I ONLY HOPE AND PRAY TO BE ABLE TO LIVE UP TO A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF YOUR LEGACY. YOU TAUGHT ME THE WORLD IN YOUR OWN WAY, FROM YOUR VIEW POINT, WHICH HAD NO LIMITS. YOU ALLOWED ME THE APPRECIATION TO WORK FOR MY OWN, YET YOU HANDED ME THE SKILL AND KNOW HOW BY ALLOWING ME TO WATCH YOU BE AMAZING.
AT THE AGE OF 6 YEARS OLD, I KNEW I WANTED TO WALK IN YOUR SHOES. THEY STILL REMAIN TO BE BIG SHOES TO FILL. I REMEMBER WHEN YOU ASKED ABOUT SOMETHING I DID OVER THE AIR, AND YOU TOLD ME HOW IMPRESSED YOU WERE, AND HOW YOU WANTED TO BUY ME A BOTTLE OF CHAMPAIGN TO CELEBRATE IT. THAT MEANT THE WORLD TO ME. NOT ONLY WAS I PLEASING TO THE WORLD'S GREATEST RADIO PERSONALITY/ MUSIC HISTORIAN, BUT I WAS WELL PLEASING IN THE EYES OF MY FATHER, LIKE JESUS WAS TO THE HEAVENLY FATHER.
BECAUSE OF THAT, I KNOW I'VE DONE WELL. I'VE GOTTEN THE THUMBS UP FROM SO MANY WHO HAVE CONTINUED TO PAVE THE WAY FOR US NEWCOMERS, LIKE IRENE, RAMONE, GLEN COSBY, JOE SOTO, DOUG BANKS, RICK PARTY, TROI TYLER, EFFFIE ROLPHE, AND SO MANY MORE PEOPLE I'VE HAD THE PLEASURE TO WORK WITH, BUT WHAT THEY SEE IS YOU, NOT ME. SO FOR THAT I THANK YOU DAD. I ONCE SAID TO YOU, THAT GROWING UP I WAS A SPOILED CHILD, YOU CORRECTED ME AND TOLD ME I WASN'T SPOILED, BUT WAS WELL TAKEN CARE OF. YES, YES I WAS. I LOVE MY KIDS BETTER BECAUSE OF YOUR LOVE FOR ME, SO THANK YOU DAD.
THANK YOU FOR BEING EXACTLY THE FATHER I NEEDED TO HELP ME BECOME THE MAN I AM. IT IS A PRIVILEGE AND AN HONOR, TO PROUDLY SAY, RICHARD PEGUE (YOU GOT A FUNNY NAME) AND I GOT IT TOO.. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH DAD, FRIEND, MENTOR, FATHER... I'LL SEE YOU SOON MAN...
Submitted on Sat Mar 7, 2009.
From Dee Evans
“ Richard Pegue has been a part of my listening pleasure and musical memories since WVON in the 60's. Can not dance, never attended any of the sets, but I knew he was there on the radio to provide the sounds and the memories. I relocated to Las Vegas several years ago, but when I found out that Richard could be heard via the Internet, I was thrilled and spent many more nights listening to him. Richard Pegue will be missed. Condolences to the family.”
Submitted on Sat Mar 7, 2009
From Linda Harper
“ I have attended the TASTE Friday after work set and got a chance to see Richard in action doing what he loved best. I have your family in my prayers and know that he will be greatly missed but never forgotten. His music will live on forever.”
Submitted on Sat Mar 7, 2009
From Calvin Sneed
“I am a regular at the TASTE Friday after work set and have been so for years. Richard was the best in Dusties. To the family, my deepest sympathy and know that Richard will be greatly missed. Stay Strong, His memories will be with us forever.”
Submitted on Sat Mar 7, 2009
From Marilyn Grace
“ R.I.P. dear friend! You will be greatly missed.”
Submitted on Fri Mar 6, 2009
From Sherell Hall
“ THANK YOU FOR SO MANY YEARS OF GROWING AND LEARNING ---I THANK GOD THAT YOU WERE HERE TO INFLUENCE MY LIFE-WHICH HAS DONE THE SAME FOR MY CHILDREN-(WE HAVE DUSTY RECORD TESTS) !!!GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY--{RICHARD PEGUE,-YOU GOT A FUNNY NAME} LOVE – SHERELL.”
Submitted on Fri Mar 6, 2009
From Nadine Kirkendall
“We will miss you very much.”
Submitted on Fri Mar 6, 2009
From Magnolia and Imani Wrice
“ Richard Pegue is one of the greatest people I have known, his warm smile and his outspokeness and his love for the music industry just blew me away. I met Richard about eleven years ago and we have been friends every since and I know that GOD's calling him home was truly a blessing in itself. To the family strong and steadfast and unmovable in the LORD.“
Submitted on Fri Mar 6, 2009
From Andrew Antonio Allen
“ The stepper's world has lost a link to the true beginning of steppin. Richard Pegue's passing is a great lose to the valuable resource of The Stepper's dance. There were only a handful of individuals and groups that kept steppin alive. Back then the steppers were a close knit group and if you weren't a "regular' then you were a square and you wasn't gon' get a dance. Some of that snubbery still prevails. After Herb Kent faded-off into Disco. Richard Pegue introduced a new generation Steppers to Dusties and Dowops that were truly the Best Music of Your Life. His annual record convention kept in the minds of the Afro American community the importance of remembering our music to our culture. Thankx Richard for the ride on the music. Steppin is yo'dance. Bopdaddy, King of Bop.”
Submitted on Fri Mar 6, 2009
From Linda Windons
“To the Family of Richard Pegue
May all of you be strong and be proud to have been part of a music legend and most kind and loving personality. He has given all that he can give now and it's up to us to playing the music of our lives. We love u Richard and going to miss seeing and hearing u on Fridays at the Taste. Richard u have been missed already (RIP) rest in peace my friend.”
Submitted on Tue Mar 3, 2009
From Sean Ross
“Hi, Savina: Was really sorry to hear the news this morning. Richard was very important to me; the two of you are key among the people I remember most fondly from my time at Dustyradio. I'll reach out to you directly when I have your contact info, but wanted to be in touch as soon as possible. Love, Sean Ross”
Submitted on Tue Mar 3, 2009
From Linda Wiley
“I am very saddened to hear about Richard. I loved his music and will miss hearing him. I have recorded the songs he played on his radio broadcasts since the 70's, so I'll always be able to hear his voice. God Bless you, and may you have fun playing those dusties in Heaven! My condolences to his family.”
Submitted on Tue Mar 3, 2009
From Michael and Lena Risper
“We are so deeply saddened for the loss of our GREAT FRIEND, RICHARD PEGUE. We just saw him about a week ago and it seemed that nothing was wrong with him. He loved to hear us sing together and the fact that he graduated from Lena's high school, Hirsch, he will always be our Icon of Music. To the family of Richard, may God Bless You and keep you and please let us know if you need us for anything. Being at the network meetings with him was so Awesome. He will truly be missed. RICHARD, we know that God loves Dusty Music especially your collection. God loves the Miracles just like you too.”
Submitted on Tue Mar 3, 2009
From Carol Gage
“It has saddened us deeply to hear of the home going of Richard. Myself and Luther remember fondly of going up to the radio station back in the day after Seagulls and sitting and talking and listening to the Dusties like only Richard could play.
We would like to offer our condolences to the Pegue family and especially my cruise buddy Savina. In Prayer Carol & Luther Gage”
Submitted on Tue Mar 3, 2009
From Angela Carter
“I just want to say Richard will be missed greatly. I grew up listening to him every Saturday night. I will pray for his family and close friends. God Bless and R.I.P.
Submitted on Tue Mar 3, 2009
From Dave Leucinger
“(I sent this to Matt & Perri at WVON - should have posted here first. My apologies.)
Greetings - Ever since first picking up the crackling, fade-in/fade-out signal of WGCI AM back in the 1980s (from Madison, WI) - and hearing Richard Pegue's endless turntable of vintage R&B tunes - I've been a fan and a student. So much of what I first learned about the "Chicago Sound" of the 1956-1967 era was due to Mr. Pegue's broadcasts and stories. I now do a blues radio show every other Saturday night here in Madison - on WORT FM. It's a volunteer position, but it gives me a chance to play the music I've learned about in no small measure due to Mr. Pegue's broadcasts. Please let his friends and family know that his passing is greatly mourned by a number of younger fans of vintage soul & R&B, including myself. I'll be certain to play The Cheers' "I'm Not Ready To Settle Down" on my next show in tribute to him. I'd welcome the opportunity to hear from his family - especially to hear some of the stories he wasn't able to tell on-air.
With prayers and sadness,
Dave Leucinger -
WORT 89.9 FM -
Madison, WI
Submitted on Fri Mar 6, 2009
From Linda Windons
“To the Family of Richard Pegue. May all of you be strong and be proud to have been part of a music legend and most kind and loving personality. He has given all that he can give now and it's up to us to playing the music of our lives. We love u Richard and going to miss seeing and hearing u on Fridays at the Taste. Richard u have been missed already (RIP) rest in peace my friend.”
Submitted on Fri Mar 6, 2009
From Harvey Wells
“I got to know Richard over the past five years. I wish I would have known him a lot longer. I consider myself a radio geek. I use that description in the best way possible. Richard was a radio geek. There are far to few of us left in this life. I'll miss talking to him about the business and I'll miss his show. "Stay Awhile With Me" has been ringing in my head over the past several days. I wish Richard would have stayed a little longer with us, but he is now someplace where he can stay forever.”
Submitted on Fri Mar 6, 2009
From Natalie Puryear
“Richard Pegue was a BIG part of my life growing up on the west side of Chicago. As I grew up and moved to the south side, I always checked for the blue light in the window of the Newport. I saw Richard several times lately at my cousin's South Street Journal office, and he had us on our feet, moving to the great music we loved. My sincere condolences to the family, and I love that I can still hear Richard today, doing his thing on WVON. He will be sorely missed. A Fan”
Submitted on Fri Mar 6, 2009
From Stanley R Curtis
”Thank You Richard, When I was lonely as a teenager in the late sixties, it was you that helped save my sanity. I could always listen to your music to pull me through those nights. Always looking forward to the music I would hear on Saturday nights. And in the end I turned out just fine. I'm now 57 years old and a pretty complete person. I made it. But without those lonely days and nights of listening to you I don't know what might have become of me. So many people still ask me today, "Stan, how do know all those great dusties, even the ones from way, way back time?” And I only smile and tell them it has always been Richard Pegue. I never got to meet you but I will love and know you forever. I thank God for the life of Richard Pegue.”
Submitted on Fri Mar 6, 2009
From Tony Powell
“Hello Sevina, I have not talked to you and Richard in years. I am touched and saddened by the passing of Richard. I remember the long nights spent in the studio until the early morning. I missed the voice overs I did for Richard. I will never hear another Smokey Robinson without thinking of Richard. I pray for you and the family in this difficult time. I will attend the funeral with pain in my heart. Richard was a special person who touched the lives of many with his unique voice and the music he played. He was the true dusty king, not Herb Kent. He was truly the king of dusties. I will keep you in my prayers and see you at the funeral. May God keep you in His grace.”
Submitted on Fri Mar 6, 2009
From Ron Reed
“Dear Sevina and family, My deepest sympathies in your loss of Richard. I am a fan on the west coast who loves to come to St Elizabeth's and party with the 'folks'. I was a listener of WVON during its heyday, and I appreciated Richard for keeping that spirit alive. His musical knowledge and spinning will be missed. Yours truly, Ron Reed.”
Submitted on Tue Mar 3, 2009
From William (Willie) A. Green, Jr.
“ I am writing to offer my sincere and very deep regrets to the family. Richard was a high school classmate of mine. It has been years since I have seen him, but good friends remain good friends. My prayers are with him and with his family.
Bill
Submitted on Tue Mar 3, 2009
From ROCHELLE BURNETT
“ MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY. I AM A REGULAR AT THE FRIDAY NIGHT TASTE SET AND RICHARD WAS REAL COOL PEOPLE. THAT ONE OF KIND VOICE WILL BE MISSED.
Submitted on Tue Mar 3, 2009
From Professor Reggie Miles
“It was because of Richard Earl Pegue that I decided that I wanted to be a DJ. In high school I followed Richard at every dance he was played. Through Richard I learned to appreciate "ALL MUSIC." He was a mentor to me and friend.”
Submitted on Tue Mar 3, 2009
From Shannon Rice
“My condolences go out to the family of Richard. I am glad that I had the opportunity to have worked with him. He was indeed an intense character. He will be missed. Peace & Comfort,
Shannon Rice”
Submitted on Tue Mar 3, 2009
From Jenell Green
“I just want to send my prayers to Richard's family. He was loved and he was a beautiful person who always moved me. He will be missed.”
Submitted on Tue Mar 3, 2009
From Ce Walton
“Richard Pegue, you will be missed! A giant fallen, but forever around. You lifted so many up, when we found ourselves down. We'll keep on steppin', off into the night. We'll remember you always, through "The Best Music of Your Life!"
Chicago Radio has lost a true friend; a stepper's Dj to the very end. A class act always, we'll never forget. No longer at the turntable, our only regret. Peace to all his family and friends!
C E Walton
Submitted on Tue Mar 3, 2009
From Roger Klich
“ My sympathy to his family and friends. I've been a fan since the late 60's when he was at WVON. I loved his shows through the years. He made everyone's life a little better sharing the music he loved. Thank you Richard.”
Submitted on Fri Mar 6, 2009
From Michael D. McReynolds
“I and my family offer our sincere and profound condolences to Richard Pegue's family and friends. Mr. Pegue brought a joyful comfort to me through his show on various outlets. His distinctive on-air personna informed his musical selection, and I fear we will not be graced with the Blessing of his like in the remainder of my days....”
Submitted on Thu Mar 5, 2009
From Edith A. Iverson
“I am heartbroken to hear of The Dubber Ruckie's passing away. Just heartbroken. I loved Richard Pegue very much. He was an integral part of my youth. I never missed his show. He had a unique style and wit and a smooth delivery on air.
I recently sent him an email and wondered why he did not respond. Now I know why...*sigh* My deepest sympathy to
The Pegue Family.”
Submitted on Thu Mar 5, 2009
From VIOLA “Tiny” SMITH
“ My heart goes out to all of Richard's family.( It hurts ), Richard was my friend. God bless him and may he rest in peace.
My deepest sympathy, Tiny (The Dusty Dancer).”
Submitted on Thu Mar 5, 2009
From Renita Reynolds
“The Reynolds family hearts and prayers go out to Richard's family!! We have the privilege of having a personal relationship with Marguerita/Cisco and Richard. You r n our prayers to be strong. Renita, Enitra, Robert & Delarris.”
Submitted on Thu Mar 5, 2009
From Jason Stone
“I wanted to take a moment to express my condolences to the Pegue family and to all of Richard's friends with respect to his passing. I just learned of it today. When I moved to Chicago in 1997, one of the first DJs I heard was Richard, and I certainly enjoyed listening to him. I am also a vintage soul music fan and learning about his forays in the music business also endeared Richard to me. I have written a post on my music blog celebrating him and featuring an aircheck from 1975. It's at http://stepfatherofsoul.blogspot.com. May Richard rest in peace. Thanks for the good music! Jason Stone"The Stepfather of Soul"
Submitted on Thu Mar 5, 2009
From Cheryl Whitmore
“My deepest sympathy to the family of Richard Pegue. There is little we can do or say right now. Please know that our hearts and thoughts are with you in your time of sorrow. Cheryl Whitmore. Roosevelt Watkins (Cowboy)”
Submitted on Thu Mar 5, 2009
From Brad Markus
“I was looking at the Website and I see that Richard Pegue has left us. He was one of my favorite Radio announcers ever. I began listening to him in 1974 on WVON on Saturday nights. I loved the intro to his show! I missed going to Lil's on Tuesdays, I wish I would have went.”
Submitted on Sat Mar 7, 2009
From Stephanie McKinney
“I have enjoyed listening to Richard's show dating back to the 60's. Such great times with him doing his show at the old Robert's Motel on 63rd St. After relocating to AZ, I was so thrilled to know that I could stream his broadcast. Sometimes I would be up all night just listening and reminiscing. Richard will be greatly missed but his legacy will live on. We came, we sat, and we "stayed a while". May God strengthen his family and know that he touched many lives.”
Submitted on Tue Mar 3, 2009
from Senator Howard Brookins
“There are those whose lives death cannot diminish. Their love radiates forever in the hearts of family and friends. Rejoice and be comforted in the memories of our beloved Mr. Richard Pegue.”
Senator Howard Brookins and Family
Submitted on Tue Mar 3, 2009
From Barbara Bufford Keys
“PEGUE AND I WENT TO HIRSCH HIGH TOGETHER. Although I was a Senior and he was a Sophomore, we contrived to share a locker together!! This was against the rules, but since we were really good friends and the arrangement was so convenient we didn't care about the rules. I am very, very sad to learn of his passing. Why do we lose the good ones? I am hoping that someone on the other end of this letter can inform me of the funeral arrangements. I am Barbara Bufford Keys. Thank you"
Submitted on Tue Mar 3, 2009
From Neal Harper
“Man, there goes a LOT of good memories. Thanks, Doc. You WILL be missed.”
Submitted on Tue Mar 3, 2009
From Stephanie Samuels
“I am so sorry to hear about Richard Pegue passing away. I am sending my condolences to his family.”
Submitted on Tue Mar 3, 2009
From Kassandra Scott
“I am deeply grieved by the passing of Richard Pegue. I will surely miss his style and gentleness. I've listened to Richard for over 40 years and have even hosted many parties with his radio music. Thanks Richard for helping me to enjoy "The Best Music of My Life."
Submitted on Tue Mar 3, 2009
From Dana
“I am very saddened by the lost of Richard. He was so special and friendly in a lot of ways. Dusty was his life and he made the music become part of my life. The DUSTY MUSIC and CONVENTION has lost a great hero and there will not be another one like him. The family will be in my prayers and I hope that no one and I mean NO ONE will ever forget the DOCTOR of DUSTIES. MR. RICHARD PEGUE!!! Hopefully your dusty conventions will go on in memory of you.
LOVE and MISS YOU!!!”
Submitted on Tue Mar 3, 2009
From Will Gatlin
“Hello Chris and the Pegue family, I remember when your Dad introduced me to you and then told you about the Snackman's Popcorn. Now I am the Gat Tea man. The reason for all of that information was that your Dad did not hesitate to reach out and help me advertise and helped me create my radio talk show. His idea was to have “The talk show of life" so even now today I have my show on WYCA 102.3 fm. I wanted to share this small token of word which I hope is a beacon of light. I know you will have many letters and words just like mine. God Bless you and we, The Will Gatlin Family, wish you peace and wellness. If I can do anything or in such a stressful time I will be more than happy to send or deliver bags of my stress tea for free to your family.
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