Karl Gehrke
SDPB Jazz Nightly HostKarl was born to northeastern South Dakota crouton farmers, but was orphaned as a toddler during the Great Salad War (1966-67). Rescued by a flock of chickadees, he grew up in the woodlands of Sica Hollow. Legends of a bird boy living in the trees attracted the interest of renowned ornithologist and amateur bandoneon repairman Dr. Vogel Gehrke. With a handful of suet, Dr. Gehrke coaxed the timid boy down from the trees. He adopted him, named him Karl and taught him not to molt on the carpet. Dr. Gehrke’s book, The Bird Boy of Sica Hollow, was a best seller and Karl became a minor celebrity and teen idol. He appeared as a guest star on numerous television programs, most notably an awkward role on The Love Boat as the boyfriend of Captain Stubing’s daughter, Vicki. After critics panned his 1980 album, Bird Boy Does Disco, Karl retreated from public life and returned to Sica Hollow. Living in an isolated tree house, Karl achieved a reputation as a mystic. Pilgrims and seekers from around the world came to ask him about the meaning of life and for vinaigrette recipes. Growing tired of answering questions, he climbed down from his tree, shaved his massive white beard and took a job as the host of SDPB Radio’s Dakota Midday where he could ask the questions instead. After three years in that position, he ran out of questions and became host of Jazz Nightly instead. Karl makes his home in Vermillion with his charming wife Kari and three delightful children, Kodey, Kasey and Spatula. His hobbies include reciting the alphabet, combing his hair and doing volunteer work with delinquent songbirds.
-
Both SDSU and USD open their football seasons in Kansas on Saturday. The Jackrabbits travel to Lawrence for a late morning game against the University of…
-
A new, original play explores the beginnings of Deadwood’s long and intertwined relationship with economic development and historic preservation. Written…
-
Jonathan Ellis, reporter/columnist for the Sioux Falls Argus Leader, and Seth Tupper, enterprise reporter for the Rapid City Journal, joined the Dakota…
-
Last year marked the 125th anniversary of South Dakota’s statehood. To help mark the occasion, Plankinton artist Altman Studeny of South Dakotans for the…
-
Comedian and political commentator Bill Maher is coming to Sioux Falls. He’s bringing his stand-up tour to the Washington Pavilion on Sunday, September…
-
Next week the South Dakota Hall of Fame inducts nine new members. Since 1974, the hall has honored and recognized individuals who have shaped the fabric…
-
The U.S. Geological Survey and NASA are celebrating 25 years of partnership at the USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center near Sioux…
-
Railroads played a crucial role in the development of the state. They provided safe and reliable transportation connecting the frontier to the rest of the…
-
Hugh Glass was a member of a fur trading party in the summer of 1823 when he was attacked by a grizzly bear along the shores of the Grand River, south of…
-
Denise Ross, editor of the Black Hills Knowledge Network and South Dakota Dashboard, and Roger Whittle, managing editor of the Watertown Public Opinion,…