‘Champagne’ Duane Germain, voice of Austin radio for 45 years, signs off

A staple of Austin radio has decided to hang up his headphones.

Duane Germain’s retirement came without promotion or fanfare following Thursday’s broadcast. After 45 years behind the microphone, it was his final show.

“That’s the way Duane wanted it,” said KAUS Content Director Scott Fuller. “No fuss.”

Many of Germain’s years at KAUS were spent hosting the station’s morning show and call-in ‘Classifieds’ program.

KAUS General Manager Bob Mithuen added that Duane’s presence at the radio station will be missed.

“I have had the pleasure of working with Duane for 27 years. His light-hearted humor and ability to inform while entertaining his audience will be missed,” Mithuen said. “Duane, Austin’s own local celebrity, is a welcomed sight in any situation, whether it be on air or in the hallway. His spirit is forever ingrained at KAUS Radio.”

Mower County radio listeners have awoken to Duane’s wacky antics and funny character voices since 1974. After a brief time on air in his hometown of St. Paul, Germain returned to Austin and married his wife, Pam, in 1977.

He’s been at KAUS ever since.

John Wright, morning show co-host since 2005, was able to share Duane’s final broadcast.

“I could not have asked for a better, funnier, more giving morning partner then Duane,” Wright said. “Getting to laugh everyday at work has been a real blessing.”