It is with great sadness that another large figure in voice and production, Tom Quarles or TQ to most that remember him, passed away earlier this week. Tom and I shared the same positions, Creative Services Director, he at Clear Channel, me at Emmis. We spoke often, fighting the good fight to make better radio. TQ was Production Director prior to Frank Scales here when the company was simply LBJ Broadcasting back in the 80's, and prior to that was an on air personality back in the day before play lists and computer generated music logs. Little known fact, it was Tom that actually was the FIRST jock to play The Police on the air in the US and broke the band before any other station at KLBJ in Austin TX. Sting still credits "that station that was owned by a US President" for playing their record first. That was Tom. An incredible voice, fantastic sound designer, and impeccable writer. Couple that with he and his wife Bev's love of rescue dogs (cocker spaniels in particular at first - something close to my wife Peggy an my hearts) as well as his gift for cutting through the clutter of many times BAD radio and TV commercials... needless to say, there is a big hole in our hearts with his passing. I'll miss you Tom. I hope crossing the Rainbow Bridge is everything you thought it would be. ;) Please kiss Sassy for us! We'll see you again Pumpkin!
