FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (AP) - Longtime broadcaster Marvin "Sonny" Eliot, whose corny jokes and genial manner endeared him to Detroit audiences for decades, has died. He was 91.
Friend and co-worker Don Swindell says Eliot died Friday morning at home in the Detroit suburb of Farmington Hills after an illness.
One of the city's most well-known media personalities, Eliot was a throwback to a time when local television established its identity through non-news programming that made up with enthusiasm and creativity.
His longest-lasting gig was as a weathercaster, first on WWJ radio in 1950 - a job he held well into the 21st century - as well as on local television stations.
Eliot retired in 2010 from broadcasting, announcing the end of his career on WWJ.
Survivors include his wife, Annette. Arrangements were pending Friday.