The man who helped launch the career of Elvis Presley through a long-running, influential radio programme has died. He was 87.
Veteran radio broadcaster Frank Page died after suffering a severe respiratory infection while in hospital at WK Pierremont Health Centre in Shreveport.
Mr Page retired from KWKH in 2005 after 65 years of service.
He was best known for introducing Presley on the Louisiana Hayride show in 1954, but he was also credited with launching several other country music stars' careers.
They include singer-songwriter Nathan "Nat" Stuckey whose hits included Sweet Thang and Waitin' in Your Welfare Line, and James "Gentleman Jim" Reeves, whose songs included I Love You Because and Welcome to My World. Both men worked as announcers at KWKH with Mr Page.
"He had a great sense of humour and was extremely kind and courteous," said long-time friend and colleague Tom Pace, who worked with Mr Page at KWKH for nearly 25 years.
"I don't think he ever uttered a harsh word to me or anyone and he always took time to mentor anyone wanting to make broadcasting a career."
Mr Pace, now the producer and host of The Talk of the Town daily show on 90.7 FM, said he often thought of Mr...
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