John T. Ryan
1930 - 2004

"2 C is to Know"... Have a Nice Flight!

id-1950’s, Los Angeles radio host John “Johnny” Ryan, died December 24th, 2004 in Duarte, California, from congestive heart failure. He was 74. As a sergeant in US Army Recruiting, the Brooklyn-born Ryan hosted the radio programs “The Army Show” (1954-56) and “Dimensions In Music”(1956-57), both of which featured a blend of top 40 hits and celebrity interviews. Airing weekly on KMPC, the shows were sponsored by the US Army to promote enlistment, though Ryan’s trademark, ad-lib style was a break in tradition from the dry, formal programs Army Recruiting previously broadcast. The popularity of the shows, and their success in enlisting new recruits, allowed Ryan the freedom to format the broadcasts more like other commercial radio shows of the time.

Ryan was a frequent guest on Los Angeles television talk programs like “The Jack Owens Show” (KABC-TV) and Tom Frandsen’s afternoon movie show (KRCA-TV, now NBC4). He also spearheaded the recruiting campaign “Operation Gyroscope” which featured as a spokeswoman 16 year-old Jill St. John as “Miss Gyroscope.”

After broadcasting, Ryan turned his attention to writing short stories, novellas and poetry. He was also an accomplished multi-media artist.

John is survived by his wife of 46 years Alice Ryan; son Charlie Ryan; daughter Judy Ryan; daughter Joal Ryan and her husband Steve Ryfle; and son Ryan O Ryan, his wife Narineh Ryan and their daughter Natalie. John is also survived by his brother Mike Ryan, his sister Bridget Ryan, and his sister Anne Ryan Mancuso and her husband Felix.

Originally Published in the January 17, 2005 issue of Daily Variety
(Provided by the Family of John T. Ryan)

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