From one of our blog friends, Thom Whetston, of the AFRTS Archive (see the link under Mighty 1090's Friends on the right), here is a note for the interpretation of a previous letter from Cuba:
"Hi Bud:
This is rough, but it’s pretty much what the Cuban was saying in his letter on your blog:
Havana 12 March 1974
I'm one of the listeners of KAAY and Beeker St. For me this is the best program in the world with a high musical quality.
From the musical interpretations I prefer Rare Earth and Alice Cooper.
I'm also addicted to the music of Grand Funk and Led Zepplin.
I'd like to give you a list of my favorite groups:
Led Zepplin
Grand Funk
Alice Cooper
Rare Earth
I'd really like an Alice Cooper poster."
It looks like in the other Cuban letter, the writer mentioned posters for Jimi Hendrix, Santana and Black Sabbath....
Thanks, Thom! I've lost the ability to read & speak Spanish, since I never use it any more. And be sure to visit Thom's fine blog, regarding the history of the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service, he has plenty of studio-quality audio there, of those who served and aired great music and programs to our armed forces all over the world. We salute you, Thom, for your service and those who served!
Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)
Friday, August 31, 2012
One More Cuban-language Letter
Another letter, compliments of Wayne Moss! What can I say that already hasn't been said...but these dedicated listeners took the time, effort and RISK to write to KAAY to express their appreciation!
Thank you, Wayne....
Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Cuban-Language Letter To KAAY
Another offering from Wayne Moss, this one in Spanish.
Music is a universal language, cutting across all borders; the writer thought enough to write to what obviously was, if not one of, the listener's favorite radio station. Again, another wonderful piece of history and testament of KAAY's signal strength.
Thank you, Wayne!
Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)
Music is a universal language, cutting across all borders; the writer thought enough to write to what obviously was, if not one of, the listener's favorite radio station. Again, another wonderful piece of history and testament of KAAY's signal strength.
Thank you, Wayne!
Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)
Friday, August 24, 2012
"The Warehouse" Memorial Project!
(Bobby Wahl sent in the information below and is a very worthwhile project, PLUS a chance to obtain a great piece of history!)
THE WAREHOUSE, ... the New Orleans legendary rock venue is being immortalized in a brick and stone memorial on the grounds where it once stood on Tchoupitoulas (chop pa too lus) Street.
Check out our plan to bring the memory back at
WWW.WAREHOUSEPOSTER.COM
with your help we can bring back the vibe.
WWW.WAREHOUSEPOSTER.COM
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Stateside DX Letter
Here is a nice reception letter from Garry Lodge, of Walnut Creek, California! This state wasn't in the humongous RF pathway of KAAY's signal, so I'll bet this was a difficult catch, even with KING off the air- and only for fifteen minutes, because of Mexico interfering!
At least he was honest about the music...but he thought enough to send in a report!
Garry, if you see this (or if someone knows Garry and can get in touch with him), please contact me at my e-mail address below! Thanks again to Wayne Moss for this one of many letters!
Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
"It" REALLY Hit Home This Past Weekend....
Clyde Clifford said at the end of each "Beaker Street" program, "Tell the folks you love that you love them, because you might not have that opportunity tomorrow." That really hit home with me when I attended my 35th class reunion this past weekend (August 18, 2012). The first thing I saw at the sign-up table was those who weren't with us any more....
After high school, many of us were swallowed up by work, college, family, what-have-you. I was one of those, working full-time and in college full-time as well...and then I graduated, I was so buried in life, I had little or no time for friends, just work aquaintances, for these thirty-five years. This weekend reminded me of some of the greatest, most fun times of my life. Changed? Yes, we have. But the memories and the personal reunions were sweet.
Hours later, I visited the table one more time before we left; I knew about a couple of folks and got reasons for the others' deaths- some tragic, some accidental, all seemingly unnecessary in their young lives. I knew many of these schoolmates from elementary school and, buried as I was in my own little world, I missed their lives. Clyde's words came back to me over and over this weekend. As I write this I am sorrowed that I didn't keep in touch with my own closest friends. Our class wasn't just a class- it was a family. As enamored as I am with the deejays I grew up listening to on KAAY, I am ashamed that I didn't pay attention to this family of friends.
So, with that, do as Clyde says...be sure to tell those friends you do love them, that they mean something to you...before it's too late....
Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)
After high school, many of us were swallowed up by work, college, family, what-have-you. I was one of those, working full-time and in college full-time as well...and then I graduated, I was so buried in life, I had little or no time for friends, just work aquaintances, for these thirty-five years. This weekend reminded me of some of the greatest, most fun times of my life. Changed? Yes, we have. But the memories and the personal reunions were sweet.
Hours later, I visited the table one more time before we left; I knew about a couple of folks and got reasons for the others' deaths- some tragic, some accidental, all seemingly unnecessary in their young lives. I knew many of these schoolmates from elementary school and, buried as I was in my own little world, I missed their lives. Clyde's words came back to me over and over this weekend. As I write this I am sorrowed that I didn't keep in touch with my own closest friends. Our class wasn't just a class- it was a family. As enamored as I am with the deejays I grew up listening to on KAAY, I am ashamed that I didn't pay attention to this family of friends.
So, with that, do as Clyde says...be sure to tell those friends you do love them, that they mean something to you...before it's too late....
Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)
Thursday, August 16, 2012
ELVIS IN LITTLE ROCK, 1972...

It was a Major Event ! Elvis Aron Presley was on his way to Barton Colesium in Little Rock...and he'd be there on April 17th, 1972 ! Can you understand the excitement & anticipation that was felt by all of us at that time ?
Elvis lived in Memphis, just 140 Miles from L.R., and he was "one of us" if you comprehend the Mid-South nature of that area. You might not feel the same way in D.C., Provo, Utah, or, Bangor, Maine...but if you lived where we did at the time, Elvis was an integral part of our cultural geography.
I was the Music Director at KAAY at that time, and as such I was the most popular guy in town: everybody wanted tickets to see Elvis, and I was the one who they thought could help 'em out !

Well, that 1972 Concert came and went, it was fantastic and was an important part of my personal "bond" with Elvis. But, my link with Elvis had actually begun in 1956, linked further in 1964, and, culminated with his death on August 16, 1977...just three days after my birthday.
Therefore, on the 35th Anniversary of his death, and the start of a new "decade" for yours truly, I thought it was time that I share my memories, rare personal items from my Archives, pix, and, my thoughts on the various stages of my life with all of you...as you, and KAAY, have been one of the MOST important parts of my stay here on Terra Firma.
I've also asked my friend, "The King Of The Kustomizers", GEORGE BARRIS, to add his memories of Elvis as he created a fantastic Cadillac Limo for "The King".
PLUS, and this is important, you'll hear an ACTUAL National News Bulletin announcing the Death of Elvis.
Thank you for all of YOUR help, support, and, love that you've shown me through the years. Here's the Link:http://www.legends.thewwbc.net/gpage153.html
God Bless you all, and R.I.P. Elvis, my thanks to you...from one humble King to another.
J.K.

It was a Major Event ! Elvis Aron Presley was on his way to Barton Colesium in Little Rock...and he'd be there on April 17th, 1972 ! Can you understand the excitement & anticipation that was felt by all of us at that time ?
Elvis lived in Memphis, just 140 Miles from L.R., and he was "one of us" if you comprehend the Mid-South nature of that area. You might not feel the same way in D.C., Provo, Utah, or, Bangor, Maine...but if you lived where we did at the time, Elvis was an integral part of our cultural geography.
I was the Music Director at KAAY at that time, and as such I was the most popular guy in town: everybody wanted tickets to see Elvis, and I was the one who they thought could help 'em out !

Well, that 1972 Concert came and went, it was fantastic and was an important part of my personal "bond" with Elvis. But, my link with Elvis had actually begun in 1956, linked further in 1964, and, culminated with his death on August 16, 1977...just three days after my birthday.
Therefore, on the 35th Anniversary of his death, and the start of a new "decade" for yours truly, I thought it was time that I share my memories, rare personal items from my Archives, pix, and, my thoughts on the various stages of my life with all of you...as you, and KAAY, have been one of the MOST important parts of my stay here on Terra Firma.
I've also asked my friend, "The King Of The Kustomizers", GEORGE BARRIS, to add his memories of Elvis as he created a fantastic Cadillac Limo for "The King".
PLUS, and this is important, you'll hear an ACTUAL National News Bulletin announcing the Death of Elvis.
Thank you for all of YOUR help, support, and, love that you've shown me through the years. Here's the Link:http://www.legends.thewwbc.net/gpage153.html
God Bless you all, and R.I.P. Elvis, my thanks to you...from one humble King to another.
J.K.
"Code Article", Re; KAAY
Another great offering from Wayne Moss! Wayne said Pat Walsh sent this to him and Wayne thought that we should have it for the blog. Nice little piece of intrigue, yes? Even years later, the saga of KAAY's involvement during the Cuban Missile Crisis lives on!
Thanks to Wayne Moss for this interesting piece of history!
Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)
Monday, August 13, 2012
It's Me And Barry Mac!
Once again, Barry Mac, the Man who ran the board for Clyde Clifford (and most of the evening) on April 3, 1985 was in Mobile and stopped so we could visit for a few moments! Barry was on the way home from Destin, FL, where he spent a restful, well-deserved vacation. As you can see he and I are standing in front of my "rolling Ham shack", where he's holding some KAAY bumper stickers from the mid-1970s era. "Steve Scott" gave me some and I wanted Barry to have a few as a "thank you" for stopping by.
What a thrill to once again stand in the shadow of one of The Greats of KAAY...thank you, Barry!
Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)
Friday, August 10, 2012
Eric Thomas, KAAY August 1981 (Clip 2)
This seems as if it was the precursor to the previous August broadcast...or one similar to it. The "Seventies at Seven" were aired, but there is not a definitive date for it, only that it came from a Thursday night in August 1981. Still "in for the vacationing Bo Rider", Eric is continuing on the night-time shift, with a 'scoped audio offering.
(or download here)
Still doggoned HOT at night, according to Eric's weather reporting! Things have not changed in the thirty-one years since this broadcast, either, I don't care WHAT they say!
Tipping a sweaty baseball cap the way of Russell Wells for his audio contribution!
Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)
(or download here)
Still doggoned HOT at night, according to Eric's weather reporting! Things have not changed in the thirty-one years since this broadcast, either, I don't care WHAT they say!
Tipping a sweaty baseball cap the way of Russell Wells for his audio contribution!
Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Jerry Sims Remembered
A year ago today, dear visitor, we lost a dear friend, Jerry Sims, who was "Sonny Martin II" back in the mid- to late-1960s at KAAY. This is a picture from an obituary on the KATV website, where he was presented an award and was inducted into the Arkansas Softball Hall of Fame on July 2, 2011:
http://www.katv.com/story/15239156/arkansas-softball-hall-of-famer-died-doing-what-he-loved
I have inquired if there was a video available; at the time this post was composed, there was a "we'll see what we can do" but not a firm promise. It would be nice to have for the blog, with credits of course...
Clyde Clifford always said, "Tell the folks you love that you love them, because, tomorrow, you may not be able to do it." I never told Jerry that and I'm sorry. In the meantime, of the great friends I have made through this blog, I try to tell them from time to time...
...Jerry, we love you....
Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)
http://www.katv.com/story/15239156/arkansas-softball-hall-of-famer-died-doing-what-he-loved
I have inquired if there was a video available; at the time this post was composed, there was a "we'll see what we can do" but not a firm promise. It would be nice to have for the blog, with credits of course...
Clyde Clifford always said, "Tell the folks you love that you love them, because, tomorrow, you may not be able to do it." I never told Jerry that and I'm sorry. In the meantime, of the great friends I have made through this blog, I try to tell them from time to time...
...Jerry, we love you....
Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)
Monday, August 6, 2012
Eric Thomas, KAAY, August 1981 (Clip 1)
"...in for the vacationing Bo Rider..." this is Eric Thomas once again! "Seventies at Seven" were mentioned, so I suppose this was an evening broadcast? 'Scoped but still wonderful history...
Over the last several posts, I have not remembered hearing the dual identifier any more ("KAAY, KQ-94").
More cool early 80's music! This seems like a studio recording, because of no fade, clean cut-offs- well, mostly- I heard one or two tape draw-ups!
(or download here)
A tip o' the hat to Dave S. for his ever-appreciated help in bringing these audio clips to the blog- and to Russell Wells for his help in unearthing great KAAY audio history!
Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)
Over the last several posts, I have not remembered hearing the dual identifier any more ("KAAY, KQ-94").
More cool early 80's music! This seems like a studio recording, because of no fade, clean cut-offs- well, mostly- I heard one or two tape draw-ups!
(or download here)
A tip o' the hat to Dave S. for his ever-appreciated help in bringing these audio clips to the blog- and to Russell Wells for his help in unearthing great KAAY audio history!
Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
KAAY DX Letter
We have another letter from Wayne Moss! This one, we've seen before, when we discussed how well (or not) KAAY's signal travelled the globe. This letter is where someone "dx'ed" (heard from a great distance) KAAY while they were broadcasting a game.
Enjoy, again, this little piece of history from 1971!
Thanks again to Wayne Moss, who shared this wonderful item with us so we could view it again!
Looking for more KAAY mail, i am,
Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)
Enjoy, again, this little piece of history from 1971!
Thanks again to Wayne Moss, who shared this wonderful item with us so we could view it again!
Looking for more KAAY mail, i am,
Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
KAAY Reunion Rescheduled Per Barry Mac
Just wanted to let you know that I went to the blog and saw the posting for KAAY's 50th birthday bash, and figured I should let you know that we've changed the date to the 14th. This was done primarily so we could have Rex Nelson as a guest speaker. I know that as far as radio, and specifically KAAY radio, goes, this means little to nothing for most people outside of Arkansas, but Rex is a native Arkansan who has mostly been in the political arena, working in former Gov. Mike Huckabee's administration and writing columns for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. But the main appeal of having Rex present is his superior knowledge of all things Arkansas, which extends into virtually all things broadcasting in Arkansas. In fact, for almost three decades, one of Rex's side jobs has been announcing games for Ouachita Baptist University. And a further fact, he wasn't going to be available on September 7th because he was going to be doing a road game for OBU on Saturday the 8th, and would have to leave the afternoon of the 7th to travel there. Also, an old radio cohort of mine named Jay Brentlinger was going to be out of the country on the 7th, but he's returning on the 12th, and should be available to attend. Jay was a very young assistant to Felix McDonald in the early '80s, and for a number of years has been working as a technical supervisor for Orban, which makes all sorts of radio broadcasting processors and equipment. Jay is also one of many who wants to preserve the old RCA transmitter.
So anyway, we've confirmed the move to the 14th, and I promise, it won't be moved again.
BMac
Folks, see the previous post for contact information on this very important reunion! Bud S.
So anyway, we've confirmed the move to the 14th, and I promise, it won't be moved again.
BMac
Folks, see the previous post for contact information on this very important reunion! Bud S.
Monday, July 30, 2012
KAAY 50th Anniversary Reunion!
The KAAY 50th anniv. celebration has been set. It will be Fri. Sept. 7th @ The Oyster Bar on Markham Street. The festivities will start @ 6:30 with a social and start the program around 7:30.
Anyone who worked @ KAAY from 1962-85 who would like to attend please let us know. It is RSVP because there is only so much space. Planning somewhere between 25-40 people. You can contact Barry Mac @ bmccorkindale@gmail.com or me @ vdogirish@yahoo.com. Will have details on prices at a later date once we know how many are attending. Please let us know at least one week in advance so we can turn in our final numbers. Barry and I visited with the owner of The Oyster Bar for nearly four hours last night. Also, she is a native of Barry's hometown of Harrison, Ar.
(per Doug Virden in an e-mail to Bud S.)
Anyone who worked @ KAAY from 1962-85 who would like to attend please let us know. It is RSVP because there is only so much space. Planning somewhere between 25-40 people. You can contact Barry Mac @ bmccorkindale@gmail.com or me @ vdogirish@yahoo.com. Will have details on prices at a later date once we know how many are attending. Please let us know at least one week in advance so we can turn in our final numbers. Barry and I visited with the owner of The Oyster Bar for nearly four hours last night. Also, she is a native of Barry's hometown of Harrison, Ar.
(per Doug Virden in an e-mail to Bud S.)
Sunday, July 22, 2012
40 YEARS AGO: "THE SUMMER OF '72" !
I've had some problems lately, feeling better...but, as we all know: Life gets shorter everyday. SO, with our 3rd Anniversary underway, I thought I'd "Flashback" 40 YEARS AGO to that truly magical KAAY: "Summer of '72" !
This
is one of my favorite Airchecks ! It shows how much fun Rock & Roll "Top
40" Radio was in the 50's, 60's, and, 70's !
KAAY/LITTLE
ROCK...IN THE "SUMMER OF '72" !
Summertime in Little Rock was was
always a "hot one"...but, inside the "Big K" Studios, it was sometimes even
hotter because of the pace, the excitement, the promotions, and, the super-neat
music we played.
SO, for the next few minutes,
just sit back, relax, and enjoy all of the info, pix, and, fun that we were
having at "The Mighty 1090": KAAY/Little Rock !
Just click-on this Link, listen, and, enjoy !
PS: I'll be making my yearly trek to Salina, Kansas for the Big Kustom Kemps Of America 32nd Annual Leadsled Spectacular this week ! The Crusin' & Cars start piling in on Thursday, July 26...and the Event continues to Sunday July 29.
Lots of Interviews with the Rod & Custom Pioneers/Legends for my Hall Of Fame Legends Website (Now beaming into all 50 States & 124 Countries !) If you're in the area, stop by and say "Hi" !
(For complete info, just go to: http://www.legends.thewwbc.net
(For complete info, just go to: http://www.legends.thewwbc.net
My best to all !
Jonnie King
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Another Yucatan, MX DX Report!
Again, thanks to Wayne Moss for sharing some of these letters with us! They are a truly historical wonders!
Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Humor From Jim Cleveland
Jim Cleveland, friend of Charlie Scarbrough/"Charlie King", rigged this little cartoon up for your enjoyment. Thanks, Jim!
(Maybe I'll get him to paste some REAL KAAY folks' heads on cartoon bodies?!?!?)
Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)
Sunday, July 15, 2012
We're Three Years Young!
HOT DIGGETY DAWG! With help from so many wonderful people, we've made it once again! Who'd've ever thunk it?
Just about the time I think we're going to run slack of material, here comes another load of audio, a visual tidbit, or something to save our tail from languishing- all due to the unselfishness of collectors, the love of the station by former jocks and other personnel and devoted listeners...ALL who are and were important in KAAY's history! Folks, without YOU, we would wither on the vine!
Suffice it to say, we've had an abundance of things come our way, that we've been able to schedule ahead of time, to free us up to continue to search at a less frenzied pace...but we're always on the search. So please, don't ever think your contribution isn't important- BECAUSE IT IS!
My greatest thanks to Dave S., who has stuck by the blog with his extreme patience of my computer ignorace and who has lent that wonderful knowledge to bring you many, many KAAY audio bites and improvements to this blog...and to Greg Barman, who has lent his incredible audio expertise to rescuing otherwise dead and broken tapes and converting it all so that we can use it here on the blog. Without these guys, this blog would be nowhere as exciting or appealing as it has been!
Being a labor of love, may we labor long....
Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)
Friday, July 13, 2012
Eric Thomas, KAAY, July 1981
Here is a mid-day shift, with Eric Thomas and the "Kay-Why Original Oldies Party". Obviously mid-July, because of the high temperatures Eric was reporting!
"Scoped, but still nostalgic and enjoyable...Kay-Why", Kay-Double-Ay-Why" identifiers abound. Lots of early rock-n-roll stars, too!
(or download here)
After the "Oldies Party" is over, rock of the 1981 era resumes....someone yelled "Be there!" behind Eric at about 5:41, re: the Jefferson Square Parking lot...wonder who that was?
Thanks again to Russell Wells for sharing this audio goodie and to Dave S. for sharing his computer skills, bringing this to you to enjoy!
Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)
"Scoped, but still nostalgic and enjoyable...Kay-Why", Kay-Double-Ay-Why" identifiers abound. Lots of early rock-n-roll stars, too!
(or download here)
After the "Oldies Party" is over, rock of the 1981 era resumes....someone yelled "Be there!" behind Eric at about 5:41, re: the Jefferson Square Parking lot...wonder who that was?
Thanks again to Russell Wells for sharing this audio goodie and to Dave S. for sharing his computer skills, bringing this to you to enjoy!
Bud S. (staceys4@hotmail.com)
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