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
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 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.
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‘.
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)
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/
Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys are iconic for their Christmas music, blending surf rock harmonies with holiday cheer. Their 1964 album “The Beach Boys’ Christmas Album” is a timeless classic, featuring hits like:
🎄 “Little Saint Nick” – A festive, surf-inspired original that became a holiday staple.
🎶 “The Man with All the Toys” – A playful tune celebrating Santa’s workshop.
📯 “Merry Christmas, Baby” – Showcasing their signature harmonies and upbeat style.
The album also includes beautiful covers like “White Christmas”, “Blue Christmas”, and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”.
Their holiday music captures the joy of Christmas with sunny West Coast vibes, making it perfect for any festive playlist.
From the USA Radio Museum archives, here is an interview with Brian Wilson conducted in the 60’s by Geoff Edwards, TV game show host and personality at Los Angeles radio station, KMPC.
Happy Holidays!
Here is Geoff Edwards interview with Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys
Check out these classic Beach Boys Christmas songs:
A Most Urgent and Important Message to Friends of Motor City Radio Flashbacks
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Is the End Nearing for Motor City Radio Flashbacks?
Over 40 days ago, on October 8, I renewed the Motor City Radio Flashbacks website for another three-year term with Bluehost, our hosting provider. Bluehost, known for its user-friendly WordPress hosting, has supported our site since we launched on January 27, 2012—nearly 13 years ago. One of the main reasons we’ve stayed with Bluehost over the years is their reasonably priced services, although, like most companies, their rates and offerings have increased gradually, especially in the past six years. The plan I renewed, and always has been, is the Basic+Plus plan package offered and supported through Bluehost (see our paid renewal, Basic+Plus plan by clicking on the link as highlighted in the first line above).
I Am Not Able to Upload New Media Content . . . Please Read On
For the past 12 years, Bluehost has provided this site with unlimited file uploads (photos and audio files) with our hosting plan, at no additional cost. However, following my recent renewal, Bluehost informed me that a “50 gigabyte upload cap” is now been applied with our Basic-Plus plan.
My Dilemma After Renewal
When I renewed our Basic-Plus plan for another three years (this is our fifth paid renewal in 12 years) I, apparently after the fact I assumed the 50 GB cap only applied to new data uploads, and I accepted this limitation without further question, or inquiry. However, I attempted to upload new content for a post for October 12, the day after renewal. I then was unable to upload new audio files and images. After several failed attempts, I reached out to Bluehost. The support host informed me that our account had already exceeded the 50 GB limit following the renewal and that the site has over 140 GB of data already stored on the website (which, by the way, we never paid extra for in the past 12 years).
No More New Posts
While I can still write and publish new blog posts (like I’m doing now and recently, over here), I can no longer upload new JPEG photos, including any images I create for the site, or upload audio files.
I can still access and use all existing files that have already been uploaded to the media library, meaning I can reuse content from old posts. For example, I repurposed (or I can recycle) our site’s older posts as I recently have, here, and over here.
“You Need to Delete Some Files”
According to Bluehost, the only solution would be to is to delete a lot of files from our site’s media library to free up space. This would require me to remove nearly everything we’ve uploaded over the past 12 years—essentially all the images and audio files we’ve accumulated during that time. (There are 9,118 audio files and 18,040 jpg images and photos in site’s media library there, as to date, and I will not removed them).
To address this, I have already deleted 40 gigabytes of files on October 12, trying to free up for more space. This brought my storage usage down from 181 gigabytes to 141 gigabytes. However, I stopped there.
The files I removed were from 2012 through 2015, and I deleted all images and audio from those years. Those files are gone. While the written blog posts may still remain, those older posts no longer include the images or audio attached to those pages. Even after all those deletions, in freeing up for more space in storage I am still unable to upload any new content, not even one single image.
The Aircheck Library, which is a major part of the site, contains over 30 gigabytes of audio content. Essentially, Bluehost (without actually having said) is asking me to delete virtually everything we’ve accumulated over the years and start from scratch.
The Situation Has Worsened
On top of the 50 GB storage cap, I’m now also unable to update the site’s plugins. Plugins are crucial for maintaining the smooth functionality of the website and enhancing the user experience.
Because I’ve exceeded the storage limit, I’m unable to update WordPress to the latest version (6.7), despite trying to perform a manual update. Had I known about this limitation before renewing, I would have explored other hosting providers that could better support my WordPress site, as there are many alternatives available.
Now with updates not even longer allowed, I’m seriously concerned that the website won’t be able to function properly without these essential updates over the next three years. I just checked the site’s dashboard. Six plugins are now in need of updating, including the site’s WordPress 2015 theme (the site’s layout), and, more critically, WordPress itself (which powers the site) I can not update it at all.
Given the current limitations and Bluehost’s restrictive storage plans, it’s clear that I need to migrate the Motor City Radio Flashbacks website to another new hosting provider. Even Bluehost’s top-tier PRO plan (which costs $972 for a three-year term) only offers 100 GB of SSD storage, which is still way below the 141 GB I’ve accumulated over the past 12 years. To meet the site’s needs, I need at least 200 GB of storage.
Request for Assistance Regarding Full Refund and Site Survival
Request a full refund? The 30-day money-back guarantee issued by Bluehost for the cancellation of my site renewal expired on November 11, and I only discovered this yesterday. Even if they were to approve a refund today, it would mean that Motor City Radio Flashbacks would no longer be available online. Refunding also makes it impossible to migrate this WordPress site to another hosting provider, once the site has been removed or deleted. And should I find a new host server, in all consideration, that will bring with it more additional costs.
The Donation Page
The donation page has been live since April 2022 and has accumulated 4,069 views to date. I have never asked visitors for donations in any of my daily posts, but I created the page in case anyone wished to support the site voluntarily. To date, I received three donations. And to those donors, however the amount, I am sincerely grateful always for their individual contributions. [The donation button is on the left-side of the main page, just below the Calendar].
While Motor City Radio Flashbacks is technically renewed until October 2027, the site is currently not operational. No new content can be added, and no updates can be made. If you’ve noticed the recent lack of activity, this is the reason.
Site Security Alarms Going Off
The site’s functionality has been severely limited, and without necessary updates, it may eventually become unviable. [Update: I received a verification email to my email associated with the site’s account, yesterday, Friday November 22. Someone, or hackers, has already attempted to sign in. They were not able to proceed because I received a 2-step 6 number security code by Bluehost, they would need the provided security numbers I received to get in. So that attempt failed].
Can Motor City Radio Flashbacks Still Survive?
All told, I’ve hesitated whether to post this update at all, days ago, having turned into weeks. However, the situation has become critical, and I no longer know what steps to take. I’ve never directly asked for help with this site before, but now I’m seeking advice on how to move forward.
The survival of Motor City Radio Flashbacks depends on finding a solution quickly. Without the ability to make essential plugin updates and changes, the site may fade into obsolescence. If I remain with Bluehost under these circumstances, the site’s future looks grim. I need guidance on what to do next and would deeply appreciate any form of help or any advice you can offer.
[Note: Please consider helping out, and whatever the amount, if you can. Thank you, so kindly, for the received donations, to date. Rest assure, any new updates will be forthcoming when I am able to share them with you, here, on this site].
Higher Detroit Consumer Spending Anticipated for Christmas Holiday Season, 1964
DETROIT — Christmas business should hit an all-time high, Motor City dealers report. If the boom fails to materialize, it will be a big disappointment to the industry in view of the present highly optimistic mood.
An important consideration affects all marketing here – Detroit has been without newspapers for three months, and prospects for settlement appear remote. Consequently all promotional plans are on a catch – as catch can basis.
Despite the newspaper void, however, business among retail stores is reported good. And it is on this background of solid cash register performance that retailers rest their pleasant anticipations for the holidays.
The automobile labor negotiations are having little effect here. Wearied by the months of seesawing, the public appears to be spending for home entertainment resources. The dealers are profiting and expect to continue.
Downtown Detroit bustle with traffic amid throngs of holiday shoppers. Woodward Ave., mid-1960s.
Business is up some 30 per cent over 1963, according to Milt Keverson, Uptown Radio Company, a major suburban outlet. One big reason is that the firm has concentrated on better merchandise-lines like Scott, Magnavox, Imperial and Ampex. “This means dollar volume, and better profit as well,” says Keverson. Significantly, he finds that people are buying better quality tape recorders than a year ago. For the holidays, “the outlook is very good. We are looking forward to showing a lot of high end goods.”
Business has been well ahead of last year for the great Grinnell chain. One reason has been a program of growth, with a new store just opened in Toledo, two in Michigan opening this week, and another shortly in the new Mall Shopping Center at Louisville, operated under the Shackleton chain name. The impetus of fall is expected to carry right through the holiday season – and even the absence of newspapers is not expected to hurt too much in the home town.
One of the most significant points noted in assessing business came from Lou Salasin, operator of the Mumford Music Shop. “The perennial slump in record sales, when the youngsters return to school in September simply failed to materialize, and the high summertime business level stayed firm. A very slight drop came a few weeks later and then was offset. The Beatles are credited with setting the pace for the music business this year.
There is one fly in the ointment according to Salasin: “The profit picture is not as good (despite high volume) because we are selling at greater discount to meet the competition. “This, however, is apparently only a local phenomenon.
At the Good Housekeeping Shops, an important chain, business is “excellent – perhaps the best ever. We can’t understand it. Business is running at an all-time high. The year as a whole will be up substantially,” according to Harold Baker, advertising manager. He stressed the point that this climactic level has been held despite the missing newspapers.
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(MCRFB note: The two Detroit newsprint dailies ceased publication in July that year. The stilled presses began rolling on November 25, 134 days after the unionized publications went on strike. Making it the longest shutdown of any newspaper daily in American history).
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Plans for Christmas
J. L. Hudson building, ornate in lights for Christmas in the 1960s.
With this prevailing high optimism, retailers are varying their plans for holiday promotion.The day-to-day uncertainties of the strikes make confirmation of detailed plans impossible. In addition, retailers are naturally reluctant to tip off their plans to their competition.
Some major changes in use of media are expected. Merchandise men are striving to keep their programs flexible. J. L. Hudson Company, generally regarded as the world’s largest department store (doing tremendous business in the home entertainment field) has been doing excellent business throughout the newspaper strike.
A special tabloid circular, with a few outstanding offers from each department is being planned by Good Housekeeping Shops for Christmas promotion – but only if the papers stay out.
Good Housekeeping will push stereo, and put a little more emphasis on television, Baker said, because TV is generally more suitable as a gift for the whole family.
Mumford Music is turning to increased use of FM stations to promote classical music in its Christmas planning. The store will also rely heavily on window displays. This is in line with long range plans to increase the inventory of classical music, making this an important department for the gift trade.
Knowledgeable People
Downtown Detroit. Street lamps decorated for the Christmas holidays, mid-1960s.
Knowledgeable personnel are another important asset, Salasin believes, in meeting vigorous competition – “Classical record buyers are getting tired of trying to find their records on a rack. Cheapness does not make up for lack of knowledge in a discount store.”
Grinnell’s is putting out an annual catalog for the holiday trade. Other Christmas plans are not available or firmly set. Pre-holiday promotion is being built around the Grinnell-sponsored “My Fair Lady,” who is also the “Detroit Teen Queen.” A special sideline will be a theater dinner party for five couples tied in with the opening of the movie “My Fair Lady.”
At Uptown Radio, a series of four or five brochure holiday mailings is being made to a list of about 50,000 names – some 30,000 from the store’s own files and the rest from directory listings. Brochures from manufactures like Magnavox and Pilot are being used. In addition some custom-prepared material is being used.
Lists of professional people are used for the mailings. Milt Keverson says, “We try to aim at some of the better income groups . . . . We feel that repetition (of mailings) will be more effective. This seems to work better than anything else.”
Uptown will spend about $500 on decorations for the Christmas season, to make the store attractive and seasonal in its visual impact upon customers and passing traffic. END
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Information, credit and news source: Billboard, November 14, 1964
A MCRFB Note: Above republished. Previously posted, November 11/10/2021.
Lee Alan, a Detroit native born in 1934, grew up in the city where his love for broadcasting ignited at age 14 while he enjoyed WXYZ’s serial, “The Lone Ranger.” After graduating from Cooley High School, he pursued broadcasting studies at Wayne State University.
His radio career began at WCAR in Pontiac, followed by a position at WJLB. After a brief stint in the Army, Alan returned to WJLB for overnight shifts. In 1959, he landed an all-night slot at WJBK, where he occasionally filled in for other shows, but left the station in December due to what management called “simple economics.”
Alan then moved to WKMH, hosting two programs, before relocating to WCPO in Cincinnati in 1962. Just days after his arrival, he received a surprising offer from WXYZ to return to Detroit. He balanced roles in both television and radio, hosting “Club 1270” in 1963 and several years later, “The Swingin’ Kind” in 1966, both on WXYZ-TV.
Another significant highlight was Lee Alan’s one-on-one interview with the Beatles in Miami in February 1964, which he recorded. Later in May of that year, Alan also produced and recorded a charity song titled “Set Me Free,” with all proceeds benefiting the YMCA, featuring backup vocals from Martha Reeves and the Vandellas of Motown records.
Decades later, in the early-1990s, Lee Alan’s heralded July 4th radio program paying homage to our nation’s birth and our declaration of independence, The Americans, was syndicated and was heard on over 1,000 radio stations across the country, including the Armed Forces Radio Network in 80 countries around the world.
Alan retired from radio (WHFI) in 1970, but for many years afterward, his voice was featured in numerous car dealership commercials across Detroit and the nation after he established his own advertising agency.
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Last week, Tuesday, October 29, Lee Alan passed away due to complications from multiple strokes, at the age of 89. He would have been 90, tomorrow, November 5.
Jim Hampton
In lieu of his sudden passing, and in memory of his dear friend, we share a few words from Alan’s great WXYZ alumnus, Jimmy Hampton (Facebook; October 29, 2024):
“Though he had offers to leave Detroit, Lee chose to remain in the city he loved. After moving to Florida, he became a pioneer in audio-book production, narrating over a thousand titles, and authored a memoir, Turn Your Radio On, recounting his career’s extraordinary moments.
On a personal note, Lee was a mentor of mine. He took a chance on a 19-year-old DJ and gave me an on-air slot at WXYZ Radio. I will never forget that gesture.
Lee Alan’s legacy is one of passion, innovation, and dedication to his craft and his community. His voice, energy, and contributions to Detroit’s cultural fabric will be lovingly remembered and cherished by many who remember him as Lee Alan, ‘On the Horn’ “. –Jim Hampton
We reflect, today. Motor City Radio Flashbacks remembers. The voice. The name. Legend.
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This Lee Alan collage was created by Motor City Radio Flashbacks, May 30, 2018.
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Motor City Radio Flashbacks extends our deepest sympathy, our heart-felt condolences to his wife, Nancy Davis, his son and two daughters, and to the entire Reicheld family.
Godspeed, Lee Alan
May his soul rest forevermore in God’s eternal love, grace, and heavenly peace.
From the Desk of Jim Feliciano
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.
