Philanthropist Kal Rudman is a music and show business pioneer and legend. As the founder and publisher of the nation’s leading radio and music industry publications, headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., Rudman has an unparalleled track record for picking hits and forecasting trends. His six industry trades, led by Friday Morning Quarterback, are invaluable reading for thousands of top music and industry professionals.
Rudman began his music and radio career as a Top 40 radio jock at WCAM in Camden. Initially, he juggled his popular late night show with his day job as a science teacher. Building his success on his passion for rhythm-and-blues, he was soon hired as Billboard magazine’s first R&B editor.
A few years later, Rudman left to start his first trade publication. But he’s never left the airwaves far behind. He continued to do local radio, as well as nationally syndicated broadcasts. He partnered with Merv Griffin; became the resident music expert on the Today show; and is frequently recognized on the streets for one of his more unusual gigs – “Killer Kal,” an announcer for the World Wrestling Federation.
But his true love is “giving back.” Rudman and his wife, Lucille, have become noted philanthropists. The Kai and Lucille Rudman Foundation is particularly interested in education and public safety. They have created countless scholarships and awards that support students of the arts, police and firefighter training, and children in need. The foundation was integral to the creation of the Kai and Lucille Rudman Media Production Center and the launch of TUTV, Temple’s cable channel.
Rudman earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and his master’s degree from Temple University’s College of Education.