Dennis Staples died on Monday. He was a radio man who spent most of his broadcasting career here in Toledo, Ohio. For a few years, he was also one of our voice talents at BusinessVoice. I didn't know Dennis well, but I sure did respect his talent.
I first met him at a local recording studio, probably 15 years ago. We were both cast to cut a radio spot for a local company. He was playing Santa; I was supposed to be a young, smart-aleck kid. I remember struggling with how to approach the read, which twist to put on my voice, and just how cocky I should make this character. I never did figure it out to my satisfaction, even after many takes.
But Dennis knew exactly what he was doing. To this day I can hear him "becoming" Santa Claus in my headphones. He wasn't doing a hack impression of a stereotype like I was. He had created a personality and a point-of-view and knew just how to interpret the copy. By the time we started recording, Dennis WAS Santa Claus. I was sitting four feet from him! I could see him, but he WAS Santa Claus. It was one of the most exciting moments I've ever had as a voice talent, being a part of that exchange and working with someone so good.
Back in 1997, Dennis recorded "A Visit From St. Nicholas" for us as part of a larger project. Click here to listen. We present it as a holiday treat for you and yours, and as a final tribute to a wonderfully talented and very nice man.
