Deejay to retire after decades on air

Austin (KXAN) - Longtime Austin deejay Larry Monroe will hang up his headphones Monday night.   He's retiring after nearly 30 years on the air at Austin's Public Radio station, KUT .

Monroe's last show will be Monday at 8:00 PM.  He will host the Blue Monday program, where he plays Blues music.

Thursday night, Monroe hosted a farewell episode of his long-running show Phil Music.  The show started in the 1980's as a way to fill time during broadcasts of Austin City Council meetings.  But Monroe turned the time-filler into a time-tested fan favorite.  He gave each show a theme, and brought it together with songs from a mix of musical styles.

"I always tried to make the programs just as good as I could for the listening audience, " Monroe said.  "I think I've been able to accomplish that here at KUT, from the response I've gotten from the community."

KUT canceled the show in July 2009 when the station made changes to its programming.  But, when Monroe announced his intention to retire, the station opened up a slot for a farewell show.

Thursday night, Monroe played a diverse mix of music.  One set started with Jimi Hendrix, then to Bob Dylan, followed by Nat King Cole, then Conway Twitty, before wrapping up with Junior Brown.  This was free-form radio, with songs selected by the man playing the discs - not a program director backed by market research.  You can view a playlist of the show here .

That kind of approach earned Monroe a devoted fan following.  Many of those fans rallied to support him after KUT cut his on-air hours. 

"That connection that I've had with the community over the years, that's something I'll remember for the rest of my life," Monroe reflected.  "I had listeners who understood what I was doing and became a part of it with me."

Monroe played old favorites (five Bob Dylan songs made the show), and told stories, like the time he tried to introduce Iggy Pop and the Stooges before a concert.

"Just as I started to introduce myself," Monroe told his listeners, "they hit their first chord, and blew me off the stage.   Didn't even get to say my name that night."

Phone lights flashed frequently in the studio, as long-time listeners called in to say goodbye.  Online, Monroe's Facebook page filled with heartfelt messages from friends and fans.

Monroe looked up at the station clock, it was 10:56.  His show would end at the top of the hour.  He cued up his last song: "Most Likely You Go Your Way (And I'll Go Mine)" by Bob Dylan.

"From the classic from Blonde on Blonde ," Monroe said into the microphone.

Then it was time to say goodbye.

"I've enjoyed being your broadcaster over the years, especially doing Phil Music," Monroe said at the end of the song.  Then he signed off.  "I'm Larry Monroe, and I'll see you in the future."