Longtime Detroit radio legend, Pistons 'Bad Boy' era PA announcer Ken Calvert dies at 72
(WWJ) - Radio legend and Detroit native Ken Calvert, whose career encompassed four decades across six major stations, has died, his family confirmed on Wednesday night.
Calvert, 72, died at his Oakland County home after battling a "short-term illness," his wife, Anne, told the Detroit Free Press, adding that his passing was still sudden and unexpected.
For over 45 years, Calvert worked for a number of radio stations including WWWW-FM, WABX-FM, WRIF-FM, WLLZ-FM and a 13-year run at WCSX-FM before joining WJR-AM.
In between stations, Calvert was a local and regional promotion and marketing manager for Sony Music's Columbia Records and hosted his own podcast the Ken Calvert Show Podcast in retirement.
He also served as the Piston's PA announcer for 16 years during the team's "Bad Boys" era, which featured powerhouse stars Bill Laimbeer, Isiah Thomas, and Dennis Rodman.
Thomas posted a YouTube tribute to Calvert on X, writing: "Rest in Peace Ken Calvert."
Rest in Peace Ken Calvert ❤️ 1989 Detroit Pistons Championship Rally Introductions https://t.co/dPwMwCb6TT via @YouTube
— Isiah Thomas (@IsiahThomas) December 21, 2023
Long-term friend and fellow radio personality, Jim Johnson, told FOX 2 that Calvert will long be remembered as a "a mentor, a friend, and a compatriot."
"The world is a more sad place today than it was yesterday. God bless you Ken Calvert, rest in peace," Johnson said.
Calvert was born and raised in Detroit and is a graduate of Brother Rice High School. He attended both Oakland Community College and Aquinas College in Grand Rapids.
Calvert retired from WCSX on Dec. 20, 2013, exactly 10 years prior to his death.
