The Flinstones and The Andy Griffith Show just wouldn't have been the same without the help of a gentleman who used to work at our radio station. Years ago, a man named Hal Smith got hired at Lite 98.7's sister station, WIBX950.

Smith worked from 1936 to 1943 as a disc jockey and voice talent for WIBX Radio in Utica, New York. After serving in the United States Army Special Services (entertainment) during World War II, he traveled to Hollywood and appeared in many television shows such as I Married Joan, Fury, The People's Choice, The Texan, Rescue 8, Dennis the Menace, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, The Donna Reed Show, National Velvet, and The Red Skelton Show.

But Hal may best be known for his role on The Andy Griffith Show where he played Otis Campbell.

Mr. Smith's acting chops were good, and his voice-acting skills were supreme. It's no wonder WIBX decided to hire him.

Hal was one of the voices behind many of our favorite cartoon characters. If you've ever watched Huckleberry Hound, Scoobie Doo, or Winnie the Pooh, then you've heard Hal's voice. Hal is also known as one of the original voices of Barney Rubble on The Flinstones. That's right, before the great Mel Blanc assumed the role of Barney, Hal Smith played Fred's jovial-minded, easy going sidekick. Hal also played Uncle Tex on the show.

Here's an interview with Hal.

Here's this morning's Just Jen

 

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