REMEMBERING DARK STAR / GEORGE CHAPPLE (1946-2012)
George Chapple, widely recognized by his radio moniker "Dark Star," was a prominent figure in Minnesota's broadcasting and horse racing communities. His chosen name, "Dark Star," was inspired by the 1953 Kentucky Derby winner, a horse that achieved a remarkable upset by defeating the heavily favored Native Dancer.
Chapple's broadcasting career spanned over two decades at WCCO-AM, where he became known for his distinctive late-night show, "Sports Night with Dark Star" . After departing WCCO in 2010, he continued his radio journey with KFAN-FM.
Beyond radio, Chapple had a deep passion for horse racing. In 1986, he began hosting "The Canterbury Report" at Canterbury Park, aiming to educate newcomers on the intricacies of horse racing and betting . His contributions to the sport were celebrated by many in the racing community.
Chapple passed away on June 1, 2012, at the age of 66.
Television News Coverage on Dark Star's Death
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KARE-TV 6/1/2012
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WCCO-TV 6/1/2012
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KSTP-TV 6/1/2012
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VIDEOS WCCO-AM - Part 1 - The Nighttalk Wedding 5/23/1992 - Dark Star
WCCO-AM - Part 2 - The Nighttalk Wedding 5/23/1992 - Dark Star
Above videos provided by Curt Lundgren) |
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PHOTOS
Curt Lundgren and Dark Star - April 1992
(provided by Curt Lundgren)
WCCO-AM (830) - Night Talk with Dark Star - Full show (3 hours) broadcast on 1/14/1993. Includes CBS Newscasts, local news by Curt Lundgren and weather by Bill Endersen. #1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9 #10 #11 #12 (mp3 files from 8-15 MB) (provided by Keith Schad). Includes the following commercials: Wall Street Journal, National Dynamics Speed Tapes, Art Goebel Ford, EVP 3 Hair Treatment, Treasure Island Casino, Anacin Arthritis Pain Formula, "I Do I Do" at Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, Alka-Seltzer Plus, Embers Restaurant, Comfo Rest Adjustable Beds, Miracle Ear, Grand Casino, Davanni's, Ice Capades at Target Center, Darrcor Engine Service, Morries Automotive and "Sun, Sand & Sea Sweepstakes" by TCF Banks.
WCCO-AM (830) - Dark Star "Goat Bit" live at the Minnesota State Fair (undated) - 5 MB - (provided by Mark Durenberger)
WCCO-AM (830) - Dark Star and John Gordon on Valentine's Day (undated) 1 MB - (provided by Mark Durenberger)
KFAN-FM (100.3) - Two of Dark Star's final shows before his death: 5/11/2012 - 11 MB 5/18/2012 - 21 MB
WCCO-AM (830) - News on Dark's Passing during the John Williams Show including WCCO-AM's Adam Carter, Jason Derusha and former Minnesota Twins manager, Tom Kelly.
KFAN-FM (100.3) - News on Dark's Passing during the Dan Barreiro Show including Paul Allen (6/1/2012) - 15 MB
KFAN-FM (100.3) - Dan Barreiro talks with Patrick Reusse about Dark's passing (6/1/2012) - 8 MB
KSTP-AM (1500) - News on Dark's Passing during Garage Logic with Joe Soucheray (6/1/2012) - 2 MB