December 2024 – USA Radio Museum

Remembering Lee Alan. A WDRQ 1977 New Year’s Eve Countdown with Lee Alan

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This special WDRQ recording was donated in 2022 to our Motor City Radio Flashbacks’ audio collection. It is Lee Alan’s WDRQ New Year’s Eve Countdown, from December 31, 1977. This was to be his second, and last, on WDRQ. (Lee Alan hosted his first New Year’s Eve broadcast on WDRQ in 1976). In closing out the year, this exclusive posting is our special featured presentation for this last day of 2024.

In this recording, the tape began – timewise – at the 9:59 p.m. hour (Detroit EST time) with Lee Alan’s presentation of Chuck Berry performing live at the Walled Lake Casino, sometime late-October 1963. Seven years ago, we lost Chuck Berry in March 2017. Also, in the broadcast, you will hear Lee Alan paying a short tribute to Elvis Presley, who passed away four months earlier, August 16, 1977.

This broadcast was taped by our friend, Greg Innis. Greg has kept this tape in his personal Detroit radio airchecks collection for the past 47 years (2024). And as always, this site is indebted to him for having shared this holiday memory. It is presented here for the second time for this new year’s eve.

*(Click on 2x or tap over and stretch this image on your mobile device for largest detailed view.)*

You will note this two hour recording highlights listener call-in’s and recollections, stories, music and sounds. And minutes before the end of the recording you will hear The Horn counting down the seconds to 1978 . . . as was heard on New Year’s Eve night, December 31, 1977.

Lee Alan passed away on October 29, 2024. You can view his obituary online at the Dignity Memorial webpage, here.

In remembrance of this Detroit radio broadcasting legend, today, USA Radio Museum presents the Lee Alan WDRQ New Year’s Eve 1977 Countdown.

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In his memory, from us to you, may your wishes all come true in 2025.

This audio recording was digitally remastered by USA Radio Museum

A special THANK YOU to senior site contributor Greg Innis of Livonia, MI., for having provided this featured WDRQ audio memory, he recorded, for our Motor City Radio Flashbacks aircheck repository.

Note: This post was previously featured by Motor City Radio Flashbacks on December 31, 2022.

Remembering Lee Alan. A Special Christmas Eve Special Presentation. ‘The Letter from Michael’

This recording was digitally remastered by Motor City Radio Flashbacks

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Lee Alan passed away on October 29, 2024. You can view his obituary online at the Dignity Memorial webpage, here.

Click on above image for expanded view and credits. Or, tap on the image and stretch image across your mobile device or tablet screen.

Note: This post was previously featured by Motor City Radio Flashbacks on Christmas Eve, 2023.

A Gift to You for the Holidays

Introduction to “The Man and the Birds” by Jim Hampton

As the holiday season wraps around us with its warmth, we often find ourselves reflecting on stories that capture the spirit of Christmas—the power of love, sacrifice, and the mystery of faith. Tonight, I want to share with you a tale that does just that. It’s a story originally brought to life by the legendary Paul Harvey, and I’m honored to carry forward its timeless message.

Imagine a man, an ordinary man, struggling to understand the deeper meaning of Christmas—a man whose skepticism about the divine leaves him distant from its true essence. But on one fateful winter night, in the quiet of his home, something extraordinary unfolds—a simple yet profound encounter with nature that changes his heart forever.

This is “The Man and the Birds,” a story of humility, understanding, and the miracle of Christmas. A story that reminds us that even the most profound truths can be found in the simplest moments.

Happy Holidays from USA Radio Museum (usaradiomuseum.com), formerly Motor City Radio Flashbacks.

CKLW-TV 9 ADDS TEEN SHOW . . . JULY 31, 1965

CKLW Bows Show for Teens

DETROIT — A Canadian TV station, CKLW-TV, which also serves Detroit, has kicked-off an hour daily variety show for teenagers called ‘Swingin’ Summertime.’ Host of the show, which features both live and taped segments, is Robin Seymour.

Among the artists appearing on the first show were the Rolling Stones, Gene Pitney, Dwayne Hickman, Paul Anka, Deborah Walley and Harry Belafonte. The show is telecast live before a teen audience at the CKLW television studios in Windsor, Ontario. END

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Information credit and and news source: Billboard July 31, 1965

Note: This post was previously published and archived by Motor City Radio Flashbacks on February 29, 2012

A Personal Message of Gratitude and Heartfelt Thanks

From the Desk of Jim Feliciano

Dear Jim Hampton,

First of all, my apologies to you. For I am thinking that you would rather I not post this.

But I’m writing this to express my heartfelt thanks and deep gratitude for all that you’ve done to support the Motor City Radio Flashbacks website. Your personal efforts in helping save this invaluable resource are truly remarkable, and because of you (and it was you who reached out to me), the website has not only survived but is thriving again, bringing joy to so many people, including myself.

The Motor City Radio Flashbacks site has been an incredible source of nostalgia and a celebration of Detroit’s rich radio history. Thanks to your dedication and intervention, we have the opportunity to enjoy its content for years to come. Your selflessness and commitment to keeping this piece of Detroit’s cultural heritage alive is a gift to everyone who holds these memories dear.

Words cannot fully capture my appreciation for your work, but please know that your efforts have made a lasting impact. You’ve given new life to something that many of us thought might be lost, and for that, I am incredibly grateful.

And I am proud to say we’ve now partnered in sharing together this new endeavor.

Thank you once again, Jim, for your generosity and passion in preserving the legacy of Motor City radio. Your contribution means the world to all of us who continue to enjoy and learn from this amazing resource.

And last, but not least —

This message of heartfelt gratitude applies to those whose names I will honorably mention here, as well:

Kathleen Thompson
Larry Good
Stephen Howard
Art Vuolo (a.k.a. “Radio’s Best Friend”)
Scott Leukhardt
Kenneth Cassidy
James Nuznoff
Roland Anderson
Greg Innis (MCRFB Senior Advisor)
Randall Carr (WWWW, WDFN, WYCD, WNIC, WKQI, WDRQ)

To our above aforementioned financial donors, and to all our friends as well, your kind words, contributions, support, and your generous gifts will keep this flame burning bright in the coming New Year, and hopefully, for years to come.

I am truly, truly, grateful.

With warmest regards and deepest thanks,
Jim Feliciano

https://usaradiomuseum.com

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THIS WEEK IN 1963: THE WJBK RADIO 15 RECORD REVIEW . . . DECEMBER 13

**WJBK RADIO 15 RECORD REVIEW** December 13, 1963 [A]

**WJBK RADIO 15 RECORD REVIEW** December 13, 1963 [B]

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This official Record Review survey was tabulated overall by each record’s popularity and its appeal, sales, listener requests and record airplays based on the judgement of WJBK Radio 1500 (1963)

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The above WJBK chart was digitally restored by USA Radio Museum

ON YOUR PC? To fully appreciate this WJBK Radio Record Review chart for the week of December 13, 1963 click on image 2x and open to second window. Click image anytime to return to NORMAL image size.

Click your server’s back button to return to MCRFB home page.

ON YOUR MOBILE DEVICE? Tap on image. Open to second window. “Stretch” chart image across your device screen to magnify for larger print view.

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A sincere thank you, Mrs. Patti Griggs. This featured presentation would have not been possible without your generosity, dedication, and your continuous support.

Above WJBK music chart courtesy of Mrs. Patti Griggs and the George L. Griggs estate.

THE WKNR ‘TOP 31’ MUSIC GUIDE: NEW RADIO 13! THIS WEEK, DECEMBER 12, 1963

**WKNR MUSIC GUIDE** December 12, 1963 [A]

**WKNR MUSIC GUIDE** December 12, 1963 [B]

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The above WKNR chart was digitally restored by USA Radio Museum

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A sincere thank you, Mrs. Patti Griggs. This featured presentation would have not been possible without your generosity, dedication, and your continuous support.

Above WKNR music chart courtesy of Mrs. Patti Griggs and the George L. Griggs estate.

Jim Hampton Hosts ‘An Original Christmas’ on WJR

Once again WJR 760 AM will broadcast An Original Christmas on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

The program features all the great contemporary and traditional Christmas holiday favorites. Michael Bublé, Kelly Clarkson, Frank Sinatra, Brenda Lee, Jose Feliciano, Johnny Mathis, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Andy Williams, and more. In fact, over 400+ songs.

Plus, there are many short Holiday features; Old Radio Clips, Christmas Kids, Original Christmas Customs Around the World, Comedy and interviews with the singers and songwriters of many of the songs that have been the Soundtrack to Christmases past.

Jim Hampton is the writer, producer and host of the show.

It’s ‘An Original Christmas…Just Like It Used To Be‘.

NewsTalk 760 WJR – Detroit.

Big News! A New Era Begins for Radio History Fans 🎶

We’re excited to announce that we’re transforming our beloved tribute site, Motor City Radio Flashbacks (mcrfb.com), into something even bigger and better: USA Radio Museum—an online museum dedicated to preserving the rich legacy of American radio.

What to Expect – A Whole New Look:

📻 Tributes to Legendary DJs & Stations – Relive the golden voices and unforgettable stations across the USA that shaped radio history.

🎶 Classic Airchecks & Jingles – Experience the sounds that defined generations.

📚 Historical Archives – Discover rare station marketing materials, music guides, pictures and behind-the-scenes stories.

🎧 Interactive Audio Vault – Listen to iconic broadcasts and timeless radio moments.

The content you love, but with a new, exciting look.

This isn’t just a website; it’s a living archive of radio’s greatest stories, built for fans, historians, and anyone who loves the magic of radio.

Stay tuned—USA Radio Museum launches soon! Thank you for being part of this incredible journey through the airwaves!

Follow us for updates: [usaradiomuseum.com] formerly Motor City Radio Flashbacks (mcrfb.com)

UPDATE: MOTOR CITY RADIO FLASHBACKS’ FUTURE IN 2025 . . . LOOKING MERRY AND BRIGHT!

Work Still in Progress, Transition Will Be Completed Soon

DETROIT — December 7, 2024 — A heartfelt thank you!

To all of you who have enjoyed and supported Motor City Radio Flashbacks, I want to express my deepest gratitude. Your loyalty, thoughtful comments, encouraging emails, and generous donations toward preserving this website and its mission means the world to me.

I am truly humbled.

For now, I’m excited to announce that this site is in a safe and secure place — with a new URL — we’ve found a new home. This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without your support. A special thank you goes out to the dedicated web professionals (and to our friend and Detroit radio icon — to be named later — who made this all possible) all who have been, and continue to be, working tirelessly behind the scenes to make this new chapter a reality.

After 12 years of honoring the legends of Motor City broadcasting, exciting changes are on the horizon. Stay tuned for what’s next!

Regards,

Jim Feliciano

Motor City Radio Flashbacks

usaradiomuseum.com/

A MCRFB Note: To our Facebook followers, I will provide updates there as we continue moving forward. If you have not visited our site’s page on Facebook, join us there! Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/MotorCityRadioFlashbacks/