Legendary game broadcaster, John Ward, passed away yesterday at the age of 88. If there was a Mount Rushmore of UT Sports people, it would have Pat Summit, Robert Neyland, Phil Fulmer (or Peyton, but we know how I feel about him), and John Ward on it. While I was only eight years old when he retired, I can distinctly remember his voice on the radio listening to games with my dad. He had clever calls and an exciting way of calling the games.
While his UT calls are legendary, I would like to point out the genius behind his natural gas commercials. They’ve been on the radio for years now. He just sells you natural gas with his enthusiasm, but it’s not over enthusiastic either. The way he pauses and changes the speed of his words is perfect. “Hours of showers for pennies a day.” The way it comes out of his mouth is like a jingle. I know it seems silly I’m pointing out his natural gas commercial. But, I think it’s just a testament to how good this guy was on the radio. If he can make you feel excited about natural gas, then making you feel excited about a basketball or football game is no problem.
Either way, these great commercials will continue to live on and bring us all memories of John Ward when we hear it. “Great ideas begin when you have a natural gas home, it’s just better.” The Vols have truly lost their voice. But, I’ll feel excited about natural gas any time I hear these commercials on the radio.
Smokey covers the Tennessee Volunteers for the SoBros Network. He loves a good backpacking trip, but hates taking a shit in the woods. Follow on Twitter: @SoBroSmokey