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Long John Nebel
Long John Nebel (June 11, 1911 - April 10, 1978), born John Zimmerman, was an influential New York City talk radio show host.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, he dropped out of school a...view moreLong John Nebel (June 11, 1911 - April 10, 1978), born John Zimmerman, was an influential New York City talk radio show host.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, he dropped out of school after the eighth grade, but was an avid reader throughout his life, and conversant on many topics. He moved to New York City around 1930, aged 19, and his first job there was usher in the New York Paramount Theater. Nebel pursued a number of careers in his young adulthood, including a long period as a freelance photographer and a stint as a sidewalk salesman, before establishing the successful Long John’s Auctions, an auction and consignment store in New Jersey. At his auction barn in New Jersey, he was billed as “Long John, the gab and gavel man”, and people would attend just for an evening’s entertainment.
He began his career in radio in the 1950’s, at a time when radio throughout the United States was floundering and trying to redefine itself after the explosive popularity of television. Over several years, Nebel had become friends with many people at various New York radio stations when he bought commercial time to advertise his auction house. WOR, one of New York’s leading stations, faced poor ratings in 1954 when Nebel proposed an interview show. Within a few months Nebel was getting not only high ratings, but press attention from throughout the U.S. for his distinctive and in many ways unprecedented program.
Right up to his death in 1978, Nebel proved to be a hugely popular all-night radio host, with millions of regular listeners and what Donald Bain described as “a fanatically loyal following” to his syndicated program, which dealt mainly with anomalous phenomena, UFOs, and other offbeat topics.view less