BTLS | 6AM TH. May 28 - 40 Years in Radio: Carrie Gray's Discovery & Who Made Bubba

The Bubba the Love Sponge® Show marks Bubba's 40th anniversary in radio, tracing back to April 1, 1986, when Carrie Gray discovered him at Jubilation nightclub and brought him on-air for an April Fool's promotion at 103 PFR/Power 103. College dropout from Indiana State, working as a bouncer and frying chicken for Indian Acres catering, Bubba butchered weather and lasted only two breaks in his first session, but became Carrie's intern and driver for $100 a week, handling phones, errands, station vehicle runs, and promotions. Overnight and weekend shifts (midnight to 6:00 AM, then 7:00 PM to midnight) built a small following, while mobile DJ gigs at $25 per hour (three-hour minimums) hauling equipment added roughly $175 weekly. Scary Carrie coined "Bubba the Love Sponge" on-air after a sorority appearance despite his objections, and the memorable nickname stuck. Program director Beth Surrett promoted him to 7:00 PM to midnight after consultant Tom Collins found name recognition at Honey Creek Square Mall in a survey, with general manager Tony Clark offering the initial paid intern role. Tragic losses: Carrie Gray died after a 2017 car crash revealed brain cancer, Beth Surrett passed away on October 27, 2023, Tony Clark died roughly ten years ago, and Tom Collins cannot be located. Bubba credits these four for launching his career, plans to locate Tom Collins to verify survey details, and declines listener call-ins for favorite memories while requesting that old embarrassing clips be avoided.