How did one of America's most popular morning radio teams get started? In a nutshell ... Rick and Bill (as Bubba was known then) went to rival high schools (Rick went to Oxford High in Oxford, Ala., and Bill went to Jacksonville High, in Jacksonville, Ala.). The two knew of each other through athletics -- Rick was an All-State defensive tackle and Bill was a basketball player (All-County ... some say he should have been All-State) and baseball player (drafted by the then Silver Run Twins). The two became friends at Jacksonville State University while working at the college radio station. Rick was a long-haired, rock-n-roll singing, afternoon radio guy. Bill was the promotions director and engineer (they wouldn't let him have a shift other than the grave-yard shift because of his terrible southern accent). The two first noticed a "chemistry" as they worked together in Spanish class. (Rick earned a D- and Bill a F ... hey thanks Mrs. Suco!)

Rick went on to a maze of broadcasting jobs at WHMA-AM and FM, then on to a new '80s and '90s docket station WKFN now WVOK-FM in his hometown of Oxford, Ala. and a "spill" on the road as a rock singer in a band.

Bill began a career in directing the newscast at WJSU-TV in Anniston, Ala., and a part time job at WPID in Piedmont, Ala. (where they would let him talk!). Bill became manager of WJXL and tried to hire his ole buddy Rick. He wanted too much money, so the two never could get together!

Bill ended up as chief engineer for WQEN/ WAAX in Gadsden, Ala. When management was looking for a new morning man, Bill recommended Rick for the job. Bill was then put in charge of "cutting a deal". After weeks of give and take, the deal looked like it was not going to happen ... until Bill called Rick from the field where Rick's Dad's team (his Dad was head coach of Jacksonville State University's football team) had just won the 1992 Division II National Championship and said "you would be here if you worked for us" (Rick's station made him work a remote that day). Rick came on board the next Monday! About that time, Mark "The Hammer" Bass (the man with a vision) came on board as the head man at the station.

Rick and Bill began to hang out, going to lunch together and creating ideas for Rick's show. One day at lunch, Bill said "wouldn't it be funny if you read Shakespeare in a country voice and called it Good Ole Boy Theater!" So the next morning with Bill looking in, Rick planned to do it. About 30 seconds before the break was over, Rick said "You sit down and do it!" ... so Bill did! Rick said "you sound like my Uncle Bubba". The name stuck and the bit was a huge hit! Before long, Bubba was sitting in for a few minutes a day, then the entire show and then all the time! The listeners would not have it any other way than Rick and Bubba. Rick had said he always wanted a partner, but he just couldn't find the right person. Bubba said he was honored to work with someone as talented as Rick. Under new guidance and leadership, the team moved like a mighty army across the fruited plain!

You can catch the hilarious Rick & Bubba Show every morning on WGRA from 6-9a.m. and on Saturdays from 6-10a.m. 

   http://www.rickandbubba.com