FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (AP) — Longtime broadcaster Marvin "Sonny" Eliot, whose corny jokes and genial manner endeared him to Detroit audiences for decades, has died. He was 91.

Friend and co-worker Don Swindell says Eliot died Friday morning at home in the Detroit suburb of Farmington Hills after an illness.

One of the city's most well-known media personalities, Eliot was a throwback to a time when local television established its identity through non-news programming that made up with enthusiasm and creativity.

His longest-lasting gig was as a weathercaster, first on WWJ radio in 1950 — a job he held well into the 21st century — as well as on local television stations.

Eliot retired in 2010 from broadcasting, announcing the end of his career on WWJ.

Survivors include his wife, Annette. Arrangements were pending Friday.