6 Questions: John DeLuca sits down with Paul and Al of 94HJY

December 3, 2015 9:07 pm

By John DeLuca

jdeluca@abc6.com

6 Questions: John sits down with 94HJY’s Paul and Al

In the summer of 1990, Paul and Al started doing their morning radio show on 94HJY. Since then, they’ve insulted or poked fun at just about every major politician in the state while constantly pushing back on political correctness.

Despite an evolving radio landscape and increasing competition, they’re still going strong. In this week’s edition of "6 Questions," John DeLuca chats with them about their rough start in Providence, how they’ve avoided getting fired, and renaming the state landfill.

Their hair may be shorter and grayer, but the fun and games on the Paul and Al show at rock station 94HJY haven’t stopped for 25 years.

"My talents are really limited to being goofy, thank goodness," says Al.

"Don’t take this the wrong way–which is never a great way to start a question–but how have you guys not gotten fired or replaced after 25 years?" asks John.

Paul is quick to reply, "Incriminating photographs of the boss or the corporate higher ups."

"We know what to kiss and when, basically," adds Al.

The Paul and Al show is produced by Kevin Mulhern, who takes on many roles on air and behind the scenes.

Jim Shorts, whose real name is Steve MacDonald, handles sports, and Jenn Dower handles news.

Together, the local team is quick and funny, all while talking about timely things people in southern New England are interested in while at work or on their way to work in the morning–but it wasn’t always that way.

"When you guys first started here, what was the reaction from people?" asks John.

"It was awful!," exclaims Paul.

In 1989, they were paired up at a radio station in Mobile, Alabama. Eight months later the job offer from 94HJY came. They arrived in Providence, replacing the wildly popular Carolyn Fox and Rudy Cheeks.

"The first month or two was basically taking phone calls: ‘HJY?’ ‘You guys suck! When are Carolyn and Rudy coming back?’" says Paul.

Obviously, the backlash was short lived. Paul Fuller and Al Matthews are now in the Rhode Island radio hall of fame with 25-plus years on air in the morning–second only to broadcasting legend, Salty Brine, who was on air for 50 years.

For that longevity and success, Salty has a beach named after him. Paul and Al would like to be shown the same kind of respect.

John gives an idea, "The landfill named after you guys, that would be perfect."

"Don’t you think the ‘Paul and Al Landfill’ has a nice ring to it?" asks Paul.

"It’s better than the Central Landfill," adds John.

"I mean, Salty Brine has a beach, we deserve a landfill for God’s sakes!" Paul continues.

"We’re not asking for much really when you think about it," Al replies.

"Are you guys like a little old married couple now? You know each other so well… you finish each others sentences?" John asks.

"We did that from the beginning. Sure, yeah." says Paul.

"You guys always got along?" John continues.

"Yeah we have. The sex wasn’t always great, but, you know, even that after a while," says Al.

It would be very easy for all of their charitable work to get lost in the shuffle because of their humor and antics, but the reality is, they’ve raised a lot of money for non-profit agencies over the years, including the Station Memorial, Amos House, and Food Bank.

Fans of their show will be pleased to know Paul and Al just signed a new contract for two more years, which means they’ll be on air in Providence until at least January of 2018–upping their total here to 27 and a half years. Slowly but surely, they’re gaining on Salty!