Radio host Michael Bandy dies

By Karla Ward - kward1@herald-leader.com

Country radio personality Michael Bandy, the co-host of Bandy and Bailey in the Morning on Lexington's WLXX, 92.9 The Bear, died Saturday afternoon. He was 37.

Mr. Bandy had suffered from a long illness, according to a news release issued Saturday by Cumulus Broadcasting. He died in the hospice unit of St. Joseph Hospital.

"This is a terrible loss for country music radio, our station and Central Kentucky," said Hal Hofman, market manager for Cumulus.

Mr. Bandy's family is not releasing further details about his illness, he said.

Hofman said Mr. Bandy's last time on the air was about a month ago. Jason Bailey and on-air personality Deidre have carried the show since then and will continue for "the foreseeable future," he said.

Mr. Bandy, a native of Cookeville, Tenn., was working mornings at a radio station in Cookeville when he met Bailey, who worked afternoons. The two became partners when they faked an audition for a morning show at another station and ended up getting hired.

The Bandy and Bailey show had aired in Lexington, Louisville and Atlanta since 1994.

"He was one of the most talented guys I've had the privilege to work with," Robert John, operations manager for Cumulus, said in the news release. "This is indeed a sad day for all of us."

Mr. Bandy is survived by his mother, his stepmother and a stepsister. Funeral arrangements are pending.