Dick Lamb, a defining voice of Hampton Roads radio for decades whose career spanned iconic morning shows and television broadcasting, has died at the age of 88, WTKR reported.
Lamb passed away peacefully at his home following a lengthy illness, spokesperson Chris Wilson told WTKR.
- Dick Lamb shaped Hampton Roads broadcasting for generations across stations like WTKR, WWDE-FM, and WVBW-FM.
- He hosted “Dick Lamb and the Morning Wave” starting in 2005 before stepping away from the airwaves in 2019.
- Loved ones ask that any tribute gifts be directed to a blood cancer or Alzheimer’s disease organization selected by the individual giving.
Lamb was a commanding presence in Hampton Roads broadcasting, working both on the air and behind the scenes. His career included an extensive run at WTKR, known at the time as WTAR-TV, where he hosted a midmorning variety show called “The Dick Lamb Show” during the 1970s.
He later became a fixture on morning radio, hosting the “Breakfast Bunch” on 101.3 2WD (WWDE-FM) for more than 25 years. In 2005, he moved to The Wave (WVBW-FM) at 92.9 to host “Dick Lamb and the Morning Wave.”
Lamb stepped away from daily broadcasting in January 2019. He announced his retirement from The Wave during a Facebook Live broadcast on the station’s page.
“With a new year … I believe it’s time for a change. So, this coming Friday is going to be my last,” Lamb said in the announcement on-air, as reported by WTKR.
Dick Lamb, one of the most familiar voices in Hampton Roads radio, died Tuesday morning. He was 88. Read More: https://t.co/aZ3c8TsIIf pic.twitter.com/CW6o8aXpz5
“You guys are on your own, I’ve done all I can do,” Lamb said jokingly, adding, “You talk about a guy being blessed.”
While leaving his morning show behind, Lamb continued his association with Max Media—which owns The Wave and several other Hampton Roads stations—in a management capacity.
“His passion for radio, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to the industry earned him a lasting place in Hampton Roads broadcasting history,” Wilson said in a statement to WTKR. “His legacy lives on through the many broadcasters he mentored, the colleagues he inspired, and the countless listeners whose lives he touched.”
Wilson informed WTKR that instead of floral tributes, supporters are asked by relatives to contribute financial gifts toward an Alzheimer’s or blood cancer nonprofit chosen by each contributor.
