BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — In addition to his early television fame and decades of radio success, “Shotgun” Tom Kelly is now also the author of the book “All I Wanna Do Is Play the Hits.”
“Shotgun” Tom Kelly began his television career at 23ABC in Bakersfield in the 1970s. The book includes QR codes that link to videos from his career, including the moment he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame alongside Stevie Wonder. The book features stories such as Kelly presenting President Reagan with his iconic Smokey the Bear hat.
Well-known radio and TV host Shotgun Tom Kelly began his rise to fame on the air here at 23ABC in the 1970s, and now he’s telling the story of his incredible career in a new book, saying he just wants to play his hits.
“This was back in 1970 when I was playing Nemo the Clown,” Tom said, reminiscing about his early days during his visit to the station.
“KERO means a lot to me because this is my first TV job. Bakersfield has been a great place for me,” he continues.
In his early years, he starred in the nationally syndicated, two-time Emmy Award winning show, Words a Poppin.
Tom Irwin, better known as Shotgun Tom Kelly, told me about his new book, co-written with Neil Ross, which he says is full of the ups and downs of his journey.
“In the book, I actually got to go to the White House and present Ronald Reagan with my trademark Smokey the Bear hat,” Tom says, reflecting on one of the highlights of his career.
The book also explores the challenges he faced: “The police searched my house and seized 750 videos in a murder investigation. If you want to know more, read the book,” he says.
He eventually made his way to Hollywood, where he spent 20 years on K-EARTH 101 and rose to fame.
“I was the voice of America’s Most Wanted. Today you were responsible for 951 arrests. This is America’s Most Wanted,” Tom says, channeling the voice that made him famous.
He added that the book is easy to read and includes QR codes that link to videos looking back on his illustrious career.
“I got my star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and when you hold your phone over the QR code, it shows me on Hollywood Boulevard with Stevie Wonder,” Tom says.
Even after a long and successful career, he’s still doing what he loves: “I’m 75 and I’m still in broadcasting, Raquel. Isn’t that amazing? I should retire, but I can’t and don’t want to.”
There will be no signing in Bakersfield, but fans can meet him in San Diego on Friday, September 13. The book can also be purchased on Amazon and the Barnes & Noble website.
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