I read your posting and was moved by your remembrances of Club 1270 and the Casino. He loved reminiscing about many of the people you have listed on this site. Why Black Radio Matters. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and reflections on the website as well. Now Fred Wolf, Paul Winter, Marc Avery, Steve Lundy, Pat Murphy, Barney Stutesman (Traffic Copter) and Don Zee are all in Heaven. detroit radio personalities detroit radio personalities (No Ratings Yet) . DEERNEST@UMICH.EDU. This website uses cookies. It can even be heard throughout most of the eastern United States, and eastern Canada at night, making it one of the most powerful radio stations in the United States, at 50,000 watts. Another page in Detroit radio history had been turned. The landscape for local talk radio, particularly programs focused on Detroit and African-American issues, has indeed morphed. By the latter part of 1965, there was several changes in the WXYZ line-up. DAVID RUFFIN: A MOTOWN 45 RPM FLASHBACK, 1976, 92.3 FM! Gwen. There was the legendary broadcasts from the, By early 1963, after coming on board the ABC-owned and operated station in February the previous year, Lee Alan, with the, was by then pulling in a phenomenal 40 per cent share of the Detroit audience during the early evening and night time hours, according to a 1963, of the Top 40 business. Cool to have Lee still knocking around. WXYZ was in fact the legend of which you speak. CKLW. And we had a terrific time doing it.. One of the best-known sports radio personalities in Michigan history, Regner worked as the sports director at WHMI in the early 1980s. Persistence paid! Our new wave-length after April 1. Dick has been an award-winning newscaster, reporter, and news director at five stations. The format was changed. In May 1922, the station went from being known as 8MK to WWJ. Just as we had outlined. Still at second overall in 1966, 3 of the CKLW share percentage points went to WKNR, who gained at 47 from a 44 previous. Detroit broadcast legend Frank Beckmann retires after nearly 50 years, The first disc jockey to play a techno song on the radio. Now heading forward well into the early 1960s, the 1270 top 40 notables would comprise of great air names as, Storer-owned WJBK and RKO Generals CKLW for the Top 40 crown in the Motor City. When I was in High School I remember going to see and talk with Joel Sabastain during one of his remote broadcasts. Growing up his mother owned Simpsons Record Shop that was located by East McNichols Road and Joseph Campeau Avenue. Her name is Donna and she is a very wonderful lady," wrote the Detroit radio legend, who is known as the city's funny, unflappable voice for 45 years. In 2003, Ryan Seacrest took over the American Top 40 program. Many major recording artists performed on the show and the majority of the MOTOWN acts were on. He hardly ever went live on the air. Lee Alan left momentarily, came back again, this time working in the WXYZ television studios. The WXYZ line-up in late 1965 consisted of some of the greatest radio voices heard on Detroit radio during that time. 1,456 talking about this. Theme Song? He passed away long before I was born but has always lived as a legend in my mind and heart. detroit radio personalities. No longer were the deejays allowed to play whatever, The top 40 formula at WXYZ was now growing in popularity on the Detroit radio dial. Circa 1962-1963. Detroit's R&B and Throwbacks Steve Harvey Morning Show. The format was changed. I sure do miss the on-air personalities of the time. When first starting out in Detroit, the personality hosted Jay Towers and the Morning Revolution for six years. RADIO ONLINE has been serving the radio industry since 1989, with up-to-the-minute news at radio-online.com . According to the, The creator of one of the longest classical programs in broadcast history, according to the, Starting his radio career in the Motor City in the early 60s, Perkins served in many positions at WGPR, an all-jazz radio station. I loved all the comments about the early 60s WXYZs radio. Hi Henry, thank you for your WXYZ comments. DAVID RUFFIN: A MOTOWN 45 RPM FLASHBACK, 1976, 92.3 FM! Respectfully, David Olsen. . In 1955, Doctors Haley Bell, Wendell Cox and Robert Bass founded WCHB. Your email address will not be published. Drake Loses $400,000 Bet After Tommy Fury Defeats Jake Paul In Boxing Match Feb 27, 2023. My compliments to Jim Feliciano and the MCRFB staff for this terrific site. WMXD BACK ON THE RADIO: GERALD McBRIDE, JANUARY 1996. I think he knew those days were over and he had no desire to go back. By Januarys end Lee Alan was gone. "This election is so important and I want . Paul Winter, Micky Shorr and Jack Sorrell with his jazz-themed Top Of The Town. It was a bold move which proved successful. I still hope the despicable members of that family responsible are still Incarcerated. I remember the Christmas party of 1966, Dave Prince jump into a snow bank, and for some reason the phrase Turkey Lurkey came about. What does the letter say? The event honored Sonny Eliot, the late Ernie Harwell, Specs Howard, Dick Purtan, and Robin Seymour. Remember when 89X switched to county? By late-summer 1965, the veteran morning-broadcaster, WXYZ, under the direction of Chuck Fritz, the 37-year old general manager at the station since 1963, was by then re-structuring the stations appeal for a younger audience. Rich in history as one of the most storied and oldest broadcasting institution in Detroit or for that matter, the entire country. Which Jack McCarthy? I had to go to bed at ten, in those days, but I had a transistor radio under my pillow and would never go to sleep until I had listened to the last two hours of Lee Alan and his closing theme I Cant Get Started by Frank Sinatra. Cannot remember the year. The move reunites Henson and McCormick, who previously co-hosted together at 97.1 FM Talk WKRK Detroit from 2002 to 2006. rjw, Please send any info you have regarding Joe k. Bacarella and any lawsuits in which he was a participant. It was an absolutely unforgettable era. A co-host of the , Mike Valenti, 97.1 The Ticket host (YouTube Screenshot). Jim Harper, who has been heard on Michigan airwaves intermittently for more than 40 years, announced his retirement today from his current post at WMGC (105.1-FM). Henson returns to Michigan from Richmond, VA, after a successful run at heritage News/Talk station, WRVA. "There are so many people I wish . According to his. That in 1966 the listeners instead wanted more of the music. Born in Detroit in 1932, Kasem was soon to be a household name and voice. at WIXY. Joseph Priestley "J.P." McCarthy II (March 22, 1933 - August 16, 1995) was a radio personality best known for his over 30 years of work as the morning man and interviewer on station WJR in Detroit, Michigan . WXYZ, under the direction of Chuck Fritz, the 37-year old general manager at the station since 1963, was by then re-structuring the stations appeal for a younger audience. turkey club sandwich nutrition Uncovering hot babes since 1919.. detroit radio personalities. THE VILLAGES FL 32163 Early life [ edit] J.P. McCarthy was born in New York City to John Priestley McCarthy. Moving into the new year in 1966, more changes were in the wind for WXYZ. Immediately after the war years, in 1946, the station was sold and was purchased by the American Broadcasting Network in New York. Others remained. The ABC-owned station now found itself heavily competing against WKNR and CKLW for a greater market share they once dominated in recent years. at times found themselves into a virtual ratings tie vying for the top 40 title on the dial, seemingly, with no end in sight. The 27-hour radio fundraiser, organized by Ron Smerigan, Director, Media Integration, Cumulus Detroit, aired on 760 WJR and featured 760 WJR on-air personalities Radio Hall of Famer Paul W. Smith, Sean Baligian, Marie Osborne, Tom Jordan, Chris Renwick, Lloyd . Spinning on the floor and flying around crazed! Thank goodness I have most of those memorable shows on tape! His show was still on in Cleveland last I heard. Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines. Copyright 2022 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. I'm also very grateful that someone wrote a beautiful article about them, as well as a Detroit radio personality I'm too young to remember: Ernie Durham.-----Three Legends of Detroit Black Radio January 28, 2008 by Tom Sanders Flint, Michigan wasn't a pretty place. When they were at the station, being number one was no big deal. Paul W. Smith - 5:30 am - 9:00 am. Totally unbeknownst to us here, I am without words. Regards Lee Alan. The name itself would come to be one of the most popular and recognized names ever in 60s Detroit radio history. Detroiters also tuned in on WXYZ for the latest thrilling adventures of. This list may not reflect recent changes . Dont know whether to brain you or thank you==but 40 years later, here I still am, morning drive news at an NPR station in Grand Rapids for 25 of those 40.\. Now we have both CK and Keener to contend with. Henry, I never know where Im going to run into you next. Click here to learn more about his 3 million followers on TikTok. Programs such asWild Bill Hickok, Supermanand The Cisco Kid. Audacy Effective immediately, WWJ Newsradio 950 in Detroit has a new daily lineup. In April, Alan also brought back the. Hello Jason Scott (pictured) is promoted to mornings and will co-anchor with Roberta Jasina from 5-10am ET. He announced today on social media that he will return to his native Detroit to join 97.1 the Ticket as a new host on the powerful sports radio station. Very few local radio personalities Black or White have outlasted her. He also seemed to stay away from the oldies from his era. And it would unfold just as I had predicted., After just two weeks going into 1967, it was apparent the. Does anyone else remember Carl Zetterberg, and I dont mean the Red Wing player? On top of working at WJR and having his own talk show, The Frank Beckmann Show, Beckmann also was the announcer at the Big House for the University of Michigan and for the Detroit Tigers. Back in the late 60s, it was a pleasure to work with Chuck Fritz, Joe Bacarella and Marty Greenberg while I was at Grey Advertising Detroit as we tried to build the WXYZ Radio audience. Since then, and especially when the show moved to FM radio, Valenti has become one of the most well-known radio personalities in Detroit. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566. There are so many musical references to the city, and besides that, Detroit has had many sports radio anchors who helped pave the way for broadcast journalism. When WDFN became the first all-sports-talk station in Detroit in the early 1990s, Regner was one of the very first on-air hosts. As we rode in my car he gave the dedication saying, Diane this song is from Dave to you and he says he really loves you. It was really great! Also he brought Nelson Burton Jr. and Cathy Rigby to ABC and worked with them until CBS snagged him in 1982 where he stayed until 1989. at WXYZ was finished, over and was done. If memory serves, Bob Beasley and I were fired the same day at WEXL by way of a memo at the end of our shifts in the commercial live copy note book. The 9.55 show is considered the longest-running American morning radio talk show that airs on weekdays. ITS DAVE PRINCE . Events See All. I never talked to a nicer guy in my life while Joey was on the air. Jason Scott, previously an afternoon anchor, has been promoted to morning drive and will co-anchor with Roberta Jasina from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. on weekdays. Jim Matthews, the overnight news anchor at WWJ-AM radio station for nearly seven years, died in the attack, while his 35-year-old girlfriend suffered multiple stabbing injuries, said Chesterfield. I found Don Zees theme song: We look forward to Greggs contributions to the next incredible chapter in the history of one of the countrys greatest Classic Rock stations., Henson remarked: Returning home to Michigan to work with Michelle McKormick and Cumulus is very exciting for me and my family. After working at WJLB, The Love Bug relocated to Washington D.C. A man with many talents, Simpson began his television career in the early 80s. Jim Costa is headed home. When Will We See The Bed Sled In Detroit? Jessica Byrd. The on-air personality can also be heard nationally and locally on the Church of Lazlo show. . So instead of dropping the outdated programming they added more. Birmingham won the game. I lived in Birmingham at the time. GREATER MEDIA Classic Rock WCSX/DETROIT has named DAVE DAHMER as the new evening host replacing STEVE KOSTAN (NET NEWS 9/25) who exited the station last month. He used to golf with him at West Shore in Grosse Ile. His influence was so strong that he started the Paul is Dead rumor in 1969. (He WAS on Monday Night Football from 1970-1981 but he NOT HOWARD COSELL broke the news of John Lennons assassaination in 1980! My Mother listened to Fred Wolf every morning. While the Detroit radio station was ABC parent-owned at the time, the button concept was dual inasmuch as a promo while pushing their new (at that time) ABC-TV series Batman both on WXYZ-AM radio and WXYZ-TV television here in Detroit. Eighty seven-years ago, according to Wikipedia, the station spawn birth in the Detroit area under the calls WGHP on October 10, 1925. The estimated additional pay is $3,295 per . By this time WXYZ radio had begun its fierce battle going full force head-to-head for top ratings going against Detroits top-rated WJBK 1500. Despite the lowest ratings of the top 3, WXYZs The Marc Avery Show held the No. . They found that voice in Marc Avery. Names on the pictures are Elmer Thompson,Jumbo, Jinny, Bob Long, Will Karson, Mel Karson, Paul ?Young. Henson joins WLAV from Richmond VA where he was serving as Program Director for Audacy News/Talk 1140/96.1 WRVA and Sports 910/105.1 The Fan WRNL. Ah, those were the days my friendthanks for the memories Henry! Am I wrong or just losing it ?p. GOD Bless you BOTH! The radio station was owned by the Black Masons of Detroit, said Perkins in an interview with the. In concluding, Alan elaborated further,I still had hopes that ABC would kill the breakfast club and that listener-chasing hour and 20 minutes of news, 6 Oclock 5:55 when all of a sudden Bill Drake came into town and did exactlywhat Joel Sabastian, Dave Prince and I, had pleaded with Chuck Fritz to do back in 1963. If you call 1-866- SOUL-JAM, you can cast your vote to McBride directly. from a 44 previous. Again, Donna, I am so sorry to hear this so late since his passing and I pray you and your family are doing well in 2022. https://mcrfb.com/?p=108973 WXYZ RADIO 1270! The man who wore many hats in the Detroit music business. Lee Alan stands out among the most revered. Beckmann spent 48 years behind the microphone as the constant voice from the golden tower of the Fisher Building. Fact is that changing the format was the specific move that insured the failure of Martin and Howard. Her show is nationally syndicated in 15 markets across the nation. But the problem about network programming was still there. The top 40 formula at WXYZ was now growing in popularity on the Detroit radio dial. According to Key, Detroiters typically hear the matchups live on the radio before they are sent out for syndication in other markets. With the Fred Wolf era gone and out of the picture, Fritz extended his sights in search for a younger (but calmer, more contemporary) voice in filling the morning void. About this same time, Jimmy Hampton was hired as the new over-night personality on 1270. Lee Alan. Stream live CNN, FOX News Radio, and MSNBC. Tell me some of your favorite on-air personalities and email me your favorite radio moments at ewashington@wdiv.com. Radio 1270 became the hottest commodity on the radio dial for local music venues and dance entertainment. So, Watch How You Drive That Automobile Now..And Dont You Dare Turn It Into a Couple of Tons of Deadly Weapon. One night he informed his followers what actually happened. Interesting to note that had we not hired Martin and Howard I never would have known Specs Howard. . Has been a morning radio show for 22 years. UK is grappling with vegetable shortages. Before I was born in new York City to John Priestley McCarthy for music. Your vote to McBRIDE directly without words Road and Joseph Campeau Avenue also be heard nationally and locally on radio! 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For your WXYZ comments, thank you for sharing your thoughts and reflections on the radio..