David B. Treadway On Dr. Grady Brock

Gleaned from David B.'s Facebook page:

" Nobody Lives In Echo Canyon But My Brother."

Doctor Brock always used to bark that into the microphone when he signed off. Brock barked everything he did on the air and he was Fierce. The words above would be followed by the most unsettling "PEACE, KEMOSABEE!" I never had a clue what it meant--I just stood there and marveled at his elegance.

Word comes this morning of the passing of William Grady Brock, 66, of Pineville (assuming) Louisiana. I don't see how that could be any...body BUT my man, the Crazy Legs Doctor. I hope it was quick and I hope it was clean, the way Brock always did it. On places like WCFL Chicago, WNOE New Orleans and KAAY Little Rock.

It was one of the thousand delights of the Arabian Nights to work with Doctor Brock and be around somebody that cool after hours. He was the avalanche that walked like a man.

Damn it ALL. If you love somebody, TELL them you love them. If they squirm, so much the better. Good night, Brock, I love you."

David B., you and I are taking the words of Clyde Clifford, to tell someone that you love that you love them, because tomorrow may be too late.  Thank you, David B. Treadway, The Last Doc Holiday, The Last KAAY PD, I love you, too.

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)
 

Dr. Grady Brock, R.I.P.

Alerted by Doug Virden:

http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/142979/super-cfl-s-dr-brock-william-brock-passes

We haven't had enough info about this KAAY Great- can anyone give us some more stories, please?

(I must apologize for not being more "up" on current events, what with the current workload, etc.  I am looking forward to the day that I can quit the second job and get my life back- and being able to report things in a much more timely manner. Bud S.)

Thank you, Doug Virden....

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

Focus on the Newsmakers - October 9, 1966

Here is another "Focus On The Newsmakers" show, and one of the earliest that we have been able to find, from October 9, 1966.   Hosted by George Jennings.

Thanks to Barry Mac for retrieving this from storage at the transmitter site, and providing it to the Blog.


(or download here)
Greg

Eric Thomas and Beau Ryder

This is Eric Thomas' account of working with one of the "Ryders":

"I secured my first paying job at KKYK in the spring of 1980. At that time, Mike Lewis, was working 7-midnight and he basically trained me at KKYK. He was - and I’m sure still is - a great guy. So upbeat and positive. He was very helpful to me.  Anyway, it was during the summer of 1980 when Mike moved over to the Mighty 1090. He began doing 7-midnight on the AM dial. It was at this point in time he created Beau Ryder (later becoming “The Original Beau Ryder.”) Ray Lincoln was KAAY Program Director then.

As I said, Mike/Beau was very kind to me, and he was the one who opened the door for me to get on-the-air at KAAY. Steve Kelly had come on board as Program Director in the first half of 1981 and Beau had asked me if I would be interested in coming over as a weekend and fill-in guy with the possibility of more. He put in a good word for me with Steve Kelly, and after my meeting with Steve I was hired away from KKYK. I was thrilled to be working at my dream station! Amazing days!

Beau worked at KAAY doing 7-midnight while I was there and once again showed me the do’s and don’ts of the station. It wasn’t much longer – maybe several months – when Beau left. I’m not familiar with the details of why he left KAAY but PD Steve Kelly saw fit to immediately plug in part-timer, Mike Young, as (the new) Beau Ryder. Yep, it sounds crazy! So Mike Young (a friendly, always smiling guy who LOVED radio and sadly passed away much too early) became Beau Ryder. Mike Lewis/Beau Ryder had moved on and thus became known as “The Original Beau Ryder.” KAAY still had their own Beau Ryder though it was obviously not the same guy. I don’t recall how this was resolved. Eventually Mike Young/Beau Ryder was moved back to part-time and Billy Dee came on as the 7-midnight guy at KAAY. And for the remainder of my time at Multimedia, Mike Young simply just used his real name “Mike Young” while on-the-air.

And that is the story as I witnessed it all those years ago. And the link to the aircheck you have on your site from March 13, 1981 is the voice of “The Original Beau Ryder” – Mike Lewis. I am 100% sure of that. That is the voice of the guy I worked with at KKYK and KAAY.

Oh yea, and “The Original Beau Ryder” is still working today. For years he has been working afternoon drive at a station up in the Midwest. Quite successful. And Mike Lewis isn’t even his real name.

So that is what I know. Maybe this info fills a few holes in the storyline of KAAY – and Beau Ryder.

Like the old 1974 song by Reunion states, “Life is a rock (but the radio rolled me).”

My condolences to the family and friends of Bo Ryder. I know how it feels to lose a parent and my thoughts go out to his children and friends."

Thank you Eric, for helping fill in some "historical holes" for us and identifying the "Ryder" of our aircheck.

If ANYONE has any information an\bout Andrew "Bo Ryder" Williams, PLEASE forward it to my e-mail address below- thank you!

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

Obituary for Andrew "Bo Ryder" Williams

The particular "Bo Ryder" we're concentrating on at the moment is Andrew Allen Williams.  I had a nice conversation with his son John Williams and have been in Facebook contact with his daughter Jennifer Eversole, both great, sweet folks.  Here is the obituary:

Andrew Allen “Bo Ryder” Williams, 59, of DeWitt, died Monday, June 8, 2015.
He was born November 11, 1955 in Dermott, son of John Williams, Sr. and Lennie Abbott Williams Derrick.
Andrew was reared and received his early education in DeWitt, graduating from DeWitt High School.
“Bo Ryder” loved music, working for many years as a Little Rock disc jockey.
Andrew was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Robert Williams and Lloyd Derrick.
Survivors include his son, John Williams of Greenbrier, Arkansas; daughter, Jennifer Eversole of Sacramento, California; and brother, Danny Derrick of DeWitt.
Private services will be held at a later date. Cremation arrangements were handled by Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors (online register: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com).

If you would like to leave a word of comfort or an encouraging word or just a good memory about Bo, you may do so here:

http://www.ralphrobinsonandson.com/obituaries/Andrew-Bo-Ryder-Williams/#!/Obituary

I'd sent the link of the short audio bit we have here of a "Bo Ryder", but unfortunately, it was not their dad.  So far, as you'll read in an upcoming post, there were probably three "Bo/Beau Ryder/Rider" personalities.  If anyone has any memories of Andrew "Bo Ryder" Williams, please forward them to me ASAP.

 

John Williams told me that they had a memorial service for Bo at Dewitt Park on June 17 and was wondering how they were going to put it all together when they got there; when they arrived, they found out that friends of Bo had already set things up and they had to do nothing- that it was a beautiful affair!  Thus shows the love for this man and his family.

Rest in peace, Bo... I'm sure Pat, Jerry, Howard, George, A.J. and others were there to welcome you into the fold....

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

Radio Yesterday from Barry Mac -- late November 2005

Here's another of Barry Mac's Radio Yesterday shows that aired on KAAY about 20 years after the station changed format from rock to religion.  Barry brings back the tunes, the spots, the jingles, and the memories.

From late November 2005, this show features:  Letting more than 3 winds blow, "Respect" before Aretha, a good dose of the British Invasion, a tale of two Santanas, Simon pays homeage to America, and the one-hit wonder of the week.  Plus, some classic KAAY flashbacks.


(or download here)
More shows to come.

Greg Barman

Bo Ryder, R.I.P.

Dear friends, I just learned a few minutes ago Saturday afternoon (6/13/15, 4PM) that Bo Ryder passed away a few days ago, from his daughter Jennifer Eversole.  I don't have all the details yet, but his obituary will be in the Arkansas Democrat on Sunday, 6/14/15.  There will be a memorial service for him at DeWitt City Park on Wednesday following, at 3PM

We have just one aircheck of Bo Ryder, from March of 1981... I forget the exact dates, but one of his Facebook followers remember him from Summer of 1980... here is the aircheck we posted back in 2009:

http://mighty1090kaay.blogspot.com/2009/12/bo-rider-who-was-he-and-where-is-he-now.html

Rest in peace, Bo...here he is with his daughter Jennifer back in 2006 at the Little Rock Zoo:

 

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

Felix McDonald And The RCA Transmitter

I was reminded of a story by an anonymous commenter, one that has been recanted over and over.  It is the awesome, fantastic, wonderful story of when Felix McDonald had repaired the RCA transmitter when NO ONE else could.  Here it is as it was related to me....

Seems as if he was on vacation in Texas and the transmitter had gone down.  Technicians had been called in, even those from Channel 11.  No one could seem to get "Big Mama" (as David B. Treadway lovingly calls her) back on the air.  Pat Walsh was so desperate to get KAAY back on the air, he chartered a private jet to go and get Felix and bring him back.  When the plane landed, Pat picked Felix up and screamed though the traffic, getting him to the transmitter site.

Upon arriving, some wise guy said, "Let's see YOU get this thing going, boy!"  Felix methodically put parts back where they should have gone, then asked someone to hand him a broom.  He reached over and shoved a contactor back into place that had been opened (for what reason? No one knew) and the RCA roared back to life!

When I was in Little Rock on vacation back in 2011, Jerry Sims, David B. Treadway and I visited Felix; David B. had to take his son back to town, so Felix and his wife invited Jerry and I to come in and visit a while.  Here's a picture of these three Greats before out visit:

 

As to the aforementioned legendary story above, Felix went and got a commendation written by then Operations Manager Wayne Moss:

 

 What a story- what a man- what a legend!

When we left to leave, Jerry was almost out the door when Felix pushed past me, grabbed Jerry by the shoulder and turned him around.  It had been SO long since he'd seen Jerry that he didn't relate the Jerry Sims/"Sonny Martin" of yesteryear with the Jerry Sims of that day...but he said that he FINALLY put together who he was.  Then the tears almost began to flow for all of us.  I was so moved and stunned, I forgot to "roll tape" or take pictures of this now great reunion of these two Greats.

Now, I'll bet that Felix and Jerry are in "radio heaven", if there is such a place, having some good laughs and great memories.  I was SO blessed to become friends with these men- and hope to see them once again, myself.

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

Felix J. McDonald, R.I.P.

Folks, I apologize- with working two jobs, exhaustion has been the order of each day- and I missed this e-mail sent to me by Dave Montgomery and Doug Virden yesterday (6/8/15):

Obituary for Felix J. McDonald

Felix J. McDonald, 89, of Wrightsville, Arkansas, passed away, Friday, June 5, 2015. He was born, February 4, 1926. Felix was in the U.S Army -40th Calvary Reconnaissance Troop during World War II. He was the Chief Engineer at KAAY radio and a founder of Alice 107.7 radio. He was a member of Mabelvale Pike Church of Christ.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Lois Oletia Hatley McDonald; daughters, Nancy Rinehart (David), Patricia Hardwick (Mark), Cindy Terrazas (Juan); sons, Larry and Lynn McDonald (Carla); fifteen grandchildren, Jason Rinehart, Aubrey Futch (Brandon), Rachael Mizell (Chris), Travis McDonald (Allie), Chris McDonald ; Doug McDonald, Zachary Williams (Danielle), Caleb Williams, Stanley Hardwick, Kali Terrazas, Shea Terrazas, Blayne Terrazas, Aaron McDonald, Alex McDonald and Andrew McDonald; five great-grandchildren, Rylin Rutch, Tynlee Futch, Zane Mizell, Wyatt Williams and Charlotte Williams; brother, Quitman McDonald; sisters Betty Fowler, Lucy Brann and Lois Sikes. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Ella (Brown) McDonald; brothers, Colvin McDonald and Robert McDonald; sisters, Edna Young, Norma Dreher, Mary Riggin, Helen Johnston, and Ruby Johnson; 

Funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 9, 2015, at the Smith-North Little Rock Funeral Home. Visitation will be held Monday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Martindale Cemetery. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.

 

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Felix J. McDonald please visit our Sympathy Store.

 

David B. Treadway said, "Always knew where to hit it if it didn't work.  What a WIZARD."

 

I was fortunate to meet Felix and his wife when I visited Little Rock a few years ago- what a gentleman!

 

Thank you to Dave and Doug for letting me know...

 

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

 

More Info, Goodies From Eric Thomas!

Eric Lensing, a.k.a. "Eric Thomas" and I have been e-mailing back & forth- what a thrill to meet another one of The Greats!  Eric, however, is very humble, in that he was enamored with working with whom he considered The Greats at KAAY and other stations... here is more of his story, edited for content, along with some goodies he sent our way:

"As for Joe James, I didn’t work with him. I just sat in with him several times and then when KAAY had their summer softball team, my neighborhood guys played the Mighty 1090 – and Joe was a big promoter for their team. He was so smooth – I don’t think he was at KAAY long. He did afternoon drive."

 

And when I mentioned "Steve Scott" (Steve Morris) and our Amateur radio hobbies:

"And on top of all that you were able to reach Steve Scott who lives just on the other side of the your county. How cool is that? Of all the friends I met at various stations I never spent time with one that was a ham operator. Otherwise, I might have gotten into it back then. You have a great passion for it, and after all, that’s what keeps us young at heart! Passion. You mentioned how you were hooked on radio as a kid – so was I. I never called the out of state stations like you did, but I spent hours and hours listening to John Landecker on WLS in Chicago, The Roadrunner on WOAI in San Antonio, and The Mean 15 – WLAC in Nashville. And, of course, I did call in requests to Steve Scott at KAAY. Those were my stations."

 

"I didn’t want to expose the actual names of those that helped me on the way, but I did see where Bob Nelson wrote on your site and mentioned some real names - so I guess it’s ok to say the Bob Majers I mentioned was in fact Bob Nelson. And the Dave Freeman was actually Boyce Barger. Great guys."

 

"I also saw you were asking for help from anyone who worked with or knew the whereabouts of a few jocks. One was Dr. Grady Brock. I worked with him at KKYK and he was a true pro. He had worked in Chicago with Larry LuJack and I asked about him from time to time. He did tell me Larry LuJack liked to walk around with his cans around his neck with the plug stuck inside one of his back pockets. I started doing it from that moment on. Dr. Brock was very intense when working and would not let anyone in the control room, and I admired that. If only I could have that much swag- haha! Another great guy I worked with was David B. Treadway. What an original! The man was hilarious on and off the air. He worked with Dr. Brock so he may have some information."

David B. Treadway is definitely one of a kind!  he is still working on KQUS, "US 97" in Hot Springs, AR, with the beautiful and talented Vicki Parker!

"I’ve attached a few memos from KAAY PD Steve Kelly. He was a man in control. The memo about the hotline just made me laugh and brought back a good memory. I had just starting working at KAAY and one beautiful summer Sunday afternoon I was on the air and the hotline lit up. Really surprised me. I grabbed the phone and a voice said, who is this? I gave my name. Then a pause. What song are you playing? I told him. Another pause. Who is singing this song? Gave him the info. Then he asked if it was a new song. I said no. I was playing Pleasant Valley Sunday by The Monkees and our then GM Phil Zeni was outside in his yard cooking out and was listening to the station. And he actually lived in a neighborhood in Little Rock called Pleasant Valley. I don’t know who was more freaked out – him listening to the words of the song or me having the hotline go off. Good times."

 

 

 

"Once again, thanks for all you do. Keep up the good work.

Eric Thomas"

Thank YOU, Eric, for sharing!  We hope to see more goodies one day!

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

     

The 30th Anniversary Reunion, Part 3

OK, we come to the end of the pictures and memories.  Sure hope someone thought to roll tape (video or audio) of this reunion... if you did, please contact me, I'll put it on here!

OK, some parting comments of Doug Virden, with pictures:

"The first and second pics are of Bob Robbins and Sonny Martin telling some good stories of them working together over the years.

  Barry McCorkindale playing some old audio.

Clyde Clifford telling his story about the final night of the old KAAY.

Felix McDonald and his family were sitting to the left of the stage, right before Felix started making his way around the room.

Finally Rex Nelson is speaking, is very knowledgeable of everything Arkansas.  Had held various media jobs over the years and telling about his days of listening to KAAY.  His most important line was that the old KAAY still is alive is each and every one of us."

David B. Treadway was unable to make an appearance because of company arriving all the way from Scotland... but I'll bet if he were to have made it, would have been another powerful personality in the room; he mentioned regretting not being able to come.  AND, for your further enjoyment, here is a link from Michael Hibblin's report on UALRE Public Radio- listen to the audio!

http://ualrpublicradio.org/post/former-employees-kaay-mark-anniversary-day-music-died

Thanks again to conttributors Doug Virden, Barry McCorkindale and Michael Hibblin- and to those who attended!  Also thanks to Greg Barman for his great assistance.  May KAAY's memories live on forever!

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

"Radio Yesterday" from Barry Mac - April 1, 2005

Here is another in the series of Radio Yesterday shows from Barry Mac that aired on KAAY as a reminder and celebration of the station's roots. 

This show is from April 1, 2005, and features:  Brubeck taking less than 6, Wilson Pickett in love, a Beatles B-side, John Fogerty's post-CCR venture, and another one-hit wonder.  Plus, more fun with old KAAY audio:


(or download here)
Thank you Barry!  More shows to come.


Greg

Eric Thomas Shares His Story!

Eric Lensing, a.k.a. "Eric Thomas" and I have been corresponding.  He sends more goodies for us to share here, along with his story.  Eric mentioned, "My first true love was radio and I kept quite a bit of stuff when I was in the position to acquire it."  I, for one, am certainly glad he saved stuff from the round file!

Eric also mentioned to me that he took his dad's name, Thomas, as his air name, hence, Eric Thomas; what a way to honor your dad with a successful career!

Enough said, I want to share Eric's story with you, dear visitor, with some memorabilia sprinkled about:

"Everybody has interesting stories - as far as my story – I contacted Dick Downes, who was PD at KAAY, during early 1977 and offered to do anything pro-bono at the station. He was very kind and hired me to do some local callout research on weekends. Yep, I went to the station, got out a phone book, hooked up a cart deck, and commenced to call people at random playing 10 second snippets of songs and asked the caller to rate them from 1 to 10. Amazingly enough, I was rarely hung up on back then, haha! Dick also allowed me to sit in during DJ Joe James weekend shift and just observe. Wow, what a pro! He had come to KAAY from a powerhouse station in Cleveland, OH. I can’t recall which one. But Joe James was such a great jock.

 

 

Soon afterward, in the same building, easy listening KEZQ changed formats to KQ94 and Stuart McRae became its program director. He was very kind to me and kind of took me under his wing. He allowed me to be on the first “KQ94 Rock Advisory Board” and later go on-the-air for the first time in LR between 1am-4am every now and then to get the feel for it. I laugh at it now. Man, I was so shell shocked and tentative. But it was SO MUCH FUN. A great big thanks to Stuart, Bob Majers (KQ music director) and Dave Freeman (KQ 7-12 jock) for their patience and help and patience. Great times. Yea, I was still in high school and my parents let me pull the all-nighters as long as I went to school the next day. I was never asked to don the KQ94 Kangaroo costume for local remotes and outings, but I knew someone who did. Let me just say it was a hot job.

And that is how I got my start at KAAY and KQ94. So, I was actually on FM before AM. A few months before my high school graduation I got my first “real job” doing all-nights at local competitor KKYK (working for a wonderful PD, Jim Cassidy, whom I really loved for having faith in me). Over a year later I came back to KAAY and then bounced from KAAY to KQ94 – from control room to control room. Steve Kelly was PD of both stations at that time and was one heck of a go-getter. He was a hands-on boss who came to Multimedia after being a record rep in the Texas area. He knew the biz and treated me well! And I loved every single minute on KAAY. It was my dream station as a kid and I had so much respect for the station and all who were once on it.

 

In fact, I it was during a Memorial Day holiday weekend when I was doing a 7-12 shift on KAAY when I got a buzz from the front door of the station. A guy came on the intercom saying he once worked on KAAY and was driving through and wanted to show his wife or girlfriend the station.  I let him upstairs and we talked a bit and he was so happy to see it all again. I asked him what his on-air name was and he said  Steve Scott! The guy I admired and listened to all of those evenings when I was growing up – was right there. That was a magical moment! Dreams do come true."

 

I mentioned to Eric about being one of "The Greats"- and he humbly said that he was in the presence of the greats, such as "Clyde Clifford, Joe James, Steve Scott, Stuart McRae, Wayne Moss, Marvelous Mark and all the others."  I am still of the opinion that if one had the opportunity to work, er, PLAY at the 50,000-watt blowtorch KAAY, they were indeed in great company....

Thank you, Eric, for sharing your story!  We hope to hear of many other dreams that came true in your career at KAAY!

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

Old KTHS Shows?

Found in my e-mail box today (5/26/15):

"I used to listen to KTHS around 10 p.m. when the clear channels kicked in.  I lived in west central Minnesota in the mid-50’s.  There was a record salesman who called himself “Gatemouth (with the laughin’ face).”  He would say “The 78’s are the big record with the little hole and the 45’s are the little record with the big hole.”  This was our first exposure to rock n’ roll and we loved it.  The frequency was near to KMOX in St. Louis so I’d catch a Cardinals game while I waited for Gatemouth.  I have fond memories of those days and always wondered what his name was, hearing about Howlin’ Wolf, John Lee Hooker, and other greats.  Wonderful record specials!  I’d appreciate any links to information about those old shows.  Thanks!

Sincerely,

John Teisberg

 jeteis36@msn.com"

 

Folks, we here at the Mighty 1090 KAAY Blog would also like any links & info regarding the predecessor to KAAY!  Can anyone help John, please?

 

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

 

 

 

REMEMBER....

In both my jobs, I come across many people- some memorable characters stand out, however.  Like the one old 89-year-old Marine who comes into the store on my second job.  I never knew his name (and I'm ashamed that I never asked), but he was always grateful for my help.  Somehow, he was able to drive, but his eyesight was so poor, that he couldn't tell the denomination of the cash he handed me to take (or if it was enough) or needed help to run his debit card...he couldn't read the PIN pad.  He always apologized for my having to help him.  I told him he had no need to apologize, that it was my privilege to serve him for what he's done for me.

For a while, he was in every week, buying dog food, sometimes a little food for himself.  He always seemed to recognize my voice and I recognized his slow, painful walk across the parking lot.  I took the time to hold the door for him and shake his hand and he was always a gracious gentleman.  Even at 89 years, his grip was a bone-crusher, and I reveled in his strength....

When he completed his transaction, he would say, "GOD bless you, sir!" and I would reply, "GOD bless YOU, as well!"  I would tell the people behind him that they were walking in the steps of a real man, a Marine.  Many would immediately thank him and sometimes he got hugs and handshakes from those in line.  He would walk out of the store a little straighter then....

He lied about his age and joined the Marines at age 16;  He was in well over 30 years and was in pretty rough shape from the conflicts he'd weathered.  I haven't seen him in about a year now; I wonder where he is.  But every time I saw him, I made sure I thanked him for his service.

For those of you who served, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!  For those who didn't, please be sure to thank a veteran- EVERY DAY, not just today.

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

The 30th Anniversary Reunion, Part 2

As promised, we're continuing on with other pictures from the KAAY 30th reunion, compliments of Doug Virden.  All of these are of pictures from a board outside the room of various other pictures plastered on a display board.  You'll see Sonny Martin accepting an award, an earlier picture of himself in the studio, a collage of photos, the blue Funmobile in one picture, Ray & Ram billboard from later FM days and a couple others...By the way, who are they guys in the bathtub?

Remember when we posted a couple of these awhile back of Sonny (Matt White)?

Love those old radios!  You know, REAL radios glow in the dark!

R.I.P. Ray Lincoln....

Can anyone name these KAAY KQ94 personalities, please?

And WHO are these guys in the collage above, hmmm?  Maybe Sonny & Bob???

OK, one last installment to go!

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

Radio Yesterday from Barry Mac! Feb 20, 2005

We are happy to present several of Barry McCorkindale's "Radio Yesterday" shows that aired on KAAY from early 2003 to late 2006.   Each weekend, KAAY would break away from its regular Christian programming to allow the old rock'n'roll KAAY to come back, however briefly.  Barry would feature songs from the 60's to early 80's era of KAAY interspersed with bits of old spots, jingles, and airchecks. Some of the commercials were on tapes that were rescued from storage at the transmitter site.

Barry explained the history of these shows in an earlier Blog post: 

http://mighty1090kaay.blogspot.com/2010/07/barry-mac-kaay-rewound-and-radio.html

We would like to thank Doug Virden for his help in dubbing the shows off the reel tapes and getting them to us here at the Blog!

On this show from February 20, 2005, Barry's playlist includes a favorite telephone number from the 60's, a favorite movie theme, and the only top 40 song to feature a tuba solo:


(or download here)

Thank you Barry!   We have more shows coming up in the next few months. 


Greg Barman

Eric Thomas Checks In!!!

Eric Lensing, known as "Eric Thomas" checked in recently!  He sent in a concert ad for us to enjoy...here are the pictures he sent, then a little note from him at the end....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"To Bud S. – I found your site and scrolled around feeling a bit nostalgic and gratified someone is doing this. My on-air name on KAAY and several other LR stations from 1979-1986 was Eric Thomas, and I had a blast working on the Blowtorch of the South. No – it was more than that. It was an honor! I grew up in LR listening to KAAY and I have to say it was my most satisfying on-air experience (even though the glory years were in the rear view mirror at that point.)

Anyway, I have some old flyers, memos and program director notes from my time on Cottondale Lane if you think they would be worth scanning and sending. Let me know.

Oh yea, I saw on your site that several years ago there was a KAAY reunion with some old jocks. Sorry I missed that. I worked with Stuart and Jay back in the Multimedia days, and Tom at Magic 105.

Keep up the good work.

Eric"

I am very grateful to Eric for contacting us!  For those of you who may not know Eric, or would like a refresher, here is a link for his audio and other material:

http://mighty1090kaay.blogspot.com/search?q=Eric+Thomas

Thank you, Eric!  We are looking forward to hearing from you again soon!

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

The 30th Anniversary Reunion, Part 1

Folks, Barry Mac (Barry McCorkindale) has brought us an account of that evening, when numerous KAAY Greats (himself included!) gathered, with about 35 other folks in attendance.  I wish I could have been there....  Herewith, Barry Mac's account:

"

It was the 30th anniversary of "the day the music died," the last broadcasting day of the "old" KAAY, April 3rd, 1985.  We gathered at The Oyster Bar party room, just as we did two and a half years ago for the station's 50th anniversary birthday party.  A lot of the same suspects were in attendance this time around, including Arkansas broadcasting legends Bob Robbins, Sonny Martin, Clyde Clifford, and Charlie Scarbrough.  Also, long time political columnist/sports announcer/jack-of-all-trades Rex Nelson descended upon us, as he, Bob and Sonny, and Clyde all shared stories with us.  In between the stories shared by our speakers, I ran some old audio bits, including a number of news items and commercials, including a great 1974 "blooper" reel featuring Bob Robbins and Bill Edwards, as they tried about a dozen times to get through a script for voter registration.  But the highlight of the evening was long time station engineer Felix McDonald coming through the party room double doors.  One of his daughters had told me earlier in the week that they were going to try to get Felix to come out, but being that his health hasn't been very good the last few years, and the fact that he's 89 years old, I wasn't holding out too much hope.  But lo and behold, at approximately 7:45 in the evening, Felix, his wife, Oleta, and two of their daughters made their entrance.  And after they had a seat at one of the tables, it was about five minutes later, while Clyde Clifford was sharing some of his stories, that Felix stood up and kind of surveyed the crowd.  After about a minute, he and his cane started making their way around the room, occasionally leaning in to share words with the various people who caught his eye.  And it was about five minutes later that Bob Robbins up and grabbed the microphone to give Felix a rousing introduction, which brought the crowd of about 35 to their feet with an energetic round of applause.

The "Two Macs"!!! 

On display just inside the entrance to the party room were a number of items from many years ago, including an enlarged KAAY top 25 chart from August of 1976 (Walter Murphy's "A Fifth of Beethoven" inhabited the #1 spot, by the way), as well as a picture of the late Governor Winthrop Rockefeller holding up a KAAY Arkansas Razorback-Texas Longhorn game day poster.

Much thanks to Virginia Boyd for accommodating us at the restaurant that she's owned for so many years.  It's really a perfect atmosphere for a gathering like ours.

I have to say that the only thing missing from this party was the presence of David B. Treadway, who, of course, was the program director those last few months before ownership transferred from Multimedia to Sudbrink Broadcasting.  And let me add, there will no consideration of any more KAAY gatherings unless David B. confirms he WILL be in attendance.  We had a great time without him, but we would've had a better time with him."

Thank you, Barry Mac!  The following are various pictures, thanks to Doug Virden, from the reunion.  Oh, here are a trio of clowns, showing off their "retro" flip phones, Gordon Stephan, Barry Mac and Charlie Scarbrough!

There were also various pictures of Doug with Clyde Clifford, Sonny Martin, Bob Robbins and sundry other items:

Folks, there are SO many pictures, this post will have to continue into several more parts!  Pleas stay tuned!

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

Marvin Vines' Business Card!

Tony Meyer found this in a briefcase Marvin Vines gave him... he and Doug Virden posted it on Facebook:

 

Thanks guys for sharing this!

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

Dan Goode (Tom Gallagher") Gone Into Eternity....

Folks, it was brought to my attention this morning (5/7/15) that Dan Goode, otherwise known as "Tom Gallagher" on KAAY, has passed away:

http://thecabin.net/obituaries/2015-05-06/dan-goode

Dan Goode 

Dan Goode, 63, of Conway passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2015.

He was born March 9, 1952, to the late Marple J. Goode and Leva A. Goode.

He was a radio broadcaster under the name Tom Gallagher.

After retiring from radio, Dan began his second career as a truck driver.
He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Sheila Swan Goode; son, Brent Goode of Conway; two daughters, Courtney Goode Grady (David) and Ashley Goode, both of Conway; grandchildren, Chloe Goode, Drake Grady and Laney Ford; brothers-in-law, Greg Swan (Carol) of Texarkana, Ark. and Damon Swan (Loretta) of Tyler, Texas; and many other loving family members and friends.

Memorial service will be 10 a.m. Friday, May 8, 2015 at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway, with Reverend Damon Swan officiating.

I had e-mailed Dan several times over the years, after his initial contact with us with no response.  I figured that, as with some, that he didn't want to "look back" any more.  Maybe someone can give some fond memories as to his time at KAAY.

Rest in peace, Dan....

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)
 

The FINAL Beaker Street on KAAY - April 3, 1985

The Day The Music Died.  That phrase has been used to describe what happened to so many AM Rock stations that wound up dumping their cherished music formats during the 1980’s.  It was happening all over the country, even to big legendary stations like WABC/New York, WLS/Chicago, CKLW/Windsor-Detroit, KIMN/Denver -- stations that nobody thought would ever give up the music that made them great.  Sadly, it became KAAY’s turn to throw in the towel on April 3, 1985, when it capped several days of reminiscences about its legendary history with a final Beaker Street show, AND with Clyde Clifford, at the final hour before Midnight.

We are fortunate that this Blog has great accounts of that Final day from people who were there.  The first one is from Barry McCorkindale:

http://mighty1090kaay.blogspot.com/2010/04/last-day-last-hour-part-1-barry.html

And, from the final PD, David Treadway:

http://mighty1090kaay.blogspot.com/2010/04/last-day-last-hour-part-2-david-b.html

The last KAAY Beaker Street show featured many of the songs it helped to make famous back in the day:

Arthur Brown – Fire

Deep Water Reunion (with Barbara Raney) – Cindy’s Cryin

Allman Brothers Band – Revival

Quicksilver Messenger Service – Fresh Air

Leon Russell – Delta Lady

Jamie Brockett – Legend of the U.S.S. Titanic

Jefferson Airplane – Wooden Ships

Black Sabbath – The Wizard

Joni Mitchell – The Circle Game

Here is the aircheck of the final hour of that final day on KAAY.  Clyde Clifford gave tribute to his co-workers, his listeners, the music, and the grand old RCA 50,000-watt transmitter…..and “put the old girl down”:

(or download here)

This brings to a close our Beaker Street aircheck series, for now (until some “new” old tapes of the show re-surface, I got a feeling they’re still out there, somewhere).  We hope you have enjoyed this series as much as we have in putting it together. 

Next time:  The Reunion

Greg Barman

Barry Mac's Tin Can Alley To Air Twice A Weekend On KAAY!

Yes, thanks to Doug Virden, Tin Can Alley has expanded its hours to include a 2PM Sunday slot on KAAY!  Be sure to let Barry Mac know you're listening!  As always, you can listen to it here every week, as our very own computer guru and blog co-founder Dave Schmidt posts Tin Can Alley right here on The Mighty 1090 KAAY Blog!

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

Another 1977 Beaker Street Aircheck With Stuart (McRae)

This is the last aircheck we have, truly taken off the air via a radio, of Beaker Street, back in 1977, with Stuart (McRae).

Looking back, I remember having pulled that 1966 Dodge Coronet 440 up to the shop door where I worked, having it warming up those last few minutes before I punched out at 11PM, door open and KAAY blaring out of the four speakers...somehow, (I forgot), I plumbed the audio from the AM radio into my FM/8-track's audio chain.  When the time clock hit "11", I punched out, waved to my replacement and ran for the car, hearing the opening to Beaker Street.

Back then, gas was cheap, but we paid in pretty much real money.  Inflation had hit, we were getting less and paying more.  I remember I quit paying for Ethyl gasoline when it hit fifty cents per gallon...but, back then, I was in high cotton, taking home a $77 paycheck.  I dropped back to mid-grade, but I STILL drove 'way out of the way to listen to Beaker Street.

It was 19 miles from the gate of the business to my front gate...but I'd stretch an extra ten or more miles to it and, depending on the music, I'd either cruise, or I'd race...but it was all great.  I wish now, what with all the audio work I'd done then, that I'd have devised a way to tape off-the-air.  KAAY was coming in full strength, better than local radio stations, because of the huge radio antenna and in-line amplifier I had sucking that signal in!

Nonetheless, we are always looking for audio from the "glory days" of KAAY, from 1961-1985.  Now they're spreading God's glory and that is also a good thing- not airing that cop-killing, woman-degrading junk that some stations are airing...

When I graduated in 1977, I stayed out a year, healing from various sports injuries, taking a break and saving money for college.  When I entered college in 1978, I lost touch with KAAY and Beaker Street; I was working a full day shift, taking a full course load and clinical rotations at night- usually, I went straight home and when I got home, there wasn't much left of me to tune around, much less stay awake listening to radio.  Also, in those days, a new station had hit the FM airwaves, WZEW, who Stuart and Dick Downes had gone to work for- and I listened to them quite a bit...again, FM trumped AM....

So, enough of MY memories, let's end with Stuart and Beaker Street in 1977....


(or download here)
If there is ANYONE, ANYWHERE OUT THERE who has any more Beaker Street material to share, please contact me at the e-mail address below.  I'll be glad to pay for materials and postage, to be able to give YOU credit and post it here on the blog.  I am also desperately seeking audio of Don Payne on Beaker Street, who was the last deejay to head it up after Stuart McRae left.  Don Payne aired Beaker Street the last two or 2-1/2 weeks of its time in 1977, before "the suits" pulled the plug on April 3, 1977.

Thank you, dear visitor and friends of this blog- Greg, Dave S. and I certainly hope you enjoyed taking this historical walk down Beaker Street with us!

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

Beaker Street from 1977 with Stuart McRae

Just as we were approaching the end of our Beaker Street series, more surprises show up.  Like -- this aircheck from contributor Greg Mathieson, who had this show on cassette for years and has shared it with the Blog -- Thank you, Greg! 

It's from sometime in 1977 featuring Stuart McRae.  The aircheck is mostly untelescoped, tho it has a few breaks and sounds like it is a mix of several shows because the time checks are out of sequence.  It is DX reception on the skywave, location unknown, and the signal ranges from barely audible to loud and clear.  

The music lineup:  Pink Floyd, REO Speedwagon, Jeff Beck, Led Zepplin, Fleetwood Mac, Ambrosia, Kansas, Elton John, Deep Purple, and an unknown final track. 


(or download here)
Just as we thought -- there are still tapes of KAAY and Beaker Street out there, sitting in boxes in peoples' basements and attics, waiting to be discovered, dusted off and digitized! 

Greg Barman

Beaker Street & Beaker Theater - 4/13/71

Before we move on to the final airchecks in our Beaker Street series, we're going to take a step back for this aircheck because it contains a full Beaker Theater episode.

Beaker Theater ran at 2:00am right after Beaker Street, with double-features on the weekends.   A telescoped version of this aircheck has appeared earlier.  This recording with a full-length Beaker Theater is courtesy of Kenneth Hawkins, and we thank Kenneth very much for sharing it.   After 37 minutes of Beaker Street music, then Clyde's newscast, it's "The Geneva Mystery, Part 1" from the BBC on Beaker Theater.  From April 13, 1971:


(or download here)
Coming soon....the end of Beaker Street.  And, it's reappearance.


Greg Barman

1975 Beaker Street Aircheck

We'd posted this sometime in the past, but decided to add it to the line-up.  I can't remember if we'd ever found out who the DJ was... but, for historical reasons, here it is again:


(or download here)
Does anyone know who this is ?

We're getting close to the end....


Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)