I know this will sound silly, but I remember seeing Alan's picture in "16" magazine. It was a posed backstage shot taken with the Osmonds and other WRBC jocks, I would assume at the Coliseum in Jackson. Silly, I know, but to a 13 or 14 year-old, seeing the picture of people you've met, who do something you think you could do, in a national magazine amongst noted pop icons can be a powerful, if not life-influencing motivation.
I met Alan, and worked with his brother Dave. Both guys were intelegent, savvy radio people. Just this week I ran across a letter Alan sent me decades ago with career encouragement, and practical tips and contacts. Following Alan's progress in broadcasting reminded you that there was a great big world out there.