Monday, July 27, 2026

Radio Remembrances

Kent,
Featuring Napoleon XIV to start off today's FH was a great surprise.  Of course by now, everybody knows that the flip is the same recording, played backwards. However, what I thought of first was the answer on the Current record label. I don't know how many are familiar with it, but it's called I'M NORMAL, shown as by THE EMPEROR on the label. It was actually written and recorded by Bob Hudson, who later on in the early 1970's had comedy records with Ron Landry such as AJAX AIRLINES, AJAX LIQUOR STORE, etc.
I checked and Napoleon's record peaked at #4 for the week of August 11, 1966, here in Oklahoma City, sandwiched between #3 (WILD THING) and #5, SOMEWHERE, MY LOVE by Ray Conniff.
Larry
That's the thing I LOVE about Top 40 Radio in the '60's ... 
When since could you find THAT kind of variety played back to back to back without even the slightest hint of bemusement in your head.  '60's Garage Rock Grunge into a novelty record that was considered politically incorrect even then (and even more so now) followed by elevator muzak schmaltz, all heard in the same ten minute music break.  And we NEVER questioned why it didn't fit ... because in that context at that time, it did!  (kk)  

We were so Lucky to be in Radio when we worked hard at giving listeners what they wanted ~~~

It was the mid-1960s.

In Chicago once in a while, Chuck Buell and Kris Stevens would get together after their nightly radio shows on WLS were over at 2:00 AM and head for Rush Street, which at the time, was considered the most vibrant nightlife entertainment area in the country outside of Las Vegas.

Many standard bars in Chicago then featured live rock the house national groups along with some of the greatest rock bands to come out of the city of Chicago. That and "late night" licenses that permitted some bars to serve "adult beverages" until 4:00 AM Sunday through Friday nights and until 5:00 AM on Saturday nights/Sunday mornings!  And those two young guys could find which ones did what when and where and actually, on occasion, closed a bar or two down based on their closing time!

"It's more fun when you're young!" someone once said at the time!  And quite possibly for you too then as well wherever you were!

Now! Just uncovered! The Lost Music Survey!

A Rare Buell/Stevens WLS Hit Parade!

 
OK, another CB semi-manipulation! But still . . . !

Fast forward 60 years later as Denver, Colorado is dragged clawing and screaming into the early 2020s!

"Among the most-watched items on the Denver City agenda is the final reading and anticipated vote in a couple of weeks on allowing some Denver bars and clubs to remain open until 4 AM."  

( Like Chicago has been doing for over the past 60 plus years! )

"The measure already advanced with a 10-1 vote on July 6.

If adopted, some Denver bars could keep music, dancing and other entertainment going until 4 AM."

Then . . . the Party Pooper Spoiler ~~~

"But alcohol service would still end at 2 AM!"  ( With Last Call still at 1:30. )

Not that any of this really matters to many of us at all or to the Buell/Stevens Rebel Rousin' PartyTime Kids anymore.

Ah, but still the memories . . . . . 

CB

Well, not ALL of those "kids" have stopped partying ...

I got this from Kris Erik Stevens a few weeks ago ... 

It’s been a while since we spoke ... 

But my life is good ... still chasin’ ladies, and trying to stay in trouble!

Kris Erik 

And finally, as any great radio engineer will tell you, the key to BECOMING a great radio engineer is knowing how to work the knobs ...

As Timmy told me when he sent me this pic ...

(and yes, that is a real radio!)

Posted by at