Garland Robinette

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Garland Robinette hosts the Think Tank weekdays from 10am to 1pm on the Big 8-70, 105.3 WWL-FM and worldwide at WWL.com.  Garland is a son of the south and a real Renaissance man. This Cajun was born and raised in the bayous of South Louisiana before his two tours of duty in the Vietnam War.  Twice awarded the Purple Heart, he returned to Louisiana and began his twenty-year career as an environmental reporter and television news anchor with his former wife, Angela Hill, on WWL TV.  All the while, he explored the world around him with pencil and paint.  What was revealed was a true gift for capturing the human form.  Garland was chosen by the Archdiocese to paint the official portrait of Pope John Paul II during his visit to New Orleans. Clarinetist Pete Fountain, former Saints QB  Bobby Hebert, numerous CEOs, and many others were painted by Garland.  He also created several original works for carnival organizations and Louisiana charities.  The painting commissioned by the Krewe of Rex hangs in the Carnival Collection in the New Orleans Museum of Art.  His reputation as a portrait artist has secured many of his works in public and private art collections throughout the United States.

After leaving WWL-TV, Garland became head of PR/Communications for Freeport McMoran in New Orleans before starting his own firm, Planet Communications.  There Garland headed up a team of  crisis managers. Garland retired for a few years to pursue his first love - painting.  As a favor to his good friend, David Tyree, who was battling cancer, Garland agreed to fill in temporarily as an afternoon talk show host on the Big 870.  In May 2005, Garland became permanent host in the 2 to 5pm timeslot, always with the hope that David would return to WWL.  Not 3 months later on August 29th, 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit and Garland was literally thrown into the national spotlight.  His interview with Mayor Nagin was pivotal in getting the attention this city in crisis needed.  Garland became the collective ‘voice’ of New Orleanians, asking tough questions and getting results.  Between Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, David Tyree passed away in Oklahoma with his family.   Garland continues to carry the torch—putting up the good fight to rebuild New Orleans. Garland’s “Think Tank" is the #1 rated show in the 10am to 1pm timeslot.  He was named talk host of the year by the Times Picayune, Gambit Weekly and New Orleans Magazine.  He is the only host who was granted an interview by President George W. Bush & First Lady Laura Bush on the first anniversary of Katrina.  Garland has been married to Nancy Rhett for 12 years.  They have one daughter, Charlie, 9 years old.  Garland is also an accomplished classical pianist.