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| Dennis Owens |
For nearly four decades, Owens entertained listeners of WGMS not only with a wide repertoire of classical musical that soothed frayed nerves during rush hour, but also with a witty sense of humor that appealed to a broad audience.
By all accounts, Owens prided himself on making classical music accessible.
Owens began at WGMS in 1966 — he also worked at WTOP during his early years in Washington — moving up the ranks even though he had no classical music experience. In fact, his taste in music was like his fan base: eclectic.
Born in England, Owens moved to Canada, where some people suggested he try radio because of his voice and his wit, Christiane said.
Eventually, Owens took a gig in Bermuda, where he played “rock ‘n’ roll, he played Frank Sinatra, he played all kinds of modern music at that time,” Christiane said. “He actually didn’t consider himself a DJ.”
Nor did his fans, many of whom were drawn more to Owens’ lively — often unfiltered — commentary than to the composers he played.
“On the air, he recited poetry, cracked wise about news headlines, and noted the surrealities of life, asking on one morning, ‘What do they list as your hair color on your driver’s license if you’re bald?’ and observing on another day: ‘Some of you drink from the fountain of knowledge. Others merely gargle,’” wrote Marc Fisher in Owens’ obituary for The Washington Post.
WTOP General Manager Joel Oxley, who worked with Owens, described him as “one of the funniest, sharpest, smartest people I ever met. … There will never be another broadcaster like him. Humor and classical. Great combo.”
Owens delivered perhaps one of his most memorable lines when his morning show ended in 2002 and he observed that, “Classical music is like sex. You never know how long it’s going to last, and it’s embarrassing if you clap at the wrong time.”
Owens officially retired in 2005 — WGMS ceased operations two years later — and moved with his wife to Naples.
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