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NEW! A special THANK YOU to Mark Yurko, of Langhorne, PA., for this CKLW aircheck contribution for our Motor City Radio Flashbacks airchecks repository.
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Newly restored! This selected audio recording was digitally remastered by Motor City Radio Flashbacks.
Audio digitally remastered by Motor City Radio Flashbacks
“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.
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.]
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.
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)
NEW! Our first WTAK audio inclusion! A special THANK YOU to our friend, Jim Nuznoff, of Port Charlotte, Florida, for this WTAK 1090 contribution (he personally recorded in 1969) for our Motor City Radio Flashbacks airchecks repository.
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Jim writes (January 9, 2024) — “This track features Paul Winter, as mid-afternoon host on “W-Talk.” The caller’s voice is that of Tom Morkemo, who was 16 years old, and was a former neighbor of mine whose father was transferred by his employer to the Phillipines for several years. Tom, at the time, prided himself as a young history buff and was trying to impress Winter, in this recording, with his knowledge of current affairs and the world of politics.” –Jim Nuznoff
Newly restored! This selected audio recording was digitally restored by Motor City Radio Flashbacks.
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Above article is courtesy freep.com newspaper archive. Copyright 2024. Newspapers.com.
The above featured newspaper (Detroit Free Press) guides was clipped, saved, and was digitally re-imaged from the credited source by Motor City Radio Flashbacks.
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A special thank you to senior MCRFB consultant Greg Innis, of Livonia, MI., for contributing the Newspapers.com archives for articles, ads, and images we have provided for this site since 2016.
Thank you, Greg Innis, for making these historic, Detroit Free Press features possible. ?
75 Years Ago, August 1, Broadcasting Magazine Reported In-Depth On the Status of the Radio Market in Detroit — Final Chapter – Part 6
Note: Missed Chapter Five? Go HERE.
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Detroit is headquarters for one of the country’s largest producers of TV visual presentations in the Jam Handy Organization. The TV department of this company was set up prior to 1941 by Jamison Handy, president, utilizing all the facilities which had been built up over 30 years in the field of visual training and commercial motion pictures, including production facilities in New York and Hollywood, as well as Detroit.
A citation for the “skilled application of commercial techniques to television” was made by the Television Broadcasters Association for the TV commercials of Lucky Strike, produced by the company. In addition, CCNY presented N. W. Ayer & Sons Inc. their 1949 award of merit for creating the most effective spot television announcement. This award was for the Lucky Strike Square Dance commercial produced by Jam Handy. Other Jam Handy TV commercial buyers are Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, Curtis Publishing, Gruen Watch, and Standard Oil of N. J.
All of the Detroit stations except WKMH offer simultaneous FM with AM broadcasts. WWJ-FM is one of the earliest stations in the country. In 1936, it began broadcasting in this medium which was so new that a News editorial said at the time:
“The News is happy to assist in the revival of a craft which has languished with the perfection of commercial radio sets, the building at home of receivers suited to the new frequencies. A few of these are now manufactured, and their names or advice and plans for the home construction of sets of the same sort, we shall put at the public’s disposal.”
With FM receivers in the Detroit area estimated at 150,000, the three FM-only broadcasters are working hard at their specialized task, using music, news, and especially strong local programming of live talent. WLDM-FM was recently appointed Detroit outlet for the Michigan FM Network, which give it access to a continuing series of concerts from the U. of Michigan, plus the programming of the other 30 FM stations in the network. The Lincoln Broadcasting Co. owns and operates WLDM.
[Note: Mouse click over (pc) or tap and stretch (mobile screen) over the CKLW ad and all images for largest detailed read.]
WDET (FM), which was established in January of this year by the executive board of the UAW-CIO, works closely with many civic groups plus the many auto worker locals. It is especially forward in presenting programs on controversial subjects. During the recent Ford strike, the station offered its facilities to both the company and the union to present their sides of the controversy. Ben Hoberman is station manager.
Strauss Gantz, head of WJJW (FM) in downriver Wyandotte, is another avid supporter of FM, and said this about broadcasting:
“Radio, either FM or AM, without good local programming, serves no public purpose, and becomes either a glorified jukebox or merely a relay point.”
Since Detroit was hooked up to the eastern coaxial cable in January, the growth of television in this area has been rapid. The latest estimate of the number of sets by the Detroit Edison Co. is over 60,000, and TV men confidently expect to hit 100,000 by year-end. The three stations each opened in a blaze of publicity, getting editorial and advertising support from the Detroit newspapers, each of which put out a TV section at different times. Advertisers, especially the key auto men, have been eager to try to do a good selling job via the new medium.
All four TV networks are represented in Detroit. WWJ-TV is outlet for NBC, WXYZ-TV for ABC, and WJBK-TV handles DuMent and CBS. There is FCC authorization for another channel, with several applications pending.
As expected, the auto men jumped into television with the opening of the first station in the city. The fact that here was a way of actually showing the product along with a spoken sales talk caused a rush to TV by both local dealers and national companies. One station, WXYZ-TV, had an eight-foot opening cut into its studio wall so automobiles could be driven directly onto the stage for commercials. END
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MCRFB Note: This chapter finalizes The Detroit Radio Market report (presented here in six parts) first published by Broadcasting, August 1, 1949.
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This article will conclude our weekly special series on Detroit radio from Broadcasting magazine, from August 1, 1949.
This feature was a special Broadcasting series about Detroit radio, first published, August 1, 1949. The complete article was republished on this site, Tuesdays, throughout August and September for a total of six weeks.
Originally published in Broadcasting magazine under the title “The Detroit Radio Market,” this extensive article was presented in full in six parts, in sequential chapters.
The 1949 article provides valuable insights into the state of radio in Detroit during the late 1940s decade, as it was, then, seven decades ago.
Swami Ramananda, Executive Director, “Integral Yoga Institute,” San Francisco.
“Padman (Robert) taught many well attended, will received introduction to meditation workshops as well as several meditation series for nearly 10 years. He also led an on going weekly donation based meditation class. He exudes the calm, kind demeanor of someone who has had a committed practice for many years. His teaching style is highly accessible and friendly. Students always commented on how much they had learned, and how helpful the instruction was.”
Allison Anderson former owner, Red Sun Yoga, Winter Springs, Florida
“Padman taught classes on living a peaceful, less stressful everyday life, based on inter-faith Eastern spiritual psychology and philosophy in the Rollins College Center for “Lifelong Learning” for around six years. His classes were always among the most popular, the students really enjoyed him.”
Dr. Jill Norburn, Former Director, Life Long Learning Center, Rollins College, Winter Park, FL.
This Book Has Four Primary Purposes
One: Help us conclude we are spiritual beings having a human experience.
Two: Help us conclude we cannot find peace by avoiding life.
Three: Help us conclude when something or someone pushes our button, it’s our button. And so no one can stop it from being pushed but ourselves.
Four: Help us conclude we are all, author included, a work in progress, pen in hand, spiritual life story waiting to written.
The best way to find out if you would like this book is, make believe you’re in a physical bookstore, and do with this book, what we all do with any book that looks interesting; look through it. So after clicking on “Read Sample,” if you think it could be valuable, give it a try. Even if you buy it, “book store look it over” find it doesn’t feel right, you can always return it within 30 days.
“Spiritual Advising”
I have had a spiritual advising practice since 2010. My personal journey began in 1971 when I experienced what some say Mark Twain said: “A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way.”
I taught various classes at Integral Yoga Institute, New York, for about 15 years, was certified there to teach meditation in 2002. All classes I taught were inter-faith, and all about “making practical everyday use” of Eastern spiritual psychology and philosophy, in those unavoidable, challenging, ups and downs of our everyday life. I also took weekly Course In Miracles classes for seven years, and have been teaching since 2002.
When I taught at Rollins College, the name Rollins gave their classes is what I teach: Lifelong Learning.
If you would like to talk about Zoom spiritual advising sessions, pricing, how they work, just let me know. But, no matter what way you choose to remember “you’re a spiritual being having a human experience,” do it. Just Do It! egobutton@gmail.com — Robert Bernstein (author, Padman; formerly Scott Regen, WKNR)
NOW! AVAILABLE ON AMAZON BOOKS: GO HERE
This book invites us to forge our own paths by exploring traditional Eastern spiritual teachings that offer empowering insights. It promotes the development of self-confidence, inner peace, love, and satisfaction in our daily lives, despite the inevitable ups and downs, by addressing and transforming past karmic influences that trigger our reactions. If the messages in John Lennon’s “Instant Karma” and “Imagine,” as well as Paul McCartney’s lyrics, “And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make,” resonate with you, you’ll likely find that the wisdom and passages in this book will similarly speak to you, just as they did to me with every page I turned. — Jim Feliciano
Reading it now! Wonderful book! It’s a heartfelt compilation Unlike any other spiritual book. Serious yet I have to chuckle as I’m reading. Thank you for sharing your amazing work with us. Namaste — NYC Lady
The answer to many of life’s questions are complicated and sometimes mysterious. This book challenges, your own mind to look beyond the window And see the outside. The authors background as a former radio personality, allows him to intersperse the magical art of music and the stories that the lyrics reveal. It’s truly an enlightening read. Sometimes heavy…. Sometimes humorous, but always thought provoking. I am reading it for the second time which I guess is a testament to its excellence. — Jim Davis (formerly Big Jim Edwards, CKLW)
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This article/advertisement courtesy freep.com newspaper archive. Copyright 2024. Newspapers.com
Originally printed in black and white, the featured Detroit Free Press ad was digitally re-imaged, colorized, and was entirely restored by Motor City Radio Flashbacks.
Missed any of our previous ‘Detroit Radio Back-Pages‘ features? GO HERE
MCRFB Note: Special THANKS to our friend, John Bartony (a.k.a. Jukebox John) St. Clair Shores, Michigan, for providing the above Detroit Free Press WJR 760 ad (September 1972) for this site, as featured today.
A special thank you to senior MCRFB consultant Greg Innis, of Livonia, MI., for contributing the Newspapers.com archives (Detroit radio related) articles, ads, and images we have provide for this site since 2016.
Thank you, Greg Innis, for making these historic Detroit radio features possible. ?
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