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The famous “focus” letter that inspired my life in radio

focus

This is the letter that I have talked about hundreds of times as it appears on my wall in my Hollywood Hills office, but I’ve never shown it until now. It is a blank sheet of stationery with one word typed in the center of the page, accompanied by the envelope in which it came, dated in February 1981.

Yes, you can see me reflected in the photo because the letter is framed and behind glass. Eight months later, I left New York City and “focused” myself on radio, moving to my full-time position as a nighttime DJ and music director of an AM pop station in Staunton, Virginia. And, 2 1/2 years later, on to my big break in Miami.

7 Responses to The famous “focus” letter that inspired my life in radio

  1. Ricky Lozano June 3, 2013 at 11:34 pm #

    I want to live like you dad, in the Hollywood Hills overlooking everyone that didn’t focus.

  2. D-Man June 3, 2013 at 11:34 pm #

    Awesome, you’re an inspiration to us Tom.

  3. Tom is motivation and inspiration! June 3, 2013 at 11:40 pm #

    You always motivate me Tom! I need to type up all the great Leykis-isms and frame them in my office for something to reflect on. Thank you for today’s show I will be replaying it to numerous people that need to hear it!

    Keep up the wonderful work Pops! AJ in Porkland

  4. Steve June 3, 2013 at 11:59 pm #

    Thanks for sharing, been a long time coming.

  5. Eddie Robles June 4, 2013 at 12:17 am #

    I’ve been listening since 2003. Finally got to call in yesterday. Deciding to go to medical school has definitely kept me focused. All thanks to you. Did you ever get a call back from Bran-done?

  6. Mike Jones June 4, 2013 at 6:19 am #

    This is awesome!

  7. Larry June 4, 2013 at 8:47 pm #

    I missed the part where he says how he got the letter. I gather it was a reply to a Village Voice ad he placed…what did the ad say?

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