Iconic Houston DJ Mark Stevens, R.I.P.
Mark Stevens, left, and Jim Pruett
He had the greatest laugh I ever heard. The kind of laugh that caused you to laugh even if something wasn’t funny. Mark Stevens, half of the greatest morning show team in radio history, died today from complications of Alzheimer’s Disease. He was 76.
I used work overnight at KTRH Radio in Houston, right down the hall from 101 KLOL, where he along with one of the best straight men ever, Jim Pruett, did their morning show. I would see Stevens and a bevy of naked ladies that used to roam the hallways just about every day. He was sometimes pompous, but most of the time cordial and even complimentary. He once told me he liked a story I did on Joe Walsh, who said, I’m guessing in a drunken stupor, that he was running for vice-president. I remember feeling good all weekend.
Stevens and Pruett, aka the Radio Gawds, along with the great Brian Shannon, Martha Martinez, my good friend Laurie Kendrick, the late Kevin Dorsey, Lanny Griffith and a host of others were as good as it gets on radio from the mid-80s to 2000. You never wanted to miss a show. Skits like Uncle Waldo and classic lines like “Have you ever keister saluted the fudge sergeant?” and “Hi, my name is Abdul Kissmedick” have had me laughing for years.
I’m not sure Stevens ever got the credit he deserved. However, reading some of the comments from former colleagues and listeners today, you could feel his impact. He was a huge talent and I personally don’t think we’ll ever hear anything like Stevens and Pruett again. Howard Stern may have started the shock genre, but when I listen to his past shows on Sirius/XM Radio, Stevens and Pruett blow him away. Rest in peace, Mark. You are now in the land where there are no corporations to ruin radio and and no program directors who selfishly break up the greatest team in radio history for their amusement. Keep laughing, brother, and say hi to Big Bruno.
Stevens and Pruett Facebook page
“Thanksgiving Uncle Waldo” by Stevens and Pruett
30 Days Out 
October 13, 2010 at 9:36 am
I am truly sorry to hear this news, I have had the pleasure of meeting both of these 2 hysterical guys in the 90’s when they were handing out “wrap that rascel” key chains. My heart goes out to the family, I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers
October 13, 2010 at 5:25 pm
Great bit!
October 16, 2010 at 8:38 am
So sorry to hear of his death. I use to listen to him on KFJZ when he was known as Marky Baby. Good memories. He daughter Kim was One of my best friends. We worked at Westgate Fabrics together. We had some great laugh’s together. Girl I miss you and your Daddy.
October 27, 2010 at 4:01 pm
Mark E. Baby really brings back great memories from my teen days in Ft Worth KFJZ. Mark hosted TEEN-A-GO-GO in the WILL RODGER ROUND UP INN. i was surfin the web after learning of the passing of LES CLARK who played in the THE SAGANAW FEED MILL BAND with Mark Stevens as M.C. Mark told Les to state his name as LESS CLOG. Mark asked his name introducing the band. Les did as instructed. Mark said: “For Les Clog in your drain, use Draino.” he was a true entertainer. It is sad to loose both Mark and Les in one month.
November 3, 2010 at 3:06 pm
I will always remember Mark Stevens or as he was called, Mark E Baby being one of my heroes on the radio, and believe me, I have listened and loved a lot of radio DJs! He will always be in my memory, as his other colleagues. Guess a piece of me is already missing. Yes I am a baby boomer with a very long memory, and Mark will always be in mine. Guess God and Jesus needed a great DJ and person in heaven, they got one of the best, but as my Mom always says, God and Jesus always take the best! Don’t worry Mark, as long as I am alive, you and your fans, your family, and your friends will always remember you. Thank you for all the radio memories!
August 27, 2011 at 6:52 am
“It’s Mark E. Baby time, on King Z radio …”
Will never forget the guy or his antics on KFJZ !
July 14, 2012 at 9:49 am
MY GOD! My idol in the radio biz is gone. I really can’t believe it. I have been out of the country for years, doing a show in honor of Mark and Jim on LOL in China just to return to the death of my idol, Mark Sebastian/Stevens. He was the best….and still is my idol.
Mark, don’t ever stop speaking your mind on whatever radio show they have up in Heaven. You’re still the radio GOD.