Colorado Radio Legends Back on the Air

There is not a more recognizable sports radio tandem in Colorado history than Irv Brown and Joe Williams. Their combined age is a 3-digit number, but you would think you were listening to two kids when they are on air. It’s not unusual for Irv to call Joe an idiot, or for Joe to tell Irv to “quit cryin’”. Irv and Joe have worked together on the airwaves for more than 30 years, and even after taking some time apart, the two “knuckleheads“ are back gabbing about Colorado sports. “Joe was going to go on vacations,” Brown said “but there are only so many art galleries he could go to.”

While they keep busy with other departments, their home is sports radio, and nobody does it better in Colorado than Irv and Joe. Many people questioned Irv and Joe’s move from the local favorite radio station 104.3 The Fan to ESPN affiliate ESPN Denver 1600. The general thought was that the longest radio tandem in Colorado history was being “bought out” by a national radio juggernaut and deserting the faithful of Denver who had supported them for so long. What many people don’t realize, however, is that the Lincoln Financial Company owns both 104.3 The Fan and ESPN Denver 1600. The primary reason for the move had almost nothing to do with what Irv and Joe preferred, but almost entirely to do with what the owner of the company wanted. With one station having strong affiliation with a multi-billion dollar corporation, they wanted their best talent and strongest ratings with that station. “It doesn’t really matter to me who owns the companies and all that crap,“ Williams said. They were still on at the same time and still daily throughout the week, so I don’t see any way you can still say Irv and Joe ran out on their 104.3 fans.

Irv and Joe’s contract with ESPN ran out in November of 2010, and with Brown to undergo hip surgery, the two decided it was time for a split. Irv joined the Mile High Sports Radio team and it wasn’t long until Joe joined him. Williams explained, “People just seem to like us together. I don’t get it.”

The longest tandem in Colorado sports radio history, Irv and Joe have their hands in more than just the radio game. Each of them have history in refereeing and they both have strong connections to the Colorado Referee Association. Joe Williams also has strong ties to the major journalists in Colorado, especially in the sports field. Each co-host of “The Irv and Joe Show” has a history in college refereeing. Irv Brown even refereed multiple Final Four games in the 70’s. He also coached college baseball at University of Colorado and even a short stint here at Metro State. Joe Williams also refereed NCAA basketball at the Division-1 level. Irv Brown was inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame in 1997 and many expect Joe Williams to join him in the recent future.

The names Irv Brown and Joe Williams are synonymous with Colorado Sports Radio. They set the bar high for anyone looking to follow them, and those are tough shoes to fill. I grew up listening to Irv and Joe, and I’m glad to see them back doing what they love to do.