Remembering Buddy Russ Conrad on Anniversary of His Passing
Lake Charles, LA [KNGT-FM] - March 31 always arrives with a quiet weight in Southwest Louisiana. On that day in 2023, the community lost someone whose voice had become part of everyday life: Russ Conrad. Now, three years later, the memory of “Buddy Russ” feels just as present as ever, echoing through stories, laughter, and the lives he touched.
Before he ever stepped behind a microphone, Russ was simply a guy with a dream. The first time I met him, he was working in the entertainment department at L'Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles. What started as a casual conversation quickly turned into something more meaningful.
When he found out I worked in radio, his eyes lit up. He talked about pretending to be a DJ as a kid, spinning imaginary records and talking into whatever he could use as a microphone. Eventually, that dream found its way to reality.
What began as visits to the studio turned into opportunities, and his journey to becoming a voice on Gator 99.5 felt like destiny as he quickly became one of the most popular radio personalities in Southwest Louisiana.
The name “Buddy Russ” came about almost by accident. Whenever he joined me on air, I’d introduce him as “my buddy Russ,” never imagining it would stick. But when it came time for him to choose an on-air name, he asked me if he could use that name, and just like that, Buddy Russ was born. It fit him perfectly because he did, in fact, become everyone's buddy.
Three years ago, we lost Russ to cancer, and even though we lost a great man, his parents are keeping his legacy alive. After his passing, his parents, David and Beth Conrad, turned their grief into something powerful by creating the Buddy Russ Foundation.
Through it, they’ve helped families facing cancer and supported students pursuing careers in broadcasting and mass communication, continuing Russ’s passion in ways that still make a difference.
Even though he is not here anymore, his presence hasn’t faded. In the studio, a life-sized cutout stands, and he does the show with us each day. His laughter, his spirit, and his voice still live on in the people who knew him and the community that continues to celebrate him.
We miss you, Russ! Keep playing the hits in heaven.
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