The World’s Longest-Serving Female Radio Host
By: Angela Redding | Los Angeles, CA, | Hollywood Beat magazine | 3/20/2023
Photographs: Courtesy of Mary McCoy unless otherwise noted.
Many people strive to set a Guinness World Record or break one. We’ve all heard about incredible feats like the Largest, Longest, or Oldest Record set or broken by a person to earn a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records. Guinness maintains lists of world records for both human accomplishments and the most extreme natural phenomena.
An accomplishment that is unquestionably motivating has been achieved by Mary McCoy of Texas.
Who Is Mary McCoy?
McCoy is a radio host and personality, from Texas. She has spent more time on the air than the majority of the most favorite radio hosts combined!
She was officially recognized by Guinness World Records as having the longest career as a radio presenter/DJ (female) on February 15, 2023, with a whopping 71 years, 357 days in the business.In order to take the top rank, Mary outlasted the previous record holder by more than three years, and she has no intention of leaving her beloved profession any time soon.
“Radio has been my life for as long as I can remember,” says Mary.
McCoy, a native of Texas, was born in Carthage, Texas, and began the path to her record-breaking career in 1951.
Rags to Riches
When Mary and her parents initially arrived to Conroe, Texas, in 1949, they spent four years living in a tent without electricity or running water. One publication described their experience as a “rags to riches” story.
At the age of 12
Mary expressed her desire for her own show to the hosts of a talent competition at radio station KMCO.
Her ambition came true four months later when, at the age of 12, she began working five days a week as a radio host.
Mary told The Courier, a local Texas publication, that even at a young age she knew what she wanted to do. her desire was to work in the entertainment industry.
“I wanted to sing, I wanted to make records, I wanted to have my own radio show – and I did. I’ve been very fortunate that I have gotten to do all the things I’ve wanted to do.”
She began singing in talent shows and was asked to try out for a radio show. Those in charge were pleased with what they heard, so on April 20, 1951, Mary began work on a 15-minute singing program for KMCO Radio.
“In August 1951 I had the pleasure of becoming a radio presenter/DJ, and although the radio station has changed ownership (KIKR and now KSTAR) I have maintained this job.”
Mary has made numerous appearances in print throughout the years since the media can’t get enough of this remarkable woman.
As a young radio host, Mary played her own songs, but one of her favorites to play was “That’s All Right Mama” from a young Elvis Presley.
She went from playing Elvis Presley music to sharing the stage with him!
In 1955, she appeared as a guest on the Louisiana Hayride show, which included Elvis, and that is how she first got to know him.
It is stated that Louisiana’s equivalent of the Grand Ole Opry was the Hayride radio show from Shreveport, Louisiana who frequently showcased up-and-coming artists who had not yet found a following and embraced new musical ideas.
As an up-and-coming country singer, Mary McCoy, performed in front of a crowd several times during the show with Elvis’ band as backup.
She once told The Bulletin newspaper about how he had fallen and hurt his head as he was making his way to the stage one night.
Mary chuckled, “I don’t know how he performed that night with a huge goose egg on his forehead, but he didn’t disappoint the fans.”
Elvis Presley, in Mary McCoy’s opinion
“He was one of the nicest and most polite gentlemen I’ve ever met. I’m happy to have had the pleasure of knowing him personally. He was the greatest in my book.”
Mary McCoy is pretty great herself. The Guinness World Record holder’s star is still shining bright.
At the age of 85, she continues to put in a lot of effort while hosting a two-hour Country Classics show on K-Star Country six days a week.
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