Rick Dees

Rick Dees is an American radio personality, comedian, actor, and voice artist, best known for his internationally syndicated radio show, "The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40," which began in 1983. He gained prominence as a radio DJ in the 1970s after his novelty song "Disco Duck" became a hit.

Rick Dees was born Rigdon Osmond Dees III on March 14, 1950, in Jacksonville, Florida. He grew up in Greensboro, North Carolina, where he developed an early interest in radio and entertainment. This interest eventually led him to pursue a career in broadcasting and comedy.

Rick Dees attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Radio, TV, and Motion Pictures. His education provided him with a solid foundation for his future endeavors in radio and entertainment.

Rick Dees experienced several key turning points in his career, notably the creation and recording of the novelty song "Disco Duck" in 1976, which became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning a gold record. This success established him as a major figure in radio and music.

He began hosting "Rick Dees Weekly Top 40" in 1983, a show that gained international popularity and influence. His blend of humor and charisma contributed to his long-standing career in media. Dees transitioned into television, hosting shows such as "Solid Gold" and "Into the Night Starring Rick Dees." He has been inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame and awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Despite his success with "Disco Duck," he was initially banned from playing it on his Memphis radio station due to station policy.

Rick Dees is married to Julie McWhirter, a voice actress and comedian. The couple has one son, Kevin Dees, who has followed in his father's footsteps into the radio industry. Information about his personal life is largely private, focusing mostly on his professional achievements.

While Rick Dees's future goals and ambitions are largely unknown, his career reflects a continuous drive to entertain, innovate, and engage audiences through various media including radio, television, music, and business ventures.