e WKNR – USA Radio Museum

A USA RADIO MUSEUM PRESENTATION: WKNR, GARY STEVENS, BACK ON THE RADIO! APRIL 1965

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USARM Note: The featured aircheck was Gary Steven’s very last show on WKNR, Saturday, April 3, 1965.

Gary Stevens had a remarkable career in radio, starting from his early days in Buffalo, New York, and eventually becoming a prominent figure in the industry. Here’s a comprehensive bio of Gary Stevens:

Early Career
Gary Stevens began his broadcasting journey at WWOW in Conneaut, Ohio, while on vacation from college. He later attended the University of Miami, where he worked at several stations, including WCKR and WAME. His career quickly progressed as he moved to WFUN in Miami, where he stayed until 1961.

WIL St. Louis
In 1961, Gary Stevens joined WIL in St. Louis, where he worked alongside notable personalities like Ron Lundy, Dan Ingram, Roger Barkley, and Gary Owens. He hosted the evening show from 7 PM to midnight, gaining a strong following and honing his skills as a Top 40 disk jockey.

WKNR Keener 13, Dearborn, MI
In November 1963, Mike Joseph hired Gary Stevens to join WKNR in Dearborn, MI, a suburb of Detroit. WKNR, known as “Keener 13,” was a powerhouse in the Detroit radio market, and Gary quickly became one of its most charismatic and popular DJs. His show was known for its energetic style and engaging personality, helping WKNR climb to the top of the Detroit radio charts within an incredible span (after WKMH transitioned to WKNR) of just under 2 months by January of 1964.

WMCA New York City
In April 1965, Gary Stevens moved to New York City to join WMCA, where he became part of the “Good Guys” lineup. At WMCA, Gary continued to build his reputation, playing the hits and engaging with listeners through his 7-11 PM shift. His time at WMCA further solidified his status as a top radio personality.

Later Career and Legacy
Gary Stevens’ success in radio eventually led him to a career in broadcasting management. He became the president of Doubleday Broadcasting, one of the fastest-growing chains of radio properties in America. His journey from a night-time Top 40 disk jockey to a successful executive is a testament to his talent and determination.

Gary Stevens’ contributions to radio have left a lasting legacy, and he is remembered fondly by radio fans and broadcasting colleagues alike.

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NEW! A special THANK YOU to John Troll, of Danbury, CT. (and sole owner of this Stevens, WKNR aircheck), and Ted Smucker, of Cassopolis, MI., for both having contributing this fabulous, Gary Stevens, WKNR 1965 audio memory. 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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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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MY GENERATION! CAMEO PARKWAY RECORDS: THE RATIONALS . . . A TOP 1966 KEENER HIT

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Debuted #29 for the week of September 6, 1966, “Respect” peaks at #6 (1 week) on the WKNR Music Guide, September 26, 1966. Having charted 6 weeks overall — on its final week on the Keener charts the Cameo single drops out at #10 for the week of October 10, 1966.

Source: The WKNR Music Guides [1966]

Audio digitally remastered by Motor City Radio Flashbacks

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MY GENERATION! CAMEO RECORDS: ? MARK & THE MYSTERIANS . . . A TOP 1966 KEENER HIT

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Debuted #29 for the week of August 8, 1966, “96 Tears” peaks at #2 (2 weeks) on the WKNR Music Guide, August 22, 1966. Having charted 6 weeks overall — on its final week on the Keener charts the Cameo Parkway single drops out at #7 for the week of September 12, 1966.

Source: The WKNR Music Guides [1966]

Audio digitally remastered by Motor City Radio Flashbacks

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MY GENERATION! LUCKY ELEVEN RECORDS: TERRY KNIGHT & THE PACK . . . A TOP 1966 KEENER HIT

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Debuted #27 for the week of March 30, 1966, “Better Man Than I” peaks at #10 (2 weeks) on the WKNR Music Guide, April 20, 1966. Having charted 5 weeks overall — on its final week on the Keener charts the Lucky Eleven single drops out at #13 for the week of April 27, 1966.

Source: The WKNR Music Guides [1966]

Audio digitally remastered by Motor City Radio Flashbacks

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60 YEARS AGO: KEENER and THE BEATLES BACKSTAGE at the OLYMPIA! WEEKS OCTOBER 01-08 1964

WKNR MUSIC GUIDE [3 of 4] September 24, 1964

WKNR MUSIC GUIDE [3 of 4] October 1, 1964

WKNR October 1 and October 8 1964 charts courtesy of the George Griggs collection, founder, Motor City Radio Flashbacks.

Audio digitally remastered by Motor City Radio Flashbacks

The (above and below) WKNR music charts was digitally restored by Motor City Radio Flashbacks.

Audio is courtesy of Bob Green and Bob Green Productions, Houston, TX

ON YOUR PC? To fully appreciate the two featured WKNR Music Guides for the week of October 1 and October 8 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 over WKNR chart image. Open to second window. “Stretch” image across your device screen to magnify for largest print view.

WKNR MUSIC GUIDE [4 of 4] October 8, 1964

WKNR MUSIC GUIDE [4 of 4] October 8, 1964

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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 charts courtesy of Mrs. Patti Griggs and the George L. Griggs estate.

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60 YEARS AGO: KEENER and THE BEATLES BACKSTAGE at the OLYMPIA! WEEKS SEPTEMBER 17-24 1964

WKNR MUSIC GUIDE [1 of 4] September 17, 1964

WKNR MUSIC GUIDE [1 of 4] September 17, 1964

COMING OCTOBER 7: Two more WKNR exclusive ‘Beatles at Olympia’ charts — Series 3 and Series 4 — from October 1 and October 8, 1964. 

Audio digitally remastered by Motor City Radio Flashbacks

The (above and below) WKNR music charts was digitally restored by Motor City Radio Flashbacks.

Audio is courtesy of Bob Green and Bob Green Productions, Houston, TX

ON YOUR PC? To fully appreciate the two featured WKNR Music Guides for the week of September 17 and September 24 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 over WKNR chart image. Open to second window. “Stretch” image across your device screen to magnify for largest print view.

WKNR MUSIC GUIDE [2 of 4] September 24, 1964

WKNR MUSIC GUIDE [2 of 4] September 24, 1964

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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 charts courtesy of Mrs. Patti Griggs and the George L. Griggs estate.

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. . . AND, SHE WAS OUR FELLOW WILSON JR. HIGH STUDENT! WHEN 13 YEAR-OLD CHRISTINE SCHUMACHER WON WKNR ‘RECORD WITH SUPREMES’ CONTEST: NOVEMBER 1966

Audio digitally remastered by Motor City Radio Flashbacks

WILSON JUNIOR HIGH ‘The Spotlight’ January 27, 1967

“This month’s personality is Christine Schumacher. She is a five foot, blue-eyed blond from Room 213, the Braille class.

I’m not going to tell you what she’s like but I’m going to tell you what she did! About a month and a half ago, she entered the WKNR Scott Regen‘s ‘Record A Record With The Supremes’ contest. Well, she won, went to Motown Studios, she recorded, “Mother You, Smother You.” It is a hit now and is it ever great.

If you haven’t heard it yet, tune to WKNR, 1300 on your radio, between 7 and 9 at night. What do you know, we’ve got a star in our school!”

Audio digitally remastered by Motor City Radio Flashbacks

In 2015, I was immediately captivated when I came across the second page of Wilson Junior High School’s student newsletter, *The Spotlight*, dated January 27, 1967. This brief article, penned by Debbie Tosoain, was shared by Marilyn V. Harris, a Wilson alumna, in a Facebook post on May 15 within the Wilson Jr. High School group, where I am also a member. The piece evoked a fond memory of a well-known student who was at our school during that time.

Wilson Junior High School’s Christine Schumacher, pictured here at 13 years of age in November 1966. (Photo credit: Keener13.com’s Scott Westerman, Steve Schram)

In September 1966, I was new to Woodrow Wilson Junior High, having transitioned from Bennett Elementary School. At just 13 years old, like many of us were then, I started my three-year journey at Wilson, located on Lane Street in Southwest Detroit. After reading the Spotlight article, I was instantly reminded of Christine Schumacher, a prominent student who was there during my time at the school, from 1966 to 1969.

Most of us who attended Wilson would probably agree that Christine’s kindness, intelligence, and infectious wit left a lasting impact on everyone at the school. She was always eager to engage in conversations and her smile had a special way of winning over both students and the entire faculty during her time there.

Seeing her at various school events during our school years at the time, this article rekindled a special memory about her from late-1966. Christine, who was also blind, made the long journey from her home in Northwest Detroit (Sussex St.) to attend Wilson’s specialized classes for students with special needs, as was highlighted in the January 27, 1967 Spotlight issue from that time.

[MCRFB Note: Mouse click over (PC) or tap and stretch (mobile screen) over all images for largest digitized read.]

Woodrow Wilson Jr. High, in Southwest Detroit, as photographed in 2012. (Credit: Susan Ellis Miles)

I vividly still recall the thrill that spread through the entire school when it was announced that it was Christine who had won the “Record A Record With The Supremes” contest, sponsored by WKNR and Motown Records. This contest was heavily promoted on Keener 13 for many weeks, late in the fall of 1966, most particularly during Scott Regen’s nightly show from 7 to 10 p.m. on WKNR.

During the course of our discussion about Christine and Motown (2015), a member of the Wilson group commened that she was 62 years old (then, she would be 71 today), and that she was alive and well, living in the east side of Dearborn, on Schaefer Rd., south of Michigan Ave. Post-Wilson, it was also mentioned she had pursued a career as a school teacher, focusing on working with impaired and special needs students throughout the years.

WKNR Scottie Regen.

After some time, and as the discussions about Christine Schumacher on the Wilson Junior High School Facebook page (from May 15, 2015) came to a close, I, as a fellow group member, posted my final thoughts on June 5:

“To my fellow Wilson Junior High friends . . . I’ll be sharing more–something very special about Christine, Scott Regen (WKNR), and her recording with Motown on my website, Motor City Radio Flashbacks, soon. It will relate the very moment she was told she was the winner of the WKNR ‘Record A Record With The Supremes’ contest back in November 1966.”

I hope you’ll enjoy this special memory. For this was her remarkable moment, 58-years ago. When, in November 1966, she received the call from WKNR’s Scott Regen, congratulating her as the winner who would record with Motown’s Supremes—the #1 female group in the world at that time.

Wow. Christine Schumacher! While that event may have been a brief but memorable highlight for her (and for us at Wilson) at the time, she is fondly remembered, yet still today . . . our school’s very own Motown star. 🙂

MCRFB Update: We recently reached out to Scottie Regen and he kindly provided some personal recollections about Christine and the ‘Record with the Supremes’ contest which he launched, in conjuction with Motown Records and Barney Ales, while at WKNR in October 1966 . . . from September 24, 2024, Scottie Regen, he writes:

As for Christine being the winner, what happened was the idea struck me one night, and so I reached out to my friend, Barney Ales, the head of promotions at Motown at the time, to see what he thought about it, about the possibilities a contest with Motown records could take place for a lucky WKNR listener to record with the Supremes. He listened to my idea, he thought about it . . .and, he loved it!

I had a great time being present in the studio for that promotion. All the contest finalists (including Christine) were recorded at Golden World on Davison (in early-1966 G.W. became Motown Studio B), and Brian Holland—who produced hits for the Four Tops, the Supremes, and Martha and the Vandellas—managed everything for the contest. I really enjoyed collaborating with him. In hindsight, I think Motown viewed it as a talent search, and I wish they had taken it a bit further. Christine brought a sweet, innocent vibe, and she was truly amazed to have won the contest! –Robert Bernstein (Scottie Regen, WKNR)

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BACK ON THE RADIO: THE ‘BOB GREEN SHOW’ on WKNR! MARCH 30, 1970

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A special THANK YOU to Kip Brown, of Three Rivers, MI., for having contributed this WKNR aircheck, many years ago, for our Motor City Radio Flashbacks airchecks repository.

Our contributor, Kip Brown, first wrote to us, nine years ago:

“Hello there! As I write this I am transferring a 45 year old WKNR FM log recorder reel from October of 1970. It is from a collection of them I purchased many years ago that included both AM and FM tapes from March to October of 1970. As you may know, log recorder tapes were off-air recordings done for commercial performance or if something controversial happened and management needed a playback of the incident. They were recorded at a very slow speed so as to maximize available reel space. They contain hour after hour of continuous WKNR radio, uncut. I sold copies of some of the recordings years ago from the AM tapes. Most of the 1970 tapes on this very site came from those transfers. I have never circulated the FM transfers.

Thanks, and I enjoy your site very much!”

Kip Brown
Three Rivers, Michigan | 2015/12/31 at 8:30 pm

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The featured audio presentation was extracted from an actual 12-hour WKNR logger tape from March 30, 1970. Today, we are featuring the first two hours of Bob Green’s show on WKNR from that day. Fifty-four years ago.

Bob Green is a legendary broadcaster in Detroit radio history. He began his broadcasting career in Detroit at WKMH in 1961, then moved to Miami before returning to Detroit in 1963 to join “the new WKNR radio 13”, where he stayed until early 1968. He came back to WKNR for a short period between 1970 and 1971. Bob, today, is fondly remembered as “the voice of Keener 13.” Currently, he resides in Austin, TX, after having run Bob Green Productions, which was previously based in Houston.

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About the logger tape: The logger tape recording was an essential technology for radio stations before the digital age revolutionized recording and playback.

Here’s a breakdown of what logger tape is and why it was crucial:

Logger tape refers to a continuous reel-to-reel tape used to record radio broadcasts. The term “logger” comes from the concept of “logging” or documenting broadcasts for various purposes. The logger tape would run continuously at ultra slow speed, recording everything that was broadcasted over a particular period.

The large tape would continuously record broadcasts over a 24-hour period, typically using a loop of tape that was automatically replaced once it was full. This ensured that all broadcast content was captured without manual intervention.

Logger tapes also provided evidence that specific content, like public service announcements or political broadcasts, was actually aired as required.

Broadcast verification. Regulatory bodies, such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the U.S., required radio stations to keep records of their broadcasts. This was to ensure that stations adhered to regulations and maintained the integrity of their content.

Logger tapes served as evidence in legal disputes or complaints, such as copyright issues or allegations of improper content. If there were disputes about what had been broadcasted, the logger tape served as a complete record that could be reviewed in such cases, and if required.

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Newly restored! This featured WKNR (logger tape) audio recording was digitally remastered by Motor City Radio Flashbacks.

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THE WKNR ‘TOP 31’ MUSIC GUIDE: KEENER GOLD! THIS WEEK, AUGUST 8, 1968

WKNR MUSIC GUIDE August 8, 1968 [A]

WKNR MUSIC GUIDE August 8, 1968 [B]

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The above WKNR chart was digitally restored by Motor City Radio Flashbacks

ON YOUR PC? To fully appreciate this WKNR Music Guide for the week of August 8, 1968 chart feature 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 over WKNR chart image. Open to second window. “Stretch” image across your device screen to magnify for largest 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 WKNR music chart courtesy of Mrs. Patti Griggs and the George L. Griggs estate.

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