Generations of radio listeners in Mobile, Los Angeles and New Orleans recognize the voice of David Blake.

The retired radio news anchor and morning show host died after complications from heart failure on April 13 at age 71.

Blake’s 45-year radio career started in Mobile at WABB-AM radio when it was the mainstay of local news. He joined with morning host Ron Frazier. This was the 1970s, now remembered as the golden age of radio in Mobile.

Blake was always the straight man. Others joked, but Blake not only played the straight man, he was indeed the serious one. He was never “Dave.” Always, “David.”

From Mobile, Blake went on to be a morning news anchor and straight man to air personality “Cajun” Ken Cooper at WEZB 97 FM in New Orleans.

From there, he landed the chance to return to his

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