Chronicle: Producer/publisher/ songwriter/musician and Fame Recording Studios founder Rick Hall died this morning (1/2) at age 85 in Muscle Shoals, AL. Known as the "Father of Muscle Shoals Music," Hall produced artists including Jerry Reed, Bobbie Gentry, Shenandoah and Mac Davis, and his studio was home to recordings by Etta James, Wilson Pickett and Aretha Franklin, among others. Arrangements are pending.

Country Radio Hall of Famer, WSM-AM/Nashville host and former Grand Ole Opry announcer Hairl Hensley died Sunday (12/31) at age 81 in Mt. Juliet, TN. Hensley was a voice of the Opry for more than 35 years, making him one of the longest-serving Opry announcers. Visitation will be Friday (1/5) 12-2pm in the chapel of Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery (5110 Gallatin Road, Nashville, TN 37216) with a Celebration of Life following at 2pm. More info here.

Cumulus WKKO/Toledo Shores & Steele morning co-host Harvey J. Steele died Thursday (12/28) at age 60. Steele co-hosted the morning show for 17 of the 23 years he was at the station, and his last day on-air was Dec. 20. A Celebration of Life will be held tomorrow (1/3) 12-8pm at Walker Funeral Home (5155 W. Sylvania Ave., Toledo, OH). More info here.

WBCT/Grand Rapids personality John "The Canuck" Wiechenthal died Dec. 21 at age 39 following a car accident. Visitation will be held Thursday (1/4) 6-8pm at Christ Lutheran Church (2350 44th St. SW, Grand Rapids, MI). A memorial service will be held Friday (1/5) at 11am at Christ Lutheran Church. More info here.