Baltimore Radio: RIP...Big Don O'Brien, Maryland Personality

Don O'Brien (1955-2026)

Don “Big Don” O’Brien, a longtime Baltimore, Washington and Eastern Shore radio personality known for his larger-than-life presence, humor and decades of on-air work, has died following a battle with oral cancer, The Baltimore Sun reported.⁠

O’Brien’s career spanned more than 40 years across stations including B104 (WBSB), WAVA, WASH, WINX, WPGC and others, as well as television roles at WJZ, WMAR and WJLA. He gained particular notice in the late 1980s as half of the popular and often controversial Brian and O’Brien morning show on B104, where the pair built a following with irreverent bits, listener interactions and local commentary. He later reunited with partner Brian Wilson for a brief stint on WQSR.

O'Brien & O'Brien

In later years, O’Brien became a familiar voice on Maryland’s Eastern Shore (Delmarva), where he was regarded by many as a local spokesman. He created original songs touching on regional life, including issues affecting watermen and farmers, and connected with morning commuters and community members. Diagnosed with oral cancer roughly a decade earlier, he underwent radiation, chemotherapy and surgery that included removal of his tongue, ending his ability to continue regular on-air work. He subsequently focused on supporting others facing cancer, addiction and recovery challenges.

News of his death prompted tributes from former colleagues, listeners and fellow broadcasters, who recalled his warmth off the air as well as his on-air talent and personality. O’Brien, originally from the Alexandria, Virginia area and later based in Ocean Pines, Maryland, began his broadcasting career around 1970 and continued in various roles into the early 2010s.⁠