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
ColumbiaDawg
November 21st, 2011
8:39 am
Appleby to Washington. Belue to Scott. Butler’s 60 yard GW field goal. Greene to Haynes. Greene to Johnson. Herschel running over Bill Bates. They would have been been great moments in Georgia football history, anyway. Larry Munson made those moments special.
When South Carolina scored that touchdown with two seconds left on the clock in 1993, the Columbia radio station played the Munson call “they broke our hearts” instead of their Bob Fulton call.
GDAWG65
November 21st, 2011
8:42 am
Vince Dooley is right, there will never be another like him. He was the best. Rest in peace Larry.
Whiskey Breath
November 21st, 2011
8:44 am
Mark, Larry had what you don’t have. Moxy, and the conviction to stick with what you believe in.
He knew what worked and stayed with his style and did not change. Same guy he was 40 years ago.
Can you imagine someone telling Larry Munson to change? Larry didn’t check his popularity meter every day. He also didn’t see the need to conform to other broadcasters. I guess he had a backbone.
Bama fan
November 21st, 2011
8:45 am
Larry was the best dawg of them all. I used to listen to georgia games back in the 80’s just because of that great voice. Larry was simply the best ever. He made you feel like you were sitting in the stadium- he even described the uniforms. Congrats to georgia on east title. RIP.
LakeDawg
November 21st, 2011
8:45 am
Back in the days before every game was on TV, Munson could paint a picture like no other. If that ain’t talent, I don’t know what is. The Dawg nation’s love for Larry was about more than him being a “homer.” He was truly a unique talent that connected on a visceral level with Dawg fans. That’s why his being a “homer” mattered.
Producer
November 21st, 2011
8:45 am
Rest in Peace, Larry. You are/were the most significant Bulldog in the history of the school. No one will ever come close. This is even sadder for Bulldog fans than Grizzard’s death. The Bulldog Nation’s heart is breaking.
DIT
November 21st, 2011
8:45 am
How about Munson Field in Sanford Stadium!!
Mid Town Joe
November 21st, 2011
8:48 am
I loved his calls on running plays, no matter who the back was. “4-5-6, give him 11 yds”.
Hindu Elvis Pimp
November 21st, 2011
8:48 am
I never thought much of his over the top folksy style. Honestly, he made it difficult to follow the game as he would leave many details out when he got excited.
I think Munson’s popularity was due to a handful of people making such a big deal about him, the rest of you just followed the noise and assumed it must be true. It’s not. Find your own brains for once.
Angie
November 21st, 2011
8:49 am
@PreyDawg – Amen to that!! Even after finishing school, I still listened to Larry. My daughter and son grew up listening to him and now my daughter is in the Redcoat Band. She misses him as much as I do.
DawgNation
November 21st, 2011
8:50 am
Mark,
A masterpiece sir. You captured the feelings and memories to perfection. Thank you. To all the fans of other teams on here you all have shown the class I knew most of you have. Thanks
nute rochknee
November 21st, 2011
8:51 am
Never understood the attraction -however condolonces to the family
Bob Respess
November 21st, 2011
8:51 am
Lary Munson and Al Ciraldo. No state ever had two finer broadcasters. Once toe meets leather, everyone in broadcaster heaven is gonna hunker down!
Producer
November 21st, 2011
8:53 am
A great idea, BIT. And Hindu go screw yourself. Today ain’t the day for anything but tributes. If you got nothing positive to say, shut your mouth.
DawginLex
November 21st, 2011
8:53 am
Great Column Mark
Larry Munson was the best at what he did and that was his love for the Dawgs.
What a life he lived!
Rest In Peace Larry.
suwaneedawg
November 21st, 2011
8:55 am
Great article Mark. It is nice to see that Dawg and Tech fans can agree on one thing. Larry Munson was a legend and will be missed. R.I.P. Mr. Munson.
Cohutta Dawgman
November 21st, 2011
8:56 am
RIP Larry. Hope the fishing is good in heaven.
The Alpha Male
November 21st, 2011
8:57 am
Stunned. Heartbroken. Thanks Larry for memories that will live with me to the end of my days.
UGA
November 21st, 2011
8:58 am
May the Big Dawg rest in peace.
» SEC: Legendary Larry Munson passes at 89; young Hog tight end found dead; West tie-breaker complicated John Clay's Sidelines
November 21st, 2011
8:59 am
[...] Larry Munson passed away Sunday night from complications associated with pneumonia. Munson was 89. As Mark Bradley nails it in the AJC, “From property being destroyed on St. Simons after Belue-to-Scott to the Knoxville noses [...]
LHarding Dawg
November 21st, 2011
9:02 am
Larry Munson – Damn Good Dawg
Yurtle_the_Turtle
November 21st, 2011
9:05 am
as a GT fan and someone who enjoys a good Bulldog loss, I will say that I’ll miss Munson too. I’ll pray for the Bulldog nation and the Munson family. Sorry for your loss.
GT Fan
November 21st, 2011
9:06 am
I wish Larry the best. Rest in Peace.
Now with that said, go win for the man Georgia Tech!!!!!!
TO HELL WITH GEORGIA!
WHAT’S THE GOOD WORD?
PISS ON ‘EM!!!!!!!!
RAMBLIN WRECK GEORGIA TECH!!!!!!!
St. Richt
November 21st, 2011
9:06 am
Rest in Peace Larry. Heart goes out to his family and the Bulldog nation.
Hindu Elvis Pimp
November 21st, 2011
9:08 am
Producer
November 21st, 2011
8:53 am
A great idea, BIT. And Hindu go screw yourself. Today ain’t the day for anything but tributes. If you got nothing positive to say, shut your mouth.
_________________________________________________________________________________
I didn’t care for his style……So there. No need for the attacks.
stendek
November 21st, 2011
9:08 am
For Larry Munson:
http://stendek.tumblr.com/post/13110725272/voice-of-dawg-football-silent-with-death-of-larry
suwanee dawg
November 21st, 2011
9:09 am
Larry rarely called Georgia, Georgia. It was always “us” and “we”. I believe that says it all.
Dawg Gone
November 21st, 2011
9:11 am
Hindu Elvis Pimp you handle speaks volumes about you, right now your making your mother very proud. Larry RIP you will be missed , thanks for the memories !
DonDawg
November 21st, 2011
9:11 am
Life changed the day Larry left the booth.. No more “get the picture.. Dawgs dressed in Red with Silver britches….” The absolute best way to start your Saturday. But now, from on high and for now on, will we here his calls…God Bless Larry and his family…. “Run Lindsay…
Rickster
November 21st, 2011
9:14 am
We’re going to need a little divine help to with the SEC championship. Now… Larry’s up there to give us a little extra help.
Dr. R
November 21st, 2011
9:15 am
Great job as always, Mark. Thank you.
nobody
November 21st, 2011
9:16 am
I will never believe that Munson played second fiddle to any Kentucky announcer….
T-Bone
November 21st, 2011
9:17 am
Tech men will always like Al Ciraldo better, for obvious reasons, but I can understand the feelings of UGA fans today. For that matter Wes Durham will always be a better play-by-play man, but Munson was the heart of UGA.
NoShamSam
November 21st, 2011
9:17 am
This Georgia Tech fan will miss you Larry. You were one of the greatest football announcers ever. Period!
Hindu Elvis Pimp
November 21st, 2011
9:20 am
Dawg Gone, what are you talking about?
My mother was killed by a drunk driver in April. If you are insinuating she deserved it, you are a very ill person.
Mike D.
November 21st, 2011
9:20 am
RIP, Larry. We should all bring such passion to our profession as you did.
Ron Strauss
November 21st, 2011
9:21 am
Thanks for your insightful article that captures what made Larry Munson unique and loved. His caring and angst perfectly voiced what Bulldog fans were feeling. In a sport where things can or often do go wrong, he saw the glass half empty, but fervently wished it to be full. He was a terrific announcer, he was an even better fan.
Clint Pearson
November 21st, 2011
9:24 am
Larry is and will always be a Georgia legend. Lets name the press box at Sanford for him.
Buckhead Bulldog
November 21st, 2011
9:27 am
Hindu Elvis Pimp – Dude! Go AWAY, please! This is not the time to spread manure. I would suggest that if you did not care for LM, then discuss it with your buddies in privacy because NO ONE on here wants to hear your crap!
Sic’ ‘em DOGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ghost of Dodd
November 21st, 2011
9:28 am
This long time Tech fan is praying for your family during this time. Though you were a Bulldog, you were one of the best at what you did. Hopefully you and Al Ciraldo can call the game up in Heaven this weekend.
Go Tech!
All I remember is
November 21st, 2011
9:29 am
listening to a game on radio called by Munson
was more exciting than
a big screen High Definition 3-D TV broadcast.
Gary
November 21st, 2011
9:30 am
Mark, why do all the stories say he died at 89? He was born in Sept of 1921, that makes him 90, doesn’t it?
Mark Bradley
November 21st, 2011
9:33 am
You sure he wasn’t born in September 1922, Gary?
Dr. Phil
November 21st, 2011
9:35 am
I believe that Larry came to Atlanta with the Braves, and did the Braves’ games with Milo Hamilton for a number of years before he went to UGA. He was equally good as a baseball announcer, but perhaps a little less passionate. It was great to hear Larry when you were on the road. I recall driving back from a California road trip in college and hearing Larry’s voice on a Braves’ broadcast somewhere in Arkansas. He was certainly one of a kind.
aprilglaspie
November 21st, 2011
9:35 am
First time I heard Munson, I thought I had stumbled upon Johnny Most doing college football. Same voice made for silent movies. Same unadulterated homerism. Same way with words.
Stuart Oliver
November 21st, 2011
9:36 am
Thank you Larry for all of the Georgia Joy!
I celebrated the victories and suffered through the losses with you.
You took me to the game when I could not go.
S
doc
November 21st, 2011
9:37 am
as a tech man i didnt listen to him until i was over my grudges and herschel came to the scene. when i did i was enthralled. i was lucky enough and heard some games out in fields of south georgia not too far from where herschel was born, where there isnt a better place to listen to a dog game, listening to some of the games that made cmr what he is today through the voice of munson.
one word describes him,
ORIGINAL.
42nd year as a Dawg
November 21st, 2011
9:42 am
Was just commenting on Saturday how much I missed him. Feel bad for current crew because he is irreplaceable and makes anything that follows mediocre at best……..I remember begging my parents to take me with them to the games in the late 70’s and early 80’s which they did but often it would be an adult only trip for the big games like 21-0 win over BAMA in 76 and Ga/Fl 1980. After sitting on the couch and pacing through the den hanging on every word, I ended up happier that I had listened to Munson than if I had gone to the game. RIP Larry. Unquestionably the greatest of all time. Are you the best? YEAH, YEAH, YEAH, YEAH!
Summit Dawg
November 21st, 2011
9:42 am
A great tribute article Mark…..Now “get The Picture!”
BILLY JACK
November 21st, 2011
9:44 am
LARRY YOU WERE SIMPLY THE BEST COLLEGE FOOTBALL ANNOUNCER THAT EVER LIVED.MY ROOMATE AND I WERE LUCKY ENOUGH TO MEET AND TALK WITH YOU AT A UNIVERSITY FUNCTION AND WALK YOU TO YOUR CAR TALKING GEORGIA FOOTBALL-THAT WAS A BIG TREAT FOR US.YOU WILL BE MISSED.