R.I.P.: Jim Quinn, Former Iconic Pittsburgh Morning Host

Jim Quinn (1943-2015)

Pittsburgh Radio legend Jim Quinn has passed away at the age of 82. Queen started his career in Pittsburgh on KQV on August 30,1967. He had 2 stints at KQV. He was at 13Q, WTAE, B94 and WRRK. He also had a long career as a conservative talk show host. 

Quinn Early Years

Quinn, born February 26, 1943, in New Jersey, forged a remarkable career in radio broadcasting, becoming a prominent figure in Pittsburgh with a trajectory that spans over five decades. His journey in radio began in the mid-1960s when he joined KQV in Pittsburgh as a staff announcer and record librarian during the station’s Top 40 heyday. By the late 1960s, he had risen to become a popular disc jockey, known for his sharp wit and engaging style, which resonated with listeners during the rock ‘n’ roll era.

Quinn’s career evolved significantly in the 1970s when he returned to KQV after a brief stint elsewhere, hosting the morning show and cementing his reputation as a Pittsburgh radio staple. His big break came in 1976 when he joined WTAE for a nine-year run. This period showcased his versatility, blending music, humor, and personality-driven content, earning him a loyal following and establishing him as a household name in the region. During this time, he also experimented with television, appearing on WTAE-TV’s late-night show "NightTalk," though radio remained his primary domain.

In 1983, Quinn transitioned to B-94 FM (WBZZ), where he co-hosted the "Quinn and Banana Show" with Don Jefferson, known as "Banana Don." This morning show became a Pittsburgh institution, running for 12 years until 1995 and dominating the market with its irreverent humor and chemistry. The duo’s success was partly fueled by their ability to push boundaries—Quinn’s libertarian-leaning commentary paired with Jefferson’s comedic flair—making it a cultural touchstone during Pittsburgh’s FM radio boom. After a brief hiatus following a non-compete clause, Quinn returned to B-94 in 1996 for another five-year stint, though the station’s shift to a younger demographic eventually led to his departure in 2001.

Later Years

Quinn reinvented himself in the early 2000s, pivoting to conservative talk radio. In 2002, he launched "The War Room with Quinn and Rose" on Clear Channel’s WPGB (104.7 FM), alongside co-host Rose Tennent (initially Rose Somma). This marked a significant shift from music-driven entertainment to political commentary, reflecting his growing interest in libertarian and conservative ideas. The show, which aired from 6 to 10 a.m., gained a national audience through syndication on 17 stations and XM Satellite Radio, running successfully until 2013. Known as “The Puss ‘n’ Boots Show” due to their contrasting styles—Quinn’s gruff delivery and Tennent’s softer approach—it tackled issues like government overreach and cultural shifts, resonating with a dedicated base.

The partnership ended abruptly in November 2013 when Clear Channel declined to renew their contract after a dispute, leading to a brief hiatus. Quinn bounced back in June 2014, reviving "The War Room" solo on WYSL in Avon, New York, and later expanding to stations like WHJB in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and WWSK in Long Island. Broadcasting from a home studio in Irwin, Pennsylvania, he continued the show through Warroom.com and FM affiliates, maintaining a focus on political commentary into the mid-2020s. His later years saw a reduced but still active presence, with the program airing on fewer stations, such as WPGP (AM 1250) in Pittsburgh as of recent updates.

Quinn’s career is notable for its adaptability—from Top 40 DJ to morning show icon to outspoken talk host—spanning formats and eras while retaining a distinctive voice. His influence in Pittsburgh radio is enduring, marked by awards like multiple AIR Awards and a legacy as a broadcaster unafraid to evolve with the times.