OBITUARY: RICK NATHAN WOOLF EMDIN – 20/01/1959 – 31/08/2024
The beloved radio personality, the late Rick Emdin, was born in Klerksdorp – a neighbour to the late John Berks. He attended Hershley Primary School in Cape Town, and Capricorn High School in Limpopo. While still at school, Rick started his interest in the entertainment field. He was part of the Cadet Band as well as a member of the Recreation Committee. After school it was natural for him to go into the entertainment Industry
His first pro gig was at the The Palm Grove Club in Margate… Whilst on the South Coast he was the First Drive-in DJ in the country at the Hibiscus Drive-in… Doing advertising and music during the breaks
In the late 70’s… The Big City Lights attracted him… He ran a mobile disco for various functions… however also got involved with corporate functions… MC’ing for conglomerates such as Pick n Pay… OK… and started the in store promotions for The Hyperama Group.
He eventually landed up as the Resident DJ at Raffles Johannesburg… Rick spent 2 years with Raffles when he received a call… after a couple of auditions… from Gary Edwards… Station Manager for the brand new Independent Radio Station… Channel 702
Hence Rick’s Radio Career started with 702 as the all night DJ… At that stage 702 was a 24 Hour music station.
It was at the “Concert in the Park” in 1984 that management at the station discovered Rick’s talent of controlling a crowd… 120,000 people. Normally most radio DJ’s are safe in a studio environment, however, when it comes to live performances they don’t feel at ease… Because of Rick’s previous experience with live crowds he felt totally at ease. Martin Woolf who was then heading up Promotions and Gary’s assistant, told Rick that his job (besides on-air presenting) would now entail promotions too.
Rick was then to become the “upfront” person for 702 at all live shows and promotions
Together with the late Illana Surat, the Promotions Manager, he would create events and very successful promotions for the station. These included 702 Fun Days… Concerts… Holidays and Ship Cruises… Mall Launches… As well as working many of the Clubs in 702 Land… MC’ing various evenings such as Ladies Nights… Competitions which included Miss Hilbrow… Miss Pretoria… Miss Sandton and the “Battle of the DJ’s”
Stan Katz, the MD of 702, at the Launch of 702 Land (702 hijacked the PWV and called it “702 Land”) said that Rick was the station’s secret weapon… As he MC’d and hijacked every event the station was involved in! Whilst Stuart Lee was running the promotions department, 702 acquired The 702 Boomer from the USA. This was to be Rick’s “BABY” until he left… Doing shows all over to promote the station.
On the on-air side Rick was tasked with training all new DJ’s joining the station. It was for this reason he stayed on All Night Radio for 4 years. It was also on All Night Radio that the Breakfast DJ, John Berks, gave him the nick name of “Cousin Rick”, stating that Rick was always out and about doing good work for the community. He was a part of everybody’s family Just like Cousin Brucie in The USA… Hence… Cousin Rick Emdin.
Under the leadership of Malcolm Russell and Rina Broomberg, Rick was given a Sunday Afternoon slot – The Sunday Sundowner. Malcolm also made sure that Rick got to do huge private shows such as “The Camel Pyramid of Light” with Alex Jay who had joined 5fm. In this time he also became the first South African to work with the first ANC sanctioned International Act to tour South Africa, Kaoma, who had the International Hit with “Lambada”. It was Rick’s job to “Hi Jack” these acts for 702 and get the public to perceive them as 702 functions. Rick was also one of the MC’s for Sun International as well as Piggs Peak Casinos. He was contracted to give away their major Lucky Draw prizes and he was given the task of arranging some of the entertainment for the opening of The Carousel with Stewart Shaw and Alistair Roper. As extra remuneration for his efforts for Sun International he was given the Club Rappers at the Carousel.
In the 80’s Rick was seconded to Radio Tuks at the University of Pretoria as a Radio Consultant. 702 also sponsored equipment to Radio Tuks and Rick did a weekly lunch time show with Ben Chapman. Radio Tuks was the flagship for University Radio Stations
He was then promoted to the Afternoon Show and stayed there being the last weekday music DJ for 702 before turning to the Talk Format in 1992. Stan Katz, MD of 702, offered Rick the afternoon Talk Show to be a “Magazine” Program, however, Rick was a “Music” man and not a talk show host. He opted to come off air and remained at the station till the end of 1993 doing outdoor promotions. The station’s image had turned to serious on-air presentation and the music and fun aspect was done away with.
Rick Emdin’s understanding of Radio was a major part of the success of 702 in the 80’s and 90’s by taking Radio to the streets… And to the people… Being in touch with your listeners is an integral part of radio…
Hence leaving the station to pursue his own business interests which included owning a Hotel… a Pleasure resort… Steak houses… Night Clubs and the first “casino” in the Secunda Area… One of his clubs included “Club le Chic” which was chosen by Benson and Hedges as the “Good Vibrations Club” in South Africa.
Rick, during this time, also built and ran The Radio Metro Pepsi Blaster, doing shows all over including The Rand Easter Show for Metro.
Cousin Rick started working at a Community Radio Station in The Vaal Triangle where he resided. The reason for this move was the love of his life, Lynn. He started in September 2017 with the Saturday “Lunch with Cousin Rick” show. He was also a fill-in Jock for the station. Rick had a huge PASSION for Radio.
In April of 2018, He joined LM Radio in Johannesburg as the Promotions and Marketing Manager, travelling in and out to Johannesburg from The Vaal almost daily. Within 3 days of being with them, he “Hi-Jacked” Lusito Land for the radio station by securing the centre stage on a “barter” deal. He personally MC’d the whole of the Festival doing 4 live crossings to LM Radio per day.
He co-ordinated on-air weekly interviews with “Legends” in the industry. This was called “Midweek Lifetime Memories with LM Radio”.
He secured the 4 Jacks and a Jill show at The Barnyard Rivonia for LM Radio. This was a sold out show within 4 days. 600 Pax
In May all the staff were called in and told that there was no money to pay them. He was told by email that he was not employed by them and that all his work was voluntary.
Together with Vernon Muso, formerly of Dr. Victor and the Rasta Rebels, they started a program called “Local is Lekka” in which they presented up and coming and unknown artists from The Vaal – an opportunity to win a recording contract. This has been so successful that Vernon and IFM 102.2 were nominated and won The SACMAF Awards in their categories.
Cousin Rick started a very successful early morning show – “Get up and Go” on IFM 102.2 every weekday from 3 to 6 am… and was named the “Soutie Boertjie!”
In May 2024 Rick was sadly diagnosed with throat cancer that spread to the lungs and nodes.
After much suffering, he passed away holding his wife’s hand on August 31 (2024) at 02:38 am.
He is survived by his wife, son, daughters, grandsons, and bonus sons.
RICK EMDIN’S SOOTHING VOICE WILL LIVE ON IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER!
