The Glicknics hold a virtual reunion

March 27, 2009 03:44 PM Email| Comments (6)| Text size – +

By Globe Staff

Dozens of Larry Glick fans are sharing fond memories of the voice that carried them through the night, creating a spontaneous virtual reunion of the Glicknics as they comment today on the legendary Boston talk show host's obituary on boston.com.

They are writing of listening to Glick while working as the janitor at a country club, working the third shift at a factory, while homesick in Ithaca, N.Y., driving home from concerts, or lying in bed with a radio under the pillow. They're remembering Glick's wit, his routines -- and where they were when they were listening.

Among them was another Boston radio legend, Charles Laquidara, who wrote: "Larry was an automatic when I was driving home from a concert, a movie, or a party. His wise-cracking voice would stay with my car from one end of New England to the other; a late-night companion with no equal, and an absolute must for helping smiling at-home listeners go to sleep and for keeping night-time drivers awake and entertained. Larry also was one of the major inspirations to help me quit smoking those nasty cigarettes! Good work, Larry! You were a mentor and one of a kind."

"Larry, Thank you for all the great memories. I am another one who as a kid growing up I would have my radio under the pillow at night listening to you and your antics. You truly were one of a kind on the radio and radio is not the same since," wrote Ron.

"So many jokes and so many radio 'bits' that are still in use today were started by Larry Glick. My dad had bags under his eyes more days than you can imagine, because he stayed up all night listening to Larry. He had the kind of talent rarely found in radio today. How am I doing? Lemme check... It'll never get old," wrote Henry Santoro.

"Loved those phone calls you made to the phone booths in Harvard Square. Most of the callers you shot off the air! Good Night Larry. see you later ... Hopefully you will have your show set up when I arrive. thank you," wrote jake jame mac.

"Larry saved my mother's life. She was a young divorcee with 2 young kids. She suffered so much when my father left home. She told me later the only thing that kept her sane and laughing through the many sleepless nights was Larry Glick. You eased her pain. I have always wanted to tell you this. ... Thank you & bless you Larry Glick," wrote Michael.

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6 comments so far...

My first foray into capitalism was opening a Larry Glick lemondade stand back in 1960 something. I will never forget the excitement when the kit came in the mail. Not sure if I ever sold any lemonade beyond family members, but as a ten year old I felt a sense of pride and connection to this strange man on the radio.
The best summer nights of all were spent under the covers catching Ken Colman and Mel Parnell doing a late Sox game from the West Coast on WHDH, followed by a switch up the dial to 103 to catch Master Glick. Oh and then of course Jess Cain was always on the kitchen radio from 6-10AM.
God I sound like my father, I am only 52 but it is a loss that my children will never have the same radio experience.
Godspeed Larry.

Posted by Matthew G. March 27, 09 04:38 PM

Type your comment here...I forgot to tell you all a very special story....Larry and I were at WBZ one night to do a show. David Robichaud (WBZ-producer at the time) came over to us with this........."My grandmother asked to be burried with two things Larry..We burried her with her beloved rossery beads and as she requested her Glick University T-shirt. There she was with her hands resting on the red embossed shirt holding her favorite beads and a hint of a smile." I hope the quote is pretty close but I think it is. David made us both well up with his words. I know he was moved since he talked about it all the way home. I hope you do not mind David.

Posted by Arthur G. Allen March 27, 09 08:02 PM

I wonder what happened to my Glick University T-shirt? I should be trying to put it on right now.
Larry is entertaining heaven's population and it just won't be the all-night show; Larry is on 24/7 in heaven and he's got everyone up there in stitches. We miss you Larry. You never really had to "check," it was really you and we thank you.

Posted by Neal Schiff March 27, 09 09:44 PM

I first started listening to larry in 1981. I even had the courage to call him a couple of times, he was the best. I especially remember the caller marilyn calling him when he was on during the day that was one of the best and funniest call from his show. Hearing his show was like hearing an old friend during the night. I remember him fondly. God bless you Larry we love and miss you.

Posted by Jim Veroneau March 27, 09 10:17 PM

Larry kept me company after work all thru the 70s. I remember following his voice on the radio all the way down from St. John, New Brunswick one morning coming home from a trip up there. I loved it when he talked to Mary (?). She was very slow talking and perhaps on some medication. Larry was good with her, but at some point he would say "Mary, you are putting me to sleep". I know that description looks bad in print. You had to be there listening. It was hilarious. There was something so good hearted about the guy. He made you feel good. He was the real thing. So sorry that he's gone.

Posted by Peter March 27, 09 10:26 PM

No offense to other talk hosts, many of whom have good points, but Larry had more ingenuity, cleverness, timing, endearing irreverence and warm, hilarious, catch-you-off-guard wit than all the others. I think of the Haystack Calhoun story on the airplane - oh my God. And the guy down South, what was that story that Larry replayed so many times? Got into a fight with a monkey? I almost can't believe how funny those stories were. You could hurt yourself laughing so hard.

Posted by Jeff March 27, 09 11:23 PM