP, where he hosted the morning show for 13 years, and
also worked as a sportscaster on KSTP TV. In 1971, he moved
to WCCO Radio, where "The Cannon Mess" was a hit
for 26 years, a record in major-market radio. Emanating
from the "basement studios," the show was highlighted
by his banter with Morgan Mundane, Ma Linger, and Backlash
LaRue, characters that he performed himself, but so convincingly
that many listeners thought they were real. He also did
play-by-play for Gopher hockey and color for the North Stars.
Sadly, Steve Cannon passed away April 6, 2009, at the age of 81.
