Information/Write-up
Grapejam: A Tribute to Don "Grapes" Cherry is a novelty rap single that playfully honors the flamboyant Canadian hockey commentator Don Cherry. Released in 1990, the track features the comedic talents of Jeff Lumby and Howard Glassman, both of whom were prominent figures in Canadian broadcasting at the time. The A side of the single was featured in the Quality Video release "Don Cherry's Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Volume II."
Jeff Lumby is a Canadian actor and voice actor, born in 1956 in Toronto, Ontario. He hails from a family deeply rooted in Canadian children's television; the Lumby family created and produced the 1980s series Size Small, where Jeff performed as various characters and served as a puppeteer.
Lumby is best known for his role as Winston Rothschild III, the eccentric septic tank and sewer technician on The Red Green Show, a character he portrayed from 1994 to 2004. In addition to his on-screen work, he has an extensive voice acting portfolio, including roles in the English dub of Sailor Moon, where he voiced characters such as Doctor Tomoe, Misha, and Kakeru Ohzora.
Beyond television, Lumby has been active in radio broadcasting. He spent eight years as a radio personality on Hamilton's CJXY-FM (Y95.3) and later co-hosted the morning show on Toronto's CISS-FM. In 2007, he returned to radio as the lead morning host of CJDV-FM (107.5 Dave FM) in the Kitchener/Waterloo area.
Howard Glassman (born 1960 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan), also known as "Humble Howard," is a Canadian radio personality and stand-up comedian. He gained national recognition as co-host of the "Humble & Fred" morning show, which aired on various Toronto radio stations including Edge 102, Mojo 640, and Mix 99.9. Glassman's career spans radio, television, and stand-up comedy, making him a versatile figure in Canadian entertainment.
On the flip side of Grapejam comes The NHL Rap by No Pro, the alter ego of former goaltender and beloved broadcaster Jim Ralph. Pulled from the Quality Video release Hockey: A Brutal Game and released under Minor League Records courtesy of Molstar Communications, Ralph's track is a tongue-in-cheek, fast-talking tribute to the rough-and-tumble world of professional hockey.
Jim Ralph, born on May 13, 1962, in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, is a former professional ice hockey goaltender and current media personality. He began his junior hockey career with the Ottawa 67's of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), where he played from 1978 to 1982. During his tenure with the 67's, Ralph achieved a franchise record of 107 wins, a mark that stood as the OHL record for 26 years.
In the 1980 NHL Entry Draft, Ralph was selected 162nd overall by the Chicago Blackhawks. Although he never played in the NHL, he spent several years in the minor leagues, including stints with the Springfield Indians, Baltimore Skipjacks, Milwaukee Admirals, Nova Scotia Oilers, and Newmarket Saints. His professional playing career spanned from 1982 until 1989, when a serious knee injury led to his retirement from active play.
Following his retirement, Ralph transitioned into broadcasting. He began as a summer fill-in announcer on CHAS-FM in Sault Ste. Marie during his playing days. Post-retirement, he became a color commentator for the Toronto Maple Leafs on AM640 Toronto Radio from 1997 to 2012. Since 2013, he has continued in this role on Sportsnet 590 The Fan and TSN 1050, partnering with play-by-play announcer Joe Bowen.
Beyond broadcasting, Ralph has made appearances as a speaker at various events, including those hosted by notable hockey figures such as Wayne Gretzky, Bobby Orr, Bobby Hull, and Gordie Howe.
-Robert Williston
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