‘The voice of Hilton Head’: Longtime radio personality Monty Jett dead at 76, family says
Monty Jett, a longtime radio personality in the Hilton Head Island area whose deep voice was a staple of many local commutes, died Thursday morning at age 76. The “voice of Hilton Head” was revered for his kindness, friendly morning banter and prolific charity work.
Jett passed away at 6 a.m. Thursday after suffering a heart attack Wednesday, according to his family.
“He left as if starting his final morning show in the sky — right on time,” his daughter wrote on Facebook.
With more than three decades on the airwaves of Beaufort County, Jett hosted “Mornings with Monty Jett” on the 1130 AM station from 6 to 10 a.m. on weekdays. He spun “Hilton Head’s timeless favorites” like Dean Martin, Neil Diamond and local treasures like the Headliners.
Jett began his radio career at only 15 years old in 1964 with his “Monty Jett and the Jet Set” rock and roll show out of his hometown of Denmark, S.C. He spent about six decades in the industry, more than half in the Bluffton area. In March, he was named the grand marshal of Hilton Head’s 39th St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Well-known for his work with local charity events, Jett frequently hosted local charter captain Fuzzy Davis for brief segments where the two talked fishing. He also ran a show with his wife called “Boogie on the Beach,” which was later renamed to “Married with Microphones.” They never changed that name, even when they broadcast together while they were divorced for 10 years before remarrying.
Funeral arrangements for Jett had not been announced as of Thursday morning.
This story was originally published October 17, 2024 at 10:04 AM.
