e Flashbacks – Page 2 – USA Radio Museum

A USA RADIO MUSEUM PRESENTATION: KHJ, TOM MAULE, BACK ON THE RADIO! OCTOBER 1967

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Tom Maule was a notable personality at 93 KHJ during the late 1960s, known for his distinctive voice and his role as a nighttime DJ in the midst of the station’s dominant “Boss Radio” era.

Arrival at KHJ

Maule joined KHJ in June 1967 and was immediately placed in a prime evening slot, broadcasting from 9:00 PM to midnight. This was a time when the station was at the height of its popularity, and KHJ was known for its energetic Top 40 format. Maule’s arrival at the station was part of the ongoing expansion of KHJ’s on-air talent, which included well-known personalities like Robert W. Morgan, The Real Don Steele, and Charlie Tuna. His show was aimed at the younger audience that KHJ targeted, playing the latest hits and connecting with listeners through his engaging voice and style.

Tom Maule’s Radio Style and Legacy

Maule was known for his lively personality and smooth delivery, which was a great fit for the high-energy Boss Radio format. The fast-paced, tightly formatted broadcasts were designed to keep listeners engaged, and Maule’s evening show was no exception. The show featured not only music but also Maule’s own commentary, humorous observations, and interactions with listeners. His ability to connect with the audience during the night hours made his show popular among young people in Los Angeles.

Though not as famous as some of the bigger KHJ personalities like Robert W. Morgan or The Real Don Steele, Maule still gained a strong following. His voice became familiar to many listeners, and he contributed to the station’s reputation for cutting-edge entertainment and music during the late ’60s. KHJ’s evening slots were crucial in maintaining the station’s dominance, and Tom Maule was an important part of that success.

Later Career

Tom Maule’s time at KHJ didn’t extend far beyond the late 1960s, as the landscape of radio was shifting in the early 1970s. However, his impact on the station was felt during the period he worked there. After leaving KHJ, Maule continued to work in radio, though not to the same level of prominence he had achieved in Los Angeles. Like many radio personalities of that era, his career reflected the changing tastes and shifts in the broadcasting industry.

Later, Tom Maule became a prominent TV weatherman in the Fresno area. Maule passed away in 1993.

Though his time on KHJ was relatively short, Tom Maule is remembered as one of the voices that helped shape the station’s iconic sound during a golden age of Los Angeles radio. His contributions to the station’s late-night programming remain a part of KHJ’s rich history.

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NEW! A special THANK YOU to the 93khjcreator.spring.com for contributing this 1965 KHJ aircheck, which is also now available on their site. We’ve added this aircheck to the USA Radio Museum’s aircheck repository.

AUDIO REMASTERED! This audio recording was digitally enhanced by USA Radio Museum.

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A USA RADIO MUSEUM PRESENTATION: CKLW, DAVE SHAFER, BACK ON THE RADIO! FEBRUARY 1965

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Dave Shafer was a prominent radio personality in the Windsor/Detroit market, best known for his work at CKLW 800, one of the most influential radio stations in North America during the 1960s.

Dave Shafer began his career in radio in the 1950s, working in various markets before joining CKLW in the early 1960s. CKLW, located in Windsor, Ontario, served the Detroit area as well, and by the mid-1960s, it had become a powerhouse in Top 40 radio. The station’s reach and influence across both sides of the U.S.-Canada border made it one of the most important broadcasters in the region.

Having tapped early-on radio aspirations during his high school days, Dave Shafer left Dover, Delaware for Detroit in 1961. He landed his first radio job as music librarian at WJBK. Shafer eventually found his way behind the microphone – in studio – as the new “Jack the Bellboy” by the following year in 1962. And thus began Dave’s storied, three-decade broadcasting career in Detroit radio. Including stops at WCAR, WOMC, WCZY, along with a 11-year run at CKLW radio in Windsor, Ontario, in the 1960s and 1970s.

CKLW Morning Show

In 1963, Dave Shafer, a.k.a. as “Jack the Bellboy’ while at WJBK, made the leap across the Detroit River for RKO General CKLW in Canada. He became a key figure at CKLW, hosting the highly popular morning show. His friendly, energetic delivery and ability to connect with listeners made him a beloved personality in the area. His morning show was known for its lively presentation, including the latest pop music, news, and often humorous commentary. His presence helped set the tone for the station’s success, as CKLW had a major impact on shaping the Top 40 format in the region.

Influence and Legacy

Shafer’s work at CKLW made him one of the prominent voices of Detroit and Windsor radio during the 1960s. CKLW was known for its fast-paced “Boss Radio” format, popularized by the likes of Bill Drake and station programmer Paul Drew, and Dave Shafer was one of the voices that kept listeners tuned in every morning. His ability to entertain and inform made him a central figure in the lives of many local listeners. CKLW’s success during this period was largely due to its combination of top-notch personalities, including Shafer and Tom Shannon, and its cutting-edge approach to radio.

Later Career and Impact

Though his career took him to other stations over the years, he is most fondly remembered for his role at CKLW. Even after his departure from the station, Shafer remained a respected figure in the world of broadcasting, contributing to the evolution of radio in the Detroit area.

Having long retired from the broadcasting profession and living in Florida, Dave passed away on May 7, 2006, at the age of 73.

Today, Dave Shafer is remembered as a key part of CKLW’s golden era during the 1960s, an era that shaped the future of Top 40 radio in North America. His influence as a morning personality on CKLW continues to be celebrated by those who remember the station’s heyday.

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NEW! A special THANK YOU to Mark Yurko, of Langhorne, PA., for this CKLW aircheck contribution for our USA Radio Museum repository. Featured here, we’ve archived this 1965 CKLW audio memory into our aircheck collection.

AUDIO REMASTERED! This audio recording was digitally enhanced by USA Radio Museum.

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A USA RADIO MUSEUM PRESENTATION: ROBERT W. MORGAN BACK ON KHJ RADIO, MAY 1965!

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Robert W. Morgan was a beloved radio personality, known for his work as the morning show host on 93 KHJ in Los Angeles during the 1960s and 1970s. He was one of the key figures in shaping the “Boss Radio” format, a highly influential and dynamic style that became synonymous with the station during its heyday. Morgan was known for his engaging and energetic personality, often incorporating humor and a friendly, approachable style into his broadcasts.

The station’s programming included extensive music playlists, a strong emphasis on top 40 hits, and catchy jingles (the famous “Boss Radio” jingle became iconic). The sound was edgy, fun, and fast-moving, with DJs like Robert W. Morgan, The Real Don Steele, and Charlie Tuna becoming beloved figures on the airwaves.

While station programmer Ron Jacobs was indeed a key figure in radio consulting during this era and went on to become a successful radio executive (founding Jacobs Media, a leading consulting firm), it was Bill Drake who is most closely associated with the creation of the Boss Radio format at KHJ.

Robert W., as he was also known as, it was his voice and presence that made him a favorite among listeners, helping KHJ become a top-rated station. Morgan’s influence extended beyond just his radio career, as he became a key figure in the pop culture of Los Angeles at the time. He worked with the station for many years before eventually moving into a career in music and voice-over work.

Morgan passed away in 1998, but he left behind a lasting legacy in the world of radio, particularly in the history of Los Angeles radio broadcasting.

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NEW! A special THANK YOU to the 93khjcreator.spring.com for contributing this 1965 KHJ aircheck, which is also now available on their site. We’ve added this aircheck to the USA Radio Museum’s aircheck repository.

AUDIO REMASTERED! This audio recording was digitally enhanced by USA Radio Museum.

Note: A radio re-creation produced by KHJ PD Ron Jacobs, this recording was pressed on vinyl LP and was released by Increase Records in 1970.

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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.

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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.

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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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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.

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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/

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USA Radio Museum Christmas Salute: Brian Wilson & the Beach Boys

Beach Boys Christmas Album

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:

Blue Christmas:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nABsBZhVzkU

Christmas Day:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlmIycpMlqE

I’ll Be Home for Christmas:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AM4PEt7uts4

Little Saint Nick:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4T2WU2yykXM

 

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AN URGENT MESSAGE: IS END OF LINE NEARING FOR MOTOR CITY RADIO FLASHBACKS?

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].

 

Sincerely,

Jim Feliciano, Curator

Friday, November 22, 2024

site email: motorcityradioflashbacks65@gmail.com

Motor City Radio Radio Flashbacks

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