Archive for October 16th, 2008

Dear Night Prowlers,

As many of you know, last night (Oct 15th) was my final Night Prowl Show with XM Satellite Radio’s 50s on 5. I hosted the Night Prowl for 7 years and 4 months and it was the greatest experience of my life. Getting to know each of you and share some of the greatest music ever made was something that I will never forget. During the Night Prowl, we got to meet some of the legends of Rock n’ Roll (Sonny Burgess, Dale Hawkins, Lloyd Price, Billy Vera etc) and share a lot of good times and great stories. We danced, we laughed and we cried.

Last night as I was packing up the studio, I played some of Yum Yum’s annual Christmas poems and even found some of Cross Country Kelly’s old phone calls. Now, she’s my wife and we are very happy together. Believe me, XM gave me as much as it gave you, if not a little more. I met my wife because of XM and it was XM that gave me the freedom to do what I do and to truly be myself. Every scream, every yell and every “Lawd have MERCY!” came from a real place deep down in my heart and soul. I meant everything I said. I felt it for real and in turn, I think you felt it too.

But alas, all good things must come to an end and we did have a very good run. Sirius XM has had to make some serious cuts in staff and that is why they have let me go.

Honestly, I have no idea what I am going to do next. I’d love to end up in a major radio market somewhere and I hope syndication may also be an option someday soon. I’ve often told people that there is NOTHING like the feeling you get from being LIVE on the radio. It’s an indescribable feeling. Thank you for being a part of that for so many years.

Please check my website often for updates. I will also keep this update list active, and will contact you all again when I have some good news. Now that I have some free time, I think I’m gonna update the website and add many new items, including complete playlists for every Harlem show that ever aired. Speaking of Harlem, I hear that XMX (Channel 2) will be running Harlem shows all weekend, but I’m not certain about that. Check it out as it will probably be your last chance to hear the show that was the light of my life. I have more pride for my Harlem shows than most everything else I’ve ever done. I’ll also be adding more interviews to my online archive so check that often as well (https://www.mattthecat.com/Interview.html)

It’s hard to say goodbye, so let me quote the great Neil Young when I say, “It’s better to burn out than to fade away”. Last night, we burned out (like a radio tube), but we will NEVER fade away. Keep your ears open and I’m sure you’ll hear Matt The Cat yelling and howlin’ from somewhere. Yeeeeaaaaaahhhhhhh!

Thanks for helping me to keep Rhythm & Blues, Rock n’ Roll, Rockabilly and Doo Wop alive. You can’t kill the good stuff. We shall meet again, my Prowlers, just never forget your “fury leader”.

And remember, you got to keep PROWLIN’ and don’t EVER stop. Because the day you stop prowlin’, will sho’ enough be the day you die”.

Love and soul,

Matt The Cat

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