Tom Moffatt:
"Most of these songs I kicked off in Hawaii . . .
I was right there."
But "Uncle Tom," as he was known during his "Poi Boy" days on KPOI during the '50s and '60s, is back on the air.
Moffatt, one of Honolulu's most active concert promoters, yesterday returned to his radio roots after a 23-year absence.
His new program is simply called "Tom Moffatt" and is broadcast on KGMZ 107.9 FM during the 6 to 9 a.m. drive-time period.
"My first love has always been radio," said Moffatt, who will continue to promote concerts. "Everything I've done is an outgrowth from being a disc jockey. Radio is in my blood."
Moffatt's show features oldies' rock-and-roll favorites from the mid-1950s to the mid-'70s which he introduces with anecdotes and any history he has had either promoting that artists' shows in Hawaii or a special stunt to sell records.
Future shows may include some interviews with artists, he said.
"Most of these songs I kicked off in Hawaii and was responsible for them being hits here," he said. "I was right there.
"So many of the young guys doing oldies on radio these days don't know what they're playing. Most of the time I was the emcee who presented the artist on stage."
KGMZ executives approached Moffatt two months ago about doing weekend specials for the station.
"But Tom had it in his mind to get back back on the air full time and have some fun," said Jay Stone, KGMZ official. "We were blown away."
The agreement, which was settled last week, will continue indefinitely if it goes well, Moffatt and Stone agreed.
Moffatt was a disc jockey here from 1955 until 1974, beginning at KIKI at the White Top Drive-In (where Ward Warehouse is now located) and ending at KPOI where he was one of the original "Poi Boys." KPOI's DJ's were known for their radio stunts at a time when radio entertained teen-agers with outrageous stunts and contest.
Moffatt's broadcast from the suspended car was known as "Hangathon," and other promotions included attempts at breaking the marathon bowling record, or giving out free records to youths who turn in their slingshots.
Since he began concert promotions in 1964, Moffatt has brought to the islands Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Eagles and Michael Jackson. Next month, he brings in Gloria Estefan.
Moffatt also worked for Henry Kaiser's radio station, KHVH, and briefly at KPOA.
He began his own promotion company in 1964 although he had been doing concerts with other partners since 1957.
But he's returned to his roots.
"The focal point of this radio show is the music and my involvement with it," Moffatt said. "And remember, we're at the top of the FM dial, you can't get any higher."