Cathy Faulkner
Radio Personality - KISW
The Legendary Cathy Faulkner - also known as The Late Cathy Faulkner, started working at KISW in 1981.
She worked as an Intern, On Air Personality, Metal Shop Director, Assistant Music Director, Music Director, Assistant Program Director, and Program Director. She pretty much rocked it all.
In addition, she was a HUGE supporter of the Seattle music scene during the 80's, 90's and beyond. Cathy played an instrumental role in breaking some of Seattle's best known bands including Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, Candlebox, and many more.
She is respected, revered and loved, a true Hometown Hero. Cathy, thank you for your continued support and love of music, for all you do for your community, and for being an incredible person, inside and out.
Photo by Rosetta Greek
Transcript
When I was on the radio at KISW, people knew me as the late Kathy Faulkner. Whether one calls it a nickname or a radio name, its origin is one I'm extremely proud of. I started at KISW in the early 80s at the age of 15 answering phones for Steve Slayton, the boss with the hot sauce. That was his nickname. It was my dream to not only work at KISW but to be on air, providing your musical soundtrack.
Well, I paid my dues and after a couple years I finally got a weekend shift. So the question is, what would be my radio name? After some ideas were tossed out, I decided to use my own name, mainly out of fear that someone might call me by my radio name and I would ignore them or wouldn't respond. Steve Slayton was notorious for blessing or anointing the air staff with the perfect nickname. For example, Damon Stewart, the new music guru. Bo Roberts, baby Bo Roberts. So when I finally locked my first full-time on-air shift Monday through Friday 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. in 1987, I became the late Cathy Faulkner or late Kate for short. At the time, Late Night for David Letterman was hugely popular and I believe was a big motivation to my nickname. I worked late at night. Obvious connection. Another benefit of having the nickname the late Cathy Faulkner was I didn't really have to show up on time. I could use my nickname as an excuse. As the years rolled on, occasionally someone would hear "the late" and assume the worst happened to me, that I had expired. Condolence cards or bouquets would sometimes arrive at the radio station.
Working at KISW at that time didn't allow for much of a social life, so personally I really enjoyed the flower bouquets. When I sent a thank-you note to the person who sent the condolence bouquet, I'm sure it scared the crap out of many a well-wisher, I got to be on a air and ultimately music director for one of the most amazing times in music history, especially Seattle music history.
To have a friend in the music community, now obviously many a music icon, call me the late or the late great, was the absolute ultimate nod of respect. When on stage introducing a band, nothing was more amazing and awe-inspiring than hearing the audience respond after I would say my name. In fact, my son got to see me do a stage announcement and said that the crowd sounded like a cult following after hearing me introduce Alice in Chains once. I am a huge fan of music. I am a huge fan of the Seattle music scene and I am a huge fan of KISW. There is no greater honor than being able to have a radio relationship with an audience who loved music just as much. I'm absolutely grateful every day for the chance to entertain Seattle and be a part of something truly unique. Thank you Seattle. Good night.