Alan Magnus displayed self-discipline in fine style

THE EDITOR, Madam:

ALAN MAGNUS, the ‘Good Morning Man’’ of Radio Jamaica who woke up his fans at 5 a.m. for nearly half a century to entertain and enlighten us, was a true hallmark of self-discipline. Self-discipline is doing what you should do when you should do it; whether you feel like it or not.

I began listening to Magnus on The Good Morning Man Show in September 1980. I became a real fan and listened for many decades as he came on at 5 a.m.: ‘’Good morning, Jamaica! Hey, hi, how yuh doing? Welcome to the start of a brandnew day’’. Waking at 5 a.m. became embedded in my subconscious like a biological alarm to this day. It has had a really beneficial impact on me.

I used to wonder in admiration how Magnus managed to be so reliable and punctual. Magnus’ golden example was the right inspiration I really needed to wake up at 5 a.m. to prepare to take a bus at 6 a.m. to classes in the freezing, stinging snow, sometimes as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius, when I studied in St Petersburg, Russia. I told myself ‘Mr Magnus would do it, so I will’, and I did.

I realised a childhood dream when I met Magnus in 2001 at an outside broadcast in Mandeville. We greeted, shook hands, and with a sense of accomplishment I informed him I was one of his biggest fans listening to his show for 20 years. ‘’Only 20 years?’’, ‘’Man, yuh just start’’ he humorously replied. I figured he was probably on radio for 30 years or more. I began reflecting then on the impact he must have had on thousands of fans, because of his endearing personality, his usual reminder for us to take good care of our number one, and the consistency and the highest standards of discipline he maintained and displayed throughout.

Yes, discipline is the quality of being able to behave and work in a controlled way, which involves obeying particular rules or standards. Alan Magnus displayed self-discipline in fine style throughout his distinguished career of 46 years. He was a true demonstration of dedication, determination, inspiration, steadfastness, character, commitment, consistenc y, insightfulness, passion, perseverance, punctuality and longevity. He was very popular because his Good Morning Man Show followed a most predictable pattern and became a true timer; and was invigorating, nourishing, entertaining, enlightening and enriching to those who tuned in.

Well said and well done, Mr Magnus!

May his music and his spirit live on. DAIVE FACEY dr.facey@gmail.com