Versatile radio host Hugh Lutton, best known for his work on WCKY-AM, died Wednesday at his Bridgetown home. He was 69.
Born James Hugh Lutton in Flint, Mich., he came here in the early 1970s to work for sister stations WCKY-AM and WWEZ-FM. He also worked for the old WLQA-FM with Stan Matlock, WSAI-AM, WEBN-FM, WNOP-AM, "Stereo 96" in Hamilton, and as a weekend announcer on WLWT-TV, said Joy Lovejoy, his wife of 38 years.
Lutton did a variety of tasks for WCKY-AM's news-talk format in the 1980s – producing talk shows; covering press conferences and election returns; hosting the Sunday morning call-in "Tradio" show; and operating the audio board for remote broadcasts, including live broadcasts from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway leading up to the Indianapolis 500 race.
He worked closely with Bob Braun, Nick Clooney, Marilyn Harris and Don Herman – although most of his work was off the airwaves. The obituary sent to me by his wife says:
"His career passion was radio production. He said radio production allowed him to combine creativity with technical skills. He loved to write the scripts; locate and edit music and sound effects to enhance the commercial spots or informational shows; serve as the voice talent; and finally, mix all of the elements to produce a memorable listening experience that would send listeners to the sponsor to purchase goods and services.
"He was the creative services/production director at WCKY radio for several years where he researched, wrote and produced commercials and feature presentations, including the station's popular "Cincinnati Christmas Past" vignettes – two-minute programs featuring historical information about the favorite toys, weather, retail prices, news and sports favored by Cincinnatians from the late 1800s through the 1980s."
When Clear Channel operated eight stations here, Lutton edited music for the company's library and recorded interviews with winners of Clear Channel's national contests and posted the audio local station's websites.
As a freelancer, Lutton did voice work for Procter & Gamble, Carrier Air Conditioning and other companies; produced local commercials and audio-visual programs; and was a DJ at weddings and corporate events. He also was a volunteer copywriter and auctioneer for WCET-TV's annual "Action Auction" for nearly 20 years.
He is survived by his wife, Joy Lovejoy. The couple would have celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary in May.
The family plans a private service. Condolences may be posted at Advantage Cremation Care of Greater Cincinnati.
