A fond farewell from "Lueth in the Booth”

I was never more terrified than the day I first cracked the mic and spoke to a few dozen people listening to KUCV-FM Radio in Lincoln, Nebraska. That moment changed my life.

At the time, I was wrapping up graduate school, and the path of opera singer and professor was starting to feel… less like a calling and more like a plan I wasn’t sure I wanted. Then I said “hello” on the radio, and off I went on an adventure I never saw coming.

And now, a new adventure begins. One without microphones and playlists. One with trains, planes, and automobiles… with more time for making friends around the world, gardening, golfing, eating, and drinking.

I’ll be retiring on June 30. It’s time.

Classical California is complete, my last big radio dream. It took over eight years, a lot of teamwork, a fair share of angst, and plenty of joy to bring it to life. Now it’s in the hands of talented colleagues who are ready to take it further, to make everyday life more harmonious for even more people who love this music. I love that.

Back in 1986, I got talked into radio. (Thank you, Jere.) I’d been told “you sound like a DJ” since my voice changed. I decided to give it. Shot, and it paid off.

In 1989, I made it to San Francisco, jumping from market 296 to number 4 (back then), landing in morning drive no less. (Thank you, Victor, Bruce, and Len.)

In 1994, when KKHI-FM was sold, I found myself in a CBS FM news experiment as a midday anchor. KPIX-FM briefly became the #1 station in San Francisco. (Thank you… O.J.)

And yet, I didn’t love news radio. I love music. All kinds of it.

So, in 1997, just in time, classical radio called me back, this time with the support to treat it like a mainstream format. (Thank you, Chuck, Valerie, Suzy, and Larry.) I returned to mornings, Dianne to middays, Rik, and eventually Hoyt for afternoons. We kept the format fun and relaxed, with friendly DJs and regular features like movie music, Mystery in History, and Mozart in the Morning.” Two years later, KDFC was the #1 rated music station in San Francisco. Classical music. Number one. I figured that might be the peak, but I wasn’t even 40 yet.

(Rik, Dianne, and me, ca. 1998) | (John, Betsy, Hoyt, and Dusti, ca. 2004)

Then came a detour in 2004. With a hand still on the tiller of KDFC-FM, I was overseeing programming at “The Bear,” a country station that we ultimately turned into a ‘70s/’80s station called MAX-FM. Not exactly a runaway success, but a great ride with terrific people. (Thank you, Val, Jay, and Joel.)

Eventually, I found my way back to where it all began – classical music and public radio. Maybe not as glamorous, but absolutely meaningful.

In 2011, the University of Southern California gave new life to KDFC-FM as a nonprofit and invited me to serve as president. (Thank you, Brenda.) Alongside KUSC-FM in Los Angeles, we built something special, an audience that doesn’t just listen, but roots for you. They even send money to keep it going. Imagine that.

Along the way: a Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame induction (still blushing), KUSC-FM becoming the #1 public radio station in the country in 2014, KDFC-FM moving to the San Francisco Arts District (Thank you, David.), and a simple but powerful idea: that KUSC-FM and KDFC-FM could come together as one. In 2026, that idea became reality. Classical California.

Now, as someone once said, “It is enough.” (Thank you, Mendelssohn.) I’ve thanked many people along the way, but a few more deserve special mention. Dianne and Rik, who were there throughout the entire KDFC-FM journey from 1997 to now. And to everyone else:

• …who encouraged me to take risks and think creatively

• …who challenged me and made me better

• …who listened and made the work worthwhile

• …who supported the stations and trusted what we were building

• …who I call family, because in a life like this, that matters most

• …and my parents, who supported my decision out of business school and into music

Who does that? They said, “You love music. You’ll figure it out.” I guess they were right. Signing off with tremendous gratitude, Bill Lueth. (The new Mayor of Leisuretown)

Tune into Bill's Classical Californian episode to hear his musical history and a his sincere thanks to all those who have made his career so successful.

Notes To Bill:

Well done, Bill. You (and the team) have created such a beloved organization and given all of us such a gift. I will truly miss you as I still do Hoyt. Enjoy every minute of your next act...there is so much to see and learn. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Onward.....-Kathy

Sincere appreciation from a dedicated supporter to you Bill and to all of the outstanding Classical California team. Enjoy your new path! -Katherine

I played kdfc in my shop classroom above all the machine noise for 14 years, hopefully it made an I road to those middle school kids. Thanks for helping to create such an important source for classical music. -Randy

The Roman poet Horace once wrote about (his) poetry, including the line exegi monumentum (I have built a monument) So have you. A monument which touches our souls deeply every day. Heartfelt thanks every time I turn on the music. Carpe Diem. -Raymond

Best wishes for a happy retiremenet. You have been a giant in the local radio world and deserve your retirement. Thanks for all you have done. -Jack

Bon voyage, Bill! Sorry to "hear" you go. You will be missed. -Bob

Bill, We remember you, Rik, Dianne, and Hoyt so fondly from KDFC. Love your enthusiasm and infectious joy of music and life. Radio will carry on forever, and you are a huge part of the history of the genre. You are a classic like the music you play. Enjoy, With gratitude, Randall & Kristine

Thank you so much for all of your efforts to steer this wonderful resource of classical radio that we listen to all day at home and online as we’ve traveled the world. Hope you enjoy retirement as much as we have! It’s a great time in life! -Marian and Rich

Used to win, every now and then, free tix from your generous on-air contests. Trivia being my fave, and realizing I could program your number into my very first smart phone, I carved a niche. Drove my kids to Vallejo PUBLIC school and picked them up coincidentally right when most questions went live. After one win I plotted to involve my kids on the next one. Couple months later sure enough, I got thru on re-dial number three and when I had the answer, I politely implored my wish to have DJ say, 'Hi, (!) to Benjamin & Adeline'... Believe it was Dianne, and she said, "Sure!" - - She sweetly read their names as we were going over the Mare Isle Bridge....They're 24 & 20 yrs. old now, in UC's, and both remember the time when they were 'on the radio'! THANKS for that, thanks for great music and even better company. Enjoy Bill, drink one for me. : ) - Matthew

Thank you for the wonderful years of bringing us beautiful music. Best wishes for many years to come. -Basia

Thank you for a station that has been part of my life for so long. When I want music to calm the soul during chaotic commutes...When I want music for reflection...when I want music for relaxation...KDFC has been there. May Classical California keep it up...even if I will have to hear about the Dodgers... - Jean-Marc

You were the best radio host since classical KUSC. -Omar

A changing wirld, congratulations getting out alive! Remember when being a DJ was a really cook job. Now a dying vocation as you can stream. Gag, you folks especially work damn hard, offering tip bits of the lives, times of composers which give so much more than music. Thank you for your service is offered to Service People with good reason. But I say the same to you you taught me how to say correctly French, German, Japanese names etc, besides how many people can say I listen to three centuries of music? Congratulations and have a damn fine time. -Ryda

Thank you for all you've done for classical music in the Bay Area Bill. You've made our lives better in many ways. Enjoy a well-deserved retirement. You will be missed. -Karen

Thank You Bill for being my Classical DJ in the Beginning of your SF Stay and to oversee the Wonderful Network of Classical Music to Us and the World. See you at the Airports. -Robert

Bill--Best wishes for your next chapter. I've been with you the whole way with Diane, Rik and Hoyt and KDFC. We are all in debt to you for creating the journey that has brought us Classical California. Bravo! -James

Bill, you are an inspiration! Your achievements are so admirable, and you made KDFC/Classical California into our (and many others') go-to radio station. Your creative ideas and hard work really paid off. And now that our kids are married to each other, we'll get to spend even more family time together during your much-deserved retirement. Lucky us! Congratulations--Grayson and David

I was so disappointed when my long-time favorite station KKHI changed format from Classical, and I lost all the familiar voices that had felt like friends. I was working for the Post Office at that time and always took KKHI with me on a radio in my delivery jeep. I was forced to turn to KDFC, which at that time was a horrible robot station, but they played classical music, and I had a reputation to maintain as the classiest mail carrier in San Jose. Imagine my joy when one day I heard Bill Lueth's friendly voice, followed a few days later by Dianne Niccolini! Oh joy, life can be beautiful!!! I am now retired, so I must admit you have the right to do likewise, but you are going to be sorely missed. Blessings to you in your retirement! -Joyce

We knew you were special back at UWEC! The thanks really goes to you for your friendship, hard work and humor. Our next 40 years will be even better… Mayor of Leisuretown it’s time to rally! Congrats my friend! -Kent

You were not only all these things to your stations, you were all that and more for our industry. God love ya, Bill. Enjoy your well-earned retirement! -Shaun

Bill! Thank you so much for your friendship and all the inspiration you gave to me as I’ve navigated my way through music radio. I love what you’ve done to make classical music public radio so friendly and fun!! -Chris

Congratulations Bill! Thank you for including me in your journey! I am forever grateful you guided me through a rough patch in my career. Enjoy your next chapter. Sue

Bill, just a brief note to thank you for your many contributions to the classical radio landscape over many years, and wishing all the best as you begin your new life chapter. -Chris

As an LA-based composer whose work is heard on Classical California, I have a deep appreciation for the good people behind the scenes, who work so hard to make classical radio successful. Sending you all good wishes! -Peter

Bill—you have been a joy to work with over the years and I appreciate your work so much! We will miss you. Best wishes, -Brigid

I am so very grateful that you shared your vast knowledge of classical music with the airwaves wafting out of KDFC/KUSC. Music saves lives! Happy Trails to You in retirement. -Michael

We will certainly miss that instantly recognizable voice! Congratulations! -Lynne

I have been listening to your KDFC station and I will miss you delightful voice! Enjoy your retirement! Abrazos, Guillermo! -Maria

It was a pleasure working along side you, Bill. Working on the new studios/offices campaign…during COVID!… was a highlight of my career and I am sincerely grateful to you for trusting me. Such a deserved retirement to you! Let’s travel! -Lori

Thank you so much time bringing us what we love---classical music! A happy and rewarding time for you after a career well spent!!! -Nancy

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