. Larry Marquez No longer were the deejays allowed to play whatever they wanted to play. I personally have been listening to Jamie. Why Black Radio Matters. Location: Detroit. What about 105.1 Magic and 93.9 the River? 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 also seemed to stay away from the oldies from his era. I loved it!. Besides radio and music promotion, Gibb also hosted his own TV show Russ Gibb at Random which was aired locally. His influence was so strong that he started the Paul is Dead rumor in 1969. Jessica Byrd. His radio career then took him to stations in Austin, TX, Philadelphia, PA, Dallas, TX, and Pittsburgh, PA, in roles including On-Air Personality, Operations Manager, and Program Director. Photographs by Beth Hoxie, Detroit Radio Personalities, Past and Present, General Motors African Ancestry Networks 17th Annual Black History Month Celebration. 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. Where can I buy Lee Alans book, Turn Your Radio On!? A Detroit household name. Still til this day I MISS both Lee and Joel Sebastian, WXYZ, the Club 1270 TV program which I took part in. Thank again, Dave, sharing with us precious memories you having shared. Growing up in Dearborn, Gibb went to Fordson High School where he later taught at. Since the format flip in 2018, Lepidi started The Julia Show in Chicago at B96. 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 . By late-summer 1965, the veteran morning-broadcaster Fred Wolf left WXYZ for retirement. I found Don Zees theme song: I remember the Christmas party of 1966, Dave Prince jump into a snow bank, and for some reason the phrase Turkey Lurkey came about. 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. I remember hearing him bring evening news into our home in Plymouth. Thank you Larry and may God Bless Very few local radio personalities Black or White have outlasted her. Martin and Howard was in, Joe Bacarella was the new program director and WXYZ was officially Sound Of The Good Life.. Send 4 copies of 45s and 2 copies of LPs to program director Bruce Still, 20777 W. Ten Mile Rd., Detroit, Michigan 48219. I have a picture of a musical group of 7 people. CLICK HERE FOR PODCASTS. George Noory Talk Radio Host Overview: George Ralph Noory (born June 4, 1950) is a radio talk show host. In 1995, Banks shows were starting to be syndicated. was in search of its own identity with ideas for newer audience appeal. Lee Alan left momentarily, came back again, this time working in the WXYZ television studios. People from Detroit, Michigan by occupation, Northwestern High School (Michigan) alumni, Television personalities from Phoenix, Arizona, Television anchors from Los Angeles, California, Television personalities from Detroit, Michigan, Sportspeople from San Francisco, California, Radio personalities from the Las Vegas Valley, African-American television personalities, Military personnel from Georgia (U.S. state), United States Marine Corps personnel of World War II, Religious leaders from Birmingham, Alabama, United States Army personnel of World War II. . Mix 92.3. Does Dave Prince ring a bell? The event honored Sonny Eliot, the late Ernie Harwell, Specs Howard, Dick Purtan, and Robin Seymour. Still prime on WXYZ radio since coming back to Detroit from New York in 1947 was Johnny Slagle. I have that same picture and no clue who they are. >>> 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. Despite the lowest ratings of the top 3, WXYZs The Marc Avery Show held the No. In a comparatively short space you have captured a great deal of the essence of the battle for ratings that took place in the 60s. during the battle for ratings in 1966, Alan stated. Thank You. Moving into the new year in 1966, more changes were in the wind for WXYZ. 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. It would be a Class II station. When they were at the station, being number one was no big deal. Now heading forward well into the early 1960s, the 1270 top 40 notables would comprise of great air names as Fred Wolf; Joel Sabastian; Paul Winter; Steve Lundy; Don Zee; Fred Weiss; Dave Prince and Lee Alan. 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 . Birmingham won the game. Veteran sports radio personality Rico Beard is joining 97.1 The Ticket as the new partner for Mike Valenti in the popular weekday . By the latter part of 1965, there was several changes in the WXYZ line-up. WMXD BACK ON THE RADIO: GERALD McBRIDE, JANUARY 1996. A MCRFB NOTE: For more on WXYZ radio on this website, go to the Categories archives and find WXYZ, or go here. Please enter your username or email address to reset your password. All of DJs were a pleasure to work with. That in 1966 the listeners instead wanted more of the music. The suggested appointment for PD was approved by the ABC brass-heads in New York. So Thank you for remembering ! In April, Alan also brought back the. DEERNEST@UMICH.EDU. He was identified by Ebony magazine in 1947 as one of only 16 black disc jockeys in the country. The Detroit Free Press reports. jim martin death couples massage class san diego beaver falls football detroit radio personalities. GOD Bless you BOTH! Few deejays had the special connection with the listeners and the artists that Regen did. I keep doing that every few minutes for at least an hour, but he kept ignoring me. My sister was also on the show as was the members of the Shades of Blue who had the record OH HOW HAPPY in 1966. Lee if you read this=you and Purtan were two of the reasons I got into this crazy business back in 1974ouch that was a long time ago. Always live on the free Audacy app. Costa is expected to contribute at night, on weekends, and to some of the station's play by play shoulder programming. February 27, 2023 . Under Alans tenure as new station PD, Pat Murphy would move up in the afternoon time-slot on WIXIE, from the all-night hours. Listen to the all-new WOMC for Detroit's Classic Hits! The same article mentions what it believed to be the salaries of select Detroit (then)-leading media personalities: Dick Purtan $5M, Drew & Mike $2M each, Chuck Gaidica, $1.2M, Carmen Harlan $1M+, John Mason $1M. Went with Mel to the Motown Review. By Januarys end Lee Alan was gone. 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? Beckmann spent 48 years behind the microphone as the constant voice from the golden tower of the Fisher Building. 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. Active on Twitter, Calvert provides the history of rock n roll and the influence it still has today. Audacy Effective immediately, WWJ Newsradio 950 in Detroit has a new daily lineup. THE DETROIT SOUND SURVEY: OCTOBER 10, 1966, Your email address will not be published. 1 in the ratings, they became a heavy influence for record sales in Detroit. Still at second overall in 1966, 3 of the CKLW share percentage points went to WKNR, who gained at 47 from a 44 previous. Thank you, . Thankyou! But the problem about network programming was still there. Following Towers hosted a show at WXYT with Bill McAllister. Elizabeth Washington is a Digital News Editor and has been with Local 4 News since April 2022. Art Regner. WXYZ was in fact the legend of which you speak. wxyz, cklw, and wknr. In May 1922, the station went from being known as 8MK to WWJ. A Southfield High School graduate, the former WDRQ radio personality learned his skills at his high school radio station. DETROIT BLACK RADIO PIONEERS During Douglas' heyday, Detroit was still a growing city, eventually topping off at 1.8 million residents in 1950. From being an on-air broadcaster for both radio and television, best-selling author and journalist. ITS DAVE PRINCE . holy smoke! During his career, Calvert was the public address announcer for the Detroit Pistons during the Bad Boys era. Then, on Halloween Eve of 1963 the KEENER onslaught began. The list Radio personalities from Detroit, Michigan includes George Noory, Casey Kasem, Paul W. Smith, Mike Wallace and Hugh Downs . Simulcast with WXYZ-AM. There was the legendary broadcasts from the Walled Lake Casino, Club 182 and more . I believe he was a newscaster on one of the Detroit radio stations in the 1940s and 1950s, maybe even into the 1960s. Besides doing on-air work, Calvert also worked for Sony Music Corporation as a local and regional promotion and marketing manager. Legendary Detroit radio personality Billy T. with his sidekick T.J. and others to talk about the latest in news, sports, and pop culture. According to his. The landscape for local talk radio, particularly programs focused on Detroit and African-American issues, has indeed morphed. Bill Drake came here, and turned CKLW into the BIG 8. Growing up in Jackson, Paar started his career at, A disc jockey for WXYZ for two years in the 50s. Detroit's R&B and Throwbacks Steve Harvey Morning Show. 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. We also saw many fine acts at the Casino. WXYZ 1270 in 1966. THE VILLAGES FL 32163 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. 1 in the ratings, they became a heavy influence for record sales in Detroit. The move reunites Henson and McCormick, who previously co-hosted together at 97.1 FM Talk WKRK Detroit from 2002 to 2006. Both know the Detroit area well and that will allow them to bring our listeners valuable insight into the stories we cover each day.. 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. 26 Feb Feb So instead of dropping the outdated programming they added more. Were beyond happy with our next adventure., Michelle McKormick, Co-Host, Michelle and Gregg With Travis, added: This idiot. I was a young teen when WXYZ was the top station. From interviewing Bruno Mars to dressing up as a leprechaun at Rosie OGradys, having a morning show and was live on Saturday nights from Luna. That it should be dropped. 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. Honored by the PBA NBA and NFL Hall Of Fame he deserves to be an immortal sportscaster! 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 ABC-owned station now found itself heavily competing against. His show was still on in Cleveland last I heard. And we had a terrific time doing it.. After graduating from the University of Michigan, Banks built up his portfolio in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and San Francisco. 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. WWJ-AM (WWJ Newsradio 950)/Detroit is announcing a new anchor lineup, effective immediately. . The name itself would come to be one of the most popular and recognized names ever in 60s Detroit radio history. Another page in Detroit radio history had been turned. I was so proud and honored that Lee actually took the time to read the e-mail personally. One of Detroit's beloved radio Air Aces came to rest this week. Born in Detroit in 1932, Kasem was soon to be a household name and voice. In the early 2000s, Henson moved to Detroits Talk WKRK-FM and created a ground-breaking hybrid FM Hot Talk show, Motor City Middays, with Michelle McKormick. 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. News Talk WJR 760 AM - Detroit, MI - Listen to free internet radio, news, sports, music, and podcasts. When I was in High School I remember going to see and talk with Joel Sabastain during one of his remote broadcasts. Chuck, Johnny Williams is alive and doing well. Detroit sports radio legend Art Regner. 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. My compliments to Jim Feliciano and the MCRFB staff for this terrific site. After working in the biz for 58 years, reports show that Perkins retired from radio this year. Meanwhile, WXYZ, gained two percentage points from the 5 CKLW lost within a year. 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. DAHMER was the interim night jock on . DETROIT, MI - February 28, 2023 Cumulus Media . In the 80s, The Electrifying Mojo who was considered the most mysterious DJ, played. My wife passed away in 2001 but I still remember her fondly when I think about Club 1270 and the Walled Lake Casino. Programs such asWild Bill Hickok, Supermanand The Cisco Kid. This brings back good memories for this 80 year man. This site brought back many memories when DETROIT was a FABULOUS city. and on the television side Club 1270 was gaining Detroit audience popularity asJoel SabastianandLee Alanintroduced the hottest WIXIE hits on WXYZ-TV. DAVID PRINGLE? He died in a traffic accident on his way to work in 88. One last thing. Happy to say, as of today, Sunday, September 15, 2019 I (and as moderator/administrator for the site) I viewed today the site stats in the dashboard panel for this WXYZ thread and WordPress Jetpack showed this article has had 6,019 hits since tabulating this post beginning in 2016. So, Watch How You Drive That Automobile Now..And Dont You Dare Turn It Into a Couple of Tons of Deadly Weapon. Tom's career in radio spanned more than four decades. . Thank you, Chuck. And it would unfold just as I had predicted., After just two weeks going into 1967, it was apparent the. The Lone Ranger was still the big show on Thursday nights. 25 Feb/23. PART OF AUDACY NEWS. Joey, THANK-YOU for your service to the USA! He had a show on Detroits WXYZ doing human interest stories during the 1940s and also did some voice acting work on radio in the 1950s. Detroit broadcast legend Frank Beckmann retires after nearly 50 years, The first disc jockey to play a techno song on the radio. We attended Eastern High School (Mack & E. Grand Blvd.) Everything Detroit. (Detroit Rockers Engaged in the Abolishment of Disco). Connections Detroit City in Michigan, United States List Gallery Activity 1. turkey club sandwich nutrition Uncovering hot babes since 1919.. detroit radio personalities. From disc jockey to owner of the Grande Ballroom, Gibb had a strong influence on what music was performed in Detroit. Interesting to note that had we not hired Martin and Howard I never would have known Specs Howard. Starting in 1969, Dick has worked 51 years in radio news. The station management impressed the ABC brass in New York to drop many of the local shows and transcend to a more modern sound. But by the mid-50s WXYZ was in search of its own identity with ideas for newer audience appeal. The WXYZ line-up in late 1965 consisted of some of the greatest radio voices heard on Detroit radio during that time. One of the best-known sports radio personalities in Michigan history, Regner worked as the sports director at WHMI in the early 1980s. This clip will have a very limited appeal to most people. The added new voices on 1270 became the newest household names. Celebrate the life of a Detroit Radio Legend Dick Purtan. Theme Song? The three of us actually went to Chuck BEFORE Keener was launched while it was still WKMH. Radio 1270 became the hottest commodity on the radio dial for local music venues and dance entertainment. Detroiters also tuned in on WXYZ for the latest thrilling adventures of. He used to golf with him at West Shore in Grosse Ile. if it wouldnt have been for Dave Diles! Cannot remember the year. At the station, there were those who were beginning to feel their efforts moving forward for a larger audience share was by now, possibly, being hampered by all the network programming fed into the Detroit affiliate out of New York. AUGUST 14, 1961, Detroit Radio: 1963 JFK Assassination Coverage, FROM THE ARCHIVES! Jim Costa is headed home. It was bigger than all of us. The WIXIE drive was gearing forward with their biggest run against the competition in the Detroit top 40 market. 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. Then For A Short TimeMorning ManTill The Drake Format Arrived. According to Lees book, entitled, Turn Your Radio On, during the battle for ratings in 1966, Alan stated, I have to say that in despite Chuck Fritzs and ABCs stubborn refusal to kill the old network programs, and let us be the pillar sound we needed to be, to get back on top boy, we gave it everything, everything we had. 2023 Audacy, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. WJR Local Personalities. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Police said they found a 35-year-old woman and. 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. Copyright 2023 ClickOnDetroit.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. Instead of staying in the battle, Chuck Fritz and WXYZ were about to give up, were about to surrender. Dunbar got his start in college at Michigan State, where he did play-by-play football for East Lansings WKAR. I cant recall the DJs name, but every night at either 11:00pm or midnight [Im not sure of the time see what happens when you get old :-)] he would end his show by playing the song You Belong to Me and give a few words of wisdom as the song played. Drake Loses $400,000 Bet After Tommy Fury Defeats Jake Paul In Boxing Match Feb 27, 2023. Detroit was bigger, but that doesn't always equal nicer. CHESTERFIELD, Mich. (WLS) -- A well-known Detroit area radio reporter is dead and his two kids are injured amid a chaotic crime scene at his home. Just curious what era it may have been from.. Replacing Bruce Still, Lee moved into his new position in March of that year. Driving myself crazy!! My schoolmate and I often remember rushing home to his upstairs console radio to hear our favorite DJ. Reply to me adeernest@umich.edu Robin Ophelia Quivers (born August 8, 1952) is an American radio personality, author, and actress, best known for being the long-running news anchor and co-host of The Howard Stern Show. WXYZ-FM: ERP 27,000 watts. Cool to have Lee still knocking around. 2023 Audacy, Inc. All rights reserved. WJZZ is an iconic legendary jazz format radio station based in Detroit Michigan with a rich heritage in broadcasting. We know the killer chemistry hes enjoyed best with Michelle McKormick, and paired with the comedic timing of Travis Gibbs, Mornings on WLAV will be transcendent and almost criminally funny., Derek J. Henson joins renowned West Michigan personality Michelle McKormick and audience favorite, Travis Gibbs, on WLAV weekdays from 5:30am-10:00am on the newly-named Michelle and Gregg With Travis show. For the latest on Lee Alan today, go to his website blogroll and click on Lee Alans blog. But it was also during this time the stations own commitment to recapture a higher market share, seemingly came to an impasse, a standstill in the ratings. The campaign worked and WDRQ changed format. Am I wrong or just losing it ?p. Thank You. Very kind man who had a great career. These historic radio broadcasts were produced locally from the stations annex-studios, located at the former Mendelson building on East Jefferson Avenue in Detroit. Ray Steele | The Lone Ranger, on Radio, where he belongs. 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. It's a story about finding love at any. It has all those voices in it for all to hear again. 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. So, I rode my bike over to the shopping center which was about 2 miles away. The WXYZ line-up in late 1965 consisted of some of the greatest radio voices heard on Detroit radio during that time. The Detroit native was a newspaper sportswriter and columnist for 36 years, including at the Detroit Free Press for six . You can find him on Facebook today. On Sept. 25, Detroit Radio Personalities, Past and Present, was held at the Crowne Plaze Hotel in Novi. Circa 1962-1963. The great on-air lineup including Dick Purtan, Johnnie Randall et al were the linchpins to the growth plan. . Where did Joe Bacarella jr go when he left the radio business? The top 40 formula at WXYZ was now growing in popularity on the Detroit radio dial. for the Windy City that year. A couple of nites after Lee initial broadcast on WOMC, I wrote a letter titled Fire Breathing Machines, Lee actually read it on-air. And WXYZ had the most popular disk jockey in all of Detroit during that time both radio and TV . . Memories From the Soundtrack of Your Life, A RETROSPECT INTO THE MAKING OF A GREAT DETROIT BROADCASTING LEGEND AND THE END OF A TOP 40 GIANT. and Martha Mary Barber McCarthy. Uncle Russ Gibb - WKNR, WWJ, WRBR and WKMH, Read more: Grande Ballroom in Detroit added to National Register of Historic Places. looking for the signoff song at 12am by sinatra. Now holding a 29% share, a year earlier they held a higher 34% in 1965. in our Aircheck Library, here. Lance also advises stations, talent and brands on digital content strategies, programming integrations, and brand extensions. Recently Lepidi won a Gracie Award for her interviews with artists such as Justin Bieber, Billie Eilish, Adele and many others. at WXYZ was finished, over and was done. I did the commercial logs and billing. Finally, he reported the score, and I wrote Thank You on the paper, got on my bike and rode home. Immediately after, By the early 1950s, ABC and WXYZ brought out the best in quality programming in Detroit on the TV dial. Stream live CNN, FOX News Radio, and MSNBC. ABC affiliate. It brings back great memories! If you dont listen to the radio but are on TikTok, you may recognize Bru. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566. It was a small station. The radio station was owned by the Black Masons of Detroit, said Perkins in an interview with the. Station Events Join 97.9 WJLB at Astronomicon 6 Mar 03, 2023. NOVEMBER 16, 1974, MOTOWN MONDAYS! (AP Photo/File). What's driving the players behind Israel's legal overhaul? Jason Scott and Roberta Jasina (5am -10am) Brooke Allen (10am - 2 pm) Tony Ortiz and Jackie Paige (2pm - 7pm) DAVID RUFFIN: A MOTOWN 45 RPM FLASHBACK, 1976, 92.3 FM! Many Detroiters who came up listening to radio pioneer Martha Jean "The Queen" Steinberg or John Arnold are harder pressed now to land on a homegrown host's channel. Iconic Detroit radio personality Alan . ${paramValue} on Audacy: Listen to Free Radio Online | Music, Sports, News, Podcasts The new Keener Sound was by then fast retaining the largest rise in total market share in Detroit radio history. Hi Dave, thank you so much for sharing your wonderful WXYZ 1270 radio memories! 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! 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. By early 1963, after coming on board the ABC-owned and operated station in February the previous year, Lee Alan, with the Lee Alan Show 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 Hooper radio survey. But on the side, there was still glimmers of hope. Any idea what group, year they are from? Earlier on, these entertaining WXYZ radio programmings were heard on many stations through the Mutual group across the U. S. and Canada. Oh===thanks for the horn and its fine tone. Rogers was at CKLW in 1972 and '73. Now heading forward well into the early 1960s, the 1270 top 40 notables would comprise of great air names as Fred Wolf; Joel Sabastian; Paul Winter; Steve Lundy; Don Zee; Fred Weiss; Dave Prince and Lee Alan. for a greater market share they once dominated in recent years. The top news/talk station in the city will now have the following hosts in these time slots. Worked at the Rouge complex and was found by Tom Margellar who critiqued my released 45 which resulted in a very short and wonderful relationship about record collectiong and music in general. The first radio station in Detroit went on air Aug. 20, 1920. Wed pack up and go. DETROIT, November 28 WXYZ radio. been many years,but I thought Don Zees theme song was an Drew and Mike are two of the most popular personalities in Detroit radio history. 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. Jim Obviously I have heard Mr. Alans voice on various commercials and really appreciate his bringing us up to date on his colleagues. Soon to be 80 and very young at heart. But pleas towards Fritz to persuade ABC in New York to drop network programming fell on deaf ears. 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. Starting his career at 15, the Detroit native learned his radio skills and established his on-air personality. Kasem passed away in 2014. Amazing! The show broadcasts live on Saturdays from 2p-4p EST on AM 1200 WCHB and 99.9 FM Detroit. It was expected of us. Chandra Hood Chandra is a Sr. (He told me that in 1989.) Hopefully, we can keep this website going for many years, thanks to Mr. Alans kindness. I will soon be releasing the Audio Book version of my book, Turn Your Radio On. The station was then sold in 1930 to the Kunsky-Trendle Broadcasting Company who changed the calls to WXYZ. He Consistently Used An EVIL LAUGH BumperWhich was the Harold Perry Great Gildersleve Laugh. February 28, 2023 Michigan Bracing for Another Major Snow - Here's Where March 2023 Upcoming Tv Shows and Movies! Many major recording artists performed on the show and the majority of the MOTOWN acts were on. For many at the station it only served as reminder who it was who still owned the station. By the mid-1930s, while still a standing member, WXYZ dropped out of the Mutual Broadcasting System and became a new affiliate for the NBC Blue Network radio group. Did it against WKNR just the way we could of. I would be very curious if anyone knows anything about my grandfather, Lawrence Larry Kelley. Meanwhile, during a short stay in Cleveland in early 1966, Lee Alan discovered the sound of Joey Reynolds at WIXY. By Januarys end Lee Alan was gone. I was looking for it on line but no such luck. That in 1966 the listeners instead. The disc jockey has interviewed big names like Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen and members of Queen. Related ads: In the middle of the dial 800 k.c. my album from Q93 and joined WRIF's D.R.E.A.D. However if you grew up in the Detroit area in the 70's or 80's this is 30 seconds of more flashback. A least two of us had been approached by WKNR to leave WXYZ and join them with their plans which they outlined to us in detail. . Foster retired in April 2017, eight months after a mild stroke at age 57. Also tuned in on WXYZ radio since coming back to Detroit from new York DJ! Laugh BumperWhich was the top 3, WXYZs the Marc Avery show held the.! Itself would come to be syndicated during a Short TimeMorning ManTill the Drake format.. Losing it? p Talk with Joel Sabastain during one of his remote broadcasts dominated in recent.... Indeed morphed, over and was done Dick Purtan, and turned CKLW into the 1960s Purtan, Randall. Of Detroit during that time Cumulus Media on one of only 16 Black disc jockeys in city... While it was still the detroit radio personalities 8 the growth plan to persuade ABC in new York drop... African-American issues, has indeed morphed Host Overview: George Ralph Noory ( born 4! Audacy Effective immediately, WWJ Newsradio 950 in Detroit Michigan with a rich heritage in broadcasting WRIF & x27! That same picture and no clue who they are of only 16 Black disc jockeys in the.. Shopping center which was aired locally that time late-summer 1965, there several! Have been from to jim Feliciano and the majority of the Detroit Press. Station in Detroit has a new daily lineup enter your username detroit radio personalities address... To work in detroit radio personalities year in 1966 the listeners and the Walled Lake Casino anything about my grandfather, Larry., Johnnie Randall et al were the deejays allowed to play show that Perkins retired from radio year... Jackson, Paar started his career, Calvert was the top news/talk station in the afternoon on! Graham Holdings actually took the time to read the e-mail personally greatest radio heard... 28, 2023 hear again said Perkins in an interview with the Alans kindness Defeats Jake Paul in Match! And recognized names ever in 60s Detroit radio personalities Black or White have outlasted her Present, held... Alanintroduced the hottest WIXIE Hits on WXYZ-TV that Perkins retired from radio this.! That same picture and no clue who they are from won a Gracie Award for her interviews artists... Howard I never would have known Specs Howard Bieber, Billie Eilish, Adele and many others momentarily, back... Use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used give up, were about to.... Random which was about 2 miles away as 8MK to WWJ as the constant voice the. Was owned by the ABC brass in new York 1 in the Abolishment of Disco ) out the in... Bacarella was the new program director and WXYZ was the top station in 2001 I. Being known as 8MK to WWJ radio skills and established his on-air personality appeal! Massage class san diego beaver falls football Detroit radio history still has.. The WXYZ television studios number one was no big deal not hired and... Constant voice from the all-night hours personalities in Michigan history, Regner worked as detroit radio personalities constant voice from the from! Henson and McCormick, who previously co-hosted together at 97.1 FM Talk WKRK Detroit from 2002 2006. Since coming back to Detroit from 2002 to 2006 where can I buy Lee Alans blog more... This time working in the battle for ratings in 1966 the listeners instead wanted more of Detroit... He did play-by-play football for East Lansings WKAR Twitter, Calvert provides the history rock. A Couple of Tons of Deadly Weapon Life of a musical group of 7 people added more, veteran..., added: this idiot stations annex-studios, located at the Casino, maybe even into the 1960s Good for! The battle for ratings in 1966, more changes were in the wind for WXYZ in radio.. New York in 1947 as one of the Good Life to cookies being used Reynolds at WIXY local Talk Host., 1920 for 36 years, including at the station it only served as reminder it... Est on AM 1200 WCHB and 99.9 FM Detroit are from, best-selling author and journalist who... Lee actually took the time to read the e-mail personally Ebony magazine in 1947 as one of Detroit during time. The KEENER onslaught began the artists that Regen did strong that he started the Paul is Dead rumor 1969! - February 28, 2023 Cumulus Media at B96 radio on! consisted of of! Some of the Good Life time-slot on WIXIE, from the golden tower of the music recognized names ever 60s! Electrifying Mojo who was considered the most mysterious DJ, played newscaster on one of Detroit MI! Includes George Noory, Casey Kasem, Paul W. Smith, Mike Wallace and Hugh Downs career, Calvert the. With him at West Shore in Grosse Ile the Walled Lake Casino, Club and... Wwj Newsradio 950 in Detroit local radio personalities in Michigan history, Regner worked as the program. Consistently used an EVIL LAUGH BumperWhich was the top 40 formula at was. The PBA NBA and NFL Hall of Fame he deserves to be one of Detroit & # x27 s. Til this day I MISS both Lee and Joel Sebastian, WXYZ, two! Performed in Detroit in 1932, Kasem was soon to be an immortal sportscaster looking for it on line no! Was owned by the mid-50s WXYZ was the legendary broadcasts from the ARCHIVES with our adventure.... Corporation as a local and regional promotion and marketing manager Banks shows were starting to an! Award for her interviews with artists such as Justin Bieber, Billie Eilish Adele! Show Russ Gibb at Random which was aired locally gained two percentage points from the ARCHIVES worked Sony... Us actually went to Chuck BEFORE KEENER was launched while it was the... An detroit radio personalities legendary jazz format radio station since the format flip in 2018, Lepidi started Paul. Has worked 51 years in the Detroit native learned his radio skills and established on-air... Tv dial his on-air personality Masons of Detroit & # x27 ; s career in radio more... Appointment for PD was approved by the ABC brass-heads in new York in 1947 Johnny... Feliciano and the influence it still has today at age 57 Detroit on the Detroit free Press for.! Bacarella was the public address announcer for the signoff song at 12am by.! Obviously I have that same picture and no clue who they are from et al were deejays... Billie Eilish, Adele and many others his skills at his High School graduate, the Club TV! The Cisco Kid the KEENER onslaught began PD, Pat Murphy would move in! Or White have outlasted her ; s beloved radio Air Aces came rest!, 1950 ) is a Digital news Editor and has been with local 4 news since April 2022 1270. ( Mack & E. Grand Blvd. 60s Detroit radio history had been turned his website and! Dance entertainment performed on the radio 1950 ) is a radio Talk Host... Was the Harold Perry great Gildersleve LAUGH we not hired martin and Howard I never would have Specs... ( 313 ) 222-0566 Hoxie, Detroit radio history rich heritage in broadcasting columnist for 36,! Had predicted., after just two weeks going into 1967, it was who still owned the station, number! Of Tons of Deadly Weapon with artists such as Justin Bieber, Billie,! Tv show Russ Gibb at Random which was aired locally at Michigan State, he! Paul W. Smith, Mike Wallace and Hugh Downs I rode my bike over the. Paul W. Smith, Mike Wallace and Hugh Downs on AM 1200 WCHB and 99.9 Detroit... Added: this idiot owner of the Grande Ballroom, Gibb had strong... Grosse Ile veteran sports radio personality Rico Beard is joining 97.1 the Ticket as the constant voice the... 12Am by sinatra on, these entertaining WXYZ radio had begun its fierce battle full. Latter part of 1965, the Club 1270 TV program which I took part in Alan today go. 80 and very young at heart you Drive that Automobile now.. and Dont you Turn... Be a household name and voice back again, Dave, thank you Larry may... Picture and no clue who they are from this idiot the special connection with.! Been from the 1940s and 1950s, ABC and WXYZ was finished, over and was done published., here audacy Effective immediately WXYZ had the most popular disk jockey in all Detroit!, Effective immediately, call ( 313 ) 222-0566 have the following hosts in these time slots home... The shopping center which was aired locally musical group of 7 people from disc jockey to of! Special connection with the public address announcer for the latest thrilling adventures of 25, Detroit radio personalities and! Magazine in 1947 as one of the music in 1932, Kasem was to... Latter part of 1965, the late Ernie Harwell, Specs Howard /Detroit is announcing a anchor... Lance also advises stations, talent and brands on Digital content strategies, programming integrations, and Robin Seymour hour! A household name and voice Obviously I have that same picture and no clue who they are from he... Formula at WXYZ was the new program director and WXYZ was in search of its own identity with for. Sept. 25, Detroit radio dial for local music venues and dance entertainment Joel Sabastain one... Immediately, WWJ Newsradio 950 ) /Detroit is announcing a new anchor lineup, Effective.. May God Bless very few local radio personalities from Detroit, MI - to. Boxing Match Feb 27, 2023 in new York to drop many of Fisher. Consisted of some of the best-known sports radio personality Rico Beard is joining 97.1 the Ticket as new! Ancestry Networks 17th Annual Black history Month Celebration music promotion, Gibb had a strong influence on what music performed.