re: Scott Shannon:
The truth can finally be told!
Scott Shannon's "surprise announcement" at WPLJ a couple of weeks ago had actually been in the works for awhile. Starting tomorrow (Monday, March 3rd), he'll be the new morning voice of WCBS-FM in New York ... playing oldies again ... AND word has it that The True Oldies Channel will continue to operate as well!
This HAS to make Shannon a pretty "happy camper" at this stage of his career. And who knows ... just MAYBE there's hope here for K-Hits after all!!! Perhaps with Shannon on board, the CBS-affiliate can finally pursue its dream of becoming Chicago (and the Midwest)'s WCBS-FM ... one of the most popular and listened-to radio stations in New York and, thanks to online streaming, the world. Congratulations, Scott ... let the music begin!!! (kk)
On Monday, I'll be listening to Scott Shannon --- for the VERY FIRST TIME.
Being a loyal WCBS-FM listener, I never heard him on WPLJ. Never knew he had a co-host, till I read it in the newspaper this week.
We're expecting another snow storm, Sunday into Monday, to welcome Scott to WCBS-FM ... might help his ratings ... people will stay home and listen to the radio instead of going to work.
So what I want to know is this: Are you going to get up early to listen to your pal Scott's debut on WCBS-FM, or am I going to have to tell you about it ?
Too bad Bob Shannon is no longer with WCBS-FM. We would've had Scott Shannon, morning drive time and Bob Shannon, evening drive time.
I think this is the first song Mr. Shannon should play at 6:00 AM, on March 3 --- kicking off his WCBS-FM Career.
Frank B.
The truth can finally be told!
Scott Shannon's "surprise announcement" at WPLJ a couple of weeks ago had actually been in the works for awhile. Starting tomorrow (Monday, March 3rd), he'll be the new morning voice of WCBS-FM in New York ... playing oldies again ... AND word has it that The True Oldies Channel will continue to operate as well!
This HAS to make Shannon a pretty "happy camper" at this stage of his career. And who knows ... just MAYBE there's hope here for K-Hits after all!!! Perhaps with Shannon on board, the CBS-affiliate can finally pursue its dream of becoming Chicago (and the Midwest)'s WCBS-FM ... one of the most popular and listened-to radio stations in New York and, thanks to online streaming, the world. Congratulations, Scott ... let the music begin!!! (kk)
On Monday, I'll be listening to Scott Shannon --- for the VERY FIRST TIME.
Being a loyal WCBS-FM listener, I never heard him on WPLJ. Never knew he had a co-host, till I read it in the newspaper this week.
We're expecting another snow storm, Sunday into Monday, to welcome Scott to WCBS-FM ... might help his ratings ... people will stay home and listen to the radio instead of going to work.
So what I want to know is this: Are you going to get up early to listen to your pal Scott's debut on WCBS-FM, or am I going to have to tell you about it ?
Too bad Bob Shannon is no longer with WCBS-FM. We would've had Scott Shannon, morning drive time and Bob Shannon, evening drive time.
I think this is the first song Mr. Shannon should play at 6:00 AM, on March 3 --- kicking off his WCBS-FM Career.
Frank B.
You're going to have to tell me about it! (lol) Even when Micky Dolenz was the morning deejay I think I only heard a total of about four hours of his show spread out over three months! Unfortunately the only way for me to listen is at the computer ... and that one hour time difference is HUGE at 5 am!!!
After 22 years on the air in New York City, I don't think Scott (or CBS-FM) has to worry about any shortage of listeners ... I think it'll be good for the station, too ... Scott Shannon is a Hall Of Fame Broadcaster ... and for good reason. His credentials are impeccable.
But I'll betcha that even if Bob Shannon AND Scott Shannon were BOTH at WCBS-FM, they STILL wouldn't play the great classic Henry Gross hit "Shannon" on the air ... it just doesn't fit their definition of the "Classic Hits" format. (Not the way a Simple Minds song does anyway.)
Naturally I wish Scott the best ... and I'm sure this was a long, hard, thought-out move. I just hope he's able to keep The True Oldies Channel going ... 'cause I have a much better chance of hearing "Shannon" on THAT station than any other. (kk)
Don't get too excited over WCBS-FM. They're New York's
version of K-Hits -- John Cougar Mellencamp, Huey Lewis and all. The format actually works in NY and Philly. CBS-FM may play a few more oldies and have better weekend programming, but it's not the WCBS of old(ies). Scott Shannon might be able to break the format every once in awhile ... but I know that even with Shannon on board, I'll still have to wake up to Foreigner. There would be no change in the station's strategy.
-- Anonymous by request
From Tom Cuddy, shortly after the announcement was made public:
CBS Radio just made it official, announcing that legendary personality Scott Shannon would indeed be joining Classic Hits WCBS-FM / New York for mornings, starting Monday, March 3. "Not often does a legendary morning drive personality become available with the experience of waking up New Yorkers for more than 25 years,” said Don Bouloukos, SVP / Market Manager, CBS Radio New York. "CBS-FM is a heritage station, and the perfect place for Hall Of Famer Scott Shannon. We are thrilled to welcome Scott and his award-winning personality to CBS-FM and the CBS Radio family." Scott Shannon in the Morning will also feature Mr. G with weather and Joe Nolan with traffic. With Shannon in morning drive, current morning personality Dan Taylor moves to middays, followed by Broadway Bill Lee in afternoons, Joe Causi from 7 - midnight, and Dave Stewart manning the overnight shift. PD Jim Ryan said, "We've assembled an enormously talented team to help listeners start their day off right, with all the authenticity and character of a great local New York radio show. That theme continues throughout the day with an ensemble of proven personalities who are beloved by the audience. This is one of the strongest lineups in all of radio."
re: Repetitive Regret:
Please understand that I agree totally with you about the lack of diversity on music radio stations. I hate the concept of the "fab 500" or whatever the limits are. HOWEVER, I think you'd be surprised how many people are perfectly thrilled just to hear the songs they know and do not want to be challenged.
As an example, I was out with my mother-in-law a few years ago and some song came on the radio (this was before I had sirius-xm capability in my car and when I went to change the station she said something to the effect of "I want to hear the songs I know on this station (KLUV), I don't want to hear some strange (it was top 10 BTW) Righteous Brothers song you know. The song I wanted to hear with Just Once in My life -- all she ever wanted to hear was Unchained Melody.
My point is, she is perfectly right and there are a ton of people like her who don't want to hear new songs in their oldies.
Keep fighting the battle, although this is a losing battle.
Rich
I think there's a way to do BOTH ... we just have to "de-program" all the damage that's been done during the past 25 years of "narrowcasting"!!! (kk)
Hey Kent,
I really enjoyed Monday's "Forgotten Hits", with the alternative songs and comments. Like you, I wish that the stations would limit playing the same songs by the same groups, over and over again. I'm not advocating a ban of those groups from the airwaves, but why can't we hear some of their OTHER hits? How about Foreigner's "I Don't Want to Live Without You", or Journey's "Girl Can't Help It"? (I used to love to sing "Don't Stop Believin" until the radio and "Glee" shoved it down our throats.) Why not play Grand Funk's "Bad Time" or REO's "Don't Let Him Go"? And please, PRETTY PLEASE, no more "Play That Funky Music"!
- John LaPuzza
I really enjoyed Monday's "Forgotten Hits", with the alternative songs and comments. Like you, I wish that the stations would limit playing the same songs by the same groups, over and over again. I'm not advocating a ban of those groups from the airwaves, but why can't we hear some of their OTHER hits? How about Foreigner's "I Don't Want to Live Without You", or Journey's "Girl Can't Help It"? (I used to love to sing "Don't Stop Believin" until the radio and "Glee" shoved it down our throats.) Why not play Grand Funk's "Bad Time" or REO's "Don't Let Him Go"? And please, PRETTY PLEASE, no more "Play That Funky Music"!
- John LaPuzza
Kent,
As for the songs you hear over and over on these stations go, I have to agree with you on getting sick of the redundancy of 100 songs (or less) daily. HOWEVER, you make two points that have problems. One, when you said you hoped for more commercials, THAT would make stations to be HAPPY and program these songs even more! Second, as much as I wish I was wrong, when MOST of us at work totally gag (me, especially) when the opening of "Don't Stop Believin'" comes on, I work with several Detroit transferees that start to sing along especially when the "born and raised in south Detroit" lyrics come along. They LOVE hearing this piece of crap over and over. BTW, it's ONLY a piece of crap because of the overplay. IF these songs were not played to death, I know many would still be faves, as I chose the songs to be in my fave 45s way back in the 70's and 80's and many still sit in those boxes, albeit untouched for some time for obvious reasons. Back then, I had no idea they would played FOREVER!
Clark Besch
Clark Besch
When I made the comment about "praying for more commercials", I was being sarcastic ... although I will ABSOLUTELY admit that I will turn off "More Than A Feeling" and listen to a radio commercial instead if it's the fifth time today I'm hearing that same damn song ... or I'll simply turn the radio off all-together.
I have always maintained that these are GREAT songs ... I, too, loved each and every one of 'em ... bought 'em and played 'em and would still love them today had I not been beaten over the head to oblivion by them due to this incessant "need" by radio to ruin them for me. It's funny because in the right context I can listen to every single one ... it's just the non-stop bombardment that has turned me off of many GREAT tunes forever. (kk)
Hey, Thanks, Kent, for playing Hurt So Bad. It was a Mort Garson arrangement using a Wrecking Crew rhythm section. I agree with you whole heartedly on your Monday’s opening opinion statement. You know what would be an interesting concept for just an hour or two’s worth of programming ... playing some major artists flops that the general public didn’t even know was a single release. I think a radio audience would love to hear the 45’s that never were. I know I would, especially if an artist didn’t have a hit with a particular song and then someone else recorded it and was successful. They truly could be called the Lost Hits. Again thanks for your good work.
Gary Pike (formerly of The Lettermen)
Kent,
Just like yesterday, I scrolled down and played some three or four seconds of the choices of songs you posted on your website today. I know what to expect tonight when I get home from work and which songs I'll be hearing in their entirety. Love those Cat Mother and the all Night News Boys!
Larry
I applaud your approach ... classic rock radio in Chicago is pitiful ... virtually unlistenable.
Kent,
Just like yesterday, I scrolled down and played some three or four seconds of the choices of songs you posted on your website today. I know what to expect tonight when I get home from work and which songs I'll be hearing in their entirety. Love those Cat Mother and the all Night News Boys!
Larry
I applaud your approach ... classic rock radio in Chicago is pitiful ... virtually unlistenable.
Give me death ... give me anything but "Jack and Diane" ... and I'm a Mellencamp guy!
Why not throw in "Check It Out" or "Scarecrow" once every 15 days?
Keep up the great work, my man!
Keep up the great work, my man!
(Anonymous by Request)
Radio in Chicago is the worst -- we're at an all-time low. I had really hoped your campaign to bring the oldies back might offer a reprieve -- but it sounds like we're destined to live in classic hits hell a while longer. Don't give up the fight -- the listeners need someone to fight on their behalf!
Radio in Chicago is the worst -- we're at an all-time low. I had really hoped your campaign to bring the oldies back might offer a reprieve -- but it sounds like we're destined to live in classic hits hell a while longer. Don't give up the fight -- the listeners need someone to fight on their behalf!
Top 10 Kid
I still think radio ain't ever gonna change but I am so far out of that loop that I don't suffer.
I still think radio ain't ever gonna change but I am so far out of that loop that I don't suffer.
What I wanted to say is that I think your latest suggestions are clever, very clever, and also very listenable.
I am fast approaching 80 so I don't have time to deal with stuff on mainstream radio. I sympathize with all of you who do listen and if you make a dent in the rockheadedness of those who program the stations, it will be an accomplishment. Gonna go listen to Ella, Frank and Nat now.
Hil
>>>Why can't we enjoy the best of BOTH worlds? Why can't the playlists be expanded to offer more variety, along with the endless stream of same-old / same-old? You'll still get your dozen favorites every hour ... but they'll be mixed in with other songs you'll also enjoy. (kk)
WHY can't we have it more than one way?? Because as much as we say everyone is an individual, we prefer to treat people as one big whole. It is cheaper and takes less thought, therefore less work, to have one size fits all. I struggle with this everyday in the school system. I am still using any and all means possible to inspire students in learning even though they give me 'one size fits all' curriculum. That also means when they canvas opinions, they do not look at the demigraphics they used. It doesn't matter. We are all the same. HUH??!! frustration
>>>Why can't we enjoy the best of BOTH worlds? Why can't the playlists be expanded to offer more variety, along with the endless stream of same-old / same-old? You'll still get your dozen favorites every hour ... but they'll be mixed in with other songs you'll also enjoy. (kk)
WHY can't we have it more than one way?? Because as much as we say everyone is an individual, we prefer to treat people as one big whole. It is cheaper and takes less thought, therefore less work, to have one size fits all. I struggle with this everyday in the school system. I am still using any and all means possible to inspire students in learning even though they give me 'one size fits all' curriculum. That also means when they canvas opinions, they do not look at the demigraphics they used. It doesn't matter. We are all the same. HUH??!! frustration
Shelley J Sweet-Tufano
I couldn’t agree more, Kent. However I honestly don’t think radio cares. As long as they have some listeners and they can fool sponsors to keep paying the bills, what do they care? It’s sort of like the Cubs (sorry if I offend) ... they sell out every game win or lose, so what’s the motivation to spend more money to improve? But I digress.
I couldn’t agree more, Kent. However I honestly don’t think radio cares. As long as they have some listeners and they can fool sponsors to keep paying the bills, what do they care? It’s sort of like the Cubs (sorry if I offend) ... they sell out every game win or lose, so what’s the motivation to spend more money to improve? But I digress.
A few years ago I called the Loop to offer my suggestions of playing their ‘deep tracks’ as a routine. I actually spoke to Bob Stroud. In a nut shell he said, with an attitude, it would never happen. I personally have more 50’s – 70’s music at home to out-play any station in this market hands down (I’m sure your catalog beats mine by a mile). Currently I don’t even listen to commercial radio for music. Either I drive in silence or play some of my CDs. At work I have started playing www.rewoundradio.com since January 1. The clients love it ... many ask what station it is. I wish I could get rewound in my car.
Thanks for all the effort you provide here day in, day out.
Scott Schultz,
McHenry, IL.
We've converted quite a few listeners to Rewound Radio ... hands down the best variety out there ... they play just about everything. I, too, wish there was a way to pick it up in my car ... sure beats what I'm hearing now!
Check out what Bob Stroud is doing now on The Drive ... they're playing more "deep tracks" than ever (probably part of the Cumulus take-over from a few months ago ... most likely an effort to distinguish the station from all the other Classic Rock / Classic Hit stations in town playing the exact same music.) Good News / Bad News: It's nice NOT to hear nothing but the same old tracks over and over and over again .. but now we're hearing stuff we've NEVER heard before ... so there's absolutely NO familiarity factor ... and a lot of of it simply isn't any good. I find myself connecting less and less with The Drive's current play list ... and, for a while there, they were my "go to" station. (kk)
On the bright side, WLS Radio Legend Clark Weber sent me THIS note last week (which caused me to execute one of those "knowing smiles"!!! ...
Hi Kent;
Today's Chicago Trib has a story on the A&E pages regarding "Prime Time TV is going gray!"
The article points out that the median age of a TV watcher is now 54. I know the same bench mark can and should be applied to radio. Which in turn might just force these simpleton programmers to begin to target the 50 plus music audience. The economic necessity of staying financially solvent will have more of an impact then you and I banging our chest over their programming stupidity.
Clark
That's an encouraging statistic (although we've both been touting it for years now to nothing but deaf ears!!!) We enjoy good tv (some of the best, most-intense dramas ever are on the air right now ... these are thought-provoking episodes that stick with you LONG after the program has ended) more than the movies lately, as you just never know what you're going to get after shelling out your $35 for movie tickets, popcorn and a drink ... FAR too many disappointments in that area of late!
Of course there's also a WHOLE lotta crap on tv, too ... some of which does very well. (I guess there's an audience for everything) ... all the MORE reason to think that bubblegum, The Beach Boys, The Beatles, The Bee Gees, hard rock, disco, doo wop, Elvis, folk, Motown and Soul, and good old rock and roll can all still exist side by side on the radio dial, just like the did back in the good old days! (kk)
Hi Kent,
We hear ya! Now if only the rest of the county and the world could. I love your selections. A natural radio programmer you are. What say you on doing that show we talked about? Not only can you pontificate on air, but play the music you, and so many others, so passionately enjoy. It's a natural extension to Forgotten Hits.
- Bish
Hi Kent,
We hear ya! Now if only the rest of the county and the world could. I love your selections. A natural radio programmer you are. What say you on doing that show we talked about? Not only can you pontificate on air, but play the music you, and so many others, so passionately enjoy. It's a natural extension to Forgotten Hits.
- Bish
WRLR
I'll tell ya, Bish, it's getting more and more enticing. How else is all of this great music going to survive?!?! (kk)
re: HOW ABOUT (THIS INSTEAD OF THAT):
re: HOW ABOUT (THIS INSTEAD OF THAT):
Kent ...
On 2/26 you said go with "Suspicion" instead of "Suspicious Minds."
Any other day I would agree with you.
2/26/1956: According to Ron Smith's book, Elvis' first million seller "Heartbreak Hotel" debuted on the Billboard Chart on this day.
2/26/1956: According to Ron Smith's book, Elvis' first million seller "Heartbreak Hotel" debuted on the Billboard Chart on this day.
How about these combinations. I say play both songs.
Call Me = Call Me Irresponsible
The Joker = The Joker Went Wild
It's Magic = The Magic Touch
Eyes = Green Eyes
Sixty Minute Man = Can't Do Sixty No More
The Joker = The Joker Went Wild
It's Magic = The Magic Touch
Eyes = Green Eyes
Sixty Minute Man = Can't Do Sixty No More
Frank B.
Hi Kent,
It is probably other songs that are being played to death on this side of the Atlantic, but we certainly have the same problem. And it also seems to be that the radio stations are playing songs that fit into their concept (the keywords being commercialism, or easy to listen to i.e. smooth) and not songs that made the prospective artists famous, let alone the ones with most artistic merit.
Here are my suggestions:
Instead of Nazareth “Love hurts” (which is the only song you ever hear from Nazareth in my part of the word), how about giving the excellent “My White Bicycle” a spin?
Instead of Nazareth “Love hurts” (which is the only song you ever hear from Nazareth in my part of the word), how about giving the excellent “My White Bicycle” a spin?
The Moody Blues: All you ever hear here is “Nights In White Satin”, how about “Go Now” for a change?
And Kent, I know you like Kiki Dee, but over here all you ever get on the radio is her (awful) duet with Elton John “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”. Hardly anyone remembers that she was an accomplished solo artist. How about “Amoureuse” for a change?
One band very popular in Europe was Slade, who really started the glitter movement in the UK, and were incredibly successful from 1970 - 1973. But all you ever hear on the radio is “Far Far Away” or “My Oh My” … (if you in fact hear Slade at all … these days folk seem to prefer The Sweet, who only jumped on the bandwagon back in the day) but these songs aren’t what Slade were all about. Slade were “Get Down And Get With It” or “Mama Weer All Crazee Now” … But these songs are never played, ever.
Hotel California – The Eagles (how about Desperado?), Against the Wind – Bob Seger (that was our song once upon a time when I met my wife … I can’t listen to it anymore), Eileen – Dexys Midnight Runners (how about Geno for a change?), Driver’s Seat – Sniff and the Tears (ever heard Night Life from their second album?), the list is endless.
Unfortunately I don’t expect anything to change, as the masses seem to love their radio the way it is…. We are the ones with exotic tastes, the people that cling on to music from ages gone. That is our problem.
Cheers -
Dave
We can't even get them to play the legitimate hits much less some of the obscure tracks you're talking about! (lol) Makes you long for the days of Pirate Radio, doesn't it??? (Then again, I guess that's what the Internet is for these days!)
But I DO love your Kiki Dee suggestion ... that was always one of my favorites (but never a hit here ... some soft-rock '70's airplay and that was about it.) Even her biggest hit here ("I've Got The Music In Me") gets ignored. (kk)
But I DO love your Kiki Dee suggestion ... that was always one of my favorites (but never a hit here ... some soft-rock '70's airplay and that was about it.) Even her biggest hit here ("I've Got The Music In Me") gets ignored. (kk)
>>>I consider it a crime against nature that the ONLY song you're guaranteed to hear today by Elvis Presley is "Suspicious Minds". (kk)
Same thing out here on THE oldies station KRTH. Plus, it seems they think that Roy Orbison only had one hit ("Oh Pretty Woman")! Also, no 50's at all anymore. Outrageous.
Davie Allan
Here are some of my "alternative hits" that oldies / classic rock / classic hits stations should be playing ...
Same thing out here on THE oldies station KRTH. Plus, it seems they think that Roy Orbison only had one hit ("Oh Pretty Woman")! Also, no 50's at all anymore. Outrageous.
Davie Allan
Here are some of my "alternative hits" that oldies / classic rock / classic hits stations should be playing ...
• Instead of "Ramblin Man" by the Allman Brothers and "The Gambler" by Kenny Rogers, how about Bob Seger's "Ramblin' Gamblin' Man"???
• Instead of "Sugar Sugar" by the Archies, how about "Sugar On Sunday" by The Clique???
• Instead of "Celebration" by Kool & The Gang, how about "We're Having A Party" by Sam Cooke???• Instead of "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd, how about "Sweet Hitchhiker" by CCR???
• Instead of Eric Clapton's "Lay" trilogy ("Layla '71", "Layla '92" and "Lay Down Sally"), how about "Lay A Little Lovin' On Me" by Robin McNamara???
• And instead of "Stairway To Heaven" by Zeppelin, how about "Stairway To Heaven" by Sedaka???
Regards,
Uncle T. Jay
"The Vinyl Arkhives"
KAFM Radio
• Instead of "Celebration" by Kool & The Gang, how about "We're Having A Party" by Sam Cooke???• Instead of "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd, how about "Sweet Hitchhiker" by CCR???
• Instead of Eric Clapton's "Lay" trilogy ("Layla '71", "Layla '92" and "Lay Down Sally"), how about "Lay A Little Lovin' On Me" by Robin McNamara???
• And instead of "Stairway To Heaven" by Zeppelin, how about "Stairway To Heaven" by Sedaka???
Regards,
Uncle T. Jay
"The Vinyl Arkhives"
KAFM Radio
Love the Clique suggestion ... one of our favorites here, too. Nearly everything by Creedence Clearwater Revival still gets airplay ... but somehow "Sweet Hitch-Hiker" and "Someday Never Comes" seem to have gotten the short end of the stick. "Lay A Little Lovin' On Me" would sound pretty good right about now, too! (kk)
Kent,
Who is doing the song "Call Me" that you posted today?
Stacee
Chris Montez ... good one, no???
Good one ... YES!!!!
And yet another legitimate Hit (#22 in both Billboard and Cash Box in 1966) that radio ignores. (kk)
Instead of Hotel California, play Hotel Happiness.
Instead of Don't Stop Believing, or even Don't Stop, how about just plain Don't?
Instead of More Than A Feeling, play I Got The Feeling, or I've Got A Feeling.
Instead of Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, play Dirty Water.
Instead of Take The Money & Run by Steve Miller, play Take The Money & Run by Crosby & Nash.
Instead of Knockin' On Heaven's Door, play I Hear You Knockin' (any version).
Instead of Pink Floyd, play King Floyd.
The list goes on ...
Jack
It does ... if you just apply even an ounce of creativity into your programming. (Again, something that is sorely lacking today.) kk
And, of course, as a result, all you get is Radio Ga-Ga. (kk)
While we know how we feel about the current state of radio and, apparently, we know how radio management feels about the subject, I wonder how the DJs feel about playing the same songs multiple times a day, especially since they aren’t held to a top 40 chart format. To me the target group to ask would be WLS FM jocks. I would imagine they wouldn’t want to publicly come out against the current state of affairs but might do so anonymously. What do you think?
Scott from McHenry, IL
I think we all know what they'd say "off the record" ... but I have to laugh as I am reminded of one of the very few funny lines in the Adam Sandler movie "Funny People". The Adam Sandler character and the Seth Rogen character go to see James Taylor perform and I believe he's singing "Fire And Rain" ... and afterwards they ask him "Don't you get tired of playing the same songs every night" to which James replies "Do you ever get tired of playing with your dick?" lol
That being said, I think ANY deejay in America working on terrestrial radio today in the so called Classic Hits / Classic Rock / Greatest Hits Of All Time formats would be absolutely lying if they said that they didn't mind play the exact same crap, day in and day out, day after day for all eternity. (But you're right ... most wouldn't dare do so publicly!) These guys know there is SO much more music to choose from ... and they certainly didn't get into radio to become an automated / auto-pilot jukebox. Some have a little more freedom to step outside the mold once in awhile ... so we get interesting programs like "Rock And Roll Roots" with Bob Stroud. Even some of the All-Request Shows make for a nice break in the action ... except I'm hearing more and more a listener calling and asking for something that the station doesn't have ... and that's just WRONG!!! (Then why do an all-request show?!?! If you're just going to play the exact same crap you play the REST of the day, don't PRETEND to care about what the listeners REALLY want to hear!!!)
Unfortunately this same saturation existed back in the golden hey-days of Top 40 Radio, too. Only back then, popular songs only stayed on the charts for 8-10 week. Because it was such a fruitful time in music history, brand new music was coming out constantly ... and you could tell when a deejay genuinely liked a new song. (Think about it ... groups were releasing 3-5 singles a year back then! Heck in a 15 month period between October, 1966, and December, 1967, The Monkees released four ALBUMS!!! And each and every one of them went to #1!)
The big difference now is that within the context of a "greatest hits" format, you now have over 10,000 songs to choose from ... so why are they only playing 200 or 300 of them? And the ones that they ARE playing hardly qualify as The Greatest Hits of All-Time.
That being said, I think ANY deejay in America working on terrestrial radio today in the so called Classic Hits / Classic Rock / Greatest Hits Of All Time formats would be absolutely lying if they said that they didn't mind play the exact same crap, day in and day out, day after day for all eternity. (But you're right ... most wouldn't dare do so publicly!) These guys know there is SO much more music to choose from ... and they certainly didn't get into radio to become an automated / auto-pilot jukebox. Some have a little more freedom to step outside the mold once in awhile ... so we get interesting programs like "Rock And Roll Roots" with Bob Stroud. Even some of the All-Request Shows make for a nice break in the action ... except I'm hearing more and more a listener calling and asking for something that the station doesn't have ... and that's just WRONG!!! (Then why do an all-request show?!?! If you're just going to play the exact same crap you play the REST of the day, don't PRETEND to care about what the listeners REALLY want to hear!!!)
Unfortunately this same saturation existed back in the golden hey-days of Top 40 Radio, too. Only back then, popular songs only stayed on the charts for 8-10 week. Because it was such a fruitful time in music history, brand new music was coming out constantly ... and you could tell when a deejay genuinely liked a new song. (Think about it ... groups were releasing 3-5 singles a year back then! Heck in a 15 month period between October, 1966, and December, 1967, The Monkees released four ALBUMS!!! And each and every one of them went to #1!)
The big difference now is that within the context of a "greatest hits" format, you now have over 10,000 songs to choose from ... so why are they only playing 200 or 300 of them? And the ones that they ARE playing hardly qualify as The Greatest Hits of All-Time.
I still believe that you can do both ... play those 200 - 500 "proven hits" along with a mix of OTHER legitimate oldies hits at a lower rotation and give your audience the best of both worlds.
I absolutely insist that a format where you introduce a dozen "new" songs each week (meaning songs that fit the format but aren't already on your play list) into your programming ... and then let the listeners decide if they'd like these to stay as part of the play list ... would benefit all parties concerned. More variety ... more audience participation ... and at least the ILLUSION that your vote counts! (Imagine that ... a radio station that LISTEN to their listeners ... and then gives them what they want. Whodathunkit? Why a concept like that might actually breed loyal listeners who wouldn't dare change the channel to listen to something else. Yeah, you're right ... it'll never work ... what radio station would want an audience like THAT?!?!?) Better to just keep feeding them the exact same crap ... hey, it's worked so far, right??? (kk)
I absolutely insist that a format where you introduce a dozen "new" songs each week (meaning songs that fit the format but aren't already on your play list) into your programming ... and then let the listeners decide if they'd like these to stay as part of the play list ... would benefit all parties concerned. More variety ... more audience participation ... and at least the ILLUSION that your vote counts! (Imagine that ... a radio station that LISTEN to their listeners ... and then gives them what they want. Whodathunkit? Why a concept like that might actually breed loyal listeners who wouldn't dare change the channel to listen to something else. Yeah, you're right ... it'll never work ... what radio station would want an audience like THAT?!?!?) Better to just keep feeding them the exact same crap ... hey, it's worked so far, right??? (kk)
And, of course, as a result, all you get is Radio Ga-Ga. (kk)
Kent -
I'm following your blog this week on the above concept; I'll bite. But this time, I'll let you figure out what I'm talking about.
1) "Low Rider" has a great groove, but it's accumulated way too much mileage. How about leaving it in the garage for a while and trying this swift model. But watch it; it might drive your pappy to drinkin'.
2) "Evil Woman" is a great ELO song, but listening to the radio, you'd think Mr. Lynne & co. were a two-hit wonder. (And "Don't Bring Me Down" is even more overplayed!) Let's keep the title, but make it by a bird of a different feather.
3) "Only the Good Die Young" has already done so with its repeated playings. Yet we never hear the story of three good men who died young ... and you shouldn't have to wander far to hear about them.
I just got hit by another brainstorm that I couldn't possibly pass up. Listening to the radio, you'd think that Santana's only songs were "Black Magic Woman", "Evil Ways", and "Oye Como Va" (and sometimes "Smooth".) But hold on; there's more Santana to be played. And brother, you shouldn't stop with Carlos. And staying with "Oye Como Va", you can still get your fix of Spanish singing - from the other side of the pond, where the Eurovision Song Contest is in the wind every spring - a wind strong enough to touch.
I just got hit by another brainstorm that I couldn't possibly pass up. Listening to the radio, you'd think that Santana's only songs were "Black Magic Woman", "Evil Ways", and "Oye Como Va" (and sometimes "Smooth".) But hold on; there's more Santana to be played. And brother, you shouldn't stop with Carlos. And staying with "Oye Como Va", you can still get your fix of Spanish singing - from the other side of the pond, where the Eurovision Song Contest is in the wind every spring - a wind strong enough to touch.
I'll let you know if I can come up with some more alternative song ideas.
Sincerely,
Todd W. Zimmerman
Well, I got all of them ... and my guess is that most of our readers will, too. Some pretty clever suggestions, Todd ... and I especially like the last two! (kk)
And we're still enjoying these. All of your suggested "alternates" are well regarded by FH readers, and we may take them for granted since the masses are simply not hearing them any more. As Peter, Paul, and Mary sang: "The radio won't play it."
David Lewis
Here's one more of my own ... ABBA had fourteen Top 40 Hits ... and six of those made it all the way into The Top Ten. (They were even bigger worldwide.) So how come the ONLY thing we ever hear them play on the radio is "Dancing Queen". Sure, it was a #1 Hit. But break it up a little. The musical "Mama Mia" was a HUGE success ... a whole new generation discovered and fell in love with the music of this Swedish pop sensation.
Here's one of MY favorites ... followed by perhaps the PERFECT alternative choice to one more endless spin of "Dancing Queen". (kk)
re: The Saturday Surveys:
Hi Kent ...
Very cool ... from #17 to #1 ... now that's a move ... and back when radio was king. Thanks for sharing.
Tommy Roe
Hi Kent ...
Very cool ... from #17 to #1 ... now that's a move ... and back when radio was king. Thanks for sharing.
Tommy Roe
Hi Kent,
I have been following
your articles concerning the state of "Oldies" radio, or the lack of it, and in
today's issue the lack of variety that we hear in music on a single station
today as opposed to yesteryear. The music formats are so segmented today -- the
days of ever having the music variety of years past are long gone -- in the Rock
format we now have them segmented into Active Rock, Adult Rock, and Alternative
and in Adult Contemporary we now have Hot Adult Contemporary, Urban Adult
Contemporary, and plain ol' Adult Contemporary. Except for a very few stations,
Oldies and variety are fast disappearing.
As much as we would like things to remain as they once were, they are not and will not. When you have large corporations owning and programming today's radio across the nation it is now going the way of television. Though it is not quite as noticeable in larger markets as it is in smaller markets, today local programming is becoming a thing of the past. Voice tracking is becoming more and more prevalent limiting localization and spontaneity. You may not notice it in Chicago but hop in your car and head out to Smaller Market, U.S.A. and you'll hear Vic Voice-Track on five different stations being listened to by people that have never heard of this person, never seen this person, and will never see this person. Some of these stations are most likely live and local three to four hours a day, and the days of calling in your request, speaking with a live air-personality, or hearing your call on the radio are a goner. Today it is 800-numbers and e-mail requests, and we can only hope that the few radio stations that provide live and local spontaneous entertainment 24 hours a day catch big numbers and start a trend so radio returns to entertain the people from near rather than afar.
Peace,
Tim Kiley
Hello Kent:
I found this website for you: http://radiotapes.com/surveys.html
This one has about 400 surveys from the Twin Cites area, WDGY, KDWB, KSTP-AM when they were the music station and some others. I see some go back to 1957. Hope you like.
Pete
Don't Say You Don't Remember!!!!!
As much as we would like things to remain as they once were, they are not and will not. When you have large corporations owning and programming today's radio across the nation it is now going the way of television. Though it is not quite as noticeable in larger markets as it is in smaller markets, today local programming is becoming a thing of the past. Voice tracking is becoming more and more prevalent limiting localization and spontaneity. You may not notice it in Chicago but hop in your car and head out to Smaller Market, U.S.A. and you'll hear Vic Voice-Track on five different stations being listened to by people that have never heard of this person, never seen this person, and will never see this person. Some of these stations are most likely live and local three to four hours a day, and the days of calling in your request, speaking with a live air-personality, or hearing your call on the radio are a goner. Today it is 800-numbers and e-mail requests, and we can only hope that the few radio stations that provide live and local spontaneous entertainment 24 hours a day catch big numbers and start a trend so radio returns to entertain the people from near rather than afar.
Peace,
Tim Kiley
Hello Kent:
I found this website for you: http://radiotapes.com/surveys.html
This one has about 400 surveys from the Twin Cites area, WDGY, KDWB, KSTP-AM when they were the music station and some others. I see some go back to 1957. Hope you like.
Pete
Don't Say You Don't Remember!!!!!
I think I wore out your button ... man, I remember.
Shelley
Kent,
In today's comments you mentioned that for the first time, there were two records tied for first place on WLS's Silver Dollar Survey. I don't know if that happened more than one time in Chicago, but here in OKC it happened just once as far as I know.
For the week of June 10, 1959, HEARTACHES BY THE NUMBER and THE BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS, recorded by Ray Price and Johnny Horton, respectively, were tied for number one. Prior to that week, THE BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS had been number one for six consecutive weeks.
Columbia Records had quite a few artists on the survey on that week back in 1959. Most of the artists were country singers that had records that crossed over from the country charts to the pop charts. Two of the exceptions were Johnny Mathis and the Four Lads.
I did notice one thing, however. On the back of the survey a contest was being run in which the winner would receive a Columbia Model 612 Phonograph, along with 10 LP records as well as a handsome (their words) carrying case.
Probably most if not all of the albums were on Columbia. This is just a guess on my part.
Larry
My guess is you're probably right!!! (Nah, no payola back then in radio! Lol) Oklahoma went with the Ray Price version of "Heartaches By The Number"??? The big hit was by Guy Mitchell, another #1 Record for Guy after "Singing The Blues" topped the charts in 1956. (Boy, BOTH of those songs would sound pretty good right now! When's the last time you heard EITHER of these tracks played on commercial radio?!?!?) kk
All the talk has been how The Beatles dominated the top lists in 1964. In 1965 Herman's Hermits had at least one song on the WLS Silver Dollar Survey for 28 consecutive weeks. This includes a time where Peter had both the #1 & #2 songs of the week. Not as impressive as the top four, but it's still impressive. One of the songs they kept out of the top spot was Ticket to Ride.
Jack
Peter Noone and Herman's Hermits were HUGE here in Chicago. They scored FOURTEEN straight Top Ten Hits in The Windy City, including three #1's ("I'm Into Something Good", "Mrs. Brown You've Got A Lovely Daughter" and "Silhouettes"), three #2's ("I'm Henry The VIII, I Am", "Just A Little Bit Better" and "There's A Kind Of Hush" and three #3's!!! ("Can't You Hear My Heartbeat", "Wonderful World" and "Listen People".) Noone continues to book numerous stops per year in the Chicagoland area ... and the fans turn out in droves to see each and every one of them. (You can catch them at Ron Onesti's Arcada Theatre on May 30th with special guests Jay and the Americans.) kk
Jack
Peter Noone and Herman's Hermits were HUGE here in Chicago. They scored FOURTEEN straight Top Ten Hits in The Windy City, including three #1's ("I'm Into Something Good", "Mrs. Brown You've Got A Lovely Daughter" and "Silhouettes"), three #2's ("I'm Henry The VIII, I Am", "Just A Little Bit Better" and "There's A Kind Of Hush" and three #3's!!! ("Can't You Hear My Heartbeat", "Wonderful World" and "Listen People".) Noone continues to book numerous stops per year in the Chicagoland area ... and the fans turn out in droves to see each and every one of them. (You can catch them at Ron Onesti's Arcada Theatre on May 30th with special guests Jay and the Americans.) kk
One of MY favorites by Peter Noone and the boys ... this long-forgotten, over-looked hit makes for the PERFECT piece of pop music!
re: Diggin' Forgotten Hits:
WOW ... I love this site. Keeps me young; jogs the memories; and it is a great lasting history lesson! Keep 'em spinning!
Bob Hale
WLS 1960 - 1964!
Thanks, Bob ... that means a lot! (kk)
WOW ... I love this site. Keeps me young; jogs the memories; and it is a great lasting history lesson! Keep 'em spinning!
Bob Hale
WLS 1960 - 1964!
Thanks, Bob ... that means a lot! (kk)
Where can I get one of these???
Bill
We never actually made any!!! I think Frannie made two of them for me as a gift back in 2000 and we never took it any further. Funny thing is over the years several readers have written in saying that they would LOVE to buy a Forgotten Hits T-Shirt as a means of showing their support for all that we do here. (Hmm ... maybe we should have taken the whole idea more seriously!!! Lol) kk
