THE DAY “BIG” JOHNSON DIED!

Ever wonder how a kid named Wilber Johnson from Perdue Hill, Alabama, transformed into the Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame's Don Sainte-Johnn?

The evolution of that name is a story of family legacy, musical tribute—and one very awkward “Big” mistake.

Before the iconic moniker took hold, Don cycled through a few others. In San Diego, at Rock 95, he was saddled with the British Invasion–inspired “Lord Wylbers”—a name he privately detested and eventually “buried” on a hill in Southern California (no headstone, no mourners, no regrets).

In Yuma, at MOR-formatted KYUM, he kept it simple, going by Wil Johnson.

But while a student at Cal State Long Beach, it was time for a professional reset. His first idea for an on-air handle? “Big Johnson.” He thought it sounded strong. Memorable. Radio-ready. His friends thought otherwise. After a brief but eye-opening consultation with a few more street-wise classmates—who were kind enough to explain exactly what that name might suggest on-air—he retired it immediately. No appeal. No reconsideration. Gone.

That close call sent him back to the drawing board. This time, he approached it with intention, building a name that could ride the rhythm of high-energy “Boss Radio” jingles.

Here is the breakdown behind Don Sainte-Johnn: Don: A tribute to his mother’s favorite musician, Don Shirley, the virtuoso pianist known for “Water Boy.” Sainte: A nod to his Louisiana relatives, many of whom carry the surname. Johnn: A variation of his father’s name (Johnson) combined with a tribute to actor Raymond St. Jacques, who also shared the Johnson family name.

He needed a name that was short, memorable, and easy for the Johnny Mann Singers to belt out in a station jingle. Something that sounded trendy, like it already belonged on the air.

His grandmother, Grandma Ella, may have been the last to board the “Train of Change,” but she eventually gave her blessing.

And with that, Don Sainte-Johnn was ready for the KWK St. Louis airwaves (Chapter 7).

. . .