50 years ago today on May 13th, 1976 Phil Thompson began his radio journey at 1270 CJCB in Sydney, Cape Breton.
The Stellarton, Nova Scotia native was fresh out of radio school at Loyalist College in Bellville, Ontario when hired by Norris Nathanson.
Over the next half century, Phil would become a legendary voice guiding Cape Bretoners through the years.
Above: Christmas Daddies in Sydney in 1985, Phil, Don Sharpe and Ian at 19 years old.
He’s met everyone from Charley Pride and Kenny Rogers to Hall and Oates and Corey Hart.
Phil has given back to the community including a Radiothon for the United Way that had him stay on the radio for 54 hours!
He’s been a mentor to many including me. In Grade 9, I wrote an essay about Phil, the teacher gave me 16/20, Phil read it on-air and gave me a 20/20.
Above: The CJCB Radio t-shirt I won form Phil by being “Caller 9” including the listener winner slip signed by Phil.
I got to work with Phil in the 80s and have been friends over the decades. Did I mention he’s a great guy?
Today in Sydney it’s been proclaimed “Phil Thompson Day!” Well deserved!
Above: Left to right: Bill MacNeil, Phil Thompson, the late Dave Reynolds and Ian at the CJCB-CKPE FM Radio Reunion in Sydney in 2022.
Phil is still on the air now at 89.7 The Coast in Sydney with no plans of hanging up the headphones.
Have a listen to our chat below to find out some of his career highlights like riding an elephant in a parade!
Thanks for showing us how to do this radio thing and here’s to many more years on the radio.
Happy 50th, my friend.
Ian
Credits: Ian Robinson photos.
