Ron Olson and Karen Perrin Win Prestigious 2026 Marconi Radio Award
Memphis has another reason to celebrate! Longtime Memphis radio personality Ron Olson and his co-host Karen Perrin of 104.5 The River received the prestigious 2026 Marconi Radio Award for Medium Market Personality of the Year from the National Association of Broadcasters.
The national honor recognizes outstanding achievement in radio broadcasting. For Ron and Karen, who have entertained Memphis listeners for years, the award marks an extraordinary milestone.
At Classic Legacy, we have an additional reason to celebrate. We are proud to represent Ron's Memphis artwork through our gift collection featuring his distinctive designs.
New York a Celebration to Remember
When Ron and Karen learned of their nomination during the summer of 2026, Ron's wife, Vicki, had some encouraging words: "You have won already... just being nominated."
With that spirit, they planned a four-day trip to New York City for the October awards ceremony. They filled their visit with Broadway shows, wonderful restaurants, and visits to art galleries.
The highlight came at the Marconi Radio Awards ceremony in October, when Ron and Karen learned they had won!
The celebration became even more meaningful with Ron and Vicki's daughter and son-in-law there to share in the excitement.
A National Honor for Memphis Radio Favorites
The National Association of Broadcasters presents the Marconi Radio Awards to recognize excellence in radio stations and personalities nationwide. Ron has earned numerous honors throughout his Memphis radio career, including induction into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame. However, the 2026 Marconi Award brings national recognition to his work alongside Karen Perrin.
The award celebrates their achievements in the medium-market radio category and places their names among the nation's recognized broadcasting personalities. For Memphis listeners who have enjoyed Ron's familiar voice over the years, it is a wonderful moment of hometown pride.
Ron Olson: A Radio Personality with a Passion for Art
Many Memphians know Ron Olson from the radio, but he has another creative talent. Ron is also an artist whose original work celebrates Memphis. Of course, Ron never stops thinking like an artist. While exploring New York's galleries, he looked closely at the techniques other artists used, always searching for new ideas and inspiration for his own work. His artwork captures the character, color, and spirit of the city. Music, familiar Memphis scenes, and local culture provide inspiration for his distinctive designs.
I particularly enjoyed hearing from Vicki about their visits to New York art galleries. That curiosity and creativity are part of what makes his work so interesting.
Where to Find Ron Olson Art and Memphis Gifts
In addition to our online collection at Classic Legacy, you can discover Ron's artwork and gifts at several Memphis retailers.
Feelin' Memphis features Ron's original artwork as well as gifts displaying his designs. Novel Bookstore in Memphis also carries gifts featuring his art. We love seeing Ron's artwork reach people who appreciate Memphis and want to celebrate the city's unique personality.
Congratulations Ron and Karen!
All of us at Classic Legacy send our warmest congratulations to Ron Olson and Karen Perrin on winning the 2026 Marconi Radio Award! We also congratulate Vicki and the family, who shared in this memorable celebration in New York.
It is a pleasure to work with Ron and Vicki and to help share his Memphis artwork with others. We are delighted to celebrate this outstanding achievement and look forward to seeing what Ron creates next!
At Classic Legacy, I believe the most meaningful gifts celebrate the people, organizations, and stories that make a difference in our lives. Congratulations again to Ron Olson and Karen Perrin on this extraordinary national honor! We are delighted to celebrate Ron's success in broadcasting and to share his wonderful Memphis artwork through Classic Legacy. As Pablo Picasso once said:
“Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.”
What a fitting thought for an artist who continues to find inspiration wherever life takes him!