RIP Fred Foy 1921-2010

Fred Foy passed away on Dec 22, 2010 in Woburn Mass. His opening monologue on the Lone Ranger will be remembered as one of the greatest radio introductions of all time.

As a boy in the 1940's and 50's, I went to bed at 7:30pm. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights I turned on my radio and the William Tell Overture would fill my room. Then the sound of hoof beats, gunfire and the yell of "Hiyo Silver!" The announcers voice boomed out …"A fiery horse with the speed of light…"

This was the opening of the Lone Ranger radio show program. This opening is considered to be the best and most memorable of all radio programs. The announcer then set up the stories and carried us through to the exciting end when the Lone Ranger rode off. I listened as the announcer finally said "Your announcer, Fred Foy."

I never dreamed as a young boy that years later I would meet Fred. I have interviewed Fred for radio programs and did several presentations with him about the Lone Ranger and old time radio. I have come to know Fred and now consider him a special friend. When I think about Old Time Radio Days, Fred Foy’s voice fills my memories with "Return with me to those thrilling days of yesteryear." Fred Foy’s voice was the voice of my imagination.

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Shortly after graduating high school in 1938, Fred Foy started his career in broadcasting with a part-time position at WMBC, a 250-watt independent station in Detroit. He moved to WXYZ in 1942. During World War II, Foy joined the U.S. army and served in Armed Forces Radio stationed in Cairo. After the war, Foy returned to WXYZ in Detroit. He took over the position of announcer and narrator for The Lone Ranger radio program beginning July 2, 1948 and continuing until the series ended on September 3, 1954. He was famous for providing the dramatic introduction to the radio series (1948-1954) and also recorded the introduction for the television series (1949-57).    (via Wikipedia)

Fred Foy was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2000.