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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.
Many of Lee Alan’s broadcasting achievements from the early to mid- 1960s is still celebrated today, highlighting his time at WKMH and during his years at WXYZ Radio 1270. One memorable moment was his most well remembered, ever-lasting narrative of “The Letter from Michael,” which Alan originally recounted while at WKMH for the Christmas season in 1960. In October 1963, after serving a year and a half in prison, Chuck Berry was released. Soon after, Lee Alan played a crucial role in securing Berry’s first gig post-incarceration at the Walled Lake Casino, that same year.
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.
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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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
I always told Lee when we ran into one another, your the reason I got into this business lol. I saw Lee in the WXYZ 1270 remote trailer at Edge Water Park.
I was 13, and said to myself. That’s what I want to do.
Being a CKLW Big 8 alumni and Tom Shannon’s producer in the 60s. It came full circle for me. Thanks Lee for everything, the music,memories,and Edge Water Park.
R.I.P.