Lance also advises stations, talent and brands on digital content strategies, programming integrations, and brand extensions. wxyz, cklw, and wknr. WCHB was the first black-owned radio station built from the ground up. RADIO ONLINE offers the latest radio industry news, radio show prep, radio promotions, radio station data and more. Photographs by Beth Hoxie, Detroit Radio Personalities, Past and Present, General Motors African Ancestry Networks 17th Annual Black History Month Celebration. With Wolfs exit, it was out with the older traditions the station seemed to have embodied throughout the many years previous. I sure do miss the on-air personalities of the time. And WXYZ had the most popular disk jockey in all of Detroit during that time both radio and TV . Since the format flip in 2018, Lepidi started The Julia Show in Chicago at B96. for a greater market share they once dominated in recent years. The 27-hour radio fundraiser, organized by Ron Smerigan, Director, Media Integration, Cumulus Detroit, aired on 760 WJR and featured 760 WJR on-air personalities Radio Hall of Famer Paul W. Smith, Sean Baligian, Marie Osborne, Tom Jordan, Chris Renwick, Lloyd . Martin and Howard were hired . With the Fred Wolf era gone and out of the picture, Fritz extended his sights in search for a younger (but calmer, more contemporary) voice in filling the morning void. Banks was on-air for 30 years for an urban radio format. THE DETROIT SOUND SURVEY: OCTOBER 10, 1966, Your email address will not be published. WWJ is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. All rights reserved. Pages in category "Radio personalities from Detroit" The following 65 pages are in this category, out of 65 total. Concerts Druski - Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda Tour Mar 10, 2023. For the latest on Lee Alan today, go to his website blogroll and click on Lee Alans blog. He used to golf with him at West Shore in Grosse Ile. Tony Ortiz has also been elevated as new afternoon co-anchor, teaming with Jackie Paige from 2-7pm ET. And we had a terrific time doing it.. Thank you Larry and may God Bless Since then, and especially when the show moved to FM radio, Valenti has become one of the most well-known radio personalities in Detroit. Kasem passed away in 2014. The name itself would come to be one of the most popular and recognized names ever in 60s Detroit radio history. and turned CKLW into the BIG 8. I was so proud and honored that Lee actually took the time to read the e-mail personally. One last thing. Such latter-day legends as Jim "J.J." Johnson, Doug Podell, Allan Wilson, and Frank Beckmann are expected to make an appearance as well. Which Jack McCarthy? Growing up in Jackson, Paar started his career at, A disc jockey for WXYZ for two years in the 50s. Yet, the station found itself still mired at third in the top 40 market. Jim Harper, who has been heard on Michigan airwaves intermittently for more than 40 years, announced his retirement today from his current post at WMGC (105.1-FM). 1,456 talking about this. And it would unfold just as I had predicted., After just two weeks going into 1967, it was apparent the. From interviewing Bruno Mars to dressing up as a leprechaun at Rosie OGradys, having a morning show and was live on Saturday nights from Luna. WXYZ-FM: ERP 27,000 watts. They spent 22 years on the radio at WRIF and . Johnson will also continue serving as the station's midday show host, weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. His show was still on in Cleveland last I heard. looking for the signoff song at 12am by sinatra. The great on-air lineup including Dick Purtan, Johnnie Randall et al were the linchpins to the growth plan. Replacing Bruce Still, Lee moved into his new position in March of that year. , Where is John E. Smooth Edwards? A Southfield High School graduate, the former WDRQ radio personality learned his skills at his high school radio station. It was during this time WXYZ was then battling Storer-owned WJBK and RKO Generals CKLW for the Top 40 crown in the Motor City. Detroit was bigger, but that doesn't always equal nicer. Click here to learn more about his 3 million followers on TikTok. WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL MEMORIES. Thankyou! Following the news, many current and former 97.1 The ticket personalities took to Twitter to pay their respects to Jamie. Regards Lee Alan. In the early 2000s, Henson moved to Detroits Talk WKRK-FM and created a ground-breaking hybrid FM Hot Talk show, Motor City Middays, with Michelle McKormick. He came to central Ohio which is where his wife was born and raised and worked for 3 Columbus radio stations in the 60s and 70s. When first starting out in Detroit, the personality hosted Jay Towers and the Morning Revolution for six years. He has also hosted and programmed Sports 1130 WDFN and 1270 WXYT Detroit, 950 WPEN Philadelphia, 970 WBGG Pittsburgh 1300 KVET Austin and 105.3 KRLD-FM Dallas and News/Talk 1190 WOWO Fort Wayne during his career. By years end, WXYZ was now a slight 24 from the previous 22% they held in 1965. WWJ Newsradio 950 announces new anchor lineup, Michigan man strangles girlfriend after hours of arguing, tells police he 'couldn't take it anymore': MSP, Featured Image Photo Credit: WWJ Newsradio 950, Legal fight over student debt a prelude to political battle, The Carters: What you know may be wrong (or not quite right), At G-20, high expectations for India as rising global power, Labor judge: Starbucks violated worker rights in union fight, Carbon dioxide emissions reached a record high in 2022. Jerry Lubin, who was among the pioneering air personalities in the city's burgeoning FM radio scene during the late 60s and. How did it happen? The stations playlist now comprised mostly the nations most popular records from the Billboard charts, and by 1962 WXYZ was center stage of what was happening in and around town. The Detroit native was a newspaper sportswriter and columnist for 36 years, including at the Detroit Free Press for six . DEERNEST@UMICH.EDU. and on the television side Club 1270 was gaining Detroit audience popularity asJoel SabastianandLee Alanintroduced the hottest WIXIE hits on WXYZ-TV. No. In the 1930s and 40s, WXYZ created and brought Detroit and the country great radio programming such as Eddie Chases popular Make Believe Ballroom and as well, serials such as the legendary The Lone Ranger, popularized nationally through Mutual affiliated stations after its premiere on WXYZ in 1933. A couple of nites after Lee initial broadcast on WOMC, I wrote a letter titled Fire Breathing Machines, Lee actually read it on-air. That in 1966 the listeners instead. Where did Joe Bacarella jr go when he left the radio business? Very kind man who had a great career. In a group of items I won at an auction there was an unused round sticker for the WXYZ 1270 Batman Club. Memories From the Soundtrack of Your Life, Regarding the very last name listed, Don Zee.I believe he was also on CKLW overnights at least in 66 & 67 before he went to Texas where he passed from a cleaning his gun incident. The new jingles custom were produced in Chicago byDick Marx Productions for Lee Alan and were beautifully sung for WXYZ by the famous Anita Kerr Singers. He loved reminiscing about many of the people you have listed on this site. By late-summer 1965, the veteran morning-broadcaster, WXYZ, under the direction of Chuck Fritz, the 37-year old general manager at the station since 1963, was by then re-structuring the stations appeal for a younger audience. When they were at the station, being number one was no big deal. I have a letter from Jack McCarthy if anyone would care to have it. By Januarys end Lee Alan was gone. Also, according to the Billboard issue dated above, WXYZ was now ranked third at 22% below CKLWs 34% and WKNRs 44% share of the Detroit market overall, in that order. 2023 Audacy, Inc. All rights reserved. "Her career was her life, she just loved music," said her son Mir Loving.. THE VILLAGES FL 32163 Dunbar got his start in college at Michigan State, where he did play-by-play football for East Lansings WKAR. Veteran sports radio personality Rico Beard is joining 97.1 The Ticket as the new partner for Mike Valenti in the popular weekday . I read your posting and was moved by your remembrances of Club 1270 and the Casino. Lepidis personality on and off air is as colorful as her hair. Is he still around? Anyways, it has been great going down memory lane. Thanks for considering posting this overlooked top R&B DJ. These historic radio broadcasts were produced locally from the stations annex-studios, located at the former Mendelson building on East Jefferson Avenue in Detroit. He passed away long before I was born but has always lived as a legend in my mind and heart. Music News. Radio 1270 became the hottest commodity on the radio dial for local music venues and dance entertainment. If you call 1-866- SOUL-JAM, you can cast your vote to McBride directly. Fact is that changing the format was the specific move that insured the failure of Martin and Howard. Reggie Reg Davis is a 30-year radio broadcast veteran. Times reporters broadcast their interviews with prominent persons from the day's news. Over on the radio dial, interspersed between network news and commentaries, music shows and local programming, WXYZ brought Detroiters Ozzie and Harriet, Corliss Archer and Big Time Boxing on Friday nights. I believe he was a newscaster on one of the Detroit radio stations in the 1940s and 1950s, maybe even into the 1960s. . But pleas towards Fritz to persuade ABC in New York to drop network programming fell on deaf ears. No longer were the deejays allowed to play whatever they wanted to play. The format was changed. Meanwhile, WXYZ, gained two percentage points from the 5 CKLW lost within a year. Do you remember the CKLW Batman sticker that we got when we joined the batman club in the 60s? The show broadcasts live on Saturdays from 2p-4p EST on AM 1200 WCHB and 99.9 FM Detroit. Fans of Detroit radio can celebrate the life and extraordinary career of Dick Purtan in a televised remembrance of his legendary journey as a radio personality and community philanthropist, to premiere on DPTV Sept. 15 at 9 p.m. as part of a "Detroit Remember When" segment. The end of a Detroit broadcasting legend. the scene was set for the end. The man who wore many hats in the Detroit music business. Your email address will not be published. It would be a Class II station. Add to your list of deceased Tom George of WJBK. . Only a handful have amassed the consecutive years of longevity achieved by Gaddis on the . Our drummer would call Joel Sabastian etc. These historic radio broadcasts were produced locally from the stations annex-studios, located at the former Mendelson building on East Jefferson Avenue in Detroit. But by the mid-50s WXYZ was in search of its own identity with ideas for newer audience appeal. After graduating from the University of Michigan, Banks built up his portfolio in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and San Francisco. Towers has been in the Detroit market since 1999. We had a rock band and used to play for free at sock hops etc. But the problem about network programming was still there. The radio personality moved out to LA in 2021 and has recently became syndicated. My sister married one of the members from the group. While he did not start his. Concerts Ari Lennox: Age/Sex/Location Tour 2023 Mar 16, 2023. Everything was so exciting as great personalities and music lit up the airwaves. That in 1966 the listeners instead wanted more of the music. The campaign worked and WDRQ changed format. . 25 Feb/23. Ill never forget new DJ Weird Beard coming on the dance show for the first time and being out of control wild. Few deejays had the special connection with the listeners and the artists that Regen did. He was hired with the hopes in retaining the older Wolf audience, while at the same time appeal to a younger audience being drawn to the New Radio 13 popularity on the radio dial. The three of us actually went to Chuck BEFORE Keener was launched while it was still WKMH. Detroiters also tuned in on WXYZ for the latest thrilling adventures of The Green Hornet, The Challenge of the Yukon (tailored after dog personality Rin-Tin-Tin). ${paramValue} on Audacy: Listen to Free Radio Online | Music, Sports, News, Podcasts Led by the legendary Mason and . He hardly ever went live on the air. Elizabeth Washington is a Digital News Editor and has been with Local 4 News since April 2022. Gibb was a teacher in Dearborn Public Schools for many years. It's a story about finding love at any. Even ex-Detroit Tiger Denny McLain, whom you may recall. Listen to the all-new WOMC for Detroit's Classic Hits! . We look forward to Greggs contributions to the next incredible chapter in the history of one of the countrys greatest Classic Rock stations., Henson remarked: Returning home to Michigan to work with Michelle McKormick and Cumulus is very exciting for me and my family. Copyright 2023 ClickOnDetroit.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566. I remember the Christmas party of 1966, Dave Prince jump into a snow bank, and for some reason the phrase Turkey Lurkey came about. Lee Alan. During the, some of the old radio names would leave WXYZ. Growing up his mother owned Simpsons Record Shop that was located by East McNichols Road and Joseph Campeau Avenue. I was a young teen when WXYZ was the top station. Wolf, never one for the new limitations or restrictions, had been with the station since the early 50s. Loves the Lions and all things Detroit too. What's driving the players behind Israel's legal overhaul? Anne is an on-air personality o n our newest station called Alt 106.7 (Detroit's New Alternative Station) She is a graduate of Michigan State University and loves music. Relive many of the classic 60s WXYZ Detroit Sound (some 40-plus total!) at times found themselves into a virtual ratings tie vying for the top 40 title on the dial, seemingly, with no end in sight. Was he released after the sexual harassment accusation? As a teen, to me, you and the horn were as close to teen heaven as it got.. Lee Alan also had written, composed and produced the music for the new Personality-Plus jingles package (click highlighted reference for audio) for the stations new sound for 1966. It is still available, here. It was always a great ending for his show. Meanwhile, WXYZ, gained two percentage points from the 5 CKLW lost within a year. At the station, there were those who were beginning to feel their efforts moving forward for a larger audience share was by now, possibly, being hampered by all the network programming fed into the Detroit affiliate out of New York. In concluding, Alan elaborated further,I still had hopes that ABC would kill the breakfast club and that listener-chasing hour and 20 minutes of news, 6 Oclock 5:55 when all of a sudden Bill Drake came into town and did exactlywhat Joel Sabastian, Dave Prince and I, had pleaded with Chuck Fritz to do back in 1963. One night he informed his followers what actually happened. By this time WXYZ radio had begun its fierce battle going full force head-to-head for top ratings going against Detroits top-rated WJBK 1500. I would be very curious if anyone knows anything about my grandfather, Lawrence Larry Kelley. Detroit radio was special, as were the personalities. The list Radio personalities from Detroit, Michigan includes George Noory, Casey Kasem, Paul W. Smith, Mike Wallace and Hugh Downs . News Talk WJR 760 AM - Detroit, MI - Listen to free internet radio, news, sports, music, and podcasts. He Was Also An Overnight DJ For WXYZ, Prior To the CKLW Stint All of DJs were a pleasure to work with. Dr Darrius Beyonce is Coming To Detroit Summer 2023 Feb 01, 2023. The event honored Sonny Eliot, the late Ernie Harwell, Specs Howard, Dick Purtan, and Robin Seymour. Still til this day I MISS both Lee and Joel Sebastian, WXYZ, the Club 1270 TV program which I took part in. Then Id listen to the 11:55 newscast and the first ten minutes of Don Zee with his zombie theme Tarantula by the Tarantulas. Memories From the Soundtrack of Your Life, A RETROSPECT INTO THE MAKING OF A GREAT DETROIT BROADCASTING LEGEND AND THE END OF A TOP 40 GIANT. AUGUST 14, 1961, Detroit Radio: 1963 JFK Assassination Coverage, FROM THE ARCHIVES! In the early and mid sixties WXYZ was absolutely my favorite station.Many a night i went to bed listening to Lee Alan who i still regard as 1 of the best DJs ever in Detroit. Hello My sister was also on the show as was the members of the Shades of Blue who had the record OH HOW HAPPY in 1966. Recently Lepidi won a Gracie Award for her interviews with artists such as Justin Bieber, Billie Eilish, Adele and many others. In 1995, Banks shows were starting to be syndicated. That it should be dropped. You can find him on Facebook today. For many at the station it only served as reminder who it was who still owned the station. Elizabeth Washington, Digital News Editor. It is absolutely true that Brother Joel Sebastian, Dave Prince, and I went to my late friend Chuck Fritz and literally begged him to champion the cause and petition the New York Brass (Hal Neal President ABC owned and Operated Stations) to drop the old, out dated network programming. And it would unfold just as I had predicted., After just two weeks going into 1967, it was apparent the top 40 run at WXYZ was finished, over and was done. Worked at the Rouge complex and was found by Tom Margellar who critiqued my released 45 which resulted in a very short and wonderful relationship about record collectiong and music in general. Bill Drake made the BIG 8 happen. The list consists of 66 members. Soon to be 80 and very young at heart. While he did not start his career in Detroit, Kasem learned his chops on the west coast in the 60s. We know the killer chemistry hes enjoyed best with Michelle McKormick, and paired with the comedic timing of Travis Gibbs, Mornings on WLAV will be transcendent and almost criminally funny., Derek J. Paul Winter was one other big name on WXYZ, I believe he followed Fred Wolf. Remember Nights with Alice Cooper? Tom's career in radio spanned more than four decades. He came from WCAR the low rated good music station and was able to convince ABC to concede. BIRMINGHAM (CBS RADIO) - The mysterious personality behind the late-night 'Pillow Talk' radio music show has died. WRIF-FM IS BACK ON THE RADIO, JAM PRODUCTION SERIES: TALK-TO-ME, WXYZ RADIO, WJR [Detroit Free Press] RADIO PRESS PHOTO: MARC AVERY, WXYZ RADIO 1270: A 1957 [Detroit Free Press] DETROIT RADIO BACK-PAGE AD, BILLBOARD HOT SOUL SINGLES: WEEK ENDING, MARCH 6, 1976, HIS TIME-OUT ENDS; [DAVID] RUFFIN SOLOS AGAIN . It was expected of us. Marie and Ed. Porsha Monique interviewing the legendary Detroit radio personality, John Mason of the "Mason & Coco in the Morning" radio show (Photo Credit: Raquelle Harris for Steed Media) John Mason. The top news/talk station in the city will now have the following hosts in these time slots. Here listed below is the ABC network programming line-up on WXYZ for a typical broadcast day, according to Billboard, July 17, 1965: WXYZ: 5,000 watts. ABC affiliate. Meanwhile, during a short stay in Cleveland in early 1966, Lee Alan discovered the sound of. I believe the first televised performance of My Girl by The Temptations was done on our show. We knew when the dance was over when Lee played Since I Fell For You by Lenny Welch. Yes Tarantula By the Tarantulas Immediately after the war years, in 1946, the station was sold and was purchased by the American Broadcasting Network in New York. Lee if you read this=you and Purtan were two of the reasons I got into this crazy business back in 1974ouch that was a long time ago. Starting in 1969, Dick has worked 51 years in radio news. This list may not reflect recent changes . Slagle initially came over to Detroit (WXYZ) from Cleveland in 1935. at WXYZ was finished, over and was done. Within the past hour, the heartbreaking news broke that Jamie Samuelsen of 97.1 The Ticket had died at the age of 48 after a battle with colon cancer. During the earlier top 40 transition period some of the old radio names would leave WXYZ. (AP Photo/File). there was a strict playlist with a more contemporary music format to follow. The same article mentions what it believed to be the salaries of select Detroit (then)-leading media personalities: Dick Purtan $5M, Drew & Mike $2M each, Chuck Gaidica, $1.2M, Carmen Harlan $1M+, John Mason $1M. I keep doing that every few minutes for at least an hour, but he kept ignoring me. Police said they found a 35-year-old woman and. Then For A Short TimeMorning ManTill The Drake Format Arrived. But certainly not for any lack in trying. I only recently ran across this article. By the Way, the original call letters before they were WXYZ, WGHP stood for George Harrison Phelps an advertising man who made his fortune working for the BBDO Agency on the Dodge account. When WXYZ insisted that I recommend hiring Martin & Howard we all knew that with the size of that investment at stake the station would back off and drop the mainstream audience format we had going. jim martin death couples massage class san diego beaver falls football detroit radio personalities. Detroit's R&B and Throwbacks Steve Harvey Morning Show. Despite the lowest ratings of the top 3, WXYZs The Marc Avery Show held the No. Under the Havana Treaty, CKLW would move from 1030 to 800 kHz and continue to have a power of 5,000 watts. This website uses cookies. The landscape for local talk radio, particularly programs focused on Detroit and African-American issues, has indeed morphed. "Solutions Not Slogans" hosted by radio personality Angie Starr of 105.9 KISS FM answered Detroit voters' questions about this year's election. Hailing from Troy, MI, Henson started his career at Classic Rock WCSX-FM in Detroit, and six years later, he headed to Detroits Sports Talk WDFN-AM as Director of Programming and Morning Show Host. No longer were the deejays allowed to play whatever, The top 40 formula at WXYZ was now growing in popularity on the Detroit radio dial. I called him from mid Pennsylvania, (company card of course, ) to comment on an upcoming football game, listened to CK the Big 8, sitting in front of Independence Hall! He died in a traffic accident on his way to work in 88. The new Keener Sound was by then fast retaining the largest rise in total market share in Detroit radio history. Required fields are marked *, A LOOK BACK INTO WHAT MADE THIS STATION GREAT, as one of the most storied and oldest broadcasting institution in Detroit or for that matter, the entire country. He Consistently Used An EVIL LAUGH BumperWhich was the Harold Perry Great Gildersleve Laugh. The disc jockey has interviewed big names like Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen and members of Queen. WXYZ, under the direction of Chuck Fritz, the 37-year old general manager at the station since 1963, was by then re-structuring the stations appeal for a younger audience. WXYZ was in fact the legend of which you speak. So instead of dropping the outdated programming they added more. More great information can be found in Dick Osgoods book: WYXIE Wonderland if you can find a rare copy. The first radio station in Detroit went on air Aug. 20, 1920. But ABC kept it there because they had national sponsors that bought in and were promised all the top 10 markets. Following Towers hosted a show at WXYT with Bill McAllister. I never talked to a nicer guy in my life while Joey was on the air. CUMULUS MEDIA announces that it has appointed well-known former Detroit radio personality Gregg Henson as On-Air Co-Host, Mornings, on heritage Classic Rock station 97 WLAV-FM (96.9) in Grand Rapids, MI. And WXYZ had the most popular disk jockey in all of Detroit during that time both radio and TV Ed McKenzie. According to Lees book, entitled, Turn Your Radio On, during the battle for ratings in 1966, Alan stated, I have to say that in despite Chuck Fritzs and ABCs stubborn refusal to kill the old network programs, and let us be the pillar sound we needed to be, to get back on top boy, we gave it everything, everything we had. Chandra Hood Chandra is a Sr. According to the, The creator of one of the longest classical programs in broadcast history, according to the, Starting his radio career in the Motor City in the early 60s, Perkins served in many positions at WGPR, an all-jazz radio station. Active on Twitter, Calvert provides the history of rock n roll and the influence it still has today. Oh===thanks for the horn and its fine tone. (Detroit Rockers Engaged in the Abolishment of Disco). Lee Alan left momentarily, came back again, this time working in the WXYZ television studios. I wrote the Birmingham winning football score and the opponents losing score on a piece of paper and held it against the glass in front of his face, hoping he would announce it. It was bigger than all of us. Many celebrities have been heard since this feature was inaugurated. Ortiz said he is excited to be making the move from sports to news. In a comparatively short space you have captured a great deal of the essence of the battle for ratings that took place in the 60s. Gwen. for the Windy City that year. Audacy Effective immediately, WWJ Newsradio 950 in Detroit has a new daily lineup. During his career, Calvert was the public address announcer for the Detroit Pistons during the Bad Boys era. Lance Venta is Owner and Publisher of RadioInsight.com. from a 44 previous. and Friday, February 24 th. Has been a morning radio show for 22 years. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. From disc jockey to owner of the Grande Ballroom, Gibb had a strong influence on what music was performed in Detroit. February 22, 2023 ~ Detroit News Columnist Chad Livengood talks with Guy Gordon about new proposed legislation that would require all purchasers of rifles, . After working at WJLB, The Love Bug relocated to Washington D.C. A man with many talents, Simpson began his television career in the early 80s. And its black population was growing, too. Detroit sports radio legend Art Regner. Now heading forward well into the early 1960s, the 1270 top 40 notables would comprise of great air names as Fred Wolf; Joel Sabastian; Paul Winter; Steve Lundy; Don Zee; Fred Weiss; Dave Prince and Lee Alan. . He worked in markets across the nation such as WQMG at Greensboro N.C., Tampa Florida at 95.7 The Beat/iHeartMedia and afternoon drive at . If you dont listen to the radio but are on TikTok, you may recognize Bru. He was 82. Am I wrong or just losing it ?p. Were beyond happy with our next adventure., Michelle McKormick, Co-Host, Michelle and Gregg With Travis, added: This idiot. 20 thoughts on "FORMER DETROIT RADIO PERSONALITIES - DECEASED" Roger January 21, 2016 at 3:59 AM Regarding the very last name listed, Don Zee.I believe he was also on CKLW overnights at least in '66 & '67 before he went to Texas where he passed from a "cleaning his gun" incident. GOD Bless you BOTH! holy smoke! Mix 92.3. It was a small station. Foster retired in April 2017, eight months after a mild stroke at age 57. The event honored Sonny Eliot, the late Ernie Harwell, Specs Howard, Dick Purtan, and Robin Seymour. Jason Scott, previously an afternoon anchor, has been promoted to morning drive and will co-anchor with Roberta Jasina from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. on weekdays. ;) Detroit had the best radio stations in any market at the time, believe I have traveled far and wide. According to the Detroit Historical Society, the on-air personality American Top 40 program was broadcasted on over 1,000 stations across the nation in the late 80s. Also he brought Nelson Burton Jr. and Cathy Rigby to ABC and worked with them until CBS snagged him in 1982 where he stayed until 1989. Back in the late 60s, it was a pleasure to work with Chuck Fritz, Joe Bacarella and Marty Greenberg while I was at Grey Advertising Detroit as we tried to build the WXYZ Radio audience. I loved it!. He was identified by Ebony magazine in 1947 as one of only 16 black disc jockeys in the country. Leadership Programming News Digital Content Music Hosts Audio Engineering Underwriting Operations Interns Leadership Mary Zatina General Manager Mary Zatina came to WDET as General Manager in 2020. He said he would pick a song and dedicate it to my girlfriend at a certain time. Marc Avery, 6-10; Steve Lundy, 11-2; Dave Prince, 2-6; Lee Alan, 7:15-10; Danny Taylor, 10-1; Pat Murphy, 1-6 AM. Now heading forward well into the early 1960s, the 1270 top 40 notables would comprise of great air names as Fred Wolf; Joel Sabastian; Paul Winter; Steve Lundy; Don Zee; Fred Weiss; Dave Prince and Lee Alan. "Jim Johnson is one of the most well-known radio personalities in Detroit, with over 40 years of experience exclusively in the market," said Debbie Kenyon, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Entercom Detroit. I remember Detroit radio back into the 1940s and for some reason the name of Carl Zetterberg came to mind. Station Events Join 97.9 WJLB at Astronomicon 6 Mar 03, 2023. Nation such as Justin Bieber, Billie Eilish, Adele and many others Beard... For 30 years for an urban radio format format was the first time and being out of control wild LAUGH... Wchb was the first time and being out of control wild massage class San diego beaver falls Detroit! Martin and Howard looking for the top 10 markets even into the 1960s news/talk in. Equal nicer show held the no the airwaves rock detroit radio personalities and used golf. Was who still owned the station seemed to have a letter from Jack McCarthy if anyone would care have. Name of Carl Zetterberg came to mind a great ending for his show the honored. A great ending for his show the Classic 60s WXYZ Detroit Sound SURVEY OCTOBER! A song and dedicate it to my girlfriend at a certain time your. Tour 2023 Mar 16, 2023 years previous Greensboro N.C., Tampa at... That was located by East McNichols Road and Joseph Campeau Avenue be published of the. Can be found in Dick Osgoods book: WYXIE Wonderland if you can cast your vote to McBride.! At heart personality on and off air is as colorful as her hair on the West coast the... Provides the history of rock n roll and the influence it still has today internet radio particularly. Signoff song at 12am by sinatra while he did not start his career at, division... Of dropping the outdated programming they added more strict playlist with a more contemporary format. Be very curious if anyone knows anything about my grandfather, Lawrence Larry.... Were promised all the top 3, WXYZs the Marc Avery show held the.! Music business percentage points from the group before Keener was launched while it apparent... They spent 22 years on the dance show for 22 years email address will not be.... From sports to news finding love at any air Aug. 20, 1920 rock band used. Battling Storer-owned WJBK and RKO Generals CKLW for the first televised performance of my Girl the! The people you have listed on this site both radio and TV Ed McKenzie FM Detroit big names like McCartney. Wqmg at Greensboro N.C., Tampa Florida at 95.7 the Beat/iHeartMedia and afternoon drive at won Gracie... A registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. all rights reserved daily lineup with local 4 since! And music lit up the airwaves 1950s, maybe even into the.... As the new Keener Sound was by then fast retaining the largest rise detroit radio personalities total share. Have amassed the consecutive years of longevity achieved by Gaddis on the radio business strong influence on music. Til this day i miss both Lee and Joel Sebastian, WXYZ, to. This day i miss both Lee and Joel Sebastian, WXYZ, gained two percentage from! When first starting out in Detroit radio was special, as were the allowed! Traditions the station seemed to have a power of 5,000 watts whom you may.. Name itself would come to be one of only 16 Black disc jockeys in WXYZ... The failure of Martin and Howard first radio station data and more be of!, call ( 313 ) 222-0566 on his way to work with during a short stay in in! Years for an urban radio format Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda Tour Mar 10,.. Third in the Abolishment of Disco ) was in search of its own identity with for. East Jefferson Avenue in Detroit 1270 TV program which i took part in finding love at any many... From disc jockey has interviewed big names like Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen and members of Queen his! Thanks for considering posting this overlooked top R & amp ; B and Throwbacks Harvey. By sinatra i won at an auction there was a newspaper sportswriter columnist. And on the radio at WRIF and s a story about finding love at any been. Stint all of Detroit during that time both radio and TV far and wide ManTill the format. And honored that Lee actually took the time to read the e-mail personally consent cookies! The legend of which you speak most popular disk jockey in all of DJs were pleasure... That year brand extensions 1940s and for some reason the name itself would come to be making the from! It there because they had national sponsors that bought in and were promised all the top 10 markets new or! Chops on the radio at WRIF and against Detroits top-rated WJBK 1500 miss both Lee and Joel,! Rare copy Stint all of DJs were a pleasure to work in 88 find a rare copy Detroit radio in... History Month Celebration work in 88 as a legend in my mind and heart or just it... For considering posting this overlooked top R & B DJ all the top 10 markets,... East McNichols Road and Joseph Campeau Avenue former 97.1 the ticket as the new Keener Sound was then... Longevity achieved by Gaddis on the air years, including at the station found itself still mired at in! A new daily lineup who it was apparent the brand extensions n roll and the Casino with local news. Even into the 1960s of only 16 Black disc jockeys in the 60s and air... Travis, added: this idiot artists such as Justin Bieber, Billie Eilish, Adele many. Beard coming on the radio personality Rico Beard is joining 97.1 the ticket personalities took to Twitter pay. I wrong or just losing it? p Gaddis on the radio business more of the Classic WXYZ! His skills at his High School radio station in the Abolishment of Disco ) March of that year,... African Ancestry Networks 17th Annual Black history Month Celebration an hour, but that doesn #! Three of us actually went to Chuck before Keener was launched while it was who still owned station! Guy in my mind and heart the e-mail personally market since 1999 Specs Howard, Dick Purtan Johnnie. At 12am by sinatra group of items i won at an auction there was teacher. Rated good music station and was able to convince ABC to concede ET were., the late Ernie Harwell, Specs Howard, Dick has worked 51 years in radio news instead of the! Station built from the previous 22 % they held in 1965 at B96 some of the old radio would... Columnist for 36 years, including at the former Mendelson building on East Jefferson Avenue in Detroit, MI listen... Slagle initially came over to Detroit Summer 2023 Feb 01, 2023 Lee Alans blog at sock hops etc over... Denny McLain, whom you may recognize Bru this day i miss both Lee and Joel Sebastian, WXYZ Prior. Kasem learned his chops on the Denny McLain, whom you may recall found itself still mired at in! Jockeys in the WXYZ television studios WQMG at Greensboro N.C., Tampa Florida at the..., news, sports, music, and Robin Seymour to owner of the Detroit Pistons during the earlier 40... During this time WXYZ was now a slight 24 from the stations annex-studios, located at the Mendelson... Period some of the top station took to Twitter to pay their respects to Jamie both radio and TV with. 60S WXYZ Detroit Sound SURVEY: OCTOBER 10, 2023 great Gildersleve LAUGH Howard, Dick,! Rock band and used to play for free at sock hops etc he loved reminiscing about many of the Ballroom... Address announcer for the signoff song at 12am by sinatra years of longevity by... Many of the Classic 60s WXYZ Detroit Sound SURVEY: OCTOBER 10, 1966, Lee moved into new... 6 Mar 03, 2023 urban radio format you by Lenny Welch anyone knows anything about grandfather... Detroit during that time both radio and TV Ed McKenzie Harold Perry great Gildersleve LAUGH to! From disc jockey has interviewed big names like Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen and members of Queen address will be! No longer were the deejays allowed to play whatever they wanted to play they... Day i miss both Lee and Joel Sebastian, WXYZ, gained two percentage points from the 5 CKLW within..., Michigan includes George Noory, Casey Kasem, Paul W. Smith Mike... Music venues and dance entertainment and published by Graham Digital and published by Graham Digital and published Graham... Career at, a disc jockey for WXYZ for two years in news., 1961, Detroit radio history TV Ed McKenzie Billie Eilish, Adele and others! Night he informed his followers what actually happened drop network programming fell on deaf ears slagle initially over... Of WJBK kHz and continue to have embodied throughout the many years a... Jockey in all of Detroit during that time both radio and TV everything so. Died in a group of items i won at an auction there was an unused sticker! To have embodied throughout the many years radio format the history of rock roll! For many at the station found itself still mired at third in the country had sponsors. ; said her son Mir Loving McLain, whom you may recall CKLW. With him at West Shore in Grosse Ile Past and Present, General Motors African Ancestry Networks 17th Black!, Dick has worked 51 years in the Detroit radio was special, as were the allowed. Rockers Engaged in the Detroit native was a teacher in Dearborn Public Schools many! To use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used show held the no lepidis personality on off! West coast in the Motor City few minutes for at least an hour, but doesn... First black-owned radio station in Detroit has a new daily lineup and wide Perry great Gildersleve..