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Off the air and on the go after 21 years

By ERNEST HOOPER, Times columnist
Published January 25, 2008

Janet Jackson, Adolph Rupp, Randy Travis and a snake-carrying female wrestler all highlight the television and radio career of local host and musician Haywood Henson.

In November, Henson retired from the TV airwaves after 21 years, first on WTMV-Ch. 32 and most recently on WPAX-Ch. 66. His show, a blend of music videos, performances and interviews, had become a staple for many.

Of course, retirement is a relative word. Henson, of Valrico, continues to involve himself in charitable efforts and community events, including this weekend's Steel Guitar Jam in Lakeland.

Over breakfast at the Brunchery, I chatted with Henson about his extensive career. Pull up a chair and join us.

What motivates you to continue to be involved in charitable efforts?

Over the years, people have called me to get involved in certain events and when I would go, they were so appreciative of me showing up and it made a difference in their lives. I guess if I can make a difference in someone's life, I want to do that. I visit hospitals and every year I do the Great American Teach-In. In doing that and seeing the kids' smiles, it makes me feel like I've accomplished something.

So your show was watched at correctional facilities?

I had a very captive audience. All the wardens and the jail caretakers let the inmates watch my show, and I would get letters. I was doing an event about a year ago, and this guy came up to me and he goes, "Haywood Henson, you saved my life. I was in Sumter Correctional and I was on the verge of never getting out of there. I watched you and you never talked down to me, and one morning it looked like you were looking right at me, saying, 'There's hope.' You had a family on there and I got to thinking about my family and I just wanted to get out. I changed my life in there. I became a good person in there.' "

That must have been heartwarming.

He introduced me to his wife and family. When that happened, that changed my life, too. I'm not patting myself on the back when I say that, but that's the most rewarding story. I met a guy who was back with his family, who wasn't doing meth, and he gave me all the credit.

Tell me about your first show and working for a local TV station that played music videos 24 hours a day.

I was kind of a rebel. We programmed everything. What really built a fan base for me is I grew up liking all kinds of music. In my particular time slot, I would mix in a little R&B and country. I used to tell people on any given day, you could hear Janet Jackson and Randy Travis. I made so many friends that way.

What's your most memorable moment?

There was a show called GLOW - Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling - and it was filmed in Atlanta and Las Vegas. When they came to town at the USF Sun Dome, they would book one of the wrestlers on my show. They had one called Luna and she brought her mascot to the studio. I realized after a few minutes on the show, Luna was short for "lunatic." I interviewed her for about 30 minutes, and then when we were on break, and she turned around got her mascot out of the cage, and the mascot was a huge snake.

At the end of the show, I thanked her for coming and she says, "No, let me thank you." The snake is around her neck and she grabs me and puts the lip-lock on me. She's so strong, I can't break away from her kiss and she's holding on to me. We're on these two bar stools, they fall to the floor. Two of the camera people run out of the studio. The camera shot goes up to the ceiling. People started calling. That's my most memorable moment.

Tell me about the Steel Guitar Jam.

This is our ninth year. It's a unique instrument that has a great following. You can use both hands, both knees, both feet and sometimes your mouth [to play it]. There are attachments for it that can duplicate horns or make it sound like 15 violins. It's a great family event and all the proceeds go to the Shriners Hospital Transportation Fund.

DESSERT: A postscript from Ernest

Henson also enjoys spending time with family and working on his music. Frank Cutri, who has a Brandon recording studio, is helping him put together a CD of his music that will include The Ballad of Adolph Rupp. Henson penned the song about the legendary University of Kentucky basketball coach while working at a radio station in Lexington, Ky., and a copy is enshrined at the school's Rupp Arena.

Ernest Hooper also writes a column for the Tampa & State section. He can be reached at hooper@sptimes.com or 226-3406.

[Last modified January 30, 2008, 09:21:16]