DETROIT — The Rascals are scheduled to perform their first Detroit concert Sunday at Cobo Hall along with Rodney Knight and the Soul Sextex…. Currently appearing at the 20 Grand Driftwood Lounge are the Fantastic Four, the Detroit Emeralds, the Magic Tones, Kris Peterson, and McKinley Jackson and the Politicians…. Tiny Tim appeared at the Edgewater Amusement Park…. Tom Shannon of CKLW radio hosted the Swingin’ Time TV show for vacationing Robin Seymour for two weeks…. Musicor’s Toys were in Detroit the week of June 17 to do promotional appearances for their new recordings…. Chuck Jackson and his revue performed June 22 at Mr. Kelly’s Lounge.
Joe Simon and King Curtis and his band are current attractions at the Phelps Lounge…. WCHB Radio presented its annual “WCHB Talent Contest” on June 22 at the Fox Theater. The first place winner out of 20 contestants was a singing female trio called the Delcavettes. Their prize is a recording contract with Solid Hitbound Productions here. Also performing on the show, intermixed with the contest participants, were Motown acts the Monitors, Shorty Long, Yvonne Fair, and Chuck Jackson. Judges for the contest included Al Kent of Ric-Tic Records, Hank Talbert of Music Merchants Distributors, and singer Gino Washington…. Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass appeared in its first Detroit concert June 17 at Cobo Hall. END
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(Information and news source: Billboard; July 6, 1968)
1962: Legendary deejay Murray The K threatens to leave New York’s WINS-AM after the station considers changing from their TOP 40 rock and roll format to adult easy-listening.
A recent photograph of the (thanks to the Beatles) world-famous Cavern Club in Liverpool. (Click on image for larger view).
1963: John Lennon and Paul McCartney compose the Beatles’ next hit, “From Me To You,” while on a bus tour from York to Shrewsbury in Shropshire, England, while on tour with Helen Shapiro.
1966: Over 10,000 pounds in debt, the owners of Liverpool’s famous Cavern Club — where the Beatles got their start — decided to close the rock institution. 100 fans barricade themselves in the club, but to no avail. The venue would later become a subway station, although the Cavern would re-open in a different location.
1976: At tonight’s Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, Paul Simon picks up Best Pop Vocal and Best Album awards for Still Crazy After All These Years. In his acceptance speech he remarked, “I’d like to thank Stevie Wonder for not releasing an album this year.”
January 18, 2012. A quick rewind. Back some forty-days ago, we were nothing. Forty-days ago we were nowhere to be found on the Internet.
But all this actually began with an email question back on January 19. A friend of mine (Frank Hartge) from Columbus, Ohio, wrote me with this question —
Jim, what ever happened to the Detroit radio flashback site? One of your friends helped to run it, if I recall correctly?
George Griggs was that friend.
Formerly of the now-defunct (since last November) Detroit Radio Flashback website, which was created by Scott McKinnon, George had found himself sitting on a huge cache of great Detroit air-checks and Detroit radio sounds he once provided for the old DRF site. But George no longer had a website he could call home.
Just the same, here I was with close to 40 GB of classic Detroit radio air-checks I had in my collection as well, right behind all what George already had, and he had so much more than I.
But back to my friend’s email. I had forwarded over to Scott W., since he knew Frank Hartge as friend as well. At the same time, I wrote Scott that I could donate anything and all of the Keener air-checks I may have for his keener13.com website. And that was about the extent of that exchange….
Or so I thought.
Unexpectedly, Scott’s response took me by surprise. On Sunday, January 22, he wrote,
“Thanks for your unending support for the Keener project, Jim. You inspire me to keep working on it.
Idea: let me see how I could set up a Detroit Radio Aircheck Archive for you on the site. You could have full control and upload to your heart’s content. It may take a little time, but I’m willing to pursue it if you’re interested.”
What?! I thought, you gotta be kidding me? Yes! Of course!
Returning a prompt reply, I immediately suggested that George Griggs, from the former DRF site, that he be on board for the new project as well. Once the site’s name was determined by George, and without ever saying anything, Scott Westerman quietly decided to put his project in motion. But instead of adding us as a link on the keener13.com website, he in turn had selected a website template from WordPress, along with web-build features just as he had selected for his website keener13.com. And within five days, Motor City Radio Flashbacks was born. And that’s actually how we came to be.
We premiered on the web on January 27, 2012. And so here we are today, thirty-days later. February 27, 2012.
Scott, all this would not have been possible without you. By your recommendation, it was you who desired in making this all happen. And so we want to take this opportunity to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts. For making the new Motor City Radio Flashback website the reality it is today.
And we are now officially one-month old . . . . Thank you, friend.
Mike Rivers, air-personality with CKLW, chatted with Diana Ross of Motown Records last August during a three-week presentation of the Hot 100 station spotlighting records by hometown Detroit artists–namely Motown record artists.
Special jingles by the Johnny Mann Singers introduced each Motown record, and the station gave away copies of Motown albums featuring 16 Motown hits. END
The CKLW BIG 30 Survey Guide (pictured) is from the week of August 29, 1967
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(Information and news source: Billboard; September 30, 1967)
Detroit Free Press: ‘TEEN BEAT’ Interviews Marvin Gaye, 1966
Motown recording artist Marvin Gayecirca 1966
During 1966, Detroit’s morning paper, the Detroit Free Press ran a weekly feature on Fridays called ‘Teen Beat.’
The feature article would comprise of interviews, photos, the music, the fads and anything else that was of special interest to the teenage scene in Detroit during that time.
Here is a rare, recorded interview Marvin Gaye gave to Teen Beat with Loraine Alterman. Loraine was the teen-editor for the Detroit Free Press when she interviewed Marvin Gaye for the Free Press column at the time.
Listen in once again as Marvin answered some of Alterman’s questions, such as,
What do you think of ‘Mod’ clothes and long hair? What’s your favorite record? Whose your favorite singer? If you were not a singer, what would you like to be? How do you like living in Detroit?
“The Teen Beat Song,” by Marvin Gaye, on Side A. The Marvin Gaye interview with Loraine Alterman, was on Side B.
In 1966, Marvin Gaye even recorded a song for the Detroit Free Press’ Teen Beat on Motown Records, but the recording was intended only for non-commercial distribution and was not to be sold. And we’ll include that M.G. rarity here as well. And who knows? Maybe you might have read about this same Marvin Gaye interview in Teen Beat one Friday morning a long time ago, just before you went off to school.
Teen Beat. Fridays. “Only in the morning Free Press.”
Canadian Girl Singer Hails from Richmond Hill, Ontario
S A N D Y S E L S I E .
IF YOU WERE TO DO A SEARCH on the world-wide web, not much information can be found on the Internet today regarding, Sandy Selsie.
All that has been primarily known about Sandy Selsie was that she had several country/pop singles in the early-1960s on the Columbia record label. And that she originally was from Canada. And that’s just about it.
SANDY SELSIE’S“When Jimmy Comes Home” on Columbia 4-42883. Produced by Don Law and Frank Jones. Written by Earl Shuman and Leon Carr. Released November 1963.
But there was a detailed mention about this female Canadian artist on a Yahoo message board, which I recently found on the Spectropop blog site message forum.
A poster there, who goes by the name of “Boris” laid claims he resides in Ottawa, Ontario in Canada. An avid record collector on “girl/girl groups” since the early-nineties, and in researching Canadian recording artists, he stated he once had gone to the Canadian National Archives library and came across a newspaper article on Sandy Selsie, which appeared in the local Richmond Hill, Ottawa newspaper called The Liberal.
Accordingly, the article first appeared in 1963. The article had stated Sandy Selsie hailed from Richmond Hill, Ontario, now a large suburb outside of Toronto.
Back in 1963, according to The Liberal article, Sandy Selsie was a grade 10 student who attended Bayview High School in Richmond Hill, at the age of 15. Her father, Fred Selsie was her talent-manager during that time. Mr. Selsie was instrumental in signing a 5-year contract for Sandy with Columbia Records earlier in 1961. Her first recording for the label was, “A Date With Loneliness” which was released in November of that year.
SANDY SELSIE No. 32 WJBK November 22, 1963 (click image 2x for largest detailed view).
The article quoted Sandy Selsie as stating how her career came into prominence early-on. “I started out singing in the area shows. And gradually branched over to radio and television. I’ve had guest spots on the Country Hoedown television show as well as appearances on the Tommy Hunter radio show.”
The article also stated her big break happened when the family took a vacation down to Nashville, Tennessee, early in 1961.
“We were down there on our vacation. And we decided I should drop in to Columbia Studios for an audition.” She was signed immediately. “I was really surprised, because it’s unusual for a big recording studio to sign you just like that.”
In closing the article, Sandy Selsie expressed her desires in pursuing a Major in Performing Arts.
On a small note, as it were, Columbia Records initially released Sandy Selsie’s “When Jimmy Comes Home” in November, 1963. The song debuted on the CHUM playlist early-on in November in Sandy Selsie’s own home-town. Just the same, the song would find it’s way over to CKEY 580 AM in Toronto about the same time-frame.
Locally, the Selsie song made it’s way over here on Detroit radio, “When Jimmy Comes Home” debuted first on WJBK Radio 1500 on Friday, November 15, 1963.
Six days later, it debuted at the #30 spot on theWKNR Keener 13 playlist for Thursday, November 21, 1963.On a local level, the song didn’t stay long on the charts here in Detroit. But after having first heard it played on WKNR late in 1963, personally, this Sandy Selsie classic will always be a great Keener song memory from that year.
While certainly there weren’t too many, this long forgotten, obscure song as was recorded by Sandy Selsie, arguably, may well have been the greatest “Jimmy” song that was ever recorded in the Top 40 era.
— M O T O R C I T Y R A D I O F L A S H B A C K S
SANDY SELSIE * When Jimmy Comes Home * COLUMBIA Records (1963)
…We’re gonna get funky… get those Q-Tips outta your ears and pay attention to what we’re doin’….
Last week, MCRFB Aircheck Of The Week had featured Joey Reynolds on WXYZ 1270 AM in Detroit during 1966.
This week, MCRFB features the talented Joey Reynolds once again. Having left New York City’s WHTZ, Reynolds was back in Detroit on “Hot Hits” 96.3 WHYT on the FM dial, this time in the ’80s.
In this featured WHYT aircheck, you’ll note Joey Reynolds showcases his own brand-of-characters during his entire show, while highlighting more of his quick-and-spontaneous humor with his wit in rapid-delivery fashion this time around.
Before the end of the year, Reynolds would leave WHYT in Detroit for the west-coast once again, this time on KMGG in L.A. Reynolds was previously in Los Angeles on KRTH during 1980 and 1981.
For this week’s MCRFB Airchex feature, here is Joey Reynolds on WHYT in Detroit on April 10, 1984. This wasJoey Reynolds at his Detroit best.
The Beatles‘ on VeeJay Records in 1964. (Click on image for larger view)
NEW YORK — Vee Jay Records filed a motion in New York’s Supreme Court against both Capitol Records and Swan Records here Friday seeking an injunction restraining the companies from manufacturing, distributing, advertising or otherwise disposing of recordings by the Beatles.
The motion was brought before Judge Mullen in Supreme Court, who reserved decision on the case.
The case is but one of many suits and counter-suits being bandied about the courts over the sensational young singing groupfrom Liverpool.END
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(Information and news source: Billboard; January 25, 1964)
From the MCRFB NEWS archive: 1964
Beatles Heat Flare In Court
CHICAGO — The Beatles, the nation’s hottest recording property today, are becoming the object of the nation’s hottest lawsuits, at least as far as the recording industry is concerned.
The rock-and-rolling English group has a series of singles and LP’s out on three labels–Capitol, Vee Jay and Swan. Each of the offering is bounding up the national charts like Topsy.
And each is becoming involved in a series of suits and counter-suits between the various companies involved.
The Beatles‘ “She Loves You” on Swan Records in 1964.
Most confused are the nation’s dealers and one-stops, many of whom have received telegrams from one or more of the parties, noting that appropriate legal action will be taken if they persisted in selling the others’ products.
The matter is far from settled, but as of Billboard press time, Capitol was granted an injunction in Cook County Circuit Court restraining Vee Jay from manufacturing, distributing, advertising or otherwise disposing of the Beatles’ recordings.
The Capitol injunction is good for thirty days and Vee Jay is slated to file an answer next Wednesday.
Vee Jay, meanwhile, has filed a suit seeking a similar injunction against Capitol and Swan, with a hearing slated for New York’s Supreme Court before Judge Saul Streit, last Friday.
Under the Capitol injunction, “Vee Jay, it’s agents, attorneys and servants” are prevented from selling or advertising Beatles’ products.
Presumably, and according to Vee Jay sources, the injunction does not apply against dealers, one-stops, rack jobbers and even distributors who might already have the records in stock.
According to Jay Lasker, Vee Jay executive vice-president, “we shipped an awful lot of records, more than Capitol.”
Capitol attorney, Sidney Zatz, however, has indicated that “steps could be taken” against dealers who persisted in selling the Vee Jay product, though he did not specify what this would entail.
The product causing all the fuss is:
Capitol, “I Want To Hold Your Hand,” a single, is at No. 3 on Billboard’s Hot 100 this week, and “Meet The Beatles,” an L.P.
Vee Jay, “Please Please Me,” a single, and two LP’s, “Introducing The Beatles,” already distributed, and “The Beatles and Frank Ifield,” were not yet shipped but ready to go.
Swan, “She Loves You,” a single, is breaking into Billboard’s Hot 100 in position 69.
Neither Vee Jay nor Capitol is seeking damages as of this date, though a Capitol spokesman did not rule out the possibility of this taking place at a later date.
In its motion for injunction, Capitol claimed exclusive U.S. distribution rights to all recording by the Beatles. The label accused Vee Jay of manufacturing and selling albums introducing the Beatles in violation of Capitol’s exclusive right.
Capitol contended in its suit that Vee Jay’s rights were canceled last August.
The suit notes that initially Vee Jay was licensed by Trans Global, a New York firm licensed to distribute EMI products. EMI has the original Beatles’ contract.
Capitol claims that Trans Global canceled its contract with Vee Jay August 8 because of non-payment of royalties. Trans Global allegedly relinquished its rights to EMI with the latter than returning them over to Capitol.
Vee Jay, meanwhile, contends that it has a five-year contract with the Beatles and that it is definitely not in default for failure to pay royalties.
Capitol’s suit notes that the label has spent $50,000 in extensive nationwide promotions of the Beatles recordings. END
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(Information and new source: Billboard; January 25, 1964)
DETROIT — WXYZ will follow the Supremes to Detroit’s Roostertail nightclub Monday evening (January 17) for their performance. Lee Alan and Danny Taylor will broadcast remote from the club’s lobby at their regularly scheduled time – 7:15-10 p.m. and 10 p.m.-1 a.m. respectively.
Marc Avery, Steve Lundy, Dave Prince and Pat Murphy will be on hand at a WXYZ table with microphones to interview the Supremes themselves and thereafter speak with members of the crowd live concluding the Supremes Roostertail performance. END
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(Information and news source: Billboard; January 22, 1966)
DETROIT — WJBK, 50,000-watt outlet here, has lauched a soft-rock format, giving the market four Hot 100 stations. Program Director John M. Grubbssaid the format is more “amended,” than changed. The new programming operation is being changed slowly, but should be complete by May 9.
Dick Boyer has been added to the air-personality roster to handle all-night chores. Jerry Blocker, a negro, formerly of WCAR will handle the 7-midnight slot, accenting light commercial jazz.
WJBK Radio 15 Program Director John M. Grubbs.
WJBK has tried a Hot 100 format before, but in August 1964, switched back to good music. The station is now injecting current Hot 100 Chart singles of non raucous nature. “What we’re looking for is the uptempo, but not specific, teen tunes,” Grubbs said.
As an example, the station was playing last week “Monday, Monday” by the Mamas and the Papas, also “Sloop John B.” by the Beach Boys, “Secret Agent Man” by Johnny Rivers, “Daydream” by the Lovin’ Spoonful, “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” by B. J. Thomas and the Triumphs, “Rainy Day Woman” by Bob Dylan, and “How Does That Grab You Darlin” by Nancy Sinatra. Album cuts with bright appeal are also being played.
“We’re going to create a hip sound for the 18 and-up age bracket,” Grubbs said, “and we’re getting a good reaction. Last July the station placed fourth in Billboard’s Radio Response Rating survey for influencing sales of albums in the market.”
There are presently three Hot 100 stations in the market besides WJBK–WKNR, CKLW, and WXYZ. WJBK just recently upped its daytime power to 50,000 watts from 10,000; the station hopes to, as it is being planned, to increase its nighttime power sometime in the near future. END
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(Information and news source: Billboard; May 14, 1966)
From the MCRFB NEWS archive: 1968
DETROIT — The Rascals are scheduled to perform their first Detroit concert Sunday at Cobo Hall along with Rodney Knight and the Soul Sextex…. Currently appearing at the 20 Grand Driftwood Lounge are the Fantastic Four, the Detroit Emeralds, the Magic Tones, Kris Peterson, and McKinley Jackson and the Politicians…. Tiny Tim appeared at the Edgewater Amusement Park…. Tom Shannon of CKLW radio hosted the Swingin’ Time TV show for vacationing Robin Seymour for two weeks…. Musicor’s Toys were in Detroit the week of June 17 to do promotional appearances for their new recordings…. Chuck Jackson and his revue performed June 22 at Mr. Kelly’s Lounge.
A MCRFB NEWS brief: 1967
