Dear KCME Team and All Listeners,
This is such heartbreaking news. I never met Fred, but wish I had. He made me smile every time he introduced himself with his inimitable "This is Fred" welcome to every KCME segment he hosted. He sounded as if he was smiling when he spoke and his enthusiasm for classical music was infectious. Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. It is a loss shared by every listener lucky enough to know Fred if only via his beautiful voice.
I loved when Fred what pieces he had lined up for 10’00 am
I missed his cheery "This is Fred!" the past couple of weeks and was shocked to hear he had passed away. I will miss his ever-gracious, happy yet mellow voice and the extensive knowledge freely and cheerfully shared with us all.
Dear KCME Team and All Listeners,
This is such heartbreaking news. I never met Fred, but wish I had. He made me smile every time he introduced himself with his inimitable "This is Fred" welcome to every KCME segment he hosted. He sounded as if he was smiling when he spoke and his enthusiasm for classical music was infectious. Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. It is a loss shared by every listener lucky enough to know Fred if only via his beautiful voice.
I loved when Fred what pieces he had lined up for 10’00 am
When I would listen to Fred's voice, it was so soothing I just wanted to curl up in his lap. Never met the man but I will sure miss his voice.
Fred always made you feel good! His gentle voice will surely be missed!
Always a voice I enjoyed for many years and will miss deeply! So long Fred!!
Our family was so saddened to hear of the passing of Fred. We are listener contributors and KCME is primarily what we listen to in the car with our 4 children. Fred was our 13 year old daughter’s favorite host. We often had 9:00 am ballet classes that our daughters attend on Saturday mornings. We loved listening to Fred’s calm, relaxing voice early on Saturday mornings. We knew that if we didn’t get to Briargate by the time Fred played Two by a Tenor we would be late. Thank you for sharing him with our family.
My wife and I loved listening to Fred's weekend morning show here in Wisconsin. We always made a point to listen to his intro. It was so warm and inviting and he always played the nicest music. It has been incredible to hear all of the wonderful stories about him, what a great person. He will be dearly missed!
I too remember driving from Salida to drop off a donation many years ago on a Saturday, meeting Fred when he was on the air and manning the station solo. I felt a personal connection then that continued over years of Saturday mornings. While he was a seasoned professional with a great voice, I was once an volunteer host myself, years before at KCFR Classical, doing my own programming and holding down a solo four hour shift every Saturday night. Fred always sounded like he was playing music for each of us as guests in his own home. Those connections continue in our home today as faithful listeners and supporters of both KCME and JAZZ935. Thank you Fred- the golden days of classical radio are still treasured by us all.
The first time I heard his signature intro, I thought he was putting us on. But, he wasn’t, he was merely, Fred. A unique voice among those who bring us classical music, Fred’s radio personality will be greatly missed, but always remembered.
Thank you for the sincerity of your heart. The joy for which you shared to each and everyone of us became the smile with a song in our hearts. Thank you, dear friend.
Thank you for honoring Fred with this program. I loved hearing the music that made him happy. Sweet, gentle man.
I enjoyed Fred's lovely, soothing and kind voice that was always an introduction to the beautiful music that was to follow. When he announced, "This is Fred", I would smile and reply, "Hi Fred" knowing I would hear and learn something wonderful. I will truly miss his kind manners.
Fred's voice and wonderful way of speaking to us about music will be missed. He was unique in way we will never forget. Thank You Fred!
I always enjoyed Fred's sweet disposition and patient manner. His kind words reminded us to just slow down and enjoy the music...
Oh, my kids and I will miss Fred! We always enjoyed listening to him, especially his soft call out, “This is Fred”…. KCME is always on our radio, and Fred was always a welcome voice in our house.
For more than 20 years, I looked forward to hearing Fred’s voice as he hosted on KCME. The insights about composers, directors, orchestras and beautiful works of music were enlightening and entertaining. I only met him in person a couple of times and was struck by how gracious and caring he was in conversations.
May he be surrounded by the music he loved.
I joined KCME as a rookie announcer in 1997. Everyone was welcoming… but Fred was special. The man you heard on the air, the kindness he exuded in his announcing, that was REALLY him. I loved filling in for him on Sunday afternoons, and I loved any chance we had to hang out outside the station. When staff would get together at one another’s homes, Fred and Kathy would show up, often with his signature Hungarian paprika spread (yum!), and his infectious laughter would fill the house. Ah, Fred, I’ll miss you. I’ve been away from the station for many years, but your voice and your kindness always drew me in. Thank you.
An Irish Blessing~
May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rain fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
~Thank you Fred, rest in His eternal embrace!
I will really miss Fred! He was one of the main reasons why I listen to KCME. Just hearing his voice always made me smile. All of my barn animals, especially my horses, seem to enjoy his Saturday morning programs—especially the “two of a tenor”. It was so nice to hear an announcer that genuinely loved opera! And evidently he loved dogs too. He will be sorely missed!
We so enjoyed Fred, especially 'back in the day' and we met him at an open house several years ago with his little white dog. ( I am sorry we don't remember the name. ) And Thursday noon will not be the same.
I'm sorry to hear of Fred's passing. I loved listening to his always-cheerful voice on KCME. And I thoroughly enjoyed getting to chat with him when I worked at the station. He'll be missed. God rest him.
I miss the warm, comforting sound of his voice and kind manner! He always made me think of a beloved Uncle coming on the air, knowledgeable and insightful, but always also making me feel that everything will be alright! A big loss to the station and all of us! Rest in peace, dear Fred!
I was just thinking about Fred and how long it's been since I've heard his voice. He's on several programs and I listen regularly. I am so sad to hear he has passed. He's been with KCME since the days of the babbling brook at Minnehaha Falls. I will miss him dearly.
Fred was an amazing man! He made the world a much happier place for us all.
I always enjoyed the sound of his voice and his hosting on KCME. He will be sorely missed.
Awww, I always loved hearing his voice when I tuned into K.C.M.E., normally for Sunday Baroque, as recently I was wondering why he had been absent from the show, rest in peace my friend!
I had just moved to the Springs and being a lover of classical music, I came to the studio to drop off a donation during one of the donor drives. Fred was in the broadcasting studio and he signaled to me to come in the booth. I was just curious to SEE from where he was broadcasting. He was so kind to invite me in, but I did decline his offer, not wanting to distract him from his job. A lovely gentleman who will be sorely missed by KCME listeners. Thanks Fred!
We miss Fred very much. We are grateful for his unique voice and intonation, his sincerity and warmth . What a terrible loss for everyone.
I loved listening to Fred. I always enjoyed his introduction to his show, "Hello, this is Fred". I would mimic this phrase when my husband would ask as what I was listening to on my favorite radio station. He was my favorite host. I asked about him at the end of last year during a pledge drive and I was told that he was taking some time off. Gosh, I'm going to miss his great selections of music and his voice that always brought me a smile. My condolences to his family and fellow staff who were close to him.
Whenever I went to the KCME studio to volunteer, Fred was there with a big smile and a treat in his pocket for my dog Tiger. I will miss his smile, joy for the music and his wonderful voice.
So sorry to hear of Fred's passing. His easy-going voice and manner, not to mention his knowledge of classical music, caught my ear when he first came on the air that one Sunday so many years ago. And I long since richly enjoyed his weekend announcing and specially produced programs.
I always liked how he would joke during fundraisers, "Don't wait for the 'other guy' to contribute: the 'other guy' is waiting for you!" He would also say that when you contribute, it's like moving money from one pocket to the other: giving to yourself because of the benefits received from the station.
Fred was unique and will be missed!
I am so sorry to hear of Fred's passing. His voice was one of kind. I truly enjoyed "Back in the Day" and "Grand Tour" presented with Fred's insights. Thank you and Godspeed.
I was thrilled to meet Fred because he is just as gracious in person as he is on air. I always thought, “how do you have a person be so warm and so giving?” The music he played and the concepts he had for his programming were always appreciated because they were of high quality and well thought out. When he came up with "Back in the Day", it really made me smile because I remembered my parents and I had LPs, and I recognized all that.
I want to express my heartfelt condolences to the family and colleagues of Fred Kormos. On the air and in person, Fred was authentic with no air of pretentiousness. When he said, “Thank you, it's great having you here with me”, you could tell he was truly appreciative of the listening audience. And when he said, “I sure hope you can hang out with me because we have some nice music lined up”, you felt like you were being welcomed into a friend's home for a relaxing visit. A few years ago, I told Fred how he had incorporated those same positive attributes into my customer service job to great success and how grateful I was for his inspiration. With Fred's "Grand Tour" program, I could close my eyes and picture the fountains of Rome, the Swiss Alps or the vastness of the American South West. His "Back In The Day" program rekindled memories of listening to classical music albums my mother would play on our console stereo. In conclusion, farewell to our friend Fred. You are one of a kind and will truly be missed.
On-Air Tribute - February 21, 2025
- Fred Kormos Tribute - Part 1 59:39
- Fred Kormos Tribute - Part 2 59:44
Dear Listeners,
It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of our dear friend and longtime host, Fred Kormos. Since 1991, Fred was a warm and familiar presence on our airwaves, welcoming us all with his signature greeting: “Hello, this is Fred.”
A retired Air Force veteran, Fred was a man of many passions—a traveler, a lover of language, and a devoted admirer of classical music. Whether he was our guide on Grand Tour, reminiscing Back in the Day, or simply keeping us company during his weekend hours, Fred brought joy, insight, and laughter to everyone who tuned in. His gift for storytelling, quick wit, and well-timed jokes made us feel like we were sharing time with an old friend.
Fred’s love extended beyond the microphone. He was devoted to his beloved dog, Tank, who was his steadfast companion on his daily walks. He also cared deeply about this station and the role it plays in our community. Fred gave generously to support the music and mission he cherished, and he was passionate about the power of sustaining gifts, ensuring that this station would thrive for generations to come.
Fred’s voice was more than just a fixture on our station—it was a companion to so many. He understood that radio is about connection, about sharing not just music, but memories, humor, and a sense of belonging. He loved this station, and we loved him right back.
We will miss him deeply, but his voice and spirit will forever echo in our hearts. We have important details below on how we will honor his legacy on the air and hope that you will tune in to celebrate him. We also invite you to reflect on the memories he gave us and, perhaps, to tell a good joke in his honor by leaving a comment or memory on his tribute page.
With gratitude and remembrance,
Stephanie Horton
KCME General Manager