Brian James

It’s a pretty rare thing when we do a retrospective around here, but the news of the day demands it.

Earlier today, voiceover legend Brian James passed away in Phoenix at the young age of 48.

I’ve never made any secret of the fact that Brian is my favorite voice guy of all time. (That’s not a knock any of the other guys I’ve ever used, because my competitors always managed to snap up Brian’s genius before I had a chance to.) Brian was the rare talent who could pull off warm and friendly — and also the most sarcastic, borderline obscene promos imaginable. I think my bosses up until now would rather Brian have not been such a star, because anytime I write a promo with any smart-ass tendencies at all — and I write a lot of them — I always hear Brian James voicing them in my head.

Tonight, instead of doing a normal update, we’re going to feature the work of Brian James. These are just a few clips that we have on Toppy — I’m sure if I went back and listened, I could find tens, if not hundreds more. They might not always show his true genius, but these clips definitely showcase that unforgettable voice that made so many stations sing.

KLYV: 1, 2

KDWB: 1, 2

KZLA: 1, 2, 3

WKRZ: 1, 2

WZOK: 1, 2, 3

KBEA: 1, 2, 3

KFRC: 1

WIXX: 1, 2

WLNK: 1, 2

WRVQ: 1

KZHT: 1

WSIX: 1

WMYX: 1

WNNK: 1, 2

WTVN: 1

KPRC: 1

Here are some comedy videos Brian did (warning: these are a little racy, so if that’s not your bag, you’re advised to skip them): Dating Help, Job Hunting, News Headlines.

Here’s a great story from KMOX/St. Louis’ Jon Grayson.

And here’s today’s story from All Access:

ALL ACCESS is saddened to report that voiceover legend BRIAN JAMES has suddenly passed away from a heart attack at 4a this morning (3/6), at his home in SCOTTSDALE, AZ. He was 48.

BRIAN is survived by his wife KIMBERLY, his son MAX, daughter EMMA, and a stepdaughter BROOKE.

More details as soon as they are available.

Meanwhile, CLEAR CHANNEL/SOUTHERN COLORADO New Media Mgr. RICH STEVENS has created a discussion board on FACEBOOK. Please visit it to post your thoughts on BRIAN when you click here.

CLEAR CHANNEL Top 40 KZHT/SALT LAKE CITY PD JEFF McCARTNEY has added a  BRIAN JAMES tribute page to his site.

And, KDWB/MINNEAPOLIS OM/PD ROB MORRIS has posted a BRIAN JAMES tribute page featuring some of BRIAN’s best work.

"Today, like many others in our industry, we pay tribute to the BEST DAMN VOICE GUY EVER," says MAGIC BROADCASTING PANAMA CITY Director of Programming and Top 40 WILN (ISLAND 106) PD CHRIS ALAN, who adds, "I’m still in shock! Just 2 weeks ago Brian and I were talking and laughing as I shared with him the news of our GOLD ADDY AWARD that his voice won for us. I can’t believe it!”  Check out the ISLAND 106 tribute to BRIAN here.

Our thoughts are with Brian’s family.