Keith McGowan, a veteran and celebrated Melbourne radio host, has recently passed away after suffering from stroke while sleeping. The former 3AW radio presenter lost his consciousness and died about 11 p.m. on Saturday, as reported by his home radio station in its Web site.

We have compiled a list of his achievements in his 50-year long career in radio:

  • In 1979, McGowan released a single with narrative piece, "A Little Boy's Christmas Prayer," which emerged as a huge hit in Australia. The single has been released in compilation CDs many times.
  • He also compiled and released a nostalgia CD entitled, "And Then Came Rock n Roll," including songs by several artists.
  • McGowan published several books, collectively known as the "Overnighters books" include:
  1. "Thanks for the Memories"
  2. "You Must Remember This"
  3. "Motherhood and Apple Pie"
  4. "Good on You, Dad"
  • After his retirement he had worked as a contributor for a Web site for broadcast professionals, "radioinfo."

Nick McCallum, amateur presenter for Melbourne radio station 3AW and producer of documentaries for Fox Footy, released a statement saying one of McGowan's greatest works, "Little Boy's Christmas Prayer."

"Keith McGowan was one of Melbourne's truly great characters. I am deeply saddened by his passing, but I just can't help it, I smile every time I think of him. He was a caring considerate and soul wrapped up in a gruff old bastard. When I was filling in for Neil Mitchell at the old 3AW building at 5am one morning I forgot my pass. I got on the intercom and asked Keith to buzz me in but he wouldn't let me in because he didn't like what I had said on air the day before. And he stuck to his guns... I had to wait out the front for 15 minutes until a producer arrived. But there was another side to Keith. He recorded this 'Little Boy's Christmas Prayer' in 1979. It was a top ten hit. It is the most beautiful, poignant road safety message I have ever heard. Be prepared to shed a tear. Keith McGowan was a legend of not just 3AW, but the whole radio industry, as wonderfully presented in this special Channel Seven report from Nick McCallum."

Click HERE for audio, video and images from Keith's final day at 3AW.

Watch: Keith McGowan Christmas prayer

www.youtube.com/user/3AWRadio
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