Larry Whitler
Larry Whitler was born in New York City and grew up on Long Island with his parents, three brothers, and one sister. Larry's Father, Alfred Whitler, is a retired NYC police officer and a WWII veteran. Larry's Mom, Helga, was a child immigrant who came to the United States from Germany when she was three years old. The Whitler family moved to Dunnellon, Florida when Larry was 17. After graduation from Dunnellon High School, Larry pursued a career in music as a singer and songwriter.
Larry's music can be heard on the internet at http://www.soundclick.com/larrywhitler
Having released several records in the 1970s, Larry Whitler became familiar with several radio personalities especially those in his own "back yard" in Marion County. In 1984 Larry took a part time job with WMFQ which was then the sister station of WWKE (later to become WOCA).
The birth of Larry's son, Alex, in 1986 stimulated his interest in writing songs for children. Several children's songs were written but none were recorded until Larry teamed up with Robin MacBlane, a family friend, and the two began recording children's music as "Robin and the Giant". Much of the music and audible stories from "Robin and the Giant" can be heard at http://www.soundclick.com/robinandthegiant
Much of the 1990s were spent recording music, performing live shows as a soloist in colleges and for children as "Robin And The Giant", and producing several radio shows locally and for the newly introduced Digital Cable Radio.
Here is a link to a Slide Show of Ocala produced and narrated by Robin And The Giant: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHWVUHpLlfk
At the close of the 90’s Larry worked at WTMC, leaving there to pursue art interests which had been "on hold" for some time. During this period Larry illustrated four children's books. In 2000, Larry chose a totally new and rewarding direction when he became Activities Coordinator at an assisted living facility in Ocala called Park Place of Ocala/West.
Larry became WOCA’s morning show host on "AM Ocala Live" on November 14, 2002, stating that his goals were to maintain the integrity and high standards the community has come to expect from WOCA, and to keep the show entertaining, informative, fast-paced, interactive, and positive!