The mighty Munson: A singular voice that will resonate forever
Larry Munson: The man, the voice, the legend. (AJC file photo)
He wasn’t the classic radio voice. On purely technical terms, he wasn’t the paragon of play-by-play, either. But such was the power of the mighty Munson personality that none of that mattered. You didn’t care if his calls were vague or his growl sounded like a Waring blender being jammed down a garbage disposal. You cared only that the man behind the microphone agonized as much over this particular football game as you did.
This isn’t to suggest Larry Munson wasn’t a pro. He was. But he was the amateur’s pro. There was no distance in him. He’d beseech the Georgia defense to hunker down – “One … more … time” — and he’d fret that a perfectly winnable game was unwinnable simply because that’s way of all fretters, and when the unwinnable game somehow got won the growl would raise hosannas as sweet as any bit of church music.
The idea of radio play-to-play was, in those long-ago days before every game found some television outlet, to paint a picture and to tell a story. Munson painted like Van Gogh on a starry night and conjured up better stories than Jack London. When the Georgia Tech broadcaster Al Ciraldo died a few years ago, Munson lamented his passing by saying, “We’re the last of a breed.”
In Munson’s day, the radio man was the fans’ only constant conduit to a team. On any given autumn Saturday nowadays we can watch a dozen games, but we couldn’t back then. The Rex Robinson game in Lexington in 1978? Wasn’t on live TV. The Herschel debut in Knoxville two years later? Wasn’t on live TV. The sugar-falling-from-the-sky game in Auburn two years after that? Wasn’t on live TV.
Any broadcaster could give you the down and distance; only Munson could give you the agony and the ecstasy. From property being destroyed on St. Simons after Belue-to-Scott to the Volunteer noses broken by the hobnailed boot, the Munson sense of imagery was a gale force unto itself. Nobody else sounded like him. Nobody else would choose the words he chose. The first time I heard Munson doing a Georgia game, I thought I had, by a trick of the ionosphere, tuned into some ham radioman having a nervous breakdown. The more I listened to him, the more I realized my first impression wasn’t far wrong, and I mean that in the best possible way.
There were no mail-in Saturdays for Munson. Every week was another passion play. Didn’t matter if the Bulldogs were playing the worst team in creation — Munson would worry to the extent that his listeners started breaking out in flop sweat because, halfway through the first quarter, Podunk State was “acting as if she wants to score.”
True fact: Vince Dooley, himself a worrier of renown, would try to avoid Munson during the week because, Dooley said, “he makes me nervous.” When Dooley would go overboard extolling some overmatched opponent’s virtues, we’d all wink. When Munson started growling on (and on) about the speed of Podunk … well, the winking would cease and the nerve-jangling would commence. You’d suspend disbelief simply because of the force of one voice.
I’m proud to say I knew the man, and I must tell you this: There was no artifice in the Munson persona. What you heard on-air was the Larry Munson. I’ll never forget that cold day in Auburn back in 2002, when 10-1 Georgia, ranked No. 7 in the land, was trying to win the SEC East for the first time. Before kickoff, I asked Munson what he thought. He looked at me as if I was crazy for even asking. “We haven’t got a chance in hell,” he said.
History will record that Georgia won on the fourth-down pass — 70-X-Takeoff, the play was called — from David Greene to Michael Johnson, and again the Bulldogs had overridden the odds and the fates and the primordial Munson doubts to prevail. And that was why Munson held us in such thrall: Georgia wouldn’t win because it had twice the talent of its opponent but because good had, miracle of miracles, trumped evil.
To listen to Cawood Ledford, the greatest pure play-by-play man who ever lived, call a Kentucky basketball game was to hear talent and craftsmanship. To hear Munson at work was to be bombarded by the sheer depth of feeling for what he was witnessing. When the famous Memphis record man Sam Phillips first heard the blues singer Howlin’ Wolf on the radio, Phillips is said to have said: “This is where the soul of man never dies.”
To hear Larry Munson call Georgia football was to experience something similar. (And surely it was no coincidence that Munson was, in an earlier manifestation, a professional piano player. He had the ears to go with the voice.) The great man passed away Sunday night at age 89; the great growl will live forever.
By Mark Bradley
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378 comments Add your comment
Rolling Along
November 21st, 2011
7:00 am
Have always been a Tech fan, but always loved Larry’s entertaining calls. His voice was the trademark and flavor of UGA football for decades. Much like Al Ciraldo’s was for the Jackets for years.
Like so many, when watching UGA play, I’d mute the TV volume and listen to Larry.
R.I.P Larry and thank God for the unique few broadcasters like Larry Munson.
Gen Neyland
November 21st, 2011
7:02 am
Larry Munson will always be recognized and known as the voice of Georgia football, but it wasn’t just his profession that makes Munson legendary. It was his life’s work as a whole. No matter one’s loyalty to their program of choice, I’d just like to say we are all sorry for our loss but nonetheless a richer people for having him a part of this world. RIP Munson…
SWGA Dawg
November 21st, 2011
7:09 am
If there is a heaven there is a South Georgia peanut field with hundreds of doves flying and Larry Munson on the radio callin for his beloved Dawgs to “Hunker down one more time”
don
November 21st, 2011
7:13 am
I think we should black out Grant Field Saturday in memory of the great one. And I think the team should wear their black jerseys and helmets.
bluegrass dog
November 21st, 2011
7:13 am
Mark,
Incredible tribute! You had me me laughing and in tears, and a combination of the two. Growing up a Bulldog meant listening to Larry with my Dad. Thanks for taking us back to those great Larry moments and for putting in words how we felt listening to him.
Greg
November 21st, 2011
7:16 am
… only Munson could give you the agony and the ecstasy. You’ll never write a better line.
glennc
November 21st, 2011
7:16 am
I found Larry Munson for the first time in 1968 to hear him call a tie game vs Houston. I was hooked ever since. Larry Munson visited the Bulldog Cub of Jacksonville in the late 90’s and everyone loved him! The greatest play-by play man of all time. Rest in Peace, you will be forever missed!
falcon
November 21st, 2011
7:16 am
Munson had to be a great one. I’ve never seen so many tears shed at Bradley’s place. I always loved it when Larry would say, “get the picture”. He would then describe the very grim situation the Dawgs were in at the time. Larry carved himself into UGA football history, one radio boradcast at a time. I hope they erect some sort of tribute to the man at Sanford Stadium. Go Dawgs! Sic’em!
South Carolina DAWGS
November 21st, 2011
7:19 am
Mark – I now see why the AJC hired you and believe me ‘you spoke from the heart for all of us UGA loyalist”. He was more than an announcer – he was your dad, granddad, big brother and mother ALL rolled into one and WE were at the game with HIM and WE were all asking for “Sugar from the sky and HUNKER DOWN just one more time!!!!” End of an era and thank you Lord for letting me be around and hear him say “RUN LINDSEY RUN”!!!!!!!
crossdawg
November 21st, 2011
7:22 am
Not only a D G D but a TOP DAWG
falcon
November 21st, 2011
7:23 am
I agree Don. That’s a great call.
JT from Columbus
November 21st, 2011
7:27 am
We’ll miss you Larry. So many fond memories. Thank God for those times I’ll never forget.
11/21/2011 Morning Edition | collegefootballnewswire.com
November 21st, 2011
7:33 am
[...] BRADLEY: The Mighty Munson DUFRENSE: In BCS standings, It’s 1-2-3 For The SEC! RUSSO: Playoff Would Increase Drama [...]
GTJeff
November 21st, 2011
7:35 am
Rest in peace sir.
RTD
November 21st, 2011
7:35 am
Several years ago I was able to meet Larry Munson in Athens. He was so very gracious to take a photo and sign a book. He was a class act, and most of The Dawg Nation felt as if he were family! He will be missed by so very many. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family! “Look at the sugar falling out of the sky.” Thanks Larry, I hope UGA XIII and boys were just behind Saint Peter to meet you at the gate.
Support from SC
November 21st, 2011
7:36 am
Condolences to the Munson family and to the Bulldog fans out there. This is a tough loss as Larry Munson was a man that was larger than life. One of the best football announcers ever.
May he rest in peace, in a booth that never gets cold.
Pooch Kick
November 21st, 2011
7:38 am
Mark thanks for a great column, RIP Larry
Joey
November 21st, 2011
7:46 am
Good stuff, MB.
GT79
November 21st, 2011
7:47 am
Great article, Mark. I have been a Tech fan all my life, buy listening to Larry was always a treat and I always tuned in to his call of the Tech – Ga games. He was a great broadcaster and a great ambassador of the University of Georgia. You will be missed, Larry, but I know you are out on a quiet lake this morning in heaven enjoying some great fishing, which now you get to do forever…..Rest in peace.
BobDawg
November 21st, 2011
7:48 am
Nice job from a Ky Blueblood! I knew Munson was special when I was calling on a client in Easley, SC one day and he told me when the Dawgs and Clemson played each other; he would rather listen to Munson call the game then his own announcer…
SuperB
November 21st, 2011
7:49 am
Cawood Ledford was the greatest BASKETBALL play-by-play man ever! But Larry Munson was the greatest FOOTBALL play-by-play man ever! I made sure not to miss a game either did– Larry in the fall, Cawood in the winter.
This is our life– and these giants talked us through it!
JackA770
November 21st, 2011
7:50 am
The reason I sought to attend UGA back in 1971 was hearing Larry Munson on WSB radio during my high school days. Surely this University of Georgia must be something very very special. It was…and is. As will be always, Larry Munson, now called to higher duty and eternal reward.
Thoughts are with his blood family and his also beloved bulldawg family.
North ave. faithful
November 21st, 2011
7:52 am
been a tech fan since the 60s, so i heard Larry do his magic on the radio many times. You know the bulldawg nation i know feels very lucky to have had the greatest play by play man of all time, but im sure larry munson knew he was a lucky man to have a great schooll, team, and fan base to represent. my sympathys to the munson family and all the bulldawg nation. Just loved hearing him say “another beautiful fall day hear between the hedges”
J-Tag
November 21st, 2011
7:53 am
Damn good Dawg!
Gamecox
November 21st, 2011
7:54 am
As a Gamecock fan, I have to say Munson and Bob Fuller were the best. RIP.
DIT
November 21st, 2011
7:56 am
Larry Munson was one of a million. For Munson fans we all wish that he could live forever and continue to call UGA games. I can imagine that himself and Jesus are having some great conversations right now about his life and how he touched thousands of people.
Rest in peace Larry, the BEST DAWG EVER!
DIT
November 21st, 2011
7:57 am
P.S. – Great artticle / Tribute Mark B. I enjoyed your thoughts & words.
James
November 21st, 2011
8:04 am
Mark,
Well said. When I came to Ga In 1986 my first exposure to Bulldog football was hearing Larry on the radio. He was the best and very comparable tom the late Johnny Most from the Celtics. Both homers that made you feel then game.
Jimmy Crack
November 21st, 2011
8:06 am
R.I.P. Larry. You will be missed.
NATS
November 21st, 2011
8:07 am
Always enjoyed Munson. He was entertaining and loyal to his team without being an SEC hack (unlike his replacements). He will be missed by fans outside of the SEC for his humor, wit and knowledge of the game. May he rest in peace.
Big Old Dog
November 21st, 2011
8:07 am
RIP Larry Munson…and get St Peter to give you 1 of his Cubans and blow a few smoke rings for all to see Saturady!
how2fish
November 21st, 2011
8:15 am
First off great article Mark very well written, second thanks to all the classy comments from the Tech and other schools fans . Lastly I grew up listening to Larry for well over 30 years he was the favorite uncle you loved spending time with, even if it was only a football game it mattered and his visits with us mattered. Larry you will be deeply missed, but man were we lucky to have the opportunity to spend that time with you!
stendek
November 21st, 2011
8:15 am
I am deeply saddened. The voice of Georgia Bulldog football is now silent forever. Mr Larry Munson was not only a professional of the highest caliber but was one of the staunchest of all Dawg gridiron fans. I always felt like Mr Munson was hurt more by Dawg losses than I was. Now that is a true fan who lives and dies with the team. The voice of Mr Munson was unique. There was no doubt who was calling the shots for the Dawgs over the radio airways. Mr Munson called the impossible dream for the Dawgs against Florida which kept Dawg national championship hopes alive. So what if the announcer fell out of his chair? That rally was something worth falling out of a chair for! One of my favorite artists of all time is official Dawg football illustrator Mr Jack Davis. When Mr Davis reveals his memorial for Mr Munson will the AJC please share it with readers? I am still in shock. I cannot believe Mr Munson is gone. The voice of Georgia Bulldog football got to make the calls for one legitimate Dream Team in 1980. One can only hope he smiles knowingly from above as another Dream Team attempts to fulfil its destiny against tremendous odds. LSU, Alabama and Arkansas are excellent football programs but they are all lacking in one important aspect. None of them ever had Mr Munson! Rest in peace dearest friend. I love you. All of the Dawg Nation does.
randy
November 21st, 2011
8:16 am
Even us Gators remember. http://forum.gatorsports.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=16196&p=289632#p289632
David
November 21st, 2011
8:18 am
Saturdays have not been the same without you Larry. I shall always remember sitting by the Hooch listening on my boombox to you call Hershel’s first game against Tenn. I was there in Knoxville thanks to you. I miss you. You are the greatest ever.
TampaGator
November 21st, 2011
8:21 am
I met Larry Munson once in a Norcross Irish pub having a beer and peanuts with a pretty lady. I said, “Hello, Mr. Munson……….and Go Gators!….with a smile.” He did not smile or say anything back. A true Dawg…..and a truly great announcer. RIP, Larry Munson. You brought a lot of joy to Georgia football fans.
…….and played the piano for Frank Sinatra……..NICE LIFE.
meh
November 21st, 2011
8:23 am
RIP Larry Munson.
Buckhead Bulldog
November 21st, 2011
8:23 am
Thank you Mr. Munson for all of the great UGA memories I have due to you! Those plays/calls will live forever with me. From the time as a young boy and listening to the call of Appleby to Washington, as a high school kid listening to Herschel’s debut and Belue to Scott, as an UGA student and being “hosed” at Auburn, and of course the UT face crush as after graduating. For me, you and your calls were and always be a wonderful, colorful ribbon in my life. Thank you Larry!
Suches Dawg
November 21st, 2011
8:24 am
My family enjoyed many great Munson moments as we listened to his call from our porch at our mountain cabin on game days. My favorite memory was one game day when we had, as usual, planned the day’s activities around Munson’s call of the game. My Dad was ging around imploring everyone to hurry up, “Munson’s about to come on.” We had an old aunt visiting t who knew nothing about football and after she heard nothing but Munson, Munson all afternoon she said : “My that Munson fellow must be some football player. Is he also a good student ?” My dad said “He’s not much of a student but one hell of a Bulldog man.”
And he was and will never be forgotten.
Angie
November 21st, 2011
8:25 am
Thanks Mark for a great column.
I grew up listening with my dad to Larry call the games on the radio. If we were lucky enough for the games to be televised, we would turn the volume down on the TV and listen to Larry. There was never any other place that I wanted to be and in 1981 that’s where I went. Larry Munson made everyone feel the games and the atmosphere in Athens. I miss hearing his voice calling games. I get teary-eyed every Saturday in Athens when the band plays The Battle Hymn of the Bulldawg Nation and they show great plays on the Jumbotron. Listening to Larry over the speaker while the band plays — “Glory, glory to old Georgia! Heroes have graced the field before you: men with the hearts, bodies, and minds of which the entire Bulldog nation can be justifiably proud. A tradition of unbridled excellence demonstrated by these individuals and many others spans more than a full century. And now a new breed of Bulldog stands ready to take the field of battle to assume the reigns of their Georgia forbearers and continue that tradition, understanding that there is no tradition more worth of envy, no institution worthy of such loyalty, as the University of Georgia. As we prepare for another meeting between the hedges, let all the Bulldog faithful rally behind the men who now wear the red and black with two words—two simple words which express the sentiments of the entire Bulldog nation: Go Dawgs!” brings chills.
Thanks Larry for everything! You will be sorely missed. Once a Dawg – always a Dawg! How Sweet It Is!!!
gatorref
November 21st, 2011
8:26 am
In 1980 when he said “run Lindsey run” it ripped my heart out – but we must give credit when it is due – Munson was the best at his craft. I love my gators but Munson was without equal – simply the greatest play by play guy ever. RIP
Haney
November 21st, 2011
8:28 am
RIP Larry, you were the best that has ever been or will ever be when it comes to calling UGA football. I can remember listening to you with my Dad back in the mid to late 70’s, when there was only one TV game a week and we relied on Larry to “get the picture” many times. I think it is a great tribute to the legend he was that we have other schools leaving such nice comments about Larry Munson. When the oppositon is a fan and has respect for you, it truly tells the story of what a great job you have done. Prayers to the Munson family, your loss is a great one but know that Larry will never be forgotten.
Go Dawgs!
November 21st, 2011
8:30 am
What a surprise that you’d bring up something from Kentucky. Why don’t you go back?
Ed
November 21st, 2011
8:30 am
Munson was a good man.
Just curious why the AJC feels compelled to take cheap shots at Starkville, MS in his obit? Trying to be cute with yoru writing cheapens what Larry was all about.
Uncle Tom
November 21st, 2011
8:31 am
If we ever build the Mount Rushmore of DawgNation, Munson has got to be one of the four faces!
PreyDawg
November 21st, 2011
8:32 am
Excellent Mark. You captured Larry.
SAWB
November 21st, 2011
8:32 am
I hate to sound like my Dad, but game days have definitely never been the same since he retired. I remember when most games were not on TV and we wished for the day that they would all be televised. However, I think we have somehow lost a little something of the passion surrounding the game. I don’t know I guess its progress, but man I would love just one more autumn day and a “radio only” game with Larry calling a last minute win over Auburn. Damm…
Habersham Dawg
November 21st, 2011
8:34 am
Good bye, Larry, and thank you for the voice of my football teenage years.
76dawg
November 21st, 2011
8:36 am
Mark, you have outdone yourself with this memorial to Munson. You captured the essence of Munson in print much as he painted a scene each Saturday the Dawgs teed it up. With all due respect to our current announcing crew, taking a radio to the game is not the same since he retired. We always expected at least one classic line from each broadcast.
PreyDawg
November 21st, 2011
8:38 am
@Suches and @Angie- Good stories guys. Thanks for sharing. I’ll blog about it later. Maybe post it on here.
Angie, I went to UGA in 81 as well. Got to go back last week for the Auburn game. I am a few states away now. Locals say to me, “You have lived here for 20 years. When are you going to transfer your loyalty to the local college team.” All of us DAWGS know that is a stupid silly question….the answer is…NEVER!!