Access Atlanta > Entertainment > Radio Talk > Archives > 2009 > February > 05 > Entry
2/5: Whatever happened to… Kelly & Alpha? Also, Ben Carson interview
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Kelly Stevens and Alpha Trivette were the morning team at B98.5 for nearly a decade until last summer when the station ousted them in favor of Steve McCoy and Vikki Locke.
I had lunch with them recently at Taqueria Del Sol in West Midtown to catch up. They have been together as a team for more than 20 years and are still seeking a job. Though they’d like to stay in Atlanta, they are flexible and willing to go virtually anywhere.
“We’ve got a good brand name 21 years running,” Kelly said. “We need one more good home to last us a little bit longer.”
“The object is not to pack up, sell and move,” Alpha said. “It’s like an endless first date if you have to move to a new city.”
Unfortunately, the economy is horrendous and the job market all but barren.
Locally, there is no obvious place for them though they could potentially take mornings at True Oldies 106.7 if the station decided to drop Don Imus. Or if another station with ratings issues (such as Dave FM or 94.9/The Bull) decides to go soft rock.
“We did get a lot of respect from advertisers in town,” Kelly noted. “A lot of them are waiting for us to land so they can come back and invest in us. Good things are going to happen. Good things happen to good people.”
Kelly, who went into alcohol rehab in the spring, said he’s been sober nine months. He spends Sundays playing Bingo with some older brethren. Otherwise, he’s on his Harley a lot. (He took a trip up the coast last year after he left B98.5) Alpha is playing golf and keeping the yard in order.
Kelly, by the way, is single and looking. (Alpha is married.) “But who wants to date me?” Kelly said, half facetiously. “I don’t drink anymore. But I do play Bingo!”
Over the years, they’ve led the typical “have job, will travel” life of morning jocks going from Kansas City to (briefly Billings, Montana) to Tampa/St. Pete to Denver to Atlanta. B98.5 was their longest stay at one station.
At B98.5, the pair kept patter to a minimum because that was the mandate of the bosses, not a personal choice. It wasn’t a reflection of their talent either. It was a strategy that worked well for Cox Radio stations nationwide and helped B98.5 over the years outrank Peach 94.9. It’s fair to say Kelly & Alpha were not let go for poor ratings. Rather, Cox nabbed Steve & Vikki after they were let go from Star 94 because the pair have a huge following and the move would help prevent any rivals from starting a second soft rock station. (B98.5 has had that territory to itself since late 2006 when Peach went country.)
At times, Stevens said, the restrictions “drove us crazy.” But they were good foot soldiers, never complained about their situation publicly, playing eight songs an hour plus brief phone conversations with listeners on a choice topic and a few lighthearted bon mots. It was never enough to make them true “personalities” like Steve & Vikki, the Bert Show or Frank & Wanda.
Relatively speaking, I’ve gotten far more inquiries from radio listeners about Ike Newkirk, Porsche Foxx and still, the Kimmer. But Kelly is philosophical about his fate in life.
“A lot of people are worse off than we are,” Kelly noted. “I see people living under the overpass. I’ve already picked out my spot.”
“Maybe a dumpster?” Alpha cracked.
“McDonald’s has to throw out their fries every hour and a half!” Kelly added.
-I also did a story for the print edition today about Ben Carson, the famous black neurosurgeon who was able to separate Siamese Twins. His biopic (starring Cuba Gooding Jr.) airs Saturday night on TNT at 8 p.m.
Comments
By www.HolySpiritVoip.com
February 6, 2009 3:53 AM | Link to this
As one who commutes 45 minutes in the morning, I found Kelly and Alpha far more entertaining than Steve & Vikki. Hope a local radio station nabs them and places them on the air soon!
By Bongo
February 6, 2009 6:42 AM | Link to this
Sorry boys…outta sight, outta mind.
By jeff
February 6, 2009 7:03 AM | Link to this
Nothing against Steve and Vicki, but I really do miss Kelly and Alpha..great guys, great team, when they come back on the air..give them more air time!
By Blue
February 6, 2009 7:25 AM | Link to this
B98.5 lost me as a listener when they put those a—clowns, Steve & Vicky on the air. I think most of us listen to radio for music, not a lot of boring chit chat. Atlanta radio has really gone down the crapper. Glad I have satellite. Happy Friday
By Mike D
February 6, 2009 7:32 AM | Link to this
Steve and Vicky suck no matter where they are, but I don’t think there is a place for anymore local talent. Most of the radio stations are conglomerates and will syndicate in this economy rather that take a chance.
By jonotchabelter
February 6, 2009 7:37 AM | Link to this
Steve & Vicki are the worst. Never listened to them on Star will never listen to them on B98.5 ~ please bring back Kelly and Alpha - this ranks up there with the NEW COKE decision ~ ratings will indicate that people prefer Kelly and Alpha.
By Jamie
February 6, 2009 7:45 AM | Link to this
I miss Kelly and Alpha so much! I just don’t feel “connected” to Steve and Vicki. I listened to Kelly and Alpha every morning going to work, I cried on their last show! I can not stand how much Steve and Vicki repeat everything on the show from day to day and even during the show! It gets quite repetitive and boring! I am always channel searching and haven’t found a station I really like since Kelly and Alpha left!
By Jamie
February 6, 2009 7:46 AM | Link to this
I miss Kelly and Alpha so much! I just don’t feel “connected” to Steve and Vicki. I listened to Kelly and Alpha every morning going to work, I cried on their last show! I can not stand how much Steve and Vicki repeat everything on the show from day to day and even during the show! It gets quite repetitive and boring! I am always channel searching and haven’t found a station I really like since Kelly and Alpha left!
By Texas Pete
February 6, 2009 7:46 AM | Link to this
I miss Kelly and Alpha. They were the best married team on the radio. The Rainbow Flag Coalition miss you guys and hope you stay true to your Rhode Island marrige vows.
Love You,
Especially Kelly you big queen
By Little John
February 6, 2009 7:52 AM | Link to this
I remember being a side kick on their show and they had me do a number two on a hobo’s chest. It was my first Cleveland Steamer.
By Lisa
February 6, 2009 7:55 AM | Link to this
Kelly & Alpha, I miss you so much. My morning commute hasn’t been the same since you left the air. I’ve never liked your replacements and can’t believe B98.5 management thought they were a better choice. Bad move, B98.5. Now I don’t listen at all - gone over to the “new” classic rock station. Come back, Kelly & Alpha, come back; then I would too!
By Bill B
February 6, 2009 7:59 AM | Link to this
Listening to their show every morning and the “impossible question” was a ritual every morning with my wife and me. Won once. Don’t listen to wsb anymore in the morning. If Kelly or Alpha are reading this, I’m the guy with the great question on “Gone With The Wind.” You should have used it!
By Scott
February 6, 2009 8:01 AM | Link to this
maybe if 94.9 drops their Country and goes with somethin else that Steve and Vicki should go there and 98.5 take back the best team ever!!!
By Bill B
February 6, 2009 8:01 AM | Link to this
Listening to their show every morning and the “impossible question” was a ritual every morning with my wife and me. Won once. Don’t listen to wsb anymore in the morning. If Kelly or Alpha are reading this, I’m the guy with the great question on “Gone With The Wind.” You should have used it!
By Super Dad
February 6, 2009 8:02 AM | Link to this
Hey Alpha, remember when you had me drown that bag of kittens for you? I’ll never forget that look on your kids face when you told her that God wanted them back.
By Bill B
February 6, 2009 8:03 AM | Link to this
Listening to their show every morning and the “impossible question” was a ritual every morning with my wife and me. Won once. Don’t listen to wsb anymore in the morning. If Kelly or Alpha are reading this, I’m the guy with the great question on “Gone With The Wind.” You should have used it!
By Ole Skool Radioman
February 6, 2009 8:08 AM | Link to this
I’m just mad Rodney that you mentioned the Craptaastic Duo of Frank and Wanda. Why are they still on the radio?
By Dan G
February 6, 2009 8:09 AM | Link to this
Hey guys this goes back a long time ago, but remember when you were starting out and you hosted a show at Cabo Wabos(sp?) on Roswell and we had to beat the sh*t out of that biker that wouldn’t leave you alone during the show. Man that was a rush -dousing him with gasoline and lighting him on fire -I think he died later. Those were the days.
By chillinboz
February 6, 2009 8:13 AM | Link to this
Welcome to Old Timers Day at Taqueria Del Sol. There’s Kelly and Alpa at the nacho bar, Gary McKee is serving up the Fajitas, Moby has chips and Guac, Bo Bock near the Corona bottles, and the Kimmer is washing his hands in the kitchen.
Join us next week as Tom Hughes and Barnes will be serving up the latest mexican fare for Old Timers Day II at Taqueria Del Sol. AJC writer Phil Kloer will document all the snappy retorts from our legends. See you there!!
By Wanda
February 6, 2009 8:15 AM | Link to this
Kelly,
Im looking too and I like playing Bingo..
By Old Director
February 6, 2009 8:17 AM | Link to this
Do you guys still require a hooker every Friday morning. Back in the day you S@Bs made me get you one every Friday, and then you quit wearing condoms while being with them. I don’t condon your “for real” research approach - I think you probably gave your significant others HIV.
By Rebecca
February 6, 2009 8:25 AM | Link to this
Alpha you @ss hat you gave me crabs whe we hooked up over Christmas. I hope you burn in h3ll.
By lainga
February 6, 2009 8:25 AM | Link to this
Someone at AJC needs to review the comments on these posts and delete them. Disgusting comments by rude people do not belong here.
By lainga
February 6, 2009 8:26 AM | Link to this
Someone at AJC needs to review the comments on these posts and delete them. Disgusting comments by rude people do not belong here.
By rainga
February 6, 2009 8:33 AM | Link to this
lainy you used to like it when we gave each other golden showers.
By One hour commuter
February 6, 2009 8:39 AM | Link to this
Have stopped listening to B98.5 in the morning. Did not listen to Steve & Vicki on Star 94 then and not now. Listened to them on both stations. Ann Coulter got it right when she hanged up during their on-the-air phone call. Not entertaining at all.
By JB
February 6, 2009 8:40 AM | Link to this
Someone really does need to edit these posts - its irresponsible of the AJC not to screen the obvious “no lifers.”
A local station would be crazy not to put these guys back on the air.
By Stan
February 6, 2009 8:45 AM | Link to this
I really miss Kelly and Alpha being on the air….I have an hour commute each morning and thoroughly enjoyed their show and miss the fun. I still listen to B98.5 because of the kind of music they play, but get tired of Steve and Vicki because they are totally star struck and can’t go a day without talking to one. I get tired of hearing about celebrities and what they are up to….just don’t care about that stuff. As soon as Kelly and Alpha are back on the air in Atlanta, I will make that switch as well, so hopefully a station will pick them up very soon. Good luck guys…you have following out here waiting as well!!!!!
By Melissa
February 6, 2009 8:58 AM | Link to this
The only “talk” I want during my morning drive is weather/traffic. The rest of time time I want music. I don’t even listen to 98.5 on the way home any more…..
By kelly
February 6, 2009 9:23 AM | Link to this
Hey floks, it’s Kelly here, thanks for all the comments and some laughs. Some of you though need mental health STAT! We miss you all very much and hope to be back with our family soon on the air here in good old A town. Be good and kind to one another! love, Kelly Kelly@Alpha
By kelly
February 6, 2009 9:26 AM | Link to this
Hey floks, it’s Kelly here, thanks for all the comments and some laughs. Some of you though need mental health STAT! We miss you all very much and hope to be back with our family soon on the air here in good old A town. Be good and kind to one another! love, Kelly Kelly@Alpha
By kelly
February 6, 2009 9:29 AM | Link to this
Hey floks, it’s Kelly here, thanks for all the comments and some laughs. Some of you though need mental health STAT! We miss you all very much and hope to be back with our family soon on the air here in good old A town. Be good and kind to one another! love, Kelly Kelly@Alpha
By Rob
February 6, 2009 11:39 AM | Link to this
Kelly and Alpha had a nice run…but it’s time to move on boys. There are plenty of cities in the US that will welcome your schtick.
By Susan
February 6, 2009 12:19 PM | Link to this
Kelly & Alpha are still very much missed during the morning drive time. I hope they find a station here in town that has the sense to grab up a good thing and put them back on the air. They have a huge following, in both listeners AND advertisers! We love you guys and are patiently waiting :) And Kelly, you are VERY datable!!!
By kelly Stevens
February 6, 2009 1:40 PM | Link to this
Hi folks it’s Kelly. Thank you for the kind words and yes we’ve missed you to. Some of you need to seek mental help ASAP! Rondey makes it sound that all I do is play bingo everyday..just Sunday’s at the egales off Chamblee Tucker! Now you know why I’m still single:) Please don’t hate on Steve&Vicky they are good people and this was not of their doing, give em a chance. In the mean time we’re still looking for a new home for are radio family here in Atl..much love, and remember too be good and kind to one another, Kelly
By Randall Bloomquist - fired WGST PD
February 6, 2009 1:53 PM | Link to this
I would like to know what happened to The Kimmer. One day he’s at work, and the next day he’s not there.
Oh…wait..stupid me, I fired The Kimmer, along with Tom The King Hughes, Denny Schaffer, Kari Dean, Sam Memmolo, Dave McBride, Dr. Gene, John Adams, Pete Snake Davis, Wayne No Offense Kitchins, and Spiff Carner.
By dc
February 6, 2009 2:16 PM | Link to this
For all our sakes I hope the Kelly posts aren’t really from Kelly. If so…you type like a drunk chimp.
By linda
February 6, 2009 2:56 PM | Link to this
Kelly and Alpha were and are the greatest - I too can’t stand listening to the “new morning show” and I’m greatful as well that I have satellite - there aren’t any choices for local radio in the mornng in Atlanta. BRING THEM BACK!!!
By Penny
February 6, 2009 2:59 PM | Link to this
B98.5 lost me as a listener the day that Kelly & Alpha left. I’m with an ‘interim’ station for my morning show but will instantly switch back to Kelly & Alpha in a minute!!!
P.S. Kelly, I’d date you :-)
By Penny
February 6, 2009 3:02 PM | Link to this
B98.5 lost me as a listener the day that Kelly & Alpha left. I’m with an ‘interim’ station for my morning show but will instantly switch back to Kelly & Alpha in a minute!!!
P.S. Kelly, I’d date you :-)
By Jackie
February 6, 2009 3:04 PM | Link to this
Hi Kelly & Alpha
I hope you get another Radio Show in the mornings. I am still hoping & praying for you two.
Kelly you look great. Keep up the good work.
A loyal listener.
Jackie Dodd
By Dianne
February 6, 2009 3:17 PM | Link to this
B98.5 really messed up when they let Kelly & Alpha go & mornings have NOT been the same!! Thank goodness for satellite & IPOD!! I’m still waiting for them to land somewhere else around here (I hope!!!). Miss them terribly. Good luck, guys. Dianne
By Mark
February 6, 2009 4:25 PM | Link to this
“Miss you guys:-(“. Have just not connected with Steve and Vicki. Enjoyed the banter and several times even knew the answer to the Totally Impossible Question but could never get through. Mostly listen to my iPod in the car now in the mornings. Just nothing out there that grabs me. Really hope you find a new home here. Count me in if you do. Take Care. Mark
By Mark Beers
February 6, 2009 4:26 PM | Link to this
Miss you guys:-(“. Have just not connected with Steve and Vicki. Enjoyed the banter and several times even knew the answer to the Totally Impossible Question but could never get through. Mostly listen to my iPod in the car now in the mornings. Just nothing out there that grabs me. Really hope you find a new home here. Count me in if you do. Take Care. Mark
By Bob Bob
February 6, 2009 4:52 PM | Link to this
I had the good fortune of working with Kelly & Alpha for 2 years (1999-2000), and I can say sincerely that they are a class act, all the way. Talented, professional, kind and great with the callers… any station would be lucky to have them on board. Good luck and all the best to you guys! Bob Bob
By golden
February 6, 2009 5:45 PM | Link to this
What percentage of these e-mails are off the keyboard of our bingo playing, taco eatin’, motorcycle riding hero and his trusty pal? May I suggest bunco or cribbage?
By Diane
February 7, 2009 10:06 AM | Link to this
Thanks so much for the article on Kelly and Alpha. I was hoping they were still in Atlanta. I love those guys and am in hopes that 106.7 will pick them up. It would be a real boost to Atlanta listeners to have them back.
By Barbara
February 7, 2009 1:18 PM | Link to this
Wake up Atlanta before these two get away.The were the best morning show Atlanta ever had.B98.5 made the worst mistake when they hired the two most annoying people in the world.That is not hate, that is just telling the truth. I miss you guys and have not listened to the radio since you left. Always your loyal fan. Barbara
By bob neil
February 7, 2009 1:59 PM | Link to this
Those ineterested in the B98.5 Program Director job, interviews will be held tonight at Swinging Richards.
By Bob B.
February 7, 2009 6:52 PM | Link to this
Kelly & Alpha ARE Atlanta Imus is nothing more than a carpetbagger. Wise up Atlanta radio bring these two guys back before someone else snatches them up
By Lucy
February 7, 2009 9:05 PM | Link to this
Listened to your replacements a couple of times, but don’t like the repetition, nor your replacements so basically, you can say that I haven’t listened to B98.5 since you left. Wish you could host 106.7 in the AM. Don Imus needs to go. You two are the best!! Interesting, and with variety. Now I listen to my CD’s on my commute to work. Wake up Atlanta, and bring Kelly and Alpha back!!
By Dano
February 7, 2009 10:15 PM | Link to this
This shows you what CLASS ACTS Kelly and Alpha are!
Despite the idiots and losers who have too much time on their hands and post crap on these blogs, Kelly and Alpha were nice enough to respond personally.
They’ll be the first to tell you that radio is a VERY small world, and everybody knows each other very well.
K & A are victims of circumstances - the same way EVERY radio personality is, eventually. They’ll be fine … and they’ll land on their feet somewhere - even if not Atlanta!
Good luck, you guys!
By Curly from The Three Stooges
February 8, 2009 10:21 AM | Link to this
I’m a victim of soicumstance!
By Donna
February 9, 2009 7:44 AM | Link to this
I too stopped listening to 98.5 when Kelly ans Alpha left. You guys were my “morning show”. Their replacements:I will not listen to their chatter. Please, someone out there in RadioLand,give them a try. Good thought,guys!
By Sue
February 9, 2009 9:12 AM | Link to this
I stopped listening to B98.5 when Kelly & Alpha left. I am glad to see they are still in the Atlanta area. Hopefully they will find a new morning show soon. I need to have something entertainig to listen to in the mornings.
By Linda
February 9, 2009 10:25 AM | Link to this
I have been an avid follower of Kelly and Alpha since they came to the ATL. They got a raw deal and I won’t listen to radio until they are back on the air.They are the human side of radio..I love them, miss them and any station who has them as part of the team would be very lucky !
B98.5 made a big mistake in my ears !!
PS I have wanted a date with Kelly for years !!!!So if he stil wants to meet some day just to make another friend..PS I love BINGO !!
By Sharon
February 9, 2009 10:32 AM | Link to this
Steve & Vicky are totally boring! I miss Kelly & Alpha … they always made me laugh … with Steve & Vicky … all they do is laugh at their own jokes and repeat the same comments over and over! Wish Kelly & Alpha come back to 98.5 or another oldies type station!
By June Henson
February 9, 2009 8:58 PM | Link to this
I miss Kelly and Alpha too. I have met so many people now that once listened to them as we are all trying to find a new morning show.
By Linda
February 11, 2009 6:15 PM | Link to this
I would love it if Kelly and Alpha took over the mornings at 106.7. All I have now is 97.1. They even took the jazz off the air. These people that are making these decisions are stupid. There is nothing to listen to in the mornings anymore.
By steve
February 17, 2009 8:42 AM | Link to this
94 needs to get rid of there “Mess”and put in Kelly&Alpha.The Mess is targeted towards the middle and elementary school aged kids.Hopefully,while they are on air,there listeners should be in school.