Tron finds a place in older listeners' hearts

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), May 14, 2002 | by Warren Epstein

KCMN morning guy Tron Simpson isn't sure what it is about him that makes the older women go wild.

But he wouldn't want to change it.

"I've been adopted over 40 times," he says with a grin. "They tell me, 'You're the son I never had' or 'You're the guy I always wanted to have around the house.'"

During a cruise to Mexico with listeners a couple of years ago, Simpson was approached by a kindly widow who told him, "The only reason I went on this cruise is because you were along."

Loyal listener Margaret Ries never misses a KCMN big band dance (the next one is scheduled for May 26 at The Broadmoor International Center), because she knows "her Tron" will be there.

"He pays attention to me," Ries says. "It's wonderful."

Simpson, 35, has been on the air at KCMN (1530 AM), spinning old standards, for nearly 10 years. The fast-talking, dapper-dressing jock also serves as operations manager for KCMN and its sister station KCBR (1040 AM).

The ladies love him because he's much more than a DJ. Listening to his morning show, which airs 6 a.m. to noon weekdays, is like strolling into his home. He puts his kids on the air. He talks about his wife. He calls his brother in New York. Listeners really get to know him.

He invites listeners to be part of the family.

Ries, for instance, has become "Mother Margaret," and her Friday morning poetry readings have become a regular feature on his show.

"Tron gave me a new life," Ries says. "I thought my life was over."

Simpson uses Frank Sinatra, Benny Goodman, Tony Bennett and other musical legends to connect with his extended family.

But in the past four years, he's tried to look for new connections by showcasing more celebrity interviews than any other local radio personality.

He's interviewed such actors, politicians and authors as Tony Danza, Don Knotts, Bob Dole, Art Linkletter, Crystal Gayle, Lou Rawls, Peter Yarrow, Pat Boone, Betty White, Jimmy Dean, Andy Williams and Frankie Avalon.

Most of his interviewees are well-known to his core audience of older listeners. But he also throws in some that may be new to them.

For example, he plans to interview '70s rocker Ted Nugent about his new book, "Kill It and Grill It."

"For a lot of them, it'll be something new and different," he says.

He also hopes to expand on the station's baby-boomer audience. Sometimes he does '70s music sets or slips in a '70s country or rock classic. It's the kind of music that gets him dancing.

When he's not working on his show or spending time with his family, Simpson plays in a rock band called Tron.

He doesn't play the kind of music his core listeners enjoy. But that doesn't stop them from showing up at his band's gigs.

"They tell me their hearing aids are buzzing, and can I please turn it down a little," he says.

Some may leave annoyed. But, believe me, they won't hold a grudge.

Kudos corner

The local chapter of American Women in Radio & Television has given its Media Excellence Awards to KOAA anchor Lisa Lyden, KKTV anchor Melissa Brown, and KILO and KYZX business manager Laura Roberts. The awards recipients were chosen for their work in the community and their stature as positive role models.