Charlotte Radio: John Boy and Billy To Exit WRFX

After nearly four decades on Charlotte radio, “The Big Show with John Boy & Billy” will air its last episode on 99.7 The Fox on Friday, iHeartMedia confirmed to WCNC Charlotte.

Paired together since 1980, John Boy & Billy have been a staple on the Charlotte radio dial. Currently in syndication to nearly 50 stations nationwide, the show will not be heard again on Classic Rock “99.7 The Fox” WRFX after Friday. The show will continue in syndication in other cities and through their podcast.

The duo previously hosted their show on Charlotte's 107.9 FM, which was then known as WBCY Charlotte, before moving to WFRX. The show entered syndication in 1993. 

In addition to the morning show antics, Johnny "John Boy" Isley and Billy James have been known for NASCAR news and insider interviews. The hosts have also used their show to support U.S. military personnel. 

The show will live on with original content on other stations nationwide, and also on the free iHeartRadio app and iHeartRadio.com, Rachel Nelson, vice president of public relations for California-based iHeartMedia — Premiere Networks said Thursday.

The show, featuring Johnny “John Boy” Isley and Billy James, started at Charlotte’s WBCY in 1980 and later moved to WRFX. The show grew into a nationally syndicated behemoth that rivaled Rush Limbaugh and Howard Stern by the 2000s.

The show renewed its syndication agreement with longtime partner Premiere Networks in September, Inside Radio reported. Nearly 50 country and rock stations nationwide carry the show, along with its dedicated channel on iHeartRadio.