Lonny J’s Radio Program

08/25/2025

08/01/2025

A Familiar Voice Returns…

🎙️ Guess who’s coming back to the airwaves?
Lonny J’s Radio Program premieres Friday, September 5 on FriendleeRadio.com
Originating LIVE from Greenville, Texas but available anywhere in the internet universe. Stories, laughter, guests, and the greatest music ever recorded.
Set your Friday nights free.

07/26/2025

Last week I saw the news that Chuck Mangione has died at the age of 84. And even though I didn’t know him personally, he was someone who was there for a really special part of my life.

I first heard “Feels So Good” in 1977—the year after I got married. I didn’t know anything about Chuck before that song was released, but when it came on the radio, it just stuck. That smooth sound became part of the background of my life.

Life was different then. Simpler in a lot of ways. Dallas still felt like a small, regional city. Tom Landry was still the only head coach the Cowboys had ever had. Zig Ziglar was filling rooms and hearts with the message that you could have everything in life you wanted if you helped enough other people get what they wanted. Mary Kay Ash was building an empire and opening doors for women that hadn’t existed before. Ross Perot was already changing the world—bringing tech, vision, and energy to our backyard. It felt like Dallas was on the edge of something big, and we were lucky enough to be there for it. There was a real sense of stability, and hope.

And Chuck’s music just fit. It played during quiet evenings, long drives, and lazy weekends. It was one of those songs that didn’t need words. You just felt it, and it made everything feel alright.

So hearing he’s gone brings a little sadness, and a lot of memories. That song helped define that time in my life. And for that, I’ll always be grateful.

Rest in peace, Chuck. You made it feel so good.

A transcription of the melody and solos on "Feels So Good" by Chuck Mangione, with tenor saxophone Chris Vadala. I love this song so much and a lot of Mangio...

07/24/2025

🎙️ BIG ANNOUNCEMENT 🎙️
I’m excited to share that starting Friday, September 5th, I’ll be back LIVE on the airwaves at FriendleeRadio.com — and this time, we’re making Friday nights something special.

📻 Every Friday evening from 6 - 8PM, we’ll be turning up the volume on what makes Friendlee Radio a one of a kind experience — spotlighting the music of Texans, Legends, and Outlaws with authentic local storytelling, good music, and great company.

It’s more than a radio show. It’s a revival of community, character, and the kind of conversation you can only get when it’s live, local, and Friendlee.

Mark your calendar, spread the word, and saddle up — we ride again starting Friday, September 5th at 6 PM. Lonny J’s Radio Program

And as Friendlee always reminded us:
“Keep It In Your Boot.” 🤠

07/21/2025

I've just reached 1K followers! Thank you for your continuing support. I could never have made it without each one of you. 🙏🤗🎉

07/21/2025

New Exciting Announcement Coming Soon!!
Stay tuned…

01/16/2025

Working with Kevin Bacon.

01/16/2025

Working with the one and only Billy Bob Thornton.

08/15/2024

In 1981 I was working for Capitol Records in the sales and distribution division. That year was my first introduction to the Greg Kihn Band with their hit, “The Breakup Song”. Greg followed up a couple of years later with his hit, “Jeopardy”. It was a great era for music.
Fast forward several years, and I got to work with Greg Kihn and his son, Ryan Kihn. Good people to be sure.
Today, Ry announced that Greg passed away at the age of 75 from Alzheimer’s complications. Rest in peace, Greg, and thank you!
(Greg is in front of me wearing the black vest).

07/12/2024

One of my favorite singers is also one of the coolest and most decent guys on the planet. I’ve had the pleasure of working with T. Graham Brown and his lovely wife, Sheila.
T. is known as a country singer but the guy has one of the most soulful voices I’ve ever heard. He can sing anything, including blues and rock and roll.
Since it’s a phenomenal summer weekend, I wanted to share this recording of T… and The Beach Boys.
I hope you’ll take a few minutes to enjoy this. And turn it up!

https://youtu.be/aIguD2vgoEc?si=jkahdB4VmvbOJ4bq

07/04/2024

Spending 4th of July weekend in the Texas Hill Country with my brother from another mother, Friendlee Buffington.
Happy 4th everybody! 🇺🇸

07/04/2024

Happy birthday to my friend, Karolyn Zuzu Grimes. She played little Zuzu with Jimmy Stewart in the movie, “It’s A Wonderful Life”, and she’s a wonderful person and friend. Happy birthday, Karolyn. 🎂