R.I.P.: Former St. Louis Radio Host Onion Horton

Onion Horton

Legendary St. Louis media personality Richard “Onion” Horton died Thursday, Nov. 24 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Horton’s son Allen Horton announced his father’s passing via Facebook.

For more than three decades, Horton’s commanding voice – speaking on a myriad of topics – could be heard over the airwaves of St. Louis radio. His career as an outspoken and distinct voice in radio – black radio in particular – actually began in print, according to the St. Louis American.

In the 1970s, St. Louis American Sports Editor Morris Henderson was as enamored with Horton as everyone else who took part in the engaging conversations at Luther’s Barbershop. He thought if Horton’s views could be transferred to a broader audience by way of a column, it would be a hit with readers. Henderson was right.

The column’s success allowed Horton to transition to talk radio personality. His career spanned three decades at several stations – including KMOX 1120 AM, KKSS, KATZ and WESL.

He’s perhaps best known for his decade-long run at WGNU 920 AM, where he hosted a daily morning drive time show starting in the mid-1980s.