Tyler Butler Catches Up with Mid-Shore Radio Legend, Big Don

Big Don O’Brein became the voice of the eastern shore during his 40 years of radio. However, since Don was forced off the air due to oral cancer, Delmarva’s watermen, farmers, and morning commuters are missing Big Don’s voice.

WBOC‘s mid-shore bureau chief Tyler Butler caught up with Don and talked about his many years with the Baltimore/Washington broadcast community,  and what he’s doing now to give back. Check out Tyler Butler’s interview with Don O’Brien.

Don hosted TV shows, radio shows, and was even a weatherman.

In the YouTube video, you can see Brian Wilson and Big Don doing a comical bulletin on snow that was coming to Baltimore. Brian and Don were the morning team on Baltimore contemporary hot outlet B104 (WBSB 104.3 FM) in the late 1980s. The two were reunited years later on Baltimore oldies outlet WQSR.

Don came to Delmarva 10 years ago and he created songs that spoke to eastern shore living such as ‘Dover Bridge.’

Local waterman Scott Todd said that Don became a spokesman for the people. However, a year and a half ago, Don was diagnosed with oral cancer and was forced to leave the job he loved.

He had to leave radio in order to do radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Don then had surgery where the doctors removed his tongue which has left Don without his radio voice.

Don is now giving back to the community he loves. He helps people in similar situations as himself such as those who are recovering from cancer, alcohol, addictions, anything and tells them that its not the end.

Troy Hill, manager at MTS Broadcasting in Cambridge, says the people are craving to hear Big Don again.

Don says he likes his new job of helping others. He says, “I am very blessed to be right here – right where I’m supposed to be.”