Sam Putney, Renowned KKDA FM & K104-FM, Texas Radio Station Host Has Died

Dallas lost a beloved radio personality this week as the family of Sam Putney, 76, confirmed his passing on Monday.

A Voice That United Generations

Putney, a prominent figure in the Dallas radio scene, was best known for his work as a news personality and his infectious sense of humor on the top-rated Skip Murphy and Company Morning Show on K104 FM. His career, which spanned decades, left an indelible mark on listeners across generations.

Nanette Lee, one of Putney’s long-time colleagues, shared the sentiment that age didn’t matter when it came to Putney’s appeal. “I don’t care how old you were, what age group, what demo of the audience, everybody loved Sam Putney,” Lee said. “The best thing about this is, we’re going to laugh and we’re going to cry,” she continued, reflecting on the outpouring of emotions following his passing.

A Dallas Radio Legend

Putney grew up in Houston, graduating from Jack Yates High School in 1966, before making his way into the radio world. He worked in both Los Angeles and at WBAP in Dallas before landing his most iconic role on K104 FM. From 1993 to 2006, he was part of the Skip Murphy and Company Morning Show, alongside Nanette Lee, Chris Arnold, and Wig. The show was a ratings powerhouse, and Putney was cherished for his mix of serious news stories and comedic moments.

Chris Arnold recalled how Putney could seamlessly switch between delivering news and lighthearted content. “He would have, like, a news story and then he would have a funny story,” Arnold shared, emphasizing the balance Putney brought to the show. His unique ability to entertain while staying informed made him a standout voice on Dallas radio.

Music and Humor: Putney’s Signature Style

Beyond his news segments, Sam Putney had another passion—music. According to his colleague Nanette Lee, “Sam liked to make music.” His talent for creating light-hearted, often humorous songs became part of his on-air charm. Smooth R&B 105.7’s Lynne Haze fondly remembered how Putney could take a silly song and transform it into something that uplifted the entire team. “He could sing this song, and it was stupid as hell, but it was so funny, and it would just make us feel good,” Haze recalled.

More than just a performer, Putney’s music and humor helped him connect deeply with his community. His colleagues reflected on how Putney wasn’t just a voice on the radio but a part of people’s lives. He became a figure listeners could relate to—someone who felt like family. As Haze put it, “The community loved him because he knew how to connect.”

A Legacy of Connection and Family

As friends, colleagues, and fans reflect on Putney’s life, the overwhelming message is one of connection. He was more than just a radio personality—he was like family to those who listened. Nanette Lee summed it up by saying, “He was your uncle, your brother, your cousin.” That sentiment was echoed by his colleagues Wig and Arnold, who affirmed, “That’s our motto, family for life.”

In the end, Sam Putney’s legacy will be remembered for bringing joy, humor, and heartfelt connection to the Dallas community. His passing leaves a void, but the memories he created will be cherished by all who had the pleasure of listening to him.