Donald George Webster, a Canadian-born media personality, became a familiar and enduring figure in American television, particularly known for his role as the host of the nationally syndicated music program *Upbeat*. Born on May 6, 1939, and passing away on December 13, 2018, Webster's career spanned decades, transitioning from a charismatic music show host to a long-serving weatherman and even a station manager for Cleveland, Ohio's ABC affiliate,
WEWS-TV 5. His journey exemplifies a versatile career deeply rooted in local broadcasting while achieving national recognition.
Webster's early life and career began in Canada. Born in Chatham, Ontario, in 1939, he faced an early challenge when his father passed away when he was just eleven years old. After completing high school, Webster embarked on a career in radio, working at stations in Hamilton, Ontario, and Montreal, Quebec. His talent for broadcasting soon led him to television, where in the early 1960s, he hosted an *American Bandstand*-style dance show in Hamilton. It was this Canadian program that serendipitously caught the attention of Don Perris, the general manager of WEWS, while Perris was on vacation in Erie, Pennsylvania.
The Rise of a Television Host
Impressed by what he saw, Perris brought Webster to Cleveland in 1964 to host a new local music and dance program. This show, initially titled *The Big 5 Show*, quickly became a success. Its popularity was such that by 1966, it was syndicated nationally, leading to its renaming as *Upbeat*. As the host of *Upbeat*, Webster became a nationally recognized personality, drawing many prominent names in the music industry to Cleveland to perform on the show. His success led to numerous national job offers, including opportunities to work with figures like *American Bandstand* host Dick Clark.
Webster's role as the presenter of *Upbeat* made him a familiar face to viewers across the country. He was the central figure introducing the musical acts and guiding the program, which aired from 1964 until its conclusion in 1971. His engaging presence was a key component of the show's appeal, helping to establish its energetic and dynamic atmosphere for a wide audience.
A Commitment to Cleveland and a New Role
Despite these enticing national prospects, Webster made the deliberate choice to remain in Cleveland. This decision underscored his commitment to the local community and the station that had given him his big break. When *Upbeat* concluded its run in 1971, Webster seamlessly transitioned into another prominent role at WEWS: he became the weatherman for the station's *Eyewitness News* newscasts. His suitability for this position was not accidental; he had studied meteorology, a field he pursued while becoming a certificated pilot, providing him with a solid foundation for weather forecasting.
Webster served as the chief weatherman at WEWS throughout the 1970s and into the 1980s, and he even returned to the post for most of the 1990s. His career at the station also included a period in the 1980s when he stepped away from the weather desk to take on the responsibilities of WEWS station manager. He later returned to his weather duties in 1989, demonstrating his adaptability and dedication to various aspects of television operations. His long tenure and multiple roles made him a truly integral part of the WEWS team and a familiar face to generations of Cleveland viewers.
Beyond Upbeat: A Multifaceted Media Career
Beyond his primary roles as *Upbeat* host and weatherman, Don Webster's versatility shone through in several other capacities at WEWS-TV 5. He served as a host for the Ohio Lottery drawings, was one of the original hosts of *The Morning Exchange*, and also hosted a local version of *Bowling for Dollars*. Furthermore, he took over hosting duties for *The Gene Carroll Show* after Gene Carroll's passing and was the long-time host of *Academic Challenge*. Webster's extensive contributions across a variety of programs cemented his status as a beloved and multifaceted media personality in the Cleveland area, leaving a lasting legacy in local and national television.
