Longtime Cheyenne Radio Host Larry Proietti Retires After 50 Years Behind the Mic

For over half a century, Larry Proietti has been a fixture in the world of radio, bringing his distinctive voice and larger-than-life personality to airwaves across Wyoming, Cowboy State Daily reports.

While he officially retired from broadcasting on New Year’s Eve, his passion for radio remains strong as he continues to work behind the scenes at the Cheyenne station he now owns and operates.

For 35 years, Proietti was the host of The Morning Proshop on KYOY FM, waking up Cheyenne residents with his blend of news, humor, and entertainment. He also hosted an afternoon show, provided play-by-play commentary for high school sports throughout the state, and served as the announcer for the Cheyenne Frontier Days.

Known for his big voice and theatrical style, Proietti left an indelible mark on Cheyenne’s radio scene.

“He is a throwback to the ‘boss radio’ sounds of the 1970s,” said Jimmy Orr, editor of the Cowboy State Daily and one of Proietti’s former colleagues.

Proietti’s love for radio began as a child in Pittsburg, California, where his mother owned a coffee shop near a local radio station. Fascinated by the DJs, Proietti became a frequent visitor and even recorded commercials for the station. His mentors, including future industry legends Larry Ickes and Bobby Ocean, inspired him to pursue a career in broadcasting.

After an early detour to pursue baseball, Proietti returned to his passion in 1975, starting as a part-time DJ at KBAI-AM in California. Over the years, he climbed the ranks, eventually becoming an operations director and station owner.

Proietti moved to Cheyenne in 1986, initially planning to stay for just a year.

“The rest is history,” he said.

Nearly four decades later, he’s still a part of the community he came to love.

In 1989, he launched The Morning Proshop, which became a staple of Cheyenne’s mornings. Over the years, Proietti formed close relationships with his listeners, many of whom followed him throughout his career.

“I call them family and friends because I’ve made a lot of friendships through the years, just talking to people in the morning and entertaining them,” he said.

Beyond the studio, Proietti covered over 2,000 sports games as a play-by-play announcer, bringing each event to life with vivid descriptions of the action and atmosphere. He also served as the public address announcer for the University of Wyoming Cowboys and introduced acts at the Cheyenne Frontier Days.

Even when faced with challenges, including a six-month battle with nasal cancer in 2016, Proietti’s dedication to radio never wavered.

“I just wanted to get back on the air,” he said. “It just gets in your blood.”

Although he has stepped away from hosting, Proietti remains involved in the day-to-day operations of his station, handling sales, FCC compliance, and community outreach. Reflecting on his career, he expressed gratitude for a life spent doing what he loves.

“My richness has been being on the air,” he said. “I’ve lived a full life. If I had to do it all over again, I would, with no regrets.”

Proietti’s voice may no longer wake up Cheyenne every morning, but his legacy as a radio icon endures, leaving behind decades of fond memories for listeners and colleagues alike.