On Air

In Memoriam: John 'Workhorse' Gregory

 

Here are just a few of the comments from his colleagues at WUSB… 

 

WUSB and our radio family recently lost our colleague DJ Workhorse - John Gregory. He was a wonderful part of our station family who provided us many wonderful memories both on and off air. Thank you Workhorse. 

DJ Bella - Isobel Breheny-Schafer, WUSB General Manager 

 

Workhorse was a force on WUSB. Condolences to his family from all of us in the reggae department. Djs and Reggae marathon coordinators Massapan and Angella 

 

John and I went through the training together over 20 years ago and as fellow Monday programmers, I used to communicate with him a lot if I had something going on Monday nights that I needed him to promote and he was always quite accommodating. Both of us were influenced by each other's shows and there was certainly a common thread with our programs.More than anything, John was a totally stand up guy who clearly spoke his mind and cared deeply for those he cared about. 

DJ John O

 

Workhorse's show was mostly straight up rock and roll, with some other genres thrown in. He was great friends with Roger Earl of Foghat and interviewed him on the show a few times. He actually joined Foghat on stage playing percussion during their finale when they played the Great South Bay Music Festival a few years ago. He was always fun to listen to. He was one of the more polished DJs on the staff, and included a lot of audio clips and creative song segues. He also has a song on the "Not Just Another Pretty Voice" CD about clamming in the Great South Bay, called "Do the Tong."

DJ Bobanero

 

John was a great person, helped the sports department many times when in need...will be missed. Sports Announcer Jeff Bernstein

 

He was totally over the moon about the Detroit Cobras without a doubt, can't forget his love of Hendrix, the Jerky Boys, Wyclef and the Rock doing "It Doesn't Matter" going on mic talking over it!I used to call him from the LIE with a traffic report from my "chopper" which would crack him up! Probably so many "Workhorseism's" not bubbling up yet through the sadness. For sure when he had his little grandson on as a "guest" DJ it would bring a smile to me because he has such a great British accent...now if only I could remember his name! For sure he loved Amy Winehouse (did I need to put in her last name, Workhorse wouldn't!).He may not have had 50 Bentleys in the West Indies but Workhorse was rich with being a great person! DJ and musician Joe C

 

Always started the week off with a smile when I listened to his show - He did a great job and probably had one of the largest fan base of any of our DJ's - just based on the amount of "I'm riding with the Workhorse" bumper stickers I spot in my travels      DJ Kenny Hahn

 

He was an icon and always amazing to listen to. I hope I never stop being able to hear his voice in my head.Ride in Power, Workhorse! DJ J-Ro

 

I am feeling the loss of Workhorse in my life....as a character and force of nature...so very keenly. God bless all of you...and Godspeed, Workhorse.... DJ and Musician Jimmy Dexter

 

John & went to Bellport High together and played a bit in a rock band together, a good guy, one of a kind for sure! Dj and Musician Buddy Merriam

 

I would see Workhorse all the time doing one thing or another even though his show was in the early morning. Sometimes he’d come in early on a Sunday night to do the overnight and then his regular show.He was definitely a positive influence on everyone who knew and worked with him, even if you didn’t do so much music on the air. And like Jeff said,helped the sports department out whenever we needed it.On air, he was definitely someone you wanted to emulate. He was a perfect example of what a WUSB DJ should be. And that’s one big reason he will be missed by listeners and staff alike.This is a significant loss for all of us. Sports Announcer Matt Mankiewich

 

So very sad & so sorry to hear about John one of my idols at the station..Let me tell you something about Workhorse..I never heard anyone who was able to get me jumping out of my skin once in a while with his mixes & high powered show.The first time I filled in for him circa 2008 I was thrilled beyond words...Did a number of fill ins(similar genres & close in age) for him along the way & always felt I had to be at the top of my game for the Monday morning drive time and the crowd he rocked for the beginning of the work week Workhorse turned me on to The Detroit Cobras & one night about 10 years ago I went to see them at The Bell House in Brooklyn & there suddenly appearing was Workhorse in all his rock and roll splendor.....Thank you Workhorse..Rest In Peace brother. DJ Steve K

 

Workhorse and I talked about many things outside of station happenings, he was always so helpful with station matters that I was involved in, he gave me 'Mary Anne' 45s and some Irish/Celtic vinyls, his wife made some of the baskets for fundraisers, he was a beautiful soul and retained his child-like enthusiasm and optimism even in tough times...DJ MAD

 

I am grateful to have had recent time with him. My condolences to all who remain. His memory will remain. DJ Bill McNulty

 

"John’s stage name (workhorse)summed up his passion for music,he also was a great drummer we often shared our thoughts and feelings on our favorite subject.My 70th birthday party was the last time we really got to hang and jam ,my coffee mug he gave me that day is at our studio in FLA , the personal inscription will always make me smile,you are missed my friend." Roger Earl, Foghat drummer

 

"John was one of the coolest guys I have had the pleasure to work with. He genuinely loved music and was a huge supporter of Foghat not only musically but on a personal level. I could always talk to him about the 'trials & tribulations' of rebuilding the band after the loss of Lonesome Dave & Rod Price. He always was right there whenever we had a new release and invited us up to the station on several occasions. He became much more than a business associate. He became a good friend. He came to our wedding in 2005 and Rogers birthday parties. In fact he got behind the drum kit at Rogers 70th at which point we realized what a terrific drummer he was. I will miss John. He was a good man. Humble & smart. He'd been 'around the block' a few times and I appreciated our talks. Blue Skies my friend." Linda Arcello-Earl, Foghat manager

 

Still have no words. Just spoke last week with him about doing his show from home. Will miss his energy, can do attitude and our Monday morning breakfast club meetings with Mort Mecklosky. John had my back in the studio and on stage. Heartfelt love & condolences to Denise, Bella, DJAK and the entire family In the U.S. & U.K. 

Dj and Musician fellow Drummer Mario Staino 

 

I do not believe this..I am Heart Broken and So sad.. Kindly give my Love to his Family 

Dj Lister 

 

Dedicated 2 shows to "my friend mentor and brother The Workhorse" DJ JoJo

 

Workhorse, rest in peace. I have to say I first met Workhorse, when Lister asked both of us to fill in for his show at the New York station some years before I even got to WUSB. Then of course when I got to WUSB we ran into each other more frequently. The man had a huge heart. He wasn't too old to Rock and Roll, he was too young to die. 

DJ and Musician Ahmad Ali 

 

John was a long time volunteer DJ/program host at WUSB-FM, Long Island. His programs were eclectic, informative and...definitely...FUN to listen to. He was a team player at the station and an inspiration to the new and upcoming program hosts.

John was a respected member of the broader Long Island music community. He was loved by local and world famous musicians alike. John was unique and one of a kind.

I send many hugs and much love to his family and friends. He'll always be, as we say, a WUSBee.

Founding General Manager Norman L. Prusslin