R.I.P.: Tony Russell, Former Binghamton NY Radio Personality

Radio broadcaster Tony Russell, has died at the age of 72.  He was a mainstay in local broadcasting from the 1970's til his retirement several years ago, according to WNBF Radio's website.

After growing up in Niagara Falls, NY Russell arrived in Binghamton in the early 1970's and entertained radio listeners until his retirement in 2011.  His name was well-known on several stations before he found a home on WNBF Radio.

On WNBF to start he was known as "The Round Mound of Sound"  He was the master of the "Oldies" music format.  His knowledge of song origins and recording artists was unsurpassed.  His "Saturday Morning Oldies Show" on WNBF was a listener favorite.

Tony held a number of positions with WNBF, a long term as the station's Program Director.  He teamed up with Mike Hart in the 1980's to form "The Mound and Mr. Mike Show".  From there he took over Morning Drive duties and then as WNBF moved to an all news and talk format Tony began what became his signature program...."Talk With Tony" aired from 9 AM to Noon weekdays. Tony took on callers, lawmakers and politicians at all levels.