Barry “The Reazar” Richards, a radio and television personality whose decades-long career spanned five major markets and is credited with helping introduce progressive rock to East Coast radio, died August 15 following complications from a recent series of strokes.
Richards began his radio career in the Washington market in the mid-1960s and went on to dominate the ratings in Los Angeles, Washington, DC/Baltimore, New Orleans, Fresno and Spokane. He created some of the first local television shows built around music, including the free-form program Turn On With Barry Richards.
He later moved into concert and music promotion, helping secure national radio airplay for major artists across Top 40 Mainstream and Rhythmic, as well as Urban formats.
Richards is survived by his wife, two sons, their wives, and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one son.
