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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HAPPY NEW YEAR, 2025! A 1973 WDRQ TOP DETROIT 93 SONG CHART SURVEY

WDRQ FM 1973 TOP 93 (plus1) Detroit Song Hits [A]

WDRQ FM 1973 TOP 93 (plus1) Detroit Song Hits [B]

The Detroit WDRQ Top 93 singles as was tabulated, listed and published by WDRQ, December 1973.

From Jim Hampton and I, wishing you a season filled with warmth, laughter, and the joy of new beginnings. May this Holiday season bring you peace, happiness, and wonderful memories to carry into the New Year.

This featured 1973 WDRQ chart were digitally re-imaged and restored by USA Radio Museum.

ON YOUR PC? You can view the above 1973 WDRQ chart digitally ENLARGED. For a larger detailed view click above images 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.COM home page.

ON YOUR MOBILE DEVICE? Tap over chart image. Open to second window. “Stretch” 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 WDRQ music guide courtesy of Mrs. Patti Griggs and the George L. Griggs estate.

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WDRQ FM 1973 TOP 93 (plus1) Detroit Song Hits [C]

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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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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.

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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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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

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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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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.

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