Paul Berlin, Influential Houston DJ, Dies At 86

HOUSTON, TX — He began spinning wax during the heyday of rock 'n' roll and worked through the era of heavy metal, disco, pop, emo, and everything in between in a career that landed him in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Texas Radio Hall of Fame.

Paul Berlin, dubbed the "Dick Clark of Houston" by friend and radio announcer Scott Arthur, died on Thursday after a brief illness. His death was confirmed by KSEV, where he had worked since 2010.

Berlin, who was born in Memphis, Tenn., moved to Houston in 1950 and began his DJ career at KNUZ. There, as reported by KHOU, he started promoting the concerts of luminaries including Tommy Dorsey, Sonny and Cher, and the Dave Clark Five. Known as "Buzz" Berlin, the DJ worked during his career at KNUZ, KQUE, KSEV and KBME.

Berlin's funeral arrangements are pending.

» For more on Berlin's life and legacy, visit The Great Dee Jays

— Image: Paul Berlin in 2011 (The Great Dee Jays)