CHESAPEAKE, Va. — Norfolk native Mike Arlo has been a familiar and beloved voice in Hampton Roads for 50 years.
“A bunch of us did grow up listening to Mike Arlo, myself included. So many people in this room not only grew up listening to him but have worked alongside him,” said Carol Commander, General Manager of Hampton Roads Media Group, the company that owns FM99 WNOR and 106.9 The Fox radio stations.
The jock, known for his handlebar mustache, first took the mic in 1975, spinning records—yes, vinyl records—on FM99 WNOR in the midday slot.
The Princess Anne High School grad is also known for his eye-catching commercials. And crazy stunts.
In 1996, he moved to Classic Rock 106.9 The Fox, owned by the same company as FM99. It was Arlo’s Electric Lunch.
He’s introduced us to rock stars and was a character in the wacky late-night TV show Dr. Madblood.
He stood with us to support the troops during Desert Storm in 1991. Nearly 40,000 people showed up for the event at Mount Trashmore, largely because Arlo talked about it on the radio.
His love for his hometown is not just lip service. He shows up consistently for the people of Hampton Roads through Special Olympics, the Red Cross, and local food banks, just to name a few.
“Can’t tell ya how many events he’s worked—charities, client functions. And he always arrives with a smile on his face and leaves with a smile on his face. All of our listeners just love Mike Arlo,” said Commander.
The radio station threw a huge party to celebrate the always jovial jock.
Rick Rumble of Rumble in the Morning on FM99 WNOR has worked with Arlo for the past 30 years.
“His joy and enthusiasm for this is like no one I’ve known. I’ve got 40 years in broadcasting, and I’ve never met anyone like this. The dude is a machine,” Rumble said.
Another reason Arlo stands out, according to Rumble, is the upbeat DJ’s knowledge and love of the music itself.
“All the years, all the miles, all the words—how many times can I play the Eagles or whatever it happens to be and make it sound like it’s the first time you ever heard that song, or tell you something about it that you never knew?" said Rumble.
A local through and through, Mike Arlo and his cheerful voice coming across your radio is positively Hampton Roads.
Oh, and of course we can’t forget his classic signoff:
“Until Monday morning, this is Arlo. Bye-cycle! Make it a great day!”
