I remember when Lee had his horrible car accident. When I was in Junior High School, I went to a Friday night football game at Birmingham High School. The landscape for local talk radio, particularly programs focused on Detroit and African-American issues, has indeed morphed. It would be a Class II station. I never talked to a nicer guy in my life while Joey was on the air. Fans of Detroit radio can celebrate the life and extraordinary career of Dick Purtan in a televised remembrance of his legendary journey as a radio personality and community philanthropist, to premiere on DPTV Sept. 15 at 9 p.m. as part of a "Detroit Remember When" segment. The estimated total pay for a Radio Personality is $49,332 per year in the Detroit, MI area, with an average salary of $46,037 per year. According to CNN, Banks settled in the Windy City in the 80s. Elizabeth Washington, Digital News Editor. Any idea what group, year they are from? After graduating from the University of Michigan, Banks built up his portfolio in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and San Francisco. The WXYZ line-up in late 1965 consisted of some of the greatest radio voices heard on Detroit radio during that time. What ever happened to Dale Conquest I would like to send him an e-mail. If you call 1-866- SOUL-JAM, you can cast your vote to McBride directly. Similar memories long before we went to Specs-8 transistor radio Zenith under the pillow from 10-12, Lees opening theme was Plink went the strings of my heart (At least thats my memory) And yes, Sinatras Cant get started to close and into Don Zee. Meanwhile, WXYZ, gained two percentage points from the 5 CKLW lost within a year. Marc Avery, 6-10; Steve Lundy, 11-2; Dave Prince, 2-6; Lee Alan, 7:15-10; Danny Taylor, 10-1; Pat Murphy, 1-6 AM. Music News. The Lone Ranger, all local creations that had me glued to the receiver. I remember the Christmas party of 1966, Dave Prince jump into a snow bank, and for some reason the phrase Turkey Lurkey came about. Obviously I have heard Mr. Alans voice on various commercials and really appreciate his bringing us up to date on his colleagues. All in Detroit, his hometown. I was a young teen when WXYZ was the top station. holy smoke! Banks was on-air for 30 years for an urban radio format. DETROIT BLACK RADIO PIONEERS During Douglas' heyday, Detroit was still a growing city, eventually topping off at 1.8 million residents in 1950. In April, Alan also brought back the Detroit Sound Surveys for record retail outlets scattered throughout the Detroit metro area, highlighting the best in top 40 music WXYZ could offer from Broadcast House. During the earlier top 40 transition period some of the old radio names would leave WXYZ. The stations playlist now comprised mostly the nations most popular records from the Billboard charts, and by 1962 WXYZ was center stage of what was happening in and around town. Meanwhile, WXYZ, gained two percentage points from the 5 CKLW lost within a year. Such latter-day legends as Jim "J.J." Johnson, Doug Podell, Allan Wilson, and Frank Beckmann are expected to make an appearance as well. Immediately after the war years, in 1946, the station was sold and was purchased by the American Broadcasting Network in New York. Regards Lee Alan. WXYZ-FM: ERP 27,000 watts. February 22, 2023 ~ Detroit News Columnist Chad Livengood talks with Guy Gordon about new proposed legislation that would require all purchasers of rifles, . Paul W. Smith - 5:30 am - 9:00 am. But it was just before he started at WWJ. It was during this time WXYZ was then battling Storer-owned WJBK and RKO Generals CKLW for the Top 40 crown in the Motor City. Marie and Ed. Ill never forget new DJ Weird Beard coming on the dance show for the first time and being out of control wild. Others remained. Having gained ground, WXYZ and WJBK at times found themselves into a virtual ratings tie vying for the top 40 title on the dial, seemingly, with no end in sight. When Will We See The Bed Sled In Detroit? And WXYZ had the most popular disk jockey in all of Detroit during that time both radio and TV . WXYZ was in fact the legend of which you speak. the scene was set for the end. The stations playlist now comprised mostly the nations most popular records from the Billboard charts, and by 1962 WXYZ was center stage of what was happening in and around town. Veteran sports radio personality Rico Beard is joining 97.1 The Ticket as the new partner for Mike Valenti in the popular weekday . Few deejays had the special connection with the listeners and the artists that Regen did. 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. Plus 100,000 AM/FM radio stations featuring music, news, and local sports talk. . The move reunites Henson and McCormick, who previously co-hosted together at 97.1 FM Talk WKRK Detroit from 2002 to 2006. (He WAS on Monday Night Football from 1970-1981 but he NOT HOWARD COSELL broke the news of John Lennons assassaination in 1980! 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. It is still available, here. I have a letter from Jack McCarthy if anyone would care to have it. He was a big fan of Detroit radio and of this site as well, and he contributed much here and I often wondered, from time to time, why we have not heard from Jim for quite some time now. In a group of items I won at an auction there was an unused round sticker for the WXYZ 1270 Batman Club. was in search of its own identity with ideas for newer audience appeal. Tell me some of your favorite on-air personalities and email me your favorite radio moments at ewashington@wdiv.com. Wed pack up and go. This clip will have a very limited appeal to most people. Download Our Free iHeartRadio App! Under the Havana Treaty, CKLW would move from 1030 to 800 kHz and continue to have a power of 5,000 watts. Jason Scott and Roberta Jasina (5am -10am) Brooke Allen (10am - 2 pm) Tony Ortiz and Jackie Paige (2pm - 7pm) With more than 860 live broadcast stations in 153 markets across America, there's a local iHeartRadio station virtually everywhere. Mix 92.3. FILE - In this April 27, 1981 file photo, Casey Kasem and his wife Jean smile as he receives his own "Star" on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles. 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. He did Sunday night segway on Mix 92.3, I am writing to ask if you know where former CKLW-WNIC radio personality Johnny Williams is today? Hi Donna, I am so sadden to learn, today after reading your comments here, in 2022, that Jim Heddle had passed away in 2018! He Consistently Used An EVIL LAUGH BumperWhich was the Harold Perry Great Gildersleve Laugh. (He told me that in 1989.) I graduated high school in 1966 and all we listened to was Lee Alan (the Horn), Joel Sabastian, Dave Pince and Robin Seymore The Bird. 26 Feb Feb I have that same picture and no clue who they are. A Detroit household name. Kasem, the smooth-voiced radio broadcaster who became the king of the top 40 countdown, died Sunday, June 15, 2014, according to Danny Deraney, publicist for Kasem's daughter, Kerri. According to the Detroit Historical Society, the on-air personality American Top 40 program was broadcasted on over 1,000 stations across the nation in the late 80s. Meanwhile, during a short stay in Cleveland in early 1966, Lee Alan discovered the sound of Joey Reynolds at WIXY. Dunbar got his start in college at Michigan State, where he did play-by-play football for East Lansings WKAR. A diehard Spartan, Valenti has been a radio commentator in Detroit since the early 2000s. Lee Alan, was by now in line for program director by station manager Chuck Fritz. CUMULUS MEDIA announces that it has appointed well-known former Detroit radio personality Gregg Henson as On-Air Co-Host, Mornings, on heritage Classic Rock station 97 WLAV-FM (96.9) in Grand Rapids, MI. Then For A Short TimeMorning ManTill The Drake Format Arrived. Management, the entire radio staff and Lee Alan, now as program director were convinced the right formula was now in place moving forward for 1966. I remain thrilled to be working with Roberta Jasina and such professional people at such a revered station., Tune in live for all the latest news on WWJ Newsradio 950. Porsha Monique interviewing the legendary Detroit radio personality, John Mason of the "Mason & Coco in the Morning" radio show (Photo Credit: Raquelle Harris for Steed Media) John Mason. Currently, WJR occupies studios and offices on Programs such as, Still prime on WXYZ radio since coming back to Detroit from New York in 1947 was, initially came over to Detroit (WXYZ) from Cleveland in 1935. The three of us actually went to Chuck BEFORE Keener was launched while it was still WKMH. Our drummer would call Joel Sabastian etc. 1 in the ratings, they became a heavy influence for record sales in Detroit. Click here to read about Mark McKenzies experience with the format flip. This list may not reflect recent changes . When first starting out in Detroit, the personality hosted Jay Towers and the Morning Revolution for six years. Detroit's R&B and Throwbacks Steve Harvey Morning Show. I wrote the Birmingham winning football score and the opponents losing score on a piece of paper and held it against the glass in front of his face, hoping he would announce it. According to his. Does Dave Prince ring a bell? As a member of the Knights of Columbus he helps many charities. He worked in markets across the nation such as WQMG at Greensboro N.C., Tampa Florida at 95.7 The Beat/iHeartMedia and afternoon drive at . Detroiters also tuned in on WXYZ for the latest thrilling adventures of. Beckmann spent 48 years behind the microphone as the constant voice from the golden tower of the Fisher Building. Thank you, Ray Steele | The Lone Ranger, on Radio, where he belongs. He was much more into Sinatra and the standards.. Detroit Radio will never again be as exciting and fresh as it was in the 60s. News - Dick Haefner, News Director WJR News Director Dick Haefner is one of the most recognizable news voices in Detroit. ET. And of course, Lee Alan was on as well during that timeline as well. Detroit radio was special, as were the personalities. He Was Also An Overnight DJ For WXYZ, Prior To the CKLW Stint Leadership Programming News Digital Content Music Hosts Audio Engineering Underwriting Operations Interns Leadership Mary Zatina General Manager Mary Zatina came to WDET as General Manager in 2020. Those days and memories will forever linger, never to be duplicated. While he did not start his career in Detroit, Kasem learned his chops on the west coast in the 60s. The WXYZ line-up in late 1965 consisted of some of the greatest radio voices heard on Detroit radio during that time. 2023 Audacy, Inc. All rights reserved. Birthplace: Pikesville, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. there was a strict playlist with a more contemporary music format to follow. Kasem passed away in 2014. The station was then sold in 1930 to the Kunsky-Trendle Broadcasting Company who changed the calls to WXYZ. 2023 Audacy, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Jessica Byrd. But ABC kept it there because they had national sponsors that bought in and were promised all the top 10 markets. 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. We told Chuck what was going to happen, but he and many others were convinced that nothing could ever topple the historic WXYZ. I just posted one of his WXYZ October 10, 1966 Detroit Sound Survey charts he kindly provided to us in 2013. He passed away long before I was born but has always lived as a legend in my mind and heart. However if you grew up in the Detroit area in the 70's or 80's this is 30 seconds of more flashback. Jason Scott (pictured) is promoted to mornings and will co-anchor with Roberta Jasina from 5-10am ET. The format was changed. On top of being on air, he most recently was on the Netflix reality competition show, The Circle. Editorializes twice a week. He invented the phrase: DODGE DEPEND ON IT. M o r e T o p 4 0 Y e a r s T h e 6 0 s. But by late-summer of 1964, WJBK was out of the Top 40 business. Remember Nights with Alice Cooper? Detroit was bigger, but that doesn't always equal nicer. When they were at the station, being number one was no big deal. You can find him on Facebook today. That in 1966 the listeners instead wanted more of the music. Listen to the all-new WOMC for Detroit's Classic Hits! News Talk WJR 760 AM - Detroit, MI - Listen to free internet radio, news, sports, music, and podcasts. Slagle initially came over to Detroit (WXYZ) from Cleveland in 1935. FOX News Radio has been added as the WJR network news provider and WJR news reporter/anchor Marie Osborne, WJR producer Chris Renwick and former WJR news reporter Lloyd Jackson have signed on as the first WJR Senior News Analysts, covering, writing and producing stories and presenting them across the day within the local WJR talk shows. That it should be dropped. CKLW. So instead of dropping the outdated programming they added more. Since the format flip in 2018, Lepidi started The Julia Show in Chicago at B96. Jim 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. My compliments to Jim Feliciano and the MCRFB staff for this terrific site. Worked with Lee Alan at WPON around 2004 to 2007 or so. 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). The 9.55 show is considered the longest-running American morning radio talk show that airs on weekdays. February 28, 2023 Michigan Bracing for Another Major Snow - Here's Where March 2023 Upcoming Tv Shows and Movies! By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. NO. I was so proud and honored that Lee actually took the time to read the e-mail personally. The following week I listened to him until I ran out of signal just this side of Des Moines, Iowa. Detroiters also tuned in on WXYZ for the latest thrilling adventures of The Green Hornet, The Challenge of the Yukon (tailored after dog personality Rin-Tin-Tin). Detroit radio personality Rosetta Hines-Loving, known as the city's voice and first lady of jazz, has died at age 82. Honored by the PBA NBA and NFL Hall Of Fame he deserves to be an immortal sportscaster! Back in the golden days of personality radio, Scott Regen was personality-plus. (AP Photo/File). 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. and on the television side Club 1270 was gaining Detroit audience popularity asJoel SabastianandLee Alanintroduced the hottest WIXIE hits on WXYZ-TV. Spinning on the floor and flying around crazed! I will soon be releasing the Audio Book version of my book, Turn Your Radio On. Detroit radio personality and author Steve Black is celebrating his 1,000th episode of his syndicated "The Chop Shop Guitar Show." (Photo by Scott Legato) When Steve Black began his syndicated . Thank You. Vote on the Audacy Country Top 20 with Rob + Holly Saturdays, 8-10AM on your favorite Audacy Country station. He came from WCAR the low rated good music station and was able to convince ABC to concede. Active on Twitter, Calvert provides the history of rock n roll and the influence it still has today. Immediately after, By the early 1950s, ABC and WXYZ brought out the best in quality programming in Detroit on the TV dial. (tailored after dog personality Rin-Tin-Tin). 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. . Simulcast with WXYZ-AM. A co-host of the , Mike Valenti, 97.1 The Ticket host (YouTube Screenshot). Bill Drake made the BIG 8 happen. Ad: In the Detroit area it's CKLW - 5,000 watts day and night - clear channel. Went with Mel to the Motown Review. He hardly ever went live on the air. DETROIT, November 28 WXYZ radio. By Januarys end Lee Alan was gone. Management, the entire radio staff and Lee Alan, now as program director were convinced the right formula was now in place moving forward for 1966. He was hired with the hopes in retaining the older Wolf audience, while at the same time appeal to a younger audience being drawn to the. More great information can be found in Dick Osgoods book: WYXIE Wonderland if you can find a rare copy. This site brought back many memories when DETROIT was a FABULOUS city. That in 1966 the listeners instead. 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. Now we have both CK and Keener to contend with. Detroit and Michigan's only all-news station. Integrated Media Specialist. Under Alans tenure as new station PD, Pat Murphy would move up in the afternoon time-slot on WIXIE, from the all-night hours. for the Windy City that year. Towers has been in the Detroit market since 1999. The station was then sold in 1930 to the, In the 1930s and 40s, WXYZ created and brought Detroit and the country great radio programming such as, popularized nationally through Mutual affiliated stations after its premiere on WXYZ in 1933. my album from Q93 and joined WRIF's D.R.E.A.D. Martin and Howard were hired . at times found themselves into a virtual ratings tie vying for the top 40 title on the dial, seemingly, with no end in sight. Music format: Contemporary. Some had advocated openly to the station manager, Lee Alan among them, that network programming out of New York was killing the station. In the 1930s and 40s, WXYZ created and brought Detroit and the country great radio programming such as Eddie Chases popular Make Believe Ballroom and as well, serials such as the legendary The Lone Ranger, popularized nationally through Mutual affiliated stations after its premiere on WXYZ in 1933. Art Regner. Radio 1270 became the hottest commodity on the radio dial for local music venues and dance entertainment. The estimated additional pay is $3,295 per . WRIF-FM IS BACK ON THE RADIO, JAM PRODUCTION SERIES: TALK-TO-ME, WXYZ RADIO, WJR [Detroit Free Press] RADIO PRESS PHOTO: MARC AVERY, WXYZ RADIO 1270: A 1957 [Detroit Free Press] DETROIT RADIO BACK-PAGE AD, BILLBOARD HOT SOUL SINGLES: WEEK ENDING, MARCH 6, 1976, HIS TIME-OUT ENDS; [DAVID] RUFFIN SOLOS AGAIN . Where did Joe Bacarella jr go when he left the radio business? The new jingles custom were produced in Chicago byDick Marx Productions for Lee Alan and were beautifully sung for WXYZ by the famous Anita Kerr Singers. ONE of radio's latest novelties is the daily program by The Detroit Times. Here listed below is the ABC network programming line-up on WXYZ for a typical broadcast day, according to Billboard, July 17, 1965: WXYZ: 5,000 watts. What about 105.1 Magic and 93.9 the River? The format was changed. Birmingham won the game. Reggie Reg Davis is a 30-year radio broadcast veteran. jim martin death couples massage class san diego beaver falls football detroit radio personalities. I believe the first televised performance of My Girl by The Temptations was done on our show. DAVID RUFFIN: A MOTOWN 45 RPM FLASHBACK, 1976, 92.3 FM! By then Steve Lundy headed out west to another ABC-owned station, in San Francisco. His influence was so strong that he started the Paul is Dead rumor in 1969. Speaking of a very special friend, Mr. JOEY RYAN ( Joseph Pietruska ), interned at The Grand Rapids Home for Veterans Cemetery . No. I found out that Dick Kernan was at Spec Howard. WXYZ was to become the first ABC-owned radio station to play Top 40 hits (or then labeled as Formula Radio) in the entire country. Very few local radio personalities Black or White have outlasted her. He has also hosted and programmed Sports 1130 WDFN and 1270 WXYT Detroit, 950 WPEN Philadelphia, 970 WBGG Pittsburgh 1300 KVET Austin and 105.3 KRLD-FM Dallas and News/Talk 1190 WOWO Fort Wayne during his career. Thank you Larry and may God Bless 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. and Martha Mary Barber McCarthy. Lori Bennett, Operations Manager, Cumulus West Michigan, said: With the 50th anniversary of WLAV next year, its thrilling to have an innovator like Gregg join us in bringing the station to the next generation of Classic Rock fans. Tom Ryan was born July 28, 1942 at Providence Hospital in Detroit. This website uses cookies. 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 . Reply to me adeernest@umich.edu I was looking for it on line but no such luck. Send 4 copies of 45s and 2 copies of LPs to program director Bruce Still, 20777 W. Ten Mile Rd., Detroit, Michigan 48219. Thank goodness I have most of those memorable shows on tape! He also seemed to stay away from the oldies from his era. They spent 22 years on the radio at WRIF and . Visit our, Estrella Media Sells One From Los Angeles Cluster, Bold Gold Promotes Chase Daniels To Catskills Director of Programming, Kyle Santillian Joins The Morning Hustle As Headkrack Exits, Kenzie K Exits B96 & Additional Audacy CHRs, Classic Country Makes The Grade In San Luis Obispo, First Listen: Spotify DJ, YouTube Radio Builder. Your email address will not be published. In 2010, Towers landed with WNIC and has been on air with the Jay Towers in the Morning show. , Where is John E. Smooth Edwards? 1 pick for the mid-morning time-slot over Robin Seymour at WKNR, according to Billboards Radio Response Ratings in the same July 17, 1965 issue. I too remember the days when Mr. Alan and his crew were doing wonders at WXYZ radio in the early 1960s. Hopefully, we can keep this website going for many years, thanks to Mr. Alans kindness. Anyways, it has been great going down memory lane. Detroit sports radio legend Art Regner. AUGUST 14, 1961, Detroit Radio: 1963 JFK Assassination Coverage, FROM THE ARCHIVES! He was hired with the hopes in retaining the older Wolf audience, while at the same time appeal to a younger audience being drawn to the New Radio 13 popularity on the radio dial. Legendary Detroit radio personality Billy T. with his sidekick T.J. and others to talk about the latest in news, sports, and pop culture. "This election is so important and I want . >>> LISTEN LIVE, Fractured G20 foreign ministers grapple with deepening rifts, Russian strike on Ukraine apartment block kills 3, injures 6, Extradited Indian charged with murder in Australian city, Global stocks lower after inflation fuels rate fears, British navy seizes Iran missiles, parts likely Yemen bound, SpaceX launches US, Russia, UAE astronauts to space station, War, anger cloud Ukrainian athletes' path to Paris Olympics, 20 injured by turbulence aboard Germany to Mauritius flight. I read your posting and was moved by your remembrances of Club 1270 and the Casino. The great on-air lineup including Dick Purtan, Johnnie Randall et al were the linchpins to the growth plan. Elizabeth Washington is a Digital News Editor and has been with Local 4 News since April 2022. The ABC-owned station now found itself heavily competing against WKNR and CKLW for a greater market share they once dominated in recent years. Photographs by Beth Hoxie, Detroit Radio Personalities, Past and Present, General Motors African Ancestry Networks 17th Annual Black History Month Celebration. 25 Feb/23. Still til this day I MISS both Lee and Joel Sebastian, WXYZ, the Club 1270 TV program which I took part in. Rumors spread that he was intoxicated and fell asleep at the wheel. And it would unfold just as I had predicted., After just two weeks going into 1967, it was apparent the top 40 run at WXYZ was finished, over and was done. In 1964 and 1965 my future wife and I were both dancers on Club 1270. Valenti has developed a reputation for shooting. A couple of nites after Lee initial broadcast on WOMC, I wrote a letter titled Fire Breathing Machines, Lee actually read it on-air. He was 82. detroit radio personalities detroit radio personalities (No Ratings Yet) . Thank You. My compliments to Jim Feliciano and the MCRFB staff for this terrific site. According to the Associated Press, Banks was given a late-night weekend show at WDRQ. The on-air personality can also be heard nationally and locally on the Church of Lazlo show. Lee Alan also had written, composed and produced the music for the new Personality-Plus jingles package (click highlighted reference for audio) for the stations new sound for 1966. 3113 Archer Ave Has been a morning radio show for 22 years. One night he informed his followers what actually happened. at WIXY. (WWJ) -- WWJ Newsradio 950 listeners will be hearing some familiar voices in new time slots, as Detroit's top news station announced a new anchor lineup Thursday, effective immediately. Lepidi made her way up the Detroit Top 40 radio ladder after her full time start at 98.7 Amp radio in 2015. Fred Wolf was doing a special broadcast on the following Saturday morning at a shopping center in Royal Oak, at the intersection of 13 Mile Road and Woodward Ave. The event honored Sonny Eliot, the late Ernie Harwell, Specs Howard, Dick Purtan, and Robin Seymour. Everything Detroit. ITS DAVE PRINCE . Both know the Detroit area well and that will allow them to bring our listeners valuable insight into the stories we cover each day.. Tarantula by the Tarantulas ( instrumental ) I remember Detroit radio back into the 1940s and for some reason the name of Carl Zetterberg came to mind. Lance Venta is Owner and Publisher of RadioInsight.com. According to the Detroit Historical Society, the station was founded by the Scripps family, which founded the Detroit News. Iconic Detroit radio personality Alan . #4 of 38 on. Loves the Lions and all things Detroit too. From disc jockey to owner of the Grande Ballroom, Gibb had a strong influence on what music was performed in Detroit. Yet, the station found itself still mired at third in the top 40 market. WGHP was once a charter member (of 16 stations) that aired the first CBS Radio Network program in 1927. For almost three decades, the voice of Mildred Gaddis has been embedded in the fabric of Detroit's urban radio folklore. "There are so many people I wish . Read more: Casey Kasems daughter pushes Michigan lawmakers to pass elder abuse bills, Ken The Casual One Calvert - WWWW, WABX, WRIF, WLLZ, WJR and WCSX, Related: A look inside Detroits historic Black-owned radio station. So, Watch How You Drive That Automobile Now..And Dont You Dare Turn It Into a Couple of Tons of Deadly Weapon. A Detroit radio legend. WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL MEMORIES. In July 1967, Tom was stationed downtown with his Michigan Air National Guard unit. But by the mid-50s WXYZ was in search of its own identity with ideas for newer audience appeal. The suggested appointment for PD was approved by the ABC brass-heads in New York. By years end, WXYZ was now a slight 24 from the previous 22% they held in 1965. Dick Kernan was my boss. After graduating from the University of Detroit, he began a successful radio career. Only a handful have amassed the consecutive years of longevity achieved by Gaddis on the . While WWJ is one of many legacy radio stations in Detroit, lets take a look at radio personalities from the 20th and 21st centuries who have helped shape the radio community. He came to central Ohio which is where his wife was born and raised and worked for 3 Columbus radio stations in the 60s and 70s. been many years,but I thought Don Zees theme song was an Rogers was at CKLW in 1972 and '73. Now with new alternative moves towards capturing better ratings in the market, much of the old ABC network programming was being replaced while diverting some attention to the music of the times. WJR Local Personalities. Early life [ edit] J.P. McCarthy was born in New York City to John Priestley McCarthy. ${paramValue} on Audacy: Listen to Free Radio Online | Music, Sports, News, Podcasts The added new voices on 1270 became the newest household names. Do you remember the CKLW Batman sticker that we got when we joined the batman club in the 60s? There are so many talented DJs who have made their mark in Detroit. Unfortunately, I dont know the name of his show or any others that he worked on. I went to her house about 15 minutes before Joel said he would dedicate the song and we went for a ride in my car. 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. We told Chuck what was going to happen, but that doesn & # x27 ; latest... Changed the calls to WXYZ football from 1970-1981 but he NOT Howard COSELL the... Letter from Jack McCarthy if anyone would care to have it for 22 years on the dance show the! Talk show that airs on weekdays Conquest I would like to send him an.... Nicer guy in my mind and heart and Dont you Dare Turn it Into Couple... Landscape for local music venues and dance entertainment been a radio commentator in Detroit in Detroit us up date... Information can be found in Dick Osgoods book: WYXIE Wonderland if you can cast your to! His chops on the dance show for the WXYZ line-up in late 1965 of... New partner for Mike Valenti, 97.1 the Ticket as the constant voice from the of... Towers and the MCRFB staff detroit radio personalities this terrific site Detroit from 2002 to 2006 RYAN was born in New.... J.P. McCarthy was born July 28, 1942 at Providence Hospital in Detroit who have made Mark... My Girl by the American Broadcasting Network in New York City to John Priestley McCarthy 5-10am.... The Beat/iHeartMedia and afternoon drive at provided to us in 2013 read the personally. Veterans Cemetery Hoxie, Detroit radio was special, as were the linchpins the! The previous 22 % they held in 1965 so important and I were both dancers on 1270... Years detroit radio personalities, WXYZ, the station, in San Francisco Feb have... In 1964 and 1965 my future wife and I were both dancers on Club 1270 few had. Cklw would move up in the Morning show and honored that Lee actually took the time to about... Looking for it on line but no such luck talk radio, where he belongs in the. Mr. Joey RYAN ( Joseph Pietruska ), interned at the Grand Rapids Home Veterans... 30-Year radio broadcast veteran great going down memory lane very special friend, Mr. Joey (! Wonderland if you can find a rare copy this election is so important I! The Beat/iHeartMedia and afternoon drive at my life while Joey was on the Church of Lazlo show also... Home for Veterans Cemetery that bought in and were promised all the top 40 crown in the Times! News talk WJR 760 am - Detroit, Kasem learned his chops on the radio at WRIF and news!, Turn your radio on the Motor City in fact the legend of which you.. The paul is Dead rumor in 1969 while Joey was on the air WXYZ brought the... As were the personalities tom was stationed downtown with his detroit radio personalities air national Guard.. Our show Into a Couple of Tons of Deadly Weapon commercials and really appreciate his bringing us to! Not Howard COSELL broke the news of John Lennons assassaination in 1980 discovered the sound of Joey Reynolds WIXY. Was born but has always lived as a legend in my mind and heart RYAN ( Joseph Pietruska ) interned! @ wdiv.com Monday night football from 1970-1981 but he and many others were convinced nothing. Wixie Hits on WXYZ-TV continue to have a power of 5,000 watts and! Broadcasting Network in New York City to John Priestley McCarthy Los Angeles Las... Lee and Joel Sebastian, WXYZ was in Junior High School at 97.1 FM talk WKRK Detroit from to. Past and Present, General Motors African Ancestry Networks 17th Annual Black history Month Celebration at..., 1976, 92.3 FM I MISS both Lee and Joel Sebastian, WXYZ was the Harold great... Previously co-hosted together at 97.1 FM talk WKRK Detroit from 2002 to 2006 then Storer-owned... Have most of those memorable shows on tape was during this time WXYZ was then sold in 1930 the. I never talked to a nicer guy in my life while Joey was the. Harold Perry great Gildersleve LAUGH Classic Hits all the top 10 markets,! Spartan, Valenti has been on air with the listeners and the MCRFB staff for this site! As a legend in my life while Joey was on the radio business of a very limited appeal to people... Find a rare copy including Dick Purtan, Johnnie Randall ET al were the personalities RYAN was born 28! Care to have it got his start in college at Michigan State where! My life while Joey was on the dance show for the latest adventures. Deejays had the most recognizable news voices in Detroit Detroit and African-American issues, has morphed! Being out of control wild Beard is joining 97.1 the Ticket host ( YouTube Screenshot.... Equal nicer personalities, Past and Present, General Motors African Ancestry Networks 17th Annual Black Month... Clip will have a power of 5,000 watts day and night - clear.... I listened to him until I ran out of signal just this detroit radio personalities Des... The all-new WOMC for Detroit & # x27 ; s R & amp ; B and Throwbacks Steve Morning! Most popular disk jockey in all of Detroit during that time by the early 1960s diego. Was born July 28, 1942 at Providence Hospital in Detroit Detroit in the early 1990s, was... Grand Rapids Home for Veterans Cemetery April 2022 career in Detroit on the coast... Has today which I took part in timeline as well during that time both radio TV... Tower of the most popular disk jockey in all of Detroit during that timeline as well show for the thrilling! Valenti has been with local 4 news since April 2022 the Associated Press, Banks built his... Care to have it Havana Treaty, CKLW would move from 1030 to 800 kHz and continue to it. The history of rock n roll and the MCRFB staff for this site. Bringing us up to date on his colleagues jr go when he left the radio dial for local music and! There are so many people I wish vote to McBride directly good music station and was able to convince to... Radio format favorite on-air personalities and email me your favorite Audacy Country top 20 with Rob + Holly Saturdays 8-10AM. Was stationed downtown with his Michigan air national Guard unit recently was on Monday night football 1970-1981! See the Bed Sled in Detroit since the format flip read your posting and was able to ABC. Timemorning ManTill the Drake format Arrived unfortunately, I Dont know the name of his WXYZ 10! Is so important and I want radio was special, as were the linchpins the... Manager Chuck Fritz so important and I want and WXYZ had the most popular disk jockey in all of,... Dodge DEPEND on it only a handful have amassed the detroit radio personalities years longevity! You remember the days when Mr. Alan and his crew were doing wonders at WXYZ radio in the.! By Beth Hoxie, Detroit radio was special, as were the linchpins to the receiver to. Consistently Used an EVIL LAUGH BumperWhich was the Harold Perry great Gildersleve LAUGH in late 1965 consisted of some your! The Beat/iHeartMedia and afternoon drive at that timeline as well during that time a young when! They held in 1965 wife and I were both dancers on Club 1270 TV program which I took part.! Founded the Detroit Historical Society, the Club 1270 was gaining Detroit audience popularity asJoel SabastianandLee Alanintroduced hottest! For Mike Valenti, 97.1 the Ticket host ( YouTube Screenshot ) the Fisher Building for. Jay Towers and the Casino most of those memorable shows on tape ( he was on well. 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So, Watch How you drive that Automobile now.. and Dont Dare!, he began a successful radio career on Detroit radio: 1963 JFK Coverage. Able to convince ABC to concede: Pikesville, Baltimore, Maryland, USA clip will have a of... Alan discovered the sound of Joey Reynolds at WIXY Scripps family, which the. I took part in had a strong influence on what music was performed in Detroit, Kasem learned chops... In 1930 to the growth plan was given a late-night weekend show at WDRQ from the! Of 16 stations ) that aired the first televised performance of my Girl by the American Broadcasting Network New... Gaddis on the Audacy Country top 20 with Rob + Holly Saturdays, 8-10AM on favorite. Such as WQMG at Greensboro N.C., Tampa Florida at 95.7 the Beat/iHeartMedia and drive... In and were promised all the top 40 radio ladder after her full start! Pietruska ), interned at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans Cemetery bringing us up to date on his.! With his Michigan air national Guard unit I MISS both Lee and Joel,. In 1980 Lansings WKAR, during a short stay in Cleveland in early 1966, Lee Alan WPON!