New Year's Eve on Beaker Street! Dec 31, 1971 (into 1972) - Second Half + A telescoped version

This is the second half of the Beaker Street show from New Year's Eve 1971.   It's already past midnight and into 1972 on this aircheck, and Clyde Clifford is having a good time playing the tunes, talking with listeners hundreds of miles away, and enjoying some awfully good eggnog with strong nutmeg.   The aircheck is untelescoped with a few gaps here and there.

Parts 3 & 4 -- Discography:
The Guess Who - Friends of Mine
Iron Butterly - In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida
Deep Water Reunion - Cindy's Cryin'
King Crimson - In The Court Of The Crimson King
Black Oak Arkansas - Lord Have Mercy On My Soul/When Electricity Came to Arkansas
REO Speedwagon - Gypsy Woman's Band
Grateful Dead - Uncle John's Band
The Incredible Broadside Brass Bed Band - The Great Grizzly Bear Hunt

Here are parts 3 and 4:

Part 3

(or download here)

Part 4

(or download here)

For those of you who are mainly interested in the programming elements, here's a telescoped version of the entire aircheck:


(or download here)
Happy New Year everybody! from The Mighty 1090 KAAY Blog.


Greg Barman

New Year's Eve on Beaker Street! Dec 31, 1971 - First Half

Here's some Beaker Street to help you get in the frame of mind for New Year's Eve.  It's a NYE Beaker Street show from December 31, 1971, going into the wee hours of Jan 1 1972.   I don't know who originally recorded this show, I got it from another collector with no additional information but it sounds like a local aircheck.  Thank you, whoever recorded this, it's a great show!   The aircheck is divided into 4 segments, covering most of the 3 hour show, and mostly untelescoped with a few gaps.

Doing the show as usual from the remote KAAY transmitter site, It sure sounds like Clyde Clifford is celebrating the New Year, and I mean something beyond a countdown to midnight and Auld Lang Syne!  Long songs are the norm on Beaker Street.  But this night Clyde is playing some VERY long songs, like Iron Butterfly's "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida", and "The Court of the Crimson King" by King Crimson.  Listen to Clyde and see what you think.

Parts 1 & 2 -- Discography:
Alice Cooper - Black Juju
Jethro Tull - Aqualung
Black Oak Arkansas - Uncle Lijah
Love Sculpture - Mars/Sabre Dance
Grateful Dead - Truckin'
T. Rex - Bang a Gong
Unknown - Auld Lang Syne
Don Ellis - Pussy Wiggle Stomp
Pink Floyd - Careful With That Axe Eugene
The Guess Who - Friends of Mine

The spots include A Warehouse in New Orleans.  The Allman Brothers and REO Speedwagon were playing there that weekend and tickets were only 5 BUCKS -- wow!  Other advertisers are Floyd's Record Shop, Jefferson Manor Apartments, Coca-Cola and Stag Beer. 

Clyde mentions listeners in Wisconsin, Missouri and Louisiana, and we all know there were plenty more.  Imagine thousands of people celebrating New Year's in their own way, with Beaker Street blasting thru the skywaves and rocking out of radios all over the place to bring in 1972 !  

Here are the first two parts:
 
Part 1

(or download here)
Part 2

(or download here)

Greg Barman

KAAY DJ's Merry Xmas Message

A several of years ago, I had the great idea to get as many KAAY deejays to send in audio Christmas greetings; several were able to and Greg Barman mixed them with vintage KAAY Christmas audio spots.  We thought it would be appropriate that we bring it back!

Sadly, Jerry Sims, one of the "Sonny Martins", is no longer with us, but his spirit lives on in these and other recordings... so, please enjoy him and the other deejays in their holiday greetings to you all!  Roll it, Greg!


(or download here)
Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

JONNIE KING'S 2014 HOLIDAY FILM & DVD VIEWING LIST...

A Special "Hi" to all of our friends of  "The Mighty 1090/KAAY" !   For those of you who are new to our Blog, for almost every year since I started in Broadcasting I've created a Special Holiday Viewing List...and for 2014 I've expanded it !

It includes Movies, DVD's, Videos, and, some rare TV Episodes !  To see the COMPLETE list, simply Click-On the following Link and you're on your way:    http://www.jonnieking.net/gpage24.html

And, as that "Jolly Little Man In Red" says: "A Merry Christmas To All...Each And Everyone" !

Jonnie  www.jonnieking.net

                              

                                                               

KAAY Phil North on the weekend before Xmas 1970

"Phil North" (Eric Chase), because of his talents and voice, was said by one of The Greats to be "an amazing young man".  Many of us agree- he had "that voice"!  We pondered whether we had any more Christmas audio by any of the deejays of KAAY and I found this!  We'd posted it before, and agreed it was fitting that we bring it back...so enjoy!  This is from Saturday night, December 19, 1970:


(or download here)
I see Dave S. over there, dressed in his Santa suit and dark glasses, starting to sample the egg nog...I see Greg B. over there in HIS Santa suit, sampling the finger sandwiches...I'd better get MY suit on and dive into the goodies, too, before they're all gone...MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYBODY!!!!

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

Beaker Street April 3, 1971 Part 2

I've had to do some listening and investigative work to try and decipher some of A. J.'s notes on his recordings.  I believe this is Part Two of 4/3/71...


(or download here)
There may be one or two 'scoped areas in this recording.  Hey, how about those concert ticket prices?

Thanks, Greg!

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

Don Payne, Former KAAY Jock, Indiana Hall Of Fame

Don Payne, who passed away on this day in 2010, was the last deejay to air Beaker Street on KAAY, before "the suits" shut it down.  I have petitioned the Arkansas Broadcasters Assn. to do the same as the Indiana Broadcasters Assn. and induct him- so far, no response.

Don worked for KAAY and KLPO in Arkansas, and WZPL and WAZY in Indiana and was the Director of Engineering at WKRQ in Cincinnati, OH before coming back to Indianapolis, IN to be Chief Engineer for Radio One, for a TV station and four radio stations.

Don was also an Amateur radio operator, but we never got to speak over the air, due to his condition in his last days....

It is only fitting that we honor Don at this time, as we air Beaker Street airchecks.  I can hear his hearty laughter now, knowing he is in a better place.  Thank you, Don!

http://www.indianabroadcastpioneers.org/?q=hall-of-fame/william-don-payne

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

Former KAAY News Director Ron Casteel, R.I.P.

Just got the word from Scott Charton early afternoon 12/9/14:

"Dear Bud,

Some sad news, the passing of former KAAY news director Ron Casteel, who also served as morning anchor in the early 1980's. Ron had been in declining health over the last two years. 

http://www.dulletrimble.com/mobile/obit.php?id=1459068&name=Ronald-Edward-Casteel&loca=Jefferson-City-MO

Scott Charton

Charton Communications

& Consulting"

 

Funeral services will be Friday, 11AM December 12, 2014 at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home...please see the link for more information.

 

Another Great, passed on into eternity.  Through Scott's information, I'd just found out Ron was also a Ham radio operator (N6CSS).  He was a very accomplished man; I will be trying to find the movie "Ground Zero" in which he starred.

 

Thanks to Scott Charton...see you later, Ron....

 

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

 

Beaker Street April 3, 1971 Part 1

In this version, I believe it is Tom Perryman's voice in the introduction.  Tom's voice was used for years at KAAY, who would sent a request to WAKY, Tom would record his voice on tape and send them to KAAY, who would then build on it and change it tremendously!

I've talked with Tom a few times and can recognize that voice today!  Tom mentioned that he was amazed at how KAAY would make his voice sound so much more effective with sound effects.  Tom's voice is STILL amazing today!

OK, I know, you want to get to the good stuff!  So here goes with Beaker Street from April 3, 1971:


(or download here)
Lately, as I drive to work in the pre-dawn times, I've been reliving memories of listening to Beaker Street while driving all those many years ago.  I am eternally thankful to those who thought to record all this audio we're able to share today!

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

Beaker Street Change, Part 2....

The other change that occurred on Beaker Street was that of the 17:52-length background music bed entitled "Cannabis Sativa" on the album called "Head"  This was an oddly other-world music bed played behind Clyde Clifford's voice to mask the huge fan noise from the transmitter only 10-12 feet away...and it was very effective!  As a young lad, it ran chills up & down my spine as I listened late at night....

It was recorded in 1970, under the Buddah Records label, at the Gold Star Studios in Hollywood (CA).  The artist was a Los Angeles-based electronic musician known variously as Nik Raicevic or Nik Pascal.  You may- or may not- be surprised to know that it was recorded using a Moog synthesizer!

This is another album I'd like to find, for historical value.

Side A, which Clyde used, held "Cannabis Sativa"  Side B held "Methedrine" and "Lysergic Acid Diethylamide".  This was definitely a "druggie" album...

The credits and notes are as follows from http://www.discogs.com/HEAD-HEAD/release/582895


Credits

• Artwork [Coloring Book Drawings] – Cathy Siracusa
• Engineer – Doc (14)
• Other [Credits Coloring Book] – Neil Bogart, Richard Robinson, Soulful Soozin
• Producer, Composed By, Photography By [Cover Photo] – Nik Raicevic
• Synthesizer [Moog] – 107-34-8933

Notes

Recorded at: Gold Star Studios in Hollywood.
Electronic Music from ART IN SPACE.The sound of numbers for soaking in soft dreams. Sweet moments and private notes making a rhyme into a habit. An album that creates the ultimate environment for the smoke generation.
Taste it.
Original released in 1968 as Numbers on Narco Records / Cat.# nr 101.
Comes with an 8 page coloring booklet

 I believe Greg B. had posted this before, but since we're going for the historical value of Beaker Street, we'll give you the audio again!  Hit it, Greg!



(or download here)
And so, we enter a new era of Beaker Street...thank you, Clyde, for being so innovative!  Please stay tuned....

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

1962 KAAY Thanksgiving

Giving thanks, the KAAY way:



(or download here)

(or download here)
A. J. Lindsey thought one of the voices was that of John K. Anderson; he knew the other was George J. Jennings.  Can anyone substantiate this, please?  here's two links he had up on his blog, but the link within the link may not work:

http://kaay1090.blogspot.com/2008/12/i-need-your-help.html

http://kaay1090.blogspot.com/2008/12/finally-found-it.html

Thanks be to God for all we have...and, speaking for all here at The Mighty 1090 KAAY Blog, may you all have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

...And Then, Beaker Street Changed A Little...

Somewhere after the "Dreamscape" airchecks we've presented to you in 1970 and somewhere in 1971 (and maybe a little later?), there were some changes to Beaker Street...

One was the intro using the Moog synthesizer version of "House Of The Rising Sun"...the other was that the background music was changed to "Cannabis Sativa" from the "Head" album...both very interesting tunes!  Greg B. and I had been discussing bringing these back for your enjoyment...and I was able to find the Moog "House Of The Rising Sun" and download it from the web.

There are some interesting historical links about the Moog analog synthesizer on the web.  Dr. Robert A. Moog began in the 1950s selling theramin machines in kit form.  He later built and sold complex synthesizers under "R. A. Moog Co.", then "Moog Music" and later "Moog Electronics".  The first commercially-sold Moog synthesizer prototype was commissioned by the Alwin Nikolais Dance Theater of NY in 1964.

Jumping forward, on the DECCA label, Claude Denjean utilized the Moog to lay down tracks for numerous pop songs of the then era...the one we're concerned with, since it has a history with Beaker Street is "House of The Rising Sun"

I cannot remember the link where I found the music...and things change on the web almost daily, sometimes.  Nonetheless, I'd love to find this album and get it for my very own!

Now, for the moment you've been waiting for:  the song itself!  Hit it, Greg!


(or download here)
Stay tuned..."Head" is coming!

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

The Phone....

There's been some messages and inquiries about "the phone" on the desk where Clyde Clifford held sway over "Big Momma" as David B. Treadway calls the big 50,000-watt RCA transmitter out in Wrightsville, AR...and here's the phone on the desk, in the picture I took when I was THERE in April 2011....

Doug Virden noted, "Here is the story I got from Barry about the phone @ the transmitter building. It was still hooked up and working until around the mid to late 90's. Management realized they were paying a 20 something dollar a month lease to have a phone hooked up out there so management shut it off. This was before most everyone had cell phones. The reason the phone wasn't updated @ some point over the years probably because Felix McDonald wouldn't change it.

I believe that phone was the original one put in when KTHS moved to LR in the early 50's. That was the phone style in the 40's and through the 50's. I believe when 1090 changed to KAAY those phones were already phased out."

Thanks Doug, and thanks for those who left comments on Facebook regarding "the phone"!

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

48 Years Ago: Beaker Street (Last :"Dream Sequence" Post)

From this legendary transmitter emanated some of the weirdest sounds ever imagined, behind a soft-spoken, slow-talking but purposeful voice, the opposite of the fast-talking deejays of the day...that of the legendary "Clyde Clifford".  This is the last of the series of the early shows that used the "dream sequence" music behind "Clyde's" voice.  If you notice, the audio is so clear, you can hear the LP "pop" on "Deep Purple's" album on the song "River Deep, Mountain High"....there is some tape degradation, but it is only somewhat noticeable.

KAAY's signal was SO powerful, it normally blanked out virtually any atmospheric noise; therefore, the listener could hear almost every nuance of the broadcast.  When I had the in-line antenna amplifier on my car radio, all four speakers blasted "Beaker Street's" audio out- it was almost like I was listening to a studio-quality copy!  Also, where I lived near Mobile, AL, I was in the center of the southeastern path of the station's figure-eight pattern.  There was no escaping it!!!!

Again, rescued from the broken players of A. J. Lindsey's blog by Dave S., we bring you one more of what I consider the "early Beaker Street" version.  Later, we will post some later versions, beginning in 1971, when "Clyde" utilized the 17-minute "Cannabis Sativa" from the "Head" album....

OK, looking over my shoulder, Greg is huddled down, with his hair tied back and Dave has his copy of The Little Barn's catalog...I guess we're all ready!  From July 3, 1970:


(or download here)
Hey, let me go get my big silver peace ring from Little Barn...hit it, Greg!

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

"The Phone" At The Transmitter Site

There were some messages floating around about "the phone" out at the KAAY transmitter site...here's some information from Doug Virden:

"Doug Virden

Here is the story I got from Barry about the phone @ the transmitter building. It was still hooked up and working until around the mid to late 90's. Management realized they were paying a 20 something dollar a month lease to have a phone hooked up out there so management shut it off. This was before most everyone had cell phones. The reason the phone wasn't updated @ some point over the years probably because Felix McDonald wouldn't change it.

I believe that phone was the original one put in when KTHS moved to LR in the early 50's. That was the phone style in the 40's and through the 50's. I believe when 1090 changed to KAAY those phones were already phased out."

I snapped this photo while on my trip to Little Rock back in 2011 and it was posted here back then, as well.  I also have a phone like this in my possession, given to me by a dear friend.  When he gave it to me, it had been wired for present systems- and it still worked!

Thank you, Doug, for your comments!

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)
 

48 Years Ago: Beaker Street (Continued)

This is a picture of Dale Seidenschwarz, a.k.a. "Clyde Clifford", in the studio of KAAY, not at the transmitter...when I was at the transmitter in 2011, this is what David B. Treadway, Jerry Sims and I found (but we didn't DARE touch anything):

I wish I'd had the presence of mind to clear it all off and had taken a better picture...but it was from this position that "Clyde" mixed and managed "Beaker Street"

We're celebrating the 48th anniversary of "Beaker Street" this month!  Again, we're bringing you another chunk of audio from the basic time period which still used the "dream sequence" music from the movie, "Charade"...enjoy!

Uh, oh, Dave S. has let his hair down and Greg B.'s glasses have slid down his nose...all in anticipation of this audio Dave rescued from A.J.'s blog before the players went kerplunk!


(or download here)
Hold on folks, there's more to some!

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

48 Years Ago, November 1966...Beaker Street Happened...

...and the following continues!  Wow, who thought that a program, on a trial basis to fill up airspace, would become SO popular!  We don't have the exact date (I don't think anyone does), but the best recollection of all concerned was November 1966 when it all began.  One story has the idea being batted around at a party- and there are several...but, supposedly, upper-level management didn't think it would work.  It was wildly successful....

...so we thought we'd bring over some audio from the archives Dave S. saved from A. J. Lindsey's blog before the players died after A. J. passed away.  The audio hasn't been heard since, that we know of (unless one had the foresight to download it for themselves).

The versions you are about to hear (in several posts) are of when "Clyde Clifford" (Dale Seidenschwarz) utilized some background music from "the dream sequence" of the movie, "Charade".  I have downloaded and listened to the soundtrack from the movie and nowhere could I find that particular audio- nor has anyone else that I know of.  This "dream sequence" audio was played in the background to "hide" the fan noise of the 50,000-watt RCA transmitter only feet from "Clyde's" operating/control desk, well before he used Head's "Cannabis Sativa" in the early 1970s (and beyond).

I was there in 2011...and it was amazing to me, the genius of "Clyde", to be able to mask the fans only ten or so feet away.  The background music- both versions- were part of the allure of the show.  So, dear visitor, don your beads, get on your favorite sandals and tie-die T-shirt and let's go back a few years!  The versions we have are from 1970, but should be representative of those early days (daze?)...and if anyone has any audio from 1966 to 1970, we'd be glad to post it here, for everyone to enjoy!

I see Greg B. has his shades on and Dave S. has his hair pulled back in a ponytail already....


(or download here)
Happy 48th birthday, Beaker Street!  Thank you, "Clyde Clifford"!

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

JONNIE KING'S "HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR FOR 2014" !

IT'S TIME FOR HALLOWEEN ! It's that special time of the year when Ghosts, Goblins, Witches, Vampires, Werewolves, Mummies, Zombies, and, "Things That Go Bump In The Night", are everywhere !

In keeping with "The Spirit of Halloween", we don't have a "Trick" for you , BUT A REAL TREAT ! This is a "HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR" Production I've put together especially for viewers & visitors to our Websites. It took over 200 Hours to produce and it's available nowhere else !!

AS PART OF OUR "HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR PACKAGE" you'll get access to:


1. MY "HALLOWEEN FILM RARITIES LIST FOR 2014" so you can watch some cool & spooky flicks...some featuring Bela, Boris, and their fiends, er, friends ! http://www.jonnieking.net/gpage36.html



2. YOU'LL HAVE REAL FUN with TV's frightfully-funny "MUNSTERS" and hear what happened in the Classic "Hot Rod Herman" Episode...with an Introduction from Grandpa Munster ! PLUS, you'll hear the story from the Legendary "King of the Kustomizers" himself... the man who, with his crew, built the "Munster Koach" & the "Dragula" car and raced 'em at the Dragstrip: GEORGE BARRIS ! http://www.legends.thewwbc.net/gpage.html


3. "THE HAUNTED HOUSE" MEETS "THE MONSTER MASH" !
THE SPECIAL PAGE that I've created just for you to enjoy the TWO Most Famous HALLOWEEN Hit Records ever created : "THE MONSTER MASH" AND "THE HAUNTED HOUSE" ! AND, you'll learn about a Legendary Rock n' Roll Superstar who changed his name to honor his Idol !

4. IN ADDITION, from my syndicated Morning Feature program, "The Breakfast Serial", you can hear an actual Golden Age Radio Show Episode of the long-running "Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet" Radio Series entitled "HALLOWEEN, 1948" featuring an early appearance by the future R&R Teen Idol: Ricky Nelson !! http://www.serial.thewwbc.net/gpage10.html


5. WAIT ! DON'T FORGET my Tribute to my dear old friend: "THE AMAZING CRISWELL" !
CRISWELL WAS ONE OF AMERICA'S most iconic entertainers...and he was a true friend that I'll never forget. So, I've paid homage to him with this Special Tribute Page to "The Amazing Criswell" !


YES ! YOU'VE GOT IT ALL RIGHT HERE: "The 2014 Jonnie King Halloween Spooktacular"...Movies, TV, Records, Radio, AND: "The Amazing Criswell" !!


MY SINCERE THANKS To You All For An Incredible 47 Years ! And, oh yes: HAPPY HALLOWEEN !!  IT ALL STARTS WHEN YOU GO TO: www.jonnieking.net

Jack Bruce, of Cream, R.I.P.

From various sources, the link below.  "Cream" was a very popular band, and still is....

http://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/oct/26/jack-bruce

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

A Great KAAY Jingle!

What more can one say?


(or download here)
I love the classy, orchestral background and the live singers!



Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

Bob Moody's Letter From Wayne Moss!

I found this on KAAY AM, The Mighty 1090's Facebook page, contacted Bob Moody and got permission to use it here on our blog!  As per Bob's comments:

"Letter from KAAY Operations Manager Wayne Moss from 1971. I decided to transfer to Fayetteville rather than Little Rock but still regret that I never got to work for The Mighty 1090."

 ...and in a message to me via e-mail:

"Bud,

 

You are certainly welcome to use the Wayne Moss letter on your blog.  Here’s some background:

 

I grew up in Pine Bluff and started my radio career in 1967 working at KOTN for Buddy Deane.  When this letter was written I was attending the University of Missouri in Columbia, where I was a jock at KTGR, but was in the process of transferring to the University of Arkansas.  At some point I apparently considered UALR but instead ended up at the main campus in Fayetteville, working for KKEG-FM.

 

More information on my subsequent travels can be found on the Bio tab at my website: www.RealLocalRadio.com

 

Cheers,

 

Bob Moody

Mt. Juliet, TN"

 

KOTN and Buddy Dean- and Bob, I believe- have been mentioned on A.J. Lindey's blog.  Over time, we'll be bringing certain material over here to our blog for historical and nostalgic reasons....

 

Thank you, Bob Moody!

 

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

 

Unusual Sign-Off!

A. J. Lindsey originally posted this on his blog as a "rare sign-off"...

...remember the days when radio and television stations actually signed off for the evening, around midnight?  I remember the National Anthem being played, flags waving, fighter jets flying and other images on television and marveling at it all.

I am STILL proud of and love my country, the United States of America; although things have pushed us to a lackluster status and most of the world looks down at us, we are still great- why would people continue to flock here?

Nonetheless, Buddy Karr (Tom Bigby) is signing off for the evening and plays, "Song of The South"...unusual, but I'll bet it stood out!

http://kaay1090.blogspot.com/2007/07/rare-kaay-sign-off.html


(or download here)
No wonder KAAY stood out!

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

KAAY $1 Record Offer!

I'm thinking this is still in the early era of KAAY, possibly 1962-63 still...and, I'm not sure, but I think the deejay is Buddy Karr...can someone substantiate this for me, please?

The audio quality is muddy, but it seems to be an off-air recording...still, it reflects the enthusiasm KAAY jocks exuded when on the air!



(or download here)
We certainly hope you are enjoying this look back at KAAY's early years, fifty-two years ago this year!

Thanks, Greg- thank you, A.J., for posting this on your blog- and thanks, Dave, for rescuing it so we can share all this audio again....


Bud S., (staceys4@hotmail.com)

(Based on the basketball score, I place the date as Dec 29, 1962 -  Greg)

The Newsmen Of KAAY

The deejays kept us entertained, but the newsmen kept us informed.  B. Bruce Jenkins, George J. Jennings (replaced "W" for "J" because it sounded better), John K. Anderson...these were the Giants of News "at :45"...they say this "scooped" the other stations, who gave the news at the top of the hour.

I believe B. Bruce Jenkins was there fairly early in KAAY history and was there quite a while...can anyone pin down his employment dates, please?


(or download here)
News as facts is important, not like the dramatized stuff we're fed today....thanks guys....

(Note - based on the Flying Wallendas accident item, I place the date of this aircheck as Nov 5, 1963 -- Greg)


Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

Focus On The Newsmakers 9/28/1969

"50,000 watts over Arkansas", this week is headed up by Bill Edwards. 

The commercial after the intro is about Hurricane Camille (I remember that one- I was a little boy in Semmes, AL when that one came through- it was a terrible storm) and donations to the Red Cross to help us Gulf Coast residents to get back on our feet.  Heck, we country folk never knew donations were being taken for us- we just did what it took to clear everything out and get on with our lives....

The opening interview is with Arkansas' Industrial Development's Harry McLemore, regarding a new Allis-Chalmers plant in Arkansas.  More good historical news & interview follows.


(or download here)
Does anyone else who was in the path of Hurricane Camille remember those days?

Hey, Greg...thank you!

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

The Robbins Program!

Here are a couple of recordings back to back of The Robbins Show; quality of the first one isn't so good, the second is better, but both are obviously taped off-the-air.  I absolutely love the orchestral and vocal music beds, they're so classy!

Sounds like he says "Bob Robbins", not "Rob Robbins".  Still from the early days, but it could have been a different "Robbins", there were so many!


(or download here)
I hope you are enjoying the look back from fifty-two years ago, as I am!  This is material that Dave Schmidt, our computer guru, was able to save from A.J. Lindsey's blog before the players quit.  We'll be sharing more "retro" stuff as time goes by, to preserve the integrity of A.J.'s efforts and to fulfill our promise to do so.  To not do this would rob us all, new and old visitors and KAAY enthusiasts alike, of wonderful history....



Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

George Jennings, Sonny Martin, Heavy George & More! 7/8/1972

Here are more candid shots at making commercials...I'm not sure if these are some of the same as before (may be), or if they're practice tapes of previous material...nonetheless, George Jennings' whistling made it on tape!

Ranchette Homesites, The Gift Case at the Lake Hills Shopping Center, The Little Barn and Safeway Discounts...enjoy!


(or download here)
Thanks again, Greg- roll 'em!

Bud S. staceys4@hotmail.com

Kay-Double-Ay-Why Song Intro's!

The deejays of KAAY threw a lot of enthusiasm into their broadcasts!  Just listen to the introductions they used for songs and Silver Dollar Surveys!


(or download here)
We survived the Cuban Missile Crisis, going on to live our lives in the '60s and beyond...sock hops and dances, going to the soda fountain and on dates, listening to our favorite deejays and music all the while!

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

Focus On The Newsmakers 9/18/1969

"50,000 watts over Arkansas", with Frank Woods, who solicited comments to be mailed to the news organization....

There's a story about 1st Lt. James L. Stone, Korea, 1951 and his heroic efforts while fighting the Chinese.  He was awarded the Medal of Honor.  There was mention of his current assignment at the time of this news broadcast, and that of other Medal of Honor recipients being flown to Valley Forge for ceremonies.  If this doesn't make you stand up and salute the flag, nothing will!


(or download here)
God bless our military...run up the flag, Greg!

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

Then, Cuba "Happened"....

Some of us are old enough to remember the Cold War and the Cuban Missile Crisis.  It has been posted here extensively about how it affected us as a nation, and how KAAY got involved only weeks after the station coming to being, with Jim Hankins/"Mike McCormick" almost losing his job over the decision to participate; here is a link of material, mostly by Dave Montgomery and Richard Robinson, regarding such:

http://mighty1090kaay.blogspot.com/search?q=Cuban

KAAY had almost been left out, with the U. S. government having thought KTHS was off the air, not realizing KAAY had the frequency and the coverage; Jim, who couldn't get in touch with anyone to make a decision (remember, cell phones hadn't been invented yet and there were very few car phones), made the decision himself, even though the staff was sharply divided...see the link, re: Dave M's comments from A.J.  Thank you, Jim Hankins, you and KAAY made history....
 

Basically, at midnight every evening, the government came in, ran everyone out of the studio, locked the door and broadcast Voice of America programming to Cuba; the signal from KAAY absolutely blanketed the island nation.

My God, can you even imagine the tension, the agony, the possible retribution that could have taken place?  Fortunately, the U.S. and Russia came to agreeable terms and things cooled down a bit.  So, without further ado, here is a recording, regarding KAAY's involvement of the broadcasts to Cuba:


(or download here)
Thank you, Jim Hankins/"Mike McCormick", for having the guts!

How 'Bout Them Harlem Globetrotters?

Wayne Moss heads up these commercials regarding the Harlem Globetrotters, the world's favorite basketball team!

What's odd is that this tape was marked 08/23/970, but Wayne's identification was one "...through Saturday, March 22 only" and "...for Sunday, March 23 only".  I suppose something else might have been taped, then erased for these two commercials.  Wayne sounds as good today as he did back then, when I get to talk with him over the phone!


(or download here)
Hey, Greg- think you and I could give them just a little bit of competition?

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

Mike McCormick, 1962!

Here is Mike McCormick (Jim Hankins) broadcasting on KAAY in 1962..boy, it was cold outside...listen for the weather, "Tiger"!


(or download here)
Mike was rockin' and rollin'!

But the dark side emerges in our next post....

Bud (staceys4@hotmail.com)

Focus On The Newsmakers 4/27/1969

Here is another older version, this time featuring John K. Anderson, "Stand by for KAAY Focus".  I really enjoy the opening music- probably performed and recorded by an actual orchestra!

"Congressional Comment" featured Senator William Proxmire, speaking of human rights treaties and Abner Mifka of our country's military might- and morals...?  Others follow....

In this version, it was mentioned that NATO (the North Atlantic Treaty Organization) celebrates its 20th anniversary...George Foreman is interviewed about joining the Job Corps.


(or download here)

Many of the problems mentioned in these Congressional Comments could be the same as we face today....



Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

The KAAY M-Squad!

Here, I believe, is the original line-up of deejays of KAAY in 1962- "The M-Squad"!


(or download here)
Dub Murray was "Doc Holiday", Jim Hankins was "Mike McCormick, Wayne Moss was "Sonny Martin", Tom Bigby was "Buddy Karr", Tom Campbell was "Rob Robbins" and Howard Watson was "Ken Knight".

After a short time, the players changed a bit; A. J. Lindsey became "Doc Holiday" and Jerry Sims became "Sonny Martin".  I can't remember if there were any more immediate changes....

I wish I had pictures of ALL of them, but at least here are some pictures of Dub Murray,  Jim Hankins,a picture of a Silver Dollar Survey recording (with A.J. as "Doc Holiday") and Wayne Moss:

Yes, indeed, 1962 was an exciting year in Little Rock history...and, later, for the United States...please stay tuned!

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

52 Years Ago....

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY KAAY!  KTHS became KAAY 52 years ago on Labor Day, 1962.  This weird format could be heard "before the button was pushed":


(or download here)
Yes, it was the "Baby Elephant Walk" and deejays were reading the Little Rock phone book over the audio.  What a gimmick!

Dave Schmidt built an archive from A. J. Lindsey's KAAY blog; in commemoration, Dave, Greg Barman and myself will be sharing things here from that era....

Hey, how 'bout this flyer?

Please stay tuned for more, as we celebrate the 52nd anniversary of KAAY!

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

Various Commercials (7/28/1972)

Here are more ads by Wayne Moss and other announcers (can someone identify them for us, please?)

We have a Moses Record Shop special by The Hollies, Sabric Fabricks, Wallach stores and J. C. Penny ads, among others...there are a couple of false starts & bloopers, which make it all the more interesting- roll it, Greg!


(or download here)
I think I'll go down to Wallach's and get one of those fine televisions, or maybe go to the night owl Penny store sales & get some new threads...Greg, you want to come along?

Who, wh-wh-whooo!

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

(it's those 69-cent singles that always got me -- Greg)

Focus On The Newsmakers 10/20/1968

These may not be as glamorous or heady as some of the music we've posted, or that of the ever-popular Beaker Street, but it IS history, nonetheless.  I don't blame anyone if they don't want to sit & listen to political or other news, but some may find it interesting from a historical point- some may have worked with the particular people interviewed in these recordings or had something to do with campaigns or other events.  With that, we go into...

...George Jennings opening this news magazine dated 10/20/1968- the opening public service announcement or advertisement was for the Big Brothers of America.  The main focus was on the Arkansas Corrections Department, mainly at Cummings and shots being fired:


(or download here)


Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

Some Treats To Come! (Or, Old Is New Again)

Dear reader and visitor, a milestone is about to be reached...one that we want to spring upon you within a couple of weeks!  We'll keep it a secret for now, so stay tuned and keep your eyes peeled!

I've thought it over and discussed it with the guys...and we believe it'll be a good thing.  Hopefully, you'll be as enthused about the upcoming posts as we are.  We have some ideas to bring you some things that are of importance that some of you may or may not have seen nor heard before...

...so, before I give it away (giggle!), we'll keep working on this project in earnest- and we hope you'll be pleased and not disappointed.

Get ready to have some fun!

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

Bob Steel, A.K.A. "Michael O'Sullivan" Checks In!

OH BOY!  I'd tried to reach Bob Steel via several means- and had missed him by mere minutes when I was in Little Rock back in 2011- but it was through LinkedIn that I was able to get a message to him- and he replied almost immediately!  Bob is a consummate broadcaster and many, many people love his style.  We've posted about Bob a couple of times here on the blog...just type in "Bob Steel" in the upper left-hand corner in the search box.

Here we go!  Without further delay, is what Bob sent me for the blog:

"It was nice to hear from you.  I worked at KAAY in the News Department Monday through Fridays and on Saturday mornings I did “Solid Gold Weekend” until noon.  We all worked six to seven days a week but always at least six.  They gave me the name Michael O’Sullivan.  Michael O’Sullivan was actually the Chief Accounting Officer for the LIN Broadcasting System.  I thought that was kinda funny because I was never very good with math and I thought Bob Steel was a pretty good air name.  It’s my real name too!  Pat Walsh explained to me that he had purchased signs on the back of Yellow Cabs with caricatures of the jocks –and if any of them left, he didn’t have to change the signs.   “You're Michael O’Sullivan,” he said.

 

I started at KAAY during the summer of 1971.  Pat Walsh was the General Manager.  Sonny Martin (Matt White) was the morning man with George J. Jennings doing the news.  I worked as a field reporter until 3 o’clock in the afternoons and then I anchored the news across from Bob Robbins. (Bob Spears)  Nick Markel was the News Director (Mitch Michaels.)  Jack Lee (Gary Souheaver – pronounced sigh heaver) did mid-day news.   There were 4 of us in the news department but I was the only guy that ever went out to news conferences.

 

I did fill-in once for Dale Seidenschwarz, air name: Clyde Clifford when he was on vacation.  He was the voice of Beaker Street.  I will never forget doing that shift.  I only had a 3^rd Class License and so I did the show from the studio and an engineer was at the transmitter.  In those days the FCC required an on duty engineer to be at the transmitter.   I got two letters the week after I did Beaker Street…one was from a sailor on an Aircraft Carrier and the other was from Cuba!

 

It was a great radio station.  We carried the Arkansas Razorback football games and Pat Walsh was a brilliant marketer of the station.  We had all kinds of contests and promotional events.  We did remotes from the “Fun Mobile” and they were frequent.  The station was a powerhouse number 1 when I worked there and the signal went miles and miles at night –north and south – it truly became the “50,000 watt Giant.”

 

I got the job in a weird way.  The News Director, Nick Markel, was fishing on Lake Conway on a weekend when I was working at KCON in Conway.  He heard me reading the news and contacted me the following Monday and asked me if I would like to apply for a job as he was losing one of his reporter/anchors to Memphis.  She was African American and I can’t remember her name.  I was in summer school at UCA going to work on the GI bill and only lacked 16 hours to graduate with a major in Journalism.  I thought I would just take the summer off and work there for a while and then go back to school.  I never returned!  I have spent the majority of my life in broadcasting with a couple of breaks at advertising agencies as an public relations account executive.

 

The funniest thing I remember:  I was on my way home from work one night.  My radio was tuned to KAAY even though “The World Tomorrow” was on.  We featured famous radio preacher Garner Ted Armstrong from 6 'til 7 each night and then went back to Rock n’ Roll.   As I was driving through downtown Little Rock this booming voice came over the airwaves:  “Steel, you forgot your lunch pail.”   It was Jerry Don Pitcock (Jim Pitcock’s brother).  I turned around and went back to the station to retrieve my lunch pail and then went into the control room.  I said, “I can’t believe you did that!”  Without missing a beat…Jerry Don said, “No body listens to that (stuff).”

 

I was at KAAY for a couple of years.  It remains one of the best times of my life.  I was young and just out of the service.  It was fun and KAAY was on the cutting edge of everything cool.  I remember riding with the winners of a KAAY contest in a double decker English bus for a rollin’ party with the KAAY staff and Paul Revere and the Raiders….or at least with the lead singer of Paul Revere and the Raiders, Mark Lindsay.  He was a great guy and the staff and the contest winners had a ball that night.

 

I was the voice of “Aunt Blabby” for the Castle Shop.  I did impersonations of Richard Nixon, John Wayne, Ed Sullivan and others for “The Little Red Barn” – a local head shop.  The impersonations were pretty good but I now realize that everyone I impersonated is dead.  LOL

 

I remember going into the production room after my air shift to cut a spot one night.  There was a cardboard box in the chair.  I picked it up and the lid flew open.  It was full of money!  I counted it.  It was $10,000 dollars!  I called Pat Walsh.   He said, “oh that money is for Children’s Hospital – it’s from the benefit concert that Black Oak Arkansas did last night.  Just leave it there and I’ll get it to them on Monday.”

 

Wayne Moss was the program director.  That was his real name.  He was a strict taskmaster.  Phil North was the evening jock.  I don’t remember his real name but his voice was amazing and he was big time.  He got a job in Chicago right before I left KAAY.  I remember doing his shift while they were looking for someone to replace him.  They sent in a guy to observe me running the board --- they were going to hire this guy.  The show was fast paced and very busy.  I was showing off a little – cueing records, punching spots, answering the phone and recording listener requests with the reel to reel and then retrieving the records… going as fast as I ever had.  The guy didn’t take the job. When he turned down the job, Wayne Moss said, “What did you say to this guy?”  I said, “I didn’t even talk to him much.  It was a wild night.  The phones were on fire and I didn’t have time to talk to him.” .  I think watching me run that board scared him off.

 

I left KAAY to take a job as a reporter for KATV Channel 7.  I remember the day I told Pat Walsh.  I said, “Mr. Walsh, I’ve been offered a job at Channel 7 to be a reporter there and it represents quite an increase in pay.  I’ve got a wife and a baby and I need to take this job."   He said, “You don’t need to take that job, you’re only 23 years old man and you’re working at a 50,000 watt radio station, one of the top stations in the country!”  I said, “I know, I love it here but I can’t eat those watts.”  He laughed and wished me well.  We remained friends throughout my career and until his death many years ago.  I had lunch with him at least once a month.

 

Hope this helps.  Thanks for preserving KAAY broadcast history.

 

All the best,

 

Bob"         

The Rolling Stones in Arkansas!

Courtesy of Doug Virden's post on Facebook, here is video of Keith Richard and Ron Wood getting arrested in Fordyce AR, July 1975.  From the Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=841733862504622&set=vb.155719501106065&type=2&theater

Post by Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History.

Greg Barman

Retro Post: Another "Christmas In August"!

 

 

From A.J.'s blog, once again we have Jim Pitcock, a.k.a. "Ron Owens", as Santa during a "Christmas In August" promotion.  The following are A.J.'s words from his blog, with link:

"Contests and promotions were contributing factors to the success of KAAY. There were always several contests going at once. A variety of contests with different ways to enter, were key factors. In those days, many of the proof of listeners was from the mail that was received from across the country.

One contest I found a picture to support was the "Christmas in August" contest. I don't even remember the details, perhaps one of you can refresh my memory. I know it involved Jim Pitcock whose air name was Ron Owens (I think). We thought it was so funny to dress skinny Jim in a Santa suit with NO padding and drive him around in a convertible in the heat of an Arkansas August."

http://kaay1090.blogspot.com/2006/08/never-91-caller.html

I don't know the reason for the title, "Never the 91 caller", only A.J. knew for sure...so, if there is anyone out there who remembers the details of this contest, please e-mail me, so I can add your comments here for everyone to enjoy!

Thanks, A.J.

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

Retro Post: Christmas In August

 

 

Some of you may remember this from A.J.'s blog- and, it being August, I thought it would be fun looking back and remembering!  In the words of A.J., with link added:

"This picture is from a Christmas in August promotion we ran at KAAY. The Santa in the dark sun glasses is Jim Pitcock with no fat padding. We thought this was such a great gag and had him ride around in a convertible with the top down. People were to put signs in their yard for Santa to see as he drove around. Prizes were awarded for the best signs. I forgot what the prizes were, but it was a great successful contest."

Jim Pitcock was a slim, lanky fellow, from the pictures we have of him.  He was "Ron Owens" during his tenure at KAAY, for those who are wondering.  I certainly hope his suit is cooler than my Santa suit- I'm comfortable only if it is in the mid-30s to lower 40s in mine!

THIS is something that brought in great reviews of the station- its unusual contests and promotions.  What with consolidation and ever-tight budgets, radio stations can only seem to make an appearance at a store opening and hand out a few T-shirts, etc. while blaring music piped in from the studio while on-site...certainly not the great quality stuff KAAY and other stations of yesteryear did.

Thanks to A.J. Lindsey for this fun picture- we could only hope we could have been there!  By the way, has anyone reading this post attended any of KAAY's Christmas In August promotions?

http://kaay1090.blogspot.com/2007/11/still-on-strke.html

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

Focus On The Newsmakers 5/12/1968

George Jennings, Managing Editor of the KAAY News Department, again heads up this 30-minute news magazine.  Good ad about the Salvation Army after the introduction....

The first interviews were about the controversy of mixed drinks and whether or not bars could serve such.  My, it seems there was such  a to-do about what was considered a high-priority ruling by the Attorney General.

More problems existed over this issue...and many interpretations and opinions!


(or download here)
Thanks, Greg!

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

Various Commercials (Tape 1/26/1971)

Here are various commercials, no bloopers, great finished products for air on KAAY!  Well, maybe a blooper or two...

-Levon Buick, against the theme song "Shaft"...a hidden connotation or meaning?

-Moses Record Shop, a great place to shop in the day!

-the rock opera "Jesus Christ Superstar", Robinson Auditorium, December 5

-Ray Moody's "My Father" program at 6PM, concerning a young lady almost losing her life during an abortion.

-Jonnie King with "The Fig Leaf" clothing store ads.

-and more!


(or download here)
Greg B. and I are going down to The Fig Leaf to get some funky threads...thanks, Greg!

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

Wilbur Mills Political Commercials 8/26/1971

Here are various political commercials for Wilbur Mills.  This tape sounds like it had survived quite well.

Can someone name those deejays in the commercials?  I think the Mighty Wayne Moss was in one of them.


(or download here)


Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

Casey Kasem, American Top 40

One of the most fond memories I had growing up was listening to Casey Kasem's "American Top 40".  It was a syndicated show, aired every Saturday, and some Sundays, over radio stations worldwide.  Yes, NOT just stateside...Casey's show played on Armed Forces Radio and TV Services and variations thereof, for the troops overseas.  Back then, we didn't have the satellite links as we do today- the only way the show was heard was when the tapes were shipped to the particular radio stations in the theater of operations, or aired by shortwave on the Armed Forces Radio networks.

During my troubled youth, American Top 40, and Casey's smooth delivery thereof, was of comfort to me...as well as music in general and my dedication to KAAY, et. al.  I always searched for the unusual and I guess listening to this show both via regular stateside AM radio AND by shortwave on AFRTS sated my cravings.  Funny, how I could listen to this, and other shows, on my grandfather's old 1953 Zenith Transoceanic (of which I possess today!).

And, as a dedication to Casey Kasem, I've gotten permission from my friend Thom Whetston, of the AFRTS Archive blog, to post the American Top 40 Roundup for 1977...the year I graduated from high school.  Boy, these songs bring back some bittersweet memories:










There had been a rumor that this show was aired on KAAY, either before or after Beaker Street- but I don't get a response from the person who said it, nor can I find anyone who can confirm this.  As per David. B. Treadway. KAAY did not air syndicated material...

Casey Kasem went on to what some of us call "radio heaven" on June 5, 2014- but we can all remember what he said at the end of each and every show:

"Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars!"

Thanks to Thom Whetston for this material, and the permission to post thereof.

Thank you, Casey, for soothing this savage beast...see you later....

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

The Ray And Ram Show #6 - Back on the Radio 1983

Alas, the show must end- for now....

...until more is unearthed!  Maybe "Tony Marlar" will let us have more audio via YouTube!?!?  Thank you, "Tony"!

Hang on, here's more Ray Lincoln! 

This is Ray's return to Little Rock radio on KLAZ(FM) in April 1983, after a two year hiatus from KAAY/KLPQ.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kllv2lmaomE

Or, listen/download from here:

(or download here)

Once again, thanks to Greg Barman for his great help in archiving and linking to these audio gems!

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

July 4, 2014

(Edited for accuracy...I had the wrong war bs)

Today is a sad day for me- but, in away, I am joyous.  Just after dawn's early light, we lost a friend, a warrior and a brother, Clifford Shirah at age 86 years young.   Cliff the warrior served in the Armed Forces in Korea (25th Infantry Division, U. S. Army, wounded in battle)...Cliff, my friend and brother, showed many what love and sharing was all about ...

I am sad that Cliff is gone- but I am joyous that Cliff ran his race and ran it well, now receiving his reward in heaven.  I know I'll see Cliff again, as certain as I can be....

Cliff has nothing to do with KAAY- but he has eveything to do with fighting for this country's freedom.   Cliff had no problem telling anyone he loved them and that he prayed for them, this gentle warrior- and I am growing bolder, as Cliff has led by example.  I have realized that I have come to the point in life where I have more yesterdays that I do tomorrows-  and, as some of you have personally witnessed, I do not hide my encouragment or good feelings for your well-being.  With that said, do not hesitate thanking those who secured your freedom- any day, anywhere, anytime.

Thank you, Cliff, for being all these to me, and others around you.  I'll see you again one day...rest well,  gentle warrior....

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)

The Last Of The "Steve Scott" Pics- And One Of My Own!

I believe this is the last shot I have of Steve at the concert...this one, another night shot...I'll bet he was really having fun...I wonder how his boss Wayne Moss thought of Steve's performance?  Maybe it got him a raise!

Again, look at that grin!  You know, it looks like people at that concert were pretty well behaved...at the stage's edge, but not crushing or belligerent.  Steve must've done a good job of keeping them in line!

OK, fast forward to "today"...I'd posted a picture of Steve a good while back, the first time I met him.  This is one I took at one of my Amateur Radio swapfests ("The Satsuma 'Tail-Gator'").  With him is his best friend "Toby" whom he rescued from the streets.  Looks like the little feller is well-taken care of!

Oh, one more, why not?

As you can see, it was late in the day and most of the "Tail-Gator" participants had left, but a good time was had by all.  The best time of MY day was when Steve showed up with these pictures and allowed me to snap the last two!  The book you see him holding is on a subject I love- antennas!  The ARRL (Amateur Radio Relay League) Antenna Book is a staple of "Hams" everywhere... the best improvement one can do to ANY station is in the antenna system.  That's precisely why KAAY's signal was so powerful- and flung Steve's and others' voices halfway 'round the world!

Thanks to Steve Morris, "Steve Scott", for sharing his pictures from early in his career with KAAY!  Please let him know you enjoyed them by leaving a comment or two on these posts!

"Ladies and gentlemen...BOOOMMM!...Steve Scott! K-A-A-Y!..."

Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)