Introduction: From Woodstock to Altamont
The summer of 1969 had given the world Woodstock, a sprawling, muddy miracle of peace and music that seeme [...]
December 6, 1969: Altamont Speedway—The Day the Music Turned Dark
Introduction: From Woodstock to Altamont
The summer of 1969 had given the world Woodstock, a sprawling, muddy miracle of peace and music that seeme [...]
Chuck Blore: Production Genius Who Re-Imaged Radio’s Most Iconic Sounds
Introduction: A Visionary in Crafting Radio with Artistic Productions
Few figures in broadcasting reshaped the sound of American radio as profoundl [...]
From WHDH to NBC to CBS and Beyond: Bob & Ray’s Comedic Partnership Preserved in Legacy
The Bob and Ray Show: NBC’s Masters of Deadpan Satire
Introduction: In the golden age of American radio, when voices carried imagination into livin [...]
KRLA: From Pasadena Beginnings to Broadcasting Lore — A Cultural Connector Across Eras
Intro: Tracing KRLA’s Journey from Local Pasadena Station to a Cultural Powerhouse of Los Angeles Radio
From the moment its signal first reached ac [...]
Supremes at the Summit: On This Day, 1968 — ‘Love Child’ Knocks ‘Hey Jude’ from No. 1
This Day in Pop Music History: A Social Taboo Subject Becomes a Motown, Pop Hit Milestone
On November 24, 1968 (a Sunday), Diana Ross & The Sup [...]
When the News First Broke: ABC Radio and the Day the Nation Cried
From Music into Mourning, the Voices of ABC News Carried America Through its Darkest Hour
On November 22, 1963, at 12:36 p.m. Central Standard Time [...]
Mike Kinosian Pays Tribute to the Extraordinary Jim Bohannon
They all hurt, but - for a variety of reasons - this one was a genuine gut punch that took the wind right from you.
Not that it made it any easier, b [...]
The John Records Landecker Interview
The Life and Times of John Records Landecker
Few names in American radio carry the same mix of wit, energy, and authenticity as John Records Landecke [...]
“Beautiful Downtown Burbank”: The Sonic Voice and Legacy of Gary Owens
Introduction: A Voice That Became a Broadcasting Signature
In the golden age of radio and the kaleidoscopic swirl of 1960s television, few voices w [...]
November 11, 1965 — ‘Rubber Soul’ Completed: The Beatles’ Leap Toward LP Mastery
Introduction: Rubber Soul and the Studio Awakening of The Beatles
In the annals of 20th Century pop music history, few dates resonate with such qui [...]
MLB Flagship Scoreboard
Here’s how MLB radio flagships fared in Nielsen Audio’s October 2025 survey period (September 18 – October 15).
First though, the disclaimers and fin [...]
A Life Programming Broadcasting Legacy: Ruth Meyer’s Enduring Impact on Radio Culture and Memory
Introduction: Honoring Ruth Ann Meyer, Architect of Radio’s Golden Pulse
In the annals of American broadcasting, few figures shaped the rhythm and [...]
MK’s PPM Ratings Recap – October 2025
Shown here are my takeaways from all 48 PPM-measured markets, based on Nielsen Audio’s 6+ total week stats from the October 2025 ratings period (Septe [...]
The Sound of ABC 1968: PAMS, ‘Cousin Brucie’, Don Gardiner, and a Voiceprint of Radio 77
Soundtrack of a City: PAMS and the Pulse of Contemporary ABC Radio, 1968
Opening Overture: A Sonic Time Capsule
In the golden age of 20th Century [...]
November 5, 1941 and 1944 — Two CBS Radio Broadcasts, One Global Conflict, and the Echoes of History
Introduction: The World Today on November 5, 1940s Wartime
In the turbulent decade of the 1940s, as war reshaped borders and lives across continent [...]
WXYZ 1270: Top 40 Legacy and the ‘Detroit Sound’ That Shaped a ’60s Generation
Introduction— A Tribute to the Voices, Battles, and Broadcasts That Made WXYZ a Motor City '60s Legend
From its earliest days as WGHP in 1925 t [...]
Grovers Mill, 1938: When Radio Terrified Nation With ‘Invasion from Outer Space’
Introduction: The Night Radio Shook America's Airways
On the evening of October 30, 1938, as jack-o’-lanterns flickered and families gathered aroun [...]
Dead Air, Rumored: The 1969 Airwave Mystery That Made Paul Immortal
Introduction: The Detroit Radio Broadcast That Shook the Beatles’ World
In the autumn of 1969, Detroit became the unlikely epicenter of one of rock [...]
The Day the World Waited: October 23, 1962—NBC Reports from the Frontlines of the Cuban Missile Crisis
When The World Held Its Collective Breath: October 23, 1962
An Introduction for this news-worthy, and historic, USA Radio Museum Feature
On [...]
The Rhythm That Changed Radio: Porky Chedwick’s Soulful Mission to Make Black Music Heard
Introduction: “The Daddio of the Raddio”
At the USA Radio Museum, we celebrate the voices who didn’t just play music—they changed the way America l [...]
Yesterday, Today, and Always: Celebrating 60 Years of the Most Covered Song in Pop Music History
Introduction: How One Beatles' Ballad Became a Cultural Standard
On October 19, 1965, “Yesterday” by the Beatles was still reigning at No. 1 on the [...]
Marty Greenberg: The Executive Behind the Voice of Chicago Radio
In the pantheon of American radio executives, few had as broad a range of influence—or as deep a commitment to both local station success and national [...]
Rick Sklar: Architect of the WABC Sound & The Rise of Top-40 Radio
Rick Sklar stands as one of the most innovative and influential figures in the history of American radio, a trailblazer whose vision transformed WABC [...]
MK’s PPM Ratings Recaps – September 2025
MK’s September 2025 PPM Ratings Recaps
Shown here are my takeaways from all 48 PPM-measured markets, based on Nielsen Audio’s 6+ total week stats fr [...]
October 10, 1956: Remembering Elvis’s First Tender Moment On the Radio
Introduction: The Day Elvis Tendered Softness In Song to America
There are moments in music history when a single note seems to change everything. [...]
The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet: How the Nelsons Turned Microphones Into Cherished Radio Memories
Introduction: A Radiowave Legacy Begins
Before television turned them into America’s most enduring family sitcom, Ozzie and Harriet Nelson were alr [...]
Faith, Fire, and Pulpit Frequency: Father Coughlin and the Rise of Religious Political Dissent in America
Introduction: A Name with a Clerical Voice That Stirred the Nation
By the early 1930s, as America reeled from the Great Depression and searched for [...]
The Band Begins . . . October 1, 1965: A New Dylan and Sound Takes the Stage
This Day in Pop Music History: October 1, 1965
Bob Dylan and The Band Electrify Carnegie Hall
On a crisp autumn night in New York City, October 1, [...]
Phlash Phourward, Today: A Celebration of Phlash Phelps’ 25 Years on Sirius XM
USA Radio Museum Introduction: Honoring Phlash Phelps
At the USA Radio Museum, we celebrate the voices and honor those that shaped America's airwav [...]
Jingles and Sounds That Endures: Saluting Toby Arnold’s Lasting Impact on Radio
An Introduction: The Legacy of Toby Arnold & Associates
In the golden age of radio branding, when jingles were more than sonic decoration—they [...]
Pop’s Unsung Poet: Reflections . . . Celebrating Bobby Hart’s Musical Legacy
Curator’s Note —
Pop’s Unsung Poet: Celebrating Bobby Hart’s Musical Legacy
Bobby Hart’s melodies didn’t just top charts—they became the emotional [...]
The Doors on CBS-TV: The Night Jim Morrison Lit Up Ed Sullivan’s Stage—September 17, 1967
“We Just Did The Ed Sullivan Show”: The Doors’ Defiant Moment on National TV
September 17, 1967 – 58 Years Ago Today
Introduction: A Collision of [...]
MK’s PPM Ratings Recaps – August 2025
Shown here are my takeaways from all 48 PPM-measured markets, based on Nielsen Audio’s 6+ total week stats from the August 2025 ratings period (July 2 [...]
The GI’s Radio Companion: Remembering the ‘Armed Forces Vietnam Network’ Era
Introduction: Voices That Carried Home Across a War-Torn Land
In the thick humidity of Southeast Asia, where jungle silence was broken by the roar [...]
Blue-Eyed Soul, Motor City Style: Reflections of Robbie D.’s WCHB Journey
WCHB’s Robbie “D”: My Trip to “Magic Town” . . . A White Guy’s Journey to the Motor City
In the spring of 1966, an 18-year-old dreamer from Pittsbu [...]
SEPTEMBER 10, 1966: Spinning Into Maturity—How Revolver Redefined the Beatles
Revolver at No.1: The Beatles’ Sonic Revolution
September 10, 1966 — A Turning Point
In the waning days of summer 1966, America found itself in a [...]
Forever Meesh-ee-gun: Celebrating Bob Ufer’s Broadcast Brilliance
“Meesh-ee-gun!”: The Echo of a Voice That Never Fades
There are voices that narrate the game—and then there are voices that define it. For gene [...]
Happy Forever: The Harmonies, Humor, and Legacy of Mark Volman
Introduction: A Voice That Lived in Harmony
Mark Volman didn’t just sing harmony—he lived it. As a founding member of The Turtles, his voice helped [...]
Thirty Years of Morning Radio: “Good Mornin’, World! J.P. McCarthy’s Enduring Legacy on WJR
Tribute Introduction
The Voice of Detroit: J.P. McCarthy Echos a Legacy Made for Radio Broadcasting
Before sunrise, as Detroit stirred to l [...]
WSAI: Honoring 100 Years of Signal – A Legacy Still Broadcasting
Introduction: WSAI Cincinnati — A Century of Signal and Soul
For over 100 years, WSAI has been more than a radio station—it’s been Cincinnati’s voi [...]
Godspeed, Gary Burbank: A Legend in Frequencies, the Voice of Signaled Laughter, Remembered
“You Know What Makes Me Sick?”
An Introduction to Gary Burbank, Radio’s Relentless Satirist and Beloved Voice of WLW
Gary Burbank didn’t just host [...]
From the WWJ Booth to the Bleachers: Ty Tyson’s Radio Legacy Revisited
Introduction: The Man Who Gave Sports Its First Radio Soundtrack
Before television cameras captured every angle and instant replay became gospel, t [...]
Jay Thomas: The Irreverent Voice of Radio and Television
Jay Thomas was a broadcaster who never fit into neat categories. He was at once a sharp-witted radio DJ, a beloved sitcom actor, and a raconteur who c [...]
Bud Miller: The Newsman Who Gave WLS Its Credibility
When Chicagoans think back on the glory days of WLS-AM 890, the booming voices of Dick Biondi, Ron Riley, Larry Lujack, Tommy Edwards, Fred Winston, J [...]
Echoes of Originality: From PAMS’s Legacy to JAM’s Radio Jingles, Today
Jingle Magic: How JAM Shaped Radio’s Soul
In the golden age of radio, jingles weren’t just sonic branding—they were identity, memory, and magic.
[...]
Douglas Edwards and ‘The World Today’: A CBS Chronicle in Radio Sound
Introduction: CBS's 'The World Today'
Douglas Edwards and the Birth of Broadcast Trust
Step into the golden age of radio journalism, where The W [...]
Todd Storz’s Top 40 Legacy: A Radio Format That Never Fades
Introduction: The Pulse of a New Radio Sound, Re-Imagined
Long before algorithms curated our playlists and countdowns ruled the airwaves, there was [...]
The Beat That Broke Barriers: Pop Radio’s Musical Cultural Shift Began in 1954
Pop Music’s Cultural Shift Streamlines 1954
Introduction: From Polished Pop to the Pulse of Change
In 1953, America’s airwaves were still dresse [...]
MK’s PPM Ratings Recaps – July 2025
Shown here are my takeaways from all 48 PPM-measured markets, based on Nielsen Audio’s 6+ total week stats from the July 2025 ratings period (June 26 [...]
August 15, 1965: The Night the Beatles Electrified and Rocked Shea Stadium
60 Years Ago: The Gamble That Changed Music Forever
In the summer of 1965, Beatlemania was no longer a phenomenon—it was a force of nature. The Bea [...]
The Hour That Made America Laugh: Inside the Golden Age of The Chase and Sanborn Hour
The Chase and Sanborn Hour: America’s Sunday Night Spectacle
Introduction: A Nation Tuned In
Before television flickered into American homes, ra [...]
Preserving the Pulse: KILT’s Enduring Signal and Texas Radio Imprint
KILT’s Origin Story: McLendon’s Vision and Birth of a Radio Powerhouse
In the postwar boom of the late 1940s, Houston was a city on the rise—it [...]
CBS Radio Bears Witness: A Recap . . . The Watergate Hearings of August 2, 1973
Introduction: Opening Paragraphs
On the morning of June 17, 1972, five men were arrested inside the Democratic National Committee headquarters at t [...]
The Legendary Comic Behind the NBC Mic: Soupy’s Radio Renaissance
From Pie-Throwing Pioneer to Radio Personality
Before he ever cued up a record or cracked a joke into a radio mic, Soupy Sales was already a le [...]
Bob Green: Heard, Felt, Recalled – Crafting Connection Through Radio and Production Studios
Foreword . . . from the USA Radio Museum
In the vast and vibrant history of American radio, few voices carried the warmth, wit, and wisdom of B [...]
A Broadcasting Legend: ‘Mr. Music’. . . aka Norm N. Nite
Opening Portrait: “Before the Countdowns, Before the Hall…”
A USA Radio Museum Salute to the Keeper of Top 40's Best Years of Radio and Chart Memor [...]
The Voice of the Weekend: Celebrating Dick Bartley’s Sonic Radio Legacy
The Voice That Soundtracked America’s Greatest Pop Hits
Opening Reflection: The Curator of Time Travel
Dick Bartley didn’t just play rec [...]
WLS Unwound: Remembering the Music Radio Days
Before streaming and syndication, before playlists replaced personalities, there was WLS — The Big 89. If you were within reach of a transistor radio [...]
Mangione: Celebrating the Melodic Grace and Spirit of a Jazz Luminary
A Legacy That Feels So Good
Music, Emotion, and the Grace of a Life Well Played
Charles Frank “Chuck” Mangione (November 29, 1940 – July 22, [...]
Hit the Road, Turn the Dial: A Soundscape of America’s In-Car Legacy
Car Radio's Cultural Impact Became the Soundtrack of American Life
From the moment car radios became accessible to everyday drivers, they trans [...]
Ozzy Osbourne, Prince of Darkness and Heavy Metal Pioneer. 1948 – 2025
Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath, trailblazing solo artist, and unlikely reality TV star, died today at the age of 76. Known as [...]
‘For Radio Geeks Only’ with John Landecker & Bob Sirott
John Landecker and Bob Sirott Reunite on WGN to Talk WLS and Chicago Radio Glory Days
Radio history came alive on WGN Radio recently as two of Chicag [...]
MK’s PPM Ratings Recaps – June 2025
Shown here are my takeaways based on Nielsen Audio’s 6+ total week stats from the June 2025 ratings period (May 29 – June 25).
Round One
New York
[...]
The Bob Hardt Interview
USA Radio Museum Presents: Legends of Broadcasting Episode 1: A Conversation with Bob Hardt interviewed by Jim HamptonWelcome to the inaugural episo [...]
Where the Songs Are: The Enduring Grace of Connie Francis
Connie Francis Dies at 87 — A Nation Mourns Its Voice
July 17, 2025 — Fort Lauderdale, FL
The USA Radio Museum mourns today the passing of l [...]
Just the Facts: The Enduring Legacy of Dragnet on Radio and Beyond
From Airwaves to Ethics: The Realism That Made Dragnet Iconic
In the summer of 1949, as America’s postwar optimism settled into a r [...]
A New York State of Radio: Jim Kerr Signals Fifty-Years of Broadcasting
For half a century, one voice has pulsed through the heart of New York City—steady, sincere, and unmistakably familiar. Jim Kerr’s journey from Mi [...]
The Station Who Played It ‘Smooth’: Detroit’s V98.7 Remembered
The Birth of V98.7: Detroit’s Smooth Jazz Awakening
When WVMV V98.7 first arrived on the Detroit airwaves in December 1995, it ushered in more [...]
Real Oldies Music Radio: Broadcasting the Heartbeat of America’s Musical Past
USA RADIO MUSEUM - In a world of overproduced playlists and AI-curated content, Real Oldies Music Radio is a heartfelt throwback to the days when radi [...]
Dinah Shore Brands Chevrolet: A Harmonious 1950s Ride Through the U.S.A.
The Dinah Shore Show: Chevrolet’s Musical Journey Across America
In the mosaic of American broadcast history, few shows are as emblematic of mi [...]
John Gilliland: The Voice Behind The Pop Chronicles
USA Radio Museum Feature:
John Gilliland was more than a disc jockey—he was a radio historian, a pioneer in long-form documentary storytelling, and [...]
63 Years Ago Today . . . Beyond ABC’s Headlines: Rusk’s Cold War Reflections on ‘Issues and Answers’
Introduction
Dean Rusk on the Air: 1960s Cold War Clarity from July 8, 1962
On July 8, 1962, ABC Radio’s Issues and Answers featured an inte [...]
Echoes of Futursonic: CKLW’s ’62-’63’ Jingle Soundscape
CKLW 1963: Futuresonic’s Sound Before the Storm
In 1963, before CKLW roared to life as “The Big 8,” its sound carried a different kind of c [...]
Lee Alan’s Final Salute: A Creative Soundtrack Honoring Nation’s Independence
“The Americans”: A Radiant Reflection of Patriotism Through Detroit’s Voice
As fireworks lit the sky over Detroit and the nation this July 4th, [...]
Casey Kasem: The Voice That Counted Down America’s Heartbeat
In an era when radio connected millions and pop culture was carried on waves of vinyl and FM frequencies, few voices were as instantly recognizable — [...]
From Static to Stereo: The Birth, Rise and Reign of FM Radio [Part Two]
Part Two: The Stereo Revolution Continues
Conclusion of Our Two-Part Series on the History of FM Radio
Wait!! Missed Part One? Go here.
W [...]
From Static to Stereo: The Birth, Rise and Reign of FM Radio [Part One]
Introduction: The Birth of FM Radio
How clarity, culture, and counterculture crowned a new king of the dial
The story of FM radio doesn’ [...]
Pop Goes With Coke: When Pop Artists Sang ‘It’s The Real Thing’
The Real Thing on the Radio: Coca-Cola and the Soundtrack of a Generation
On July 10, 1965, the pages of Billboard magazine lit up with a headl [...]
Keeping It ‘Real’: Don Steele’s Legacy Remembered, Recalled
“Alive—Alive!”: The Real Don Steele and the Golden Age of Boss Radio
How one electrifying DJ turned a mic into a megaphone for a generation—and [...]
Crackling into History: The First Transistor Radio and the Dawn of Portable Radio
Waves of Change: The Regency TR-1 and the Transistor Radio Revolution
In the autumn of 1954, in a country enchanted by chrome tail fins, drive- [...]
“This Is 8MK Calling”: A Chapter of America’s First Radio Station
Live from Detroit: The First Voice of American Radio
Before the Broadcast: A City Poised for the Air
Detroit, 1920. The city echoed with [...]
Bobby Sherman, 1960s Teen Idol Turned Real-Life Hero, Dies at 81
Bobby Sherman, the shaggy-haired heartthrob who rose to fame in the late 1960s as a pop idol and television star — and later reinvented himself as an [...]
Mike Kinosian Interview: Ed McMahon
“My Next Guest Needs No Introduction” is the name of the Netflix series David Letterman launched in January 2018.
Those six words crystallize Ed McMa [...]
When “Lightnin’” Struck and Radio Listened: Remembering Lou Christie
A Tribute to Lou Christie, Pop’s Meteoric Voice of the ’60s
In Memory to the Falsetto That Lit Up America’s Airwaves
In the golden age of tr [...]
MK’s PPM Ratings Recaps – May 2025
Shown here are my takeaways based on Nielsen Audio’s 6+ total week stats from the May 2025 ratings period.
Round One
New York
Regaining the two-t [...]
Mike Kinosian – Radio Analyst, Journalist & Industry Veteran
With a career that spans music radio and spoken-word formats, Mike Kinosian is known for his clarity, depth, and data-driven storytelling. His “Rating [...]
Jodie Lyons – The Legendary Jingle Maestro
Born Joseph “Jodie” Calloway Lyons on January 3, 1930, in Jacksonville, Florida, Lyons discovered his musical calling early. After serving in the U.S. [...]
Kansas City’s Radio Heartbeat: WHB Still Signals Through the Decades
The Origins of WHB: Kansas City's Sonic Pioneer
A Century of Sound, Soul, and Signal Strength from the Heart of the Midwest
Long before Spot [...]
From the Dial to the Heart: Willie B. . . . A Treasured NYC Radio Icon
William B. Williams: The Voice of New York Radio
In the golden glow of mid-20th century broadcasting, few voices resonated with the warmth, ele [...]
Reflections . . . A Legacy Remembered: How Sly Stone Redefined Music and Culture
Sly Stone Was the Architect of Funk and the Voice of a Generation
Introduction: The Genius Who Changed Music Forever
Sylvester Stewart, bett [...]
WCHB: The First Radio Station That Gave Detroit’s Black Community a Voice
The Soul Station on 1440 on the Dial Transformed Detroit’s Black Media Landscape
Radio has always been the heartbeat of communities, a medi [...]
‘Love & Mercy’: A Tribute to Brian Wilson, the Soul of the Beach Boys
God Only Knows Where We’d Be Without You . . . In Remembrance of Brian Wilson
"Love and mercy, that's what you need tonight. So love and mercy [...]
Frank Sinatra: The Man, His Life, His Music, His Legacy Endures
The Voice That Defined an Era
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born Francis Albert Sinatra on December 12, 1915, in Hoboken, New Jersey, Sinatr [...]
KLIF Dallas, Gordon McLendon: The Station That Revolutionized Modern Radio
KLIF Dallas: Breaking Hits, Breaking News, Breaking Barriers
Few radio stations have shaped the industry as profoundly as KLIF-AM in Dallas, Te [...]
Voices in Tragedy: How KNX and Radio Networks Captured the RFK Assassination
A Voice for Change, Silenced. The Night Radio Told America RFK Is Dead
A Night of Victory Turned to Tragedy
June 5, 1968—The air inside the [...]
Radio, ‘Swingin’ Time,’ and Beyond: The Detroit Broadcasting Legacy of Robin Seymour
Robin Seymour: The DJ Who Launched a Thousand Hits
From Army Radio to Detroit’s Airwaves: The Making of a Legend
Detroit in the mid-20th century [...]
June 2, 1967 . . . 58 Years Ago: The Day One Album Changed Rock Music Forever
Introduction: The Beatles’ Creative Breakthrough
The Beatles had stopped touring in 1966, frustrated by the limitations of live perform [...]
‘VE Day’ . . . May 8, 1945: When Radio and the World Took a Collective Deep Breath
Victory in Europe: The End of a Dark Era Through the Voices of Radio
On May 8, 1945, the world awoke to a new reality—the war in Europe was fin [...]
Honoring ‘Radio’s Best Friend’, Art Vuolo: A Lifetime Achievement of Preserving Voices of Radio
Art Vuolo: The Heart and Soul of Radio’s Legacy
Preserving the Voices, Faces, and Moments That Shaped Broadcasting History
Introduction
In th [...]
‘A Little Bit of Everything’: Preserving the Earliest Known Radio Broadcast
WAAM’s Legacy and the Birth of Recorded Radio
Exploring One of the Earliest Known Surviving Radio Broadcasts
Few artifacts allow us to hear [...]
From Old-Time Radio to TV Screens: 72 Phenomenal Years of ‘The Guiding Light’
Illuminating History: The Enduring Legacy of The Guiding Light
A Beacon of Storytelling: The Birth of a Broadcast Legend
Few radio serials h [...]
PAMS Inc.: Master of ‘Jingly’ Soundtracks in Radio’s Golden Era
Introduction: The Jingle Revolution
In the world of radio broadcasting, few names evoke as much nostalgia and reverence as PAMS Inc. of Dallas, [...]
The House That Gordy Built: The ‘Hitsville’ Legacy [Part 3]
The Jackson 5: Motown’s Teen Sensations
[A USARM Note: Missed part 2? Go HERE]
The Jackson 5’s arrival at Motown in 1969 was a game-chan [...]
‘And Now You Know . . .’ The Broadcasting Legacy That Became Paul Harvey
Paul Harvey: The Voice That Defined American Radio
Introduction: The Power of a Voice
Some voices are unforgettable. They carry the weight o [...]
Selling the Airwaves: The Rise and Legacy of Radio Advertising
The Genesis of Radio Advertising and Its Impact on Society
Introduction
Before television, before the internet, before social media—radi [...]
Tom Clay’s Impactful Journey: A Legacy in Words, Music, and Radio
Tom Clay: A Dynamic DJ's Journey Through Radio Broadcasting History
Born: August 20, 1929, New York City, U.S.
Died: November 22, 1995, Los An [...]
67 Seasons of Greatness: Vin Scully Became Baseball’s Most Iconic Voice
Vin Scully: The Voice of Baseball and a Legacy Beyond the Dodgers
For 67 seasons, Vin Scully was the unmistakable voice of Dodgers baseball, we [...]
The House That Gordy Built: The ‘Hitsville’ Legacy [Part 2]
Motown’s Expansion: The Ric-Tic and Golden World Acquisition (1966)
[A USARM Note: Missed part 1? Go HERE]
By 1966, Motown was no longer jus [...]
TM Productions, TM Century, TM Studios: A Legacy in Broadcasting Sound
A Salute to TM Productions: The Jingly Sounds That Defined '70s Radio, and Beyond
Introduction: The Birth of TM Productions
By the late 1960 [...]
Quixie in Dixie: When WQXI, ‘Dr. Don’ Captivated Atlanta’s Airwaves
WQXI Spawn Golden '60s Top 40 Era of Atlanta Radio
Radio was more than just a medium in the 1960s and 1970s—it was a cultural force. Few statio [...]
The House That Gordy Built: The ‘Hitsville’ Legacy [Part 1]
Berry Gordy Jr.: The Visionary Who Revolutionized Music, Record Hits, and Culture
In the heart of Detroit, a city pulsing with rhythm and ambit [...]
The Radio Hall of Fame: Honoring Legends Behind the Microphone
The Legacy of Radio: A Reflection of 100 Years of Broadcasting Excellence
Radio has shaped culture, news, entertainment, and community discours [...]
Riding the Airwaves: The Rise and End of Gunsmoke on CBS Radio
The Legacy of Radio’s Grittiest Western Drama
For nearly a decade, Gunsmoke ruled the airwaves, transporting listeners to the dusty streets of [...]
Bob Dylan, The Byrds, and The Electrification of Folk Music
Bob Dylan, The Byrds and The Folk Rock Revolution of the '60s
Introduction: The Moment Folk Met Rock
By 1965, the music world was underg [...]
Dick Purtan: The Voice Who Woke Up Radio with Morning Humor
Dick Purtan: A Detroit Radio Legend and Philanthropic Powerhouse
Few radio personalities have made as lasting an impression on Detroit’s airwav [...]
When Radio First Rocked: Alan Freed’s Impact on ’50s Music Culture
Alan Freed: Radio's 'Father of Rock 'n' Roll' and His Enduring Legacy
When we think of rock 'n' roll—the genre that broke barriers, united audi [...]
PAMS Plug ’60s Jingly Tunes for Chicago’s Storied 1450 Soul
WVON: A Legacy in Chicago's Black Community and the Soul of the Airwaves
When discussing the history of soul music and its role in shaping Afri [...]
A Transformative Dawn for Pop Hits: The Year, 1965
1965 Was a Year That Redefined Pop Music
The year 1965 was nothing short of revolutionary for popular music. It wasn't just another step in the [...]
Turn, Turn, Turn: 53 Years, Removed. Still Celebrating the Keener Legacy
Detroit Radio History: A Reflection Today on WKNR's Iconic Legacy
On April 25, 1972, Detroit lost a radio titan as WKNR-AM, affectionately [...]
Maestro Behind the Music: Tony Hatch ‘Team Hits’ with Pet Clark
Tony Hatch: A Musical Icon and His Timeless Collaborations with Petula Clark
Tony Hatch is a name that resonates deeply within the annals of po [...]
News Echoes Across the Airwaves: The Legacy of ABC Radio
ABC Radio Through the Decades: A Journey in Broadcasting
Introduction
Few institutions in American broadcasting have had the lasting imp [...]
Jack Benny’s 23-Year Reign on Radio: A Masterclass in Humor and Timing
Turning Silence into Comedy Became Benny’s Accomplished Radio Genius
Few entertainers have shaped the landscape of radio comedy like Jack B [...]
Quincy Jones and CRC Jingles: A Hidden Chapter in Radio History
Quincy Jones, CRC, and WKNR: The History Behind a Legendary Jingle
Introduction
Quincy Jones is widely celebrated for his groundbreaking [...]
Murray “The K”: Early ’60s, Legendary DJ Who Lit Up New York Radio
Murray Kaufman Became Big Apple's Voice of Modern Top 40 Radio
Few figures in radio history have left a mark as profound as Murray "the K" Kauf [...]
Remembering Michael Collins: A Voice of Wit, Warmth, and Detroit Spirit
Michael Collins, beloved Detroit native, broadcaster, and Emmy-winning television storyteller, passed away on April 4th, 2025. His remarkable career t [...]
Stan Freberg: The Satirical Genius Who Rewrote the Rules of Comedy, Advertising, and Radio
A RADIO GREAT - Long before there were viral videos, TikTok parodies, or Mad Men on TV, there was Stan Freberg—a master of satire, a pioneer in advert [...]
Mort Crowley: The Voice Who Pushed Radio’s Boundaries
Mort Crowley Became the Bold and Creative Voice of '60s Radio
Mort Crowley was more than just a radio personality—he was a pioneer of creat [...]
Herman’s Hermits: The UK Band That Stole Our Hearts
Celebrating the Legacy of Peter Noone and Herman's Hermits
When we think of the British Invasion, names like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones [...]
Voices of Innovation: A Century of Advocacy by the NAB
From Waves to Screens: The Evolution of the National Association of Broadcasters
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) stands as a tow [...]
‘Cousin Brucie’: America’s Radio Icon Through Decades
Bruce Morrow Is Radio's Quintessential Voice of Generations
Bruce Morrow, affectionately known as Cousin Brucie, is a broadcasting icon whose c [...]
PAMS: Adding Soul to the Legacy of WNOV 860
WNOV Became Milwaukee’s Iconic R&B Sound of the 1960s
In the 1960s, as America saw tremendous social change and the rise of the civil right [...]
Bob Uecker Captivated Heart of Baseball and Humor
Uecker Was a Beloved Legend Beyond the Broadcasting Booth
Bob Uecker, affectionately dubbed "Mr. Baseball," was much more than just a player or [...]
19 British Record Singles on National Chart: April 4, 1964
Beatlemania and Beyond: The British Invasion Hits 19 Singles on Billboard
April 4, 1964, was a historic week for British music on the Billb [...]
Jim O’Neill: A Dynamic Voice for Radio and Television
The Iconic Broadcasting Star Who Introduced '60s Hits on Radio and on Television
James Franklin "Jimmy" O'Neill, born on January 8, 1940, in Enid, [...]
NBC News Monitored: Dr. King Meets the Press
Two Titans of NBC Revolutionized Journalism and Radio News in America
NBC Radio's Monitor was a groundbreaking weekend program that aired from 1955 [...]
Fibber McGee and Molly: Comedic Legends of Old-Time Radio
Their Shows Became A Timeless Treasure of the Golden Age of Radio
"Fibber McGee and Molly" is a fascinating piece of radio history. It was an [...]
WQAM: From Top 40 Legacy to Sports Radio Leader
From Music Charts to Game-Day Stats: WQAM’s Evolution Over the Decades
WQAM in Miami was a prominent station during the 1960s, especially under the [...]
WKNR-FM Finds Its Musical Spot on ‘Stereo Island’
From Top 40, Rock, to Relaxation: The Evolution of WKNR-FM to "Island's" Beautiful Music Haven
In 1971, WKNR-FM shifted from its progressive rock f [...]
Martha Jean: The Woman Who Gave Detroit Its Voice
Martha Steinberg Ruled Detroit's Airwaves with Love and Heart
Martha Jean "The Queen" Steinberg was a trailblazing African-American radio broad [...]
The ‘Queen of Soul’ Is Coronated: February 1968
Only a Few Months After 1967 Break-Out Year - Aretha Franklin Gets Day in Detroit
By February 1968, Aretha Franklin had solidified her reputati [...]
Bob Dearborn: The Voice That Shaped Chicago’s Airwaves
Chicago Radio Royalty: Reflections of Bob Dearborn’s Career in the Windy City
Bob Dearborn was a popular personality on WCFL during its Top 40 era. [...]
“Light and Lively”: Anita Kerr Sings ‘The Detroit Sound’
Anita Kerr Teams with WXYZ and Dick Marx Productions in 1966
In 1965, the Anita Kerr Singers reached a significant milestone by winning two Grammy [...]
Wire-to-Wire: WJR Recaptures Tigers’ ‘Roar of ’84’ Season
A Retrospective of the Detroit Tigers' 1984 World Championship Run
The 1984 Detroit Tigers season was nothing short of legendary. The team started [...]
Ken Draper: The Visionary Who Made WCFL Sing
In the golden era of radio, when stations battled for the attention of millions, one man stood out as a true architect of sound—Ken Draper. A programm [...]
Joel Sebastian: A Golden Top 40 Voice Remembered
From Detroit's WXYZ Beginnings to Chicago's Top 40 Powerhouses, A Radio Talent Recalled
Joel Sebastian was a well-known radio personality who made [...]
The Classy Sound of Miss Warwick in 1964
Combination of Her Emotional Style has Led to a Memorable String of Hits
Was there a new wave of R&B singers leading the way in 1964? The growi [...]
Bill Gavin: A Visionary Who Transformed Top 40 Programming
Gavin's Contributions to Industry Crowns Him 'Dean of Top 40 Radio'
Bill Gavin was a highly influential figure in the radio and music industry, o [...]
Sounds of Change: Drake-Chenault Transforms Radio
The Innovators Who Brought Automation to Modern Radio Programming
Drake-Chenault Enterprises, co-founded by Bill Drake and Gene Chenault, was a pio [...]
Reflections: The Impact Dick Clark Left on Broadcasting
A Pioneer in Radio, TV, and Award Shows: Dick Clark's Enduring Legacy
Dick Clark (b. Richard Wagstaff Clark), was born on November 30, 1929, in Bro [...]
The Legacy That Was Don McNeill’s Breakfast Club
Celebrating Radio's Golden Era and Original Morning Show Pioneer
Don McNeill's Breakfast Club was a groundbreaking morning variety show that aired [...]
WABX Dominates ‘Free-Form’ Sound on Detroit FM
WABX: A Revolutionary FM Voice in Progressive Rock and Counterculture
WABX 99 in Detroit was a trailblazing radio station during the early 1970s, k [...]
Living Radio Comes Alive with PAMS Series 15
PAMS Introduces New Jingle Package to Kick-Off the '60s Decade
The "Radio Comes Alive" jingles for WKBW Buffalo in 1960 were part of the iconic jin [...]
When the Beach Boys Topped the Beatles in U.K.
The Capitol Artists Who Defined 1966: The Beatles and The Beach Boys
By the end of 1966, The Beach Boys marked the revival of American artists on t [...]
Danny Dark: From Radio Star to Voice-Over King
Danny Dark Was a Master of Radio and Voice Acting
Danny Dark, born Daniel Melville Croskery, was a legendary voice-over artist whose career spanned [...]
Hear It Now: Edward R. Murrow on CBS Radio
Edward R. Murrow: The Voice That Redefined Radio Broadcast Journalism
Edward R. Murrow was a legendary figure in American broadcast journalism, ren [...]
CBS Radio Reflects on Viet Nam, News of 1966
CBS NEWS 1966: The Correspondents Report
In the featured audio presentation (below), CBS News presents the network's correspondents year-end views, [...]
Ron Riley Across America on WLS Chicago
Ron Riley, affectionately known as "Ringo Ron," was a prominent disc jockey who became a household name during the 1960s, especially through his influ [...]
PAMS Jingles: Revolutionizing ’60s Radio Industry
PAMS in Dallas "Jet Set" KRIZ 1230 and Radio with New Series 27
The PAMS Series #27, also known as "Jet Set," was released in 1964. This package co [...]
April 1968: WKNR Revamps Keener 13 DJ Lineup
Keener Forge Ahead with New Voices in 1968
WKNR-AM, once Detroit’s dominant radio station in the 1960s, signed off the 1310 AM frequency for the fi [...]
Beatles Close 1964 American Tour at Paramount
NYC Paramount Performance Ends Beatles’ First North American Tour as Group Return to UK
The Beatles concluded their first American tour on Sunday ( [...]
Eddie Chase Hits Big with ‘Make Believe Ballroom’
Eddie Chase Was Famed Broadcasting Pioneer at CKLW Before Top 40 Era
Eddie Chase was a prominent radio personality in Detroit during the 1940s, and [...]
Mike Joseph: Reformulated WHYT, Top 40 Radio
Mike Joseph Successfully Re-invented Radio for Over Three Decades
Mike Joseph was a renowned radio consultant best known for creating the "Hot Hits" [...]
Dan Ingram, WABC 77, A Radio Legend Recalled
Dan Ingram Became a Legendary Name, Broadcasting Institution in New York for Over 40 Years
Dan Ingram was a legendary radio DJ known for his quick wi [...]
Remembering Gary Stevens. From Jock to Executive… 1940-2025
Former WKNR and WMCA Deejay Hits Big Today As President of Doubleday Chain
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NEW YORK -- Gary Stevens, president of Doubleday Br [...]
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 [...]
Remembering Ernie Harwell – Last Tiger Broadcast
Remembering Ernie Harwell: The Voice of Detroit Tigers Baseball
Few voices have resonated as deeply in the hearts of Detroit sports fans as that of E [...]
Just ‘COZY’: FM 95.5, Randy Carr, May 1980
WCZY 95.5 FM, also known as "Z95.5," was a popular CHR (Contemporary Hit Radio) station in Detroit during the 1980s. It was known for [...]
Mr. Sinatra – A New Radio Show
A New Era for Sinatra Fans: "Mr. Sinatra, His Music, His Life" Debuts on Real Oldies Music Radio
For lovers of the smooth, timeless voice of [...]
Sam Cooke Funeral Held in Chicago, Jan. 2, 1965
CHICAGO — A crowd estimated at 15,000 flocked to the Tabernacle Baptist Church on the South Side Thursday night, December 17, to pay last respec [...]
Gary Stevens WKNR DJ Goes to WMCA New York – April 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 [...]
Four Tops Spin Magic in the UK. . . . November 26, 1966
The 4 Tops Act Takes U.K. by Storm
LONDON -- Motown's Four Tops took London by storm, Sunday, January 13 (Note: actual date was November 13, [...]
Vintage PAMS Jingles, St. Louis Market: KXOK Radio 630
Audio digitally remastered by USA Radio Museum
The Series 29 "Go Go" jingle package by PAMS, Inc. was quite popular [...]
Ray Otis – KXOK, St. Louis – 1964
KXOK was a prominent radio station in St. Louis in the early-1960s. KXOK was known for its Top 40 format and was especially popular among te [...]
’60’s Radio Jingles: Richard H. Ullman. . . April 27, 1963
Peter Frank Is King Of The Jingle; Richard H. Ullman, Inc., Reps WKMH in Dearborn, MI.
HOLLYWOOD -- One of the most perplexing [...]
Classic Radio Jingles! Detroit Market: WKMH 1310
WKMH 1310 in Dearborn, Michigan, was launched on December 29, 1946, by Fred Knorr, William McCoy, and Harvey Ha [...]
93 KHJ, Tom Maule, October 1967
Tom Maule was a notable personality at 93 KHJ during the late 1960s, known for his distinctive voice and [...]
Dave Shafer, CKLW, February 1965
Dave Shafer was a prominent radio personality in the Windsor/Detroit market, best known for his work at CKLW 800, one of t [...]
Robert W. Morgan on KHJ, May 1965
Robert W. Morgan on 93 KHJ Los Angeles
Robert W. Morgan was a beloved radio personality, known for his work as the morning s [...]
HAPPY NEW YEAR, 2025! A 1973 WDRQ TOP DETROIT 93 SONG CHART SURVEY
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 [...]
Remembering Lee Alan. A WDRQ 1977 New Year’s Eve Countdown
This special WDRQ recording was donated in 2022 to our Motor City Radio Flashbacks' audio collecti [...]
‘The Letter from Michael’ – A Christmas Presentation by Lee Alan
Detroit radio personality Lee Alan was renowned for his annual broadcast of "A Letter from Michael," a poignant story traditionally aired during t [...]
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 [...]
THIS WEEK IN 1963: THE WJBK RADIO 15 RECORD REVIEW . . . DECEMBER 13
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This official Record Review survey was tabulated overall by each record’s popularity and its appeal, sales, listener req [...]
THE WKNR ‘TOP 31’ MUSIC GUIDE: NEW RADIO 13! THIS WEEK, DECEMBER 12, 1963
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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 Gr [...]
Jim Hampton Hosts ‘An Original Christmas’ on WJR
Once again WJR 760 AM will broadcast An Original Christmas on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
The program features all the great contemporary and [...]
Big News! A New Era Begins for Radio History Fans 🎶
We’re excited to announce that we’re transforming our beloved tribute site, Motor City Radio Flashbacks (mcrfb.com), into something even bigger and be [...]
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 [...]
USA Radio Museum Christmas Salute: Brian Wilson & the Beach Boys
Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys are iconic for their Christmas music, blending surf rock harmonies with holiday cheer. Their 1964 album "The Beach Boy [...]