Look Who’s Talking by Angela Klinske
T
he name Prudence DiMercurio-Dykstra may not ring a bell but anyone who listens to classic rock radio will recognize the name Allison Harte, the well-known on-air personality for 101.3 The Fox.
A pioneer in her field, Dykstra began her radio career when women weren’t typically hired as onair personalities. Getting her start on a little station in Saginaw in the 1970s at age sixteen, Dykstra made a name for herself moving across the dial and across the state as one of the most popular disc jockeys in west Michigan. Today, she’s newly married (and very happily, she adds), has a daughter who’s graduating from high school in June, and enjoys a career as marketing director for Salon Enterprises. You can still hear her on The Fox weeknights from 6 to 9 p.m. and on Sunday mornings.
Prudence DiMercurioDykstra a.k.a. Allison Harte and her husband Roger. Photo by Fred Nabkey
Wild at heart and pleasant to talk to, she sounds the same on-air and off-air. “Someone once told me to always be myself, then I’ll never forget who I was.” She’s held true to that advice and attributes her success to her ability to stay “average” and to be able to convey that to other people.
Stupidest thing you ever did: When I was about 15, I went go-go dancing in Saginaw with friends. I asked the two guys performing to play “These Boots Were Made for Walkin’.” They said they only play original material. I told them they sucked. Later I heard them on the radio and found out it was Simon and Garfunkel.
Born and raised: Saginaw, Michigan
Hobbies: I make beautiful glass bead bracelets and I love to do embroidery. I’m also a serious NTN Trivia player (she’s racked up 10,000,000 points).
First job: I worked the backboard at Burger King, which meant I put mayo on the whopper buns. I was saving up money for a lime-green jacket but I got fired when they found out I was only 12 years old. I lost the job but not until I had the money to buy the jacket. First on-air job: A small radio station in Bay City. (She went by the name Melody Maker. Her other on-air names include Kelly Morgan and Dena Robbins.) Most famous person you’ve ever met: Mick Jaggar lit my cigarette backstage when I worked as a freelancer for the Lansing State Journal. I was sixteen.
Favorite Quote: Queen Victoria said that class is being nice to people who can do absolutely nothing for you.
Favorite Song: “Over the Rainbow” sung by Judy Garland. We played it at our wedding. Favorite TV shows: West Wing, ESPN Sports Center, CSI Miami. I hate reality TV. Three words that describe you: Gregarious. Benevolent. Fun. Favorite way to relax: Eating spaghetti dinners with family and watching a Detroit Lions game. What she’s reading: I just finished reading Katherine Hepburn’s biography. Favorite dish: Clam Linguine.
What accomplishment are you most proud of: Raising my daughter. Married: Yes, to Roger on August 1. We spent our honeymoon in Sturgis on a Harley. Favorite movie: Rebecca (an Alfred Hitchcock movie from the 1940s) and Notting Hill
On politics: People who don’t care disillusion me. Don’t complain, do something. Vote. Most daring thing you’ve ever done: I once broadcasted from atop the original weather ball. Pets: Two chow chows named Salvatore (after my grandfather) and Shady (after Eminem).
Pet peeves: Poor grammar, people who interrupt.
Most famous person you’ve ever met: Mick Jaggar lit my cigarette backstage when I worked as a freelancer for the Lansing State Journal. I was sixteen.