For years, he was one-half of a morning duo who were heard on radio stations in markets ranging from San Francisco and Dallas to Atlanta and Raleigh, where they were last heard until August 2016 on “Mix 101.5.”
Now, an outpouring of condolences have been made to Julie Gates via Facebook after she revealed in a social media post that her husband, Gene Gates, has died.
“It is with profound sadness I share that Gene took his life on June 15, 2023,” Julie Gates posted. “This has been a heartbreaking loss.”
Gene Gates is also survived by his 18-year-old daughter, Sophia.
As Gene & Julie, the now-former air personalities were heard in Los Angeles at the former Country KZLA-FM in 2000. They arrived there from a now-defunct Dallas FM, following stints in Albuquerque and, before that, Modesto, Calif.
After a stab at Country radio, Gene & Julie moved to the Bay Area from Southern California, taking the morning slot at Bonneville’s former Top 40 KZQZ “Z95.7.” From there, they moved to Atlanta, taking over the wake-up slot at an Adult Contemporary station presently airing a Country format. Then came a short return to San Francisco at K101 before embarking on an eight-year run as the morning show at KVIL-FM in Dallas, then an Adult Contemporary station. Following their departure from the then-CBS Radio FM, they became restaurant owners, with Battuto opening in North Dallas; it is now permanently closed.
In July 2014, Gene & Julie — now husband and wife thanks to a notable ceremony in the early 2000s at Grand Central Terminal in New York — would assume the morning show slot at WRAL-FM in Raleigh. In 2015 their efforts would bring them the Large Market Personality of the Year” Marconi Award from the NAB.
Two years later, owner Capitol Broadcasting dismissed them, seeking a change in direction for the Hot Adult Contemporary station.
Following their final radio stint, Gene Gates got into the podcasting world.
Sharing her thoughts about Gene Gates, Julie Gates said, “The place he felt most alive was behind the microphone. As a radio broadcaster, Gene loved starting everyone’s day with a laugh. But he also leapt into action when there was a community need, like when an animal shelter needed help securing forever homes for its dogs and cats after a devastating fire. Or, when a New Orleans mom evacuated to Dallas from Hurricane Katrina, but was in need of everything from a fork to a mattress to start her family’s new life. Gene compassionately pulled people together to help others, whether it was through the radio show, his marketing/podcasting clients, or his restaurants.”
In a May 2016 “10 Questions With …” feature appearing at AllAccess.com, Gene Gates was asked what got him interested in Radio. He replied, “One day my dad and I were driving down the road in Puyallup, Washington, and we heard KTAC was doing a live broadcast. We were near the location so my dad pulled in. There were hundreds of people at the remote buying things, and there was a big stage with all the disk jockeys giving away stuff. I thought it was the coolest thing I had ever seen. I’ve always loved radio. And the day I realized I could actually work in radio, it seemed too good to be true. I still feel the same way about radio and its ability to create excitement, plus it’s the best possible medium in the world to sell things.”
As Julie Gates noted that her husband accomplished many great things, “he was also very human.” She said, “Gene’s death is a reminder that anyone can be struggling.”
Julie and Sophia Gates are honoring Gene’s final request for no memorial or funeral.
Among the nearly 475 comments made as of midday Wednesday were those of a variety of radio personalities. WBGG “Big 105.9” in Miami host Paul Castronovo shared, “I have so many memories from the old days. Let’s keep those alive.”
Podcaster Jeff Dauler, a former Atlanta morning show host, commented, “Julie … sending endless love. He was always so kind and inviting. And optimistic. And grateful. I’m lucky to have known him, and I will be thinking of you constantly. I’m so sorry for your loss.”
Sheri Lynch, of the syndicated Bob and Sheri program, said, “I am so very sorry. prayers for peace for you, for Gene, and for all who knew him.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help (https://988lifeline.org/chat/).
