Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys are iconic for their Christmas music, blending surf rock harmonies with holiday cheer. Their 1964 album “The Beach Boys’ Christmas Album” is a timeless classic, featuring hits like:
🎄 “Little Saint Nick” – A festive, surf-inspired original that became a holiday staple.
🎶 “The Man with All the Toys” – A playful tune celebrating Santa’s workshop.
📯 “Merry Christmas, Baby” – Showcasing their signature harmonies and upbeat style.
The album also includes beautiful covers like “White Christmas”, “Blue Christmas”, and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”.
Their holiday music captures the joy of Christmas with sunny West Coast vibes, making it perfect for any festive playlist.
From the USA Radio Museum archives, here is an interview with Brian Wilson conducted in the 60’s by Geoff Edwards, TV game show host and personality at Los Angeles radio station, KMPC.
Happy Holidays!
Here is Geoff Edwards interview with Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys
Check out these classic Beach Boys Christmas songs:
A Most Urgent and Important Message to Friends of Motor City Radio Flashbacks
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Is the End Nearing for Motor City Radio Flashbacks?
Over 40 days ago, on October 8, I renewed the Motor City Radio Flashbacks website for another three-year term with Bluehost, our hosting provider. Bluehost, known for its user-friendly WordPress hosting, has supported our site since we launched on January 27, 2012—nearly 13 years ago. One of the main reasons we’ve stayed with Bluehost over the years is their reasonably priced services, although, like most companies, their rates and offerings have increased gradually, especially in the past six years. The plan I renewed, and always has been, is the Basic+Plus plan package offered and supported through Bluehost (see our paid renewal, Basic+Plus plan by clicking on the link as highlighted in the first line above).
I Am Not Able to Upload New Media Content . . . Please Read On
For the past 12 years, Bluehost has provided this site with unlimited file uploads (photos and audio files) with our hosting plan, at no additional cost. However, following my recent renewal, Bluehost informed me that a “50 gigabyte upload cap” is now been applied with our Basic-Plus plan.
My Dilemma After Renewal
When I renewed our Basic-Plus plan for another three years (this is our fifth paid renewal in 12 years) I, apparently after the fact I assumed the 50 GB cap only applied to new data uploads, and I accepted this limitation without further question, or inquiry. However, I attempted to upload new content for a post for October 12, the day after renewal. I then was unable to upload new audio files and images. After several failed attempts, I reached out to Bluehost. The support host informed me that our account had already exceeded the 50 GB limit following the renewal and that the site has over 140 GB of data already stored on the website (which, by the way, we never paid extra for in the past 12 years).
No More New Posts
While I can still write and publish new blog posts (like I’m doing now and recently, over here), I can no longer upload new JPEG photos, including any images I create for the site, or upload audio files.
I can still access and use all existing files that have already been uploaded to the media library, meaning I can reuse content from old posts. For example, I repurposed (or I can recycle) our site’s older posts as I recently have, here, and over here.
“You Need to Delete Some Files”
According to Bluehost, the only solution would be to is to delete a lot of files from our site’s media library to free up space. This would require me to remove nearly everything we’ve uploaded over the past 12 years—essentially all the images and audio files we’ve accumulated during that time. (There are 9,118 audio files and 18,040 jpg images and photos in site’s media library there, as to date, and I will not removed them).
To address this, I have already deleted 40 gigabytes of files on October 12, trying to free up for more space. This brought my storage usage down from 181 gigabytes to 141 gigabytes. However, I stopped there.
The files I removed were from 2012 through 2015, and I deleted all images and audio from those years. Those files are gone. While the written blog posts may still remain, those older posts no longer include the images or audio attached to those pages. Even after all those deletions, in freeing up for more space in storage I am still unable to upload any new content, not even one single image.
The Aircheck Library, which is a major part of the site, contains over 30 gigabytes of audio content. Essentially, Bluehost (without actually having said) is asking me to delete virtually everything we’ve accumulated over the years and start from scratch.
The Situation Has Worsened
On top of the 50 GB storage cap, I’m now also unable to update the site’s plugins. Plugins are crucial for maintaining the smooth functionality of the website and enhancing the user experience.
Because I’ve exceeded the storage limit, I’m unable to update WordPress to the latest version (6.7), despite trying to perform a manual update. Had I known about this limitation before renewing, I would have explored other hosting providers that could better support my WordPress site, as there are many alternatives available.
Now with updates not even longer allowed, I’m seriously concerned that the website won’t be able to function properly without these essential updates over the next three years. I just checked the site’s dashboard. Six plugins are now in need of updating, including the site’s WordPress 2015 theme (the site’s layout), and, more critically, WordPress itself (which powers the site) I can not update it at all.
Given the current limitations and Bluehost’s restrictive storage plans, it’s clear that I need to migrate the Motor City Radio Flashbacks website to another new hosting provider. Even Bluehost’s top-tier PRO plan (which costs $972 for a three-year term) only offers 100 GB of SSD storage, which is still way below the 141 GB I’ve accumulated over the past 12 years. To meet the site’s needs, I need at least 200 GB of storage.
Request for Assistance Regarding Full Refund and Site Survival
Request a full refund? The 30-day money-back guarantee issued by Bluehost for the cancellation of my site renewal expired on November 11, and I only discovered this yesterday. Even if they were to approve a refund today, it would mean that Motor City Radio Flashbacks would no longer be available online. Refunding also makes it impossible to migrate this WordPress site to another hosting provider, once the site has been removed or deleted. And should I find a new host server, in all consideration, that will bring with it more additional costs.
The Donation Page
The donation page has been live since April 2022 and has accumulated 4,069 views to date. I have never asked visitors for donations in any of my daily posts, but I created the page in case anyone wished to support the site voluntarily. To date, I received three donations. And to those donors, however the amount, I am sincerely grateful always for their individual contributions. [The donation button is on the left-side of the main page, just below the Calendar].
While Motor City Radio Flashbacks is technically renewed until October 2027, the site is currently not operational. No new content can be added, and no updates can be made. If you’ve noticed the recent lack of activity, this is the reason.
Site Security Alarms Going Off
The site’s functionality has been severely limited, and without necessary updates, it may eventually become unviable. [Update: I received a verification email to my email associated with the site’s account, yesterday, Friday November 22. Someone, or hackers, has already attempted to sign in. They were not able to proceed because I received a 2-step 6 number security code by Bluehost, they would need the provided security numbers I received to get in. So that attempt failed].
Can Motor City Radio Flashbacks Still Survive?
All told, I’ve hesitated whether to post this update at all, days ago, having turned into weeks. However, the situation has become critical, and I no longer know what steps to take. I’ve never directly asked for help with this site before, but now I’m seeking advice on how to move forward.
The survival of Motor City Radio Flashbacks depends on finding a solution quickly. Without the ability to make essential plugin updates and changes, the site may fade into obsolescence. If I remain with Bluehost under these circumstances, the site’s future looks grim. I need guidance on what to do next and would deeply appreciate any form of help or any advice you can offer.
[Note: Please consider helping out, and whatever the amount, if you can. Thank you, so kindly, for the received donations, to date. Rest assure, any new updates will be forthcoming when I am able to share them with you, here, on this site].
Lee Alan, a Detroit native born in 1934, grew up in the city where his love for broadcasting ignited at age 14 while he enjoyed WXYZ’s serial, “The Lone Ranger.” After graduating from Cooley High School, he pursued broadcasting studies at Wayne State University.
His radio career began at WCAR in Pontiac, followed by a position at WJLB. After a brief stint in the Army, Alan returned to WJLB for overnight shifts. In 1959, he landed an all-night slot at WJBK, where he occasionally filled in for other shows, but left the station in December due to what management called “simple economics.”
Alan then moved to WKMH, hosting two programs, before relocating to WCPO in Cincinnati in 1962. Just days after his arrival, he received a surprising offer from WXYZ to return to Detroit. He balanced roles in both television and radio, hosting “Club 1270” in 1963 and several years later, “The Swingin’ Kind” in 1966, both on WXYZ-TV.
Another significant highlight was Lee Alan’s one-on-one interview with the Beatles in Miami in February 1964, which he recorded. Later in May of that year, Alan also produced and recorded a charity song titled “Set Me Free,” with all proceeds benefiting the YMCA, featuring backup vocals from Martha Reeves and the Vandellas of Motown records.
Decades later, in the early-1990s, Lee Alan’s heralded July 4th radio program paying homage to our nation’s birth and our declaration of independence, The Americans, was syndicated and was heard on over 1,000 radio stations across the country, including the Armed Forces Radio Network in 80 countries around the world.
Alan retired from radio (WHFI) in 1970, but for many years afterward, his voice was featured in numerous car dealership commercials across Detroit and the nation after he established his own advertising agency.
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Last week, Tuesday, October 29, Lee Alan passed away due to complications from multiple strokes, at the age of 89. He would have been 90, tomorrow, November 5.
Jim Hampton
In lieu of his sudden passing, and in memory of his dear friend, we share a few words from Alan’s great WXYZ alumnus, Jimmy Hampton (Facebook; October 29, 2024):
“Though he had offers to leave Detroit, Lee chose to remain in the city he loved. After moving to Florida, he became a pioneer in audio-book production, narrating over a thousand titles, and authored a memoir, Turn Your Radio On, recounting his career’s extraordinary moments.
On a personal note, Lee was a mentor of mine. He took a chance on a 19-year-old DJ and gave me an on-air slot at WXYZ Radio. I will never forget that gesture.
Lee Alan’s legacy is one of passion, innovation, and dedication to his craft and his community. His voice, energy, and contributions to Detroit’s cultural fabric will be lovingly remembered and cherished by many who remember him as Lee Alan, ‘On the Horn’ “. –Jim Hampton
We reflect, today. Motor City Radio Flashbacks remembers. The voice. The name. Legend.
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This Lee Alan collage was created by Motor City Radio Flashbacks, May 30, 2018.
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Motor City Radio Flashbacks extends our deepest sympathy, our heart-felt condolences to his wife, Nancy Davis, his son and two daughters, and to the entire Reicheld family.
Godspeed, Lee Alan
May his soul rest forevermore in God’s eternal love, grace, and heavenly peace.
Debuted #27 for the week of March 30, 1966, “Better Man Than I” peaks at #10 (2 weeks) on the WKNR Music Guide, April 20, 1966. Having charted 5 weeks overall — on its final week on the Keener charts the Lucky Eleven single drops out at #13 for the week of April 27, 1966.
Source: The WKNR Music Guides [1966]
Audio digitally remastered by Motor City Radio Flashbacks
Young C-P Executives Springs Label into Album Oriented Format for First Time Since 1964
NEW YORK — After a virtual absence of two years from the album field, Cameo-Parkway Records has re-entered the LP race with a six-record release. The move is a major step in the rejuvenation of the label which was among the hottest independents in the industry in the early 1960’s.
Cameo-Parkway’s resurgence reflects the aggressive policies of its young management, with three of its top executives in their twenties.
Three of the album releases are LP debuts for artists who have hit the singles charts. They are the Five Stairsteps, ? (Question Mark) and the Mysterians and Terry Knight and the Pack.
The other three include a Sounds Orchestral package, a “Psychedelic Mood,” by the Deep, and “The Flying Saucer Story” narrated by Long John Nebel.
Cameo is basing its album push on the recent single performances of its artists – with seven singles on the charts in the last six months. These include two by Terry Knight and the Pack, two by the Five Stairsteps, one by Chubby Checker and the latest and hottest one by ? (Question Mark) and the Mysterians, currently on Billboard’s Top 10.
‘Youth’ Pays Off
Al Rosenthal, who heads the publicly-held company, feels that the youth of sales manager Neil Bogart (age 23), national promotion manager Cecil Holmes (age 29), and regional promotion manager Marty Thau (age 27), has had a lot to do with the label’s comeback.
The manner in which Cameo-Parkway acquired ? (Question Mark) and the Mysterians is a case in point. The group’s record, “96 Tears,” had been making noise in Texas, and several companies had called Paulino Bernet and Joe Gonzales of Bago Records, for whom the group recorded. Gonzales told Bogart, by telephone, that he had a contract from another label, and that he intended to sign the contract and return it.
Despite this discouraging news, and despite the airlines strike, Bogart flew that night to McAllen, Tex., met the Bago people, and wrapped up the deal. The same aggressive tactics brought into the C-P fold the Five Stairsteps and Terry Knight and the Pack.
Bogart said “96 Tears” has already sold more than 500.000 copies.
In addition to the label’s chart entries, Bogart said the firm has been getting regional hits accounting for sales of from 25,000 to 50,000 each.
[MCRFB Note: Cameo Records released single, “Respect”, was localized in SE Michigan, mainly Detroit, and in NE Ohio, in the Toledo area.]
Cites Artists
He cites recent efforts by the Rationals, Bobby Marchann, the Dantes, Dandy Dan Daniels and Eddie Holman, all of whom have had regional hits.
According to Rosenthal, C-P is embarked on a program of developing recording acts with the ability to sustain and sell albums rather than going for the hit-and-run, one-shot single. He said the label will work on a tight release schedule, so that every single can get a maximum promotional effort, and, at the same time. build the artist as a future album property.
Bogart added that the album schedule calls for four annual releases by the Sounds Orchestral in addition to the product by the newer artists. END
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Information, credit and news source: Billboard, October 1, 1966
NEW! The featured WWWW Doug Podell audio file, in its original and unrestored form was selected for today’s special aircheck “restoration” presentation.
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Newly restored!This selected audio recording was digitally remastered by Motor City Radio Flashbacks.
NYC Paramount Theater Performance Ends Beatles’ First North American Tour as Group Return to UK
Fitting climax. With four bomb scares and 25,000 miles of flight time safely behind them, the Beatles concluded their first American tour last Sunday (20) evening in a spectacular burst of glory and noise on the stage of New York’s historic Paramount Theater. It was a fittingly wild and screeching climax to an already event-packed tour.
Earlier in the week, the group had performed in a New Orleans setting which amounted to the “biggest fiasco of the tour, bar none,” (said an observer) and met mob scenes in Dallas (“which scared the daylights out of all of us”) and brought Ringo Starr to the gasping, tongue-hanging -out stage as one female Texan clamped a steely half nelson hold on him.
New Orleans fiasco. Flying to the delta country for a Wednesday (16) concert, the party found conditions chaotic. The setting was an open end football stadium with the stage on the 10 yard line. “A lot of the fans found they were a long distance away and they wanted to get closer,” said one on-the-spot report, “so they swarmed all over the field with the police trying to get in their way and making an occasional tackle. It was really like a mass football game while the Beatles were trying to put on their act.
“Another trouble was that the place had no built-in P.A. system. What they had was seven speakers mounted on a single pole. Of the three mikes, John’s mike. What a mess. And the motel didn’t even have room service. We got out of there fast, and headed for Kansas City.”
Finley drops $75,000. In the latter city, Kansas City Athletics baseball magnate, Charlie Finley, paid the Beatles the highest fee of the tour, $150,000, for a brief appearance at the A’s ball park. It was a losing deal for Finley because the 21,000 ticket holders weren’t enough to get him off the nut. It’s estimated he dropped about $75,000 on the promotion.
Despite Finley’s loss the Beatles and company couldn’t have been happier. The police cooperated, the stadium equipment was fine, and the Hotel Muehlebach took good care of the party. At Dallas it was a different story.
Dallas mob scene. “We were mobbed at the airport and mobbed at the motel and the newsmen in the party played the part of the police,” came one eye witness report. Dallas, site of President Kennedy’s assassination only 10 months ago, provided two of the tour’s four bomb scares and the only serious injury to a fan.
It was at the Cabana Motor Inn where one fan locked a strangle hold on Ringo and had him gasping, until newsmen, not police, finally freed the drummer. Out front of the motel’s main lobby, a tremendous pressure of humans built up against a huge plate glass window. Finally, like a bursting dam, the window shattered and bodies spilled into the lobby. One girl was seriously injured with facial gashes. “It took 25 minutes to get an ambulance,” came the report, “But she was sent to Parkland Hospital and she’s okay now. The boys talked to her a couple of times on the phone.”
Beatles on horseback. At the concert site, the Memorial Coliseum, the first Dallas bomb threat developed and the performance was held up for an hour while the building was searched. After the concert the boys alone were flown to Walnut Ridge, Missouri, where they were guests for 24 hours on the 13,000 acre ranch owned by cattleman-financier, Reed Pigman. Here they tried their hands at horseback riding and driving tractors. During the junket, the Beatles entourage remained in Dallas until Sunday noon, when the second bomb threat was encountered.
“We were aboard the plane to fly to pick up the Beatles when we got the word. Everybody’s luggage was opened and checked out before we were able to take off,” said a reporter.
Rocking at the Paramount. The party arrived at the New York City Paramount Theater about 6:00 p.m. Sunday, and the Beatles then began a four hour wait before their part of the widely -publicized “Evening with the Beatles” for the twin charities, United Cerebral Palsy and Retarded Infants Services.
[Note: Click over this Music Business image with mouse, or tap on and stretch photo across your mobile device screen for larger detailed view, including the Beatles Paramount Theater photo below as well].
The ratio of kids to adults would be difficult to assess, but it’s safe to say that the Paramount has seldom, if ever before, rocked to such thunderous fan accompaniment. The show started 15 minutes late and it didn’t help at all for the mikes to be found dead as the band struck up “This Could Be The Start Of Something,” the prophetically titled “Steve and Eydie” theme song.
Frantic crews of electricians raced back and forth behind the huge elevated Paramount band stand as the band continued the theme and when the Gorme-Lawrence emcee team finally came out it was a sad anti-climax.
“We Want The Beatles.” A series of acts came and went, mostly to the accompaniment of the steady screams from the audience, “We want the Beatles.” Those facing this withering fire were the Tokens, the Shangri-La’s, Jackie DeShannon, Nancy Ames, Leslie Uggams and Bobby Goldsboro. The Tokens came off best by far of the supporting cast; Jackie DeShannon rates an A for effort and Nancy Ames spells real class but was miscast as were most of the others. The funniest spot came when the Shangri-La’s, a girl quartet, entered to do their one big number, “Walking in the Sand.” A leather-jacketed, dungaree’d conductor came out with the gals to baton the rhythm section of the band in the intricate rhythmic timing employed in this complex hit.
The two-hours of preliminaries and intermission allowed for plenty of maneuvering on the part of teen-age girl holders of cheaper, back-of-the-theater seats. “Could I have your ticket stubs as a souvenir?,” one bright-faced plotter asked a tuxedo’d gentleman member of the party of Life Magazine’s Gail Cameron.
“Sure,” came the spontaneous answer, and the stubs were handed over. Not a half hour later, an usher was ready to toss out the original ticket holder and his companion, because “This girl here says you have her seat and she’s got the stub to prove it.” The bouncing didn’t take place but it was touch and go for awhile as the gentleman asserted, “We adults have simply got to take a stand.”
Their greatest performance. All this was forgotten as the Beatles finally came on. Girls jammed in behind seats, on top of seats, in people’s laps. anywhere to get closer and the sound rose to a 30-minute, sustained crescendo. And the boys were great. With that kind of music and delivery, they should be around for a decade or so.
At the close of the concert, they ran off the stage and back up to a fifth floor dressing room, to wait, as they had many times on the tour, to find out the next move. “I’ve put down the full fees for 15 rooms in advance at four different motels,” explained tour manager Kappy Ditson of Red Carpet Travel Service, and now we have to wait to have the police tell us which one will be best able to handle the situation. We just have to wait here until they phone.”
After a few hours of sleep later at the Riviera Motor Inn, the group took off for London Monday morning (September 21) and a tumultuous reception later at London Airport. END
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Information, credit, and news source: Music Business, October 3, 1964
COMING OCTOBER 7: Two more WKNR exclusive ‘Beatles at Olympia’ charts — Series 3 and Series 4 — from October 1 and October 8, 1964.
Audio digitally remastered by Motor City Radio Flashbacks
The (above and below) WKNR music charts was digitally restored by Motor City Radio Flashbacks.
Audio is courtesy of Bob Green and Bob Green Productions, Houston, TX
ON YOUR PC? To fully appreciate the two featured WKNR Music Guides for the week of September 17 and September 24 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 over WKNR chart image. Open to second window. “Stretch” image across your device screen to magnify for largest print view.
WKNR MUSIC GUIDE [2 of 4] September 24, 1964
WKNR MUSIC GUIDE [2 of 4] September 24, 1964
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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 WKNR music charts courtesy of Mrs. Patti Griggs and the George L. Griggs estate.
DETROIT FREE PRESS Tuesday, September 28, 1999 — The Corner rocked.
Music blared everywhere. So many flashbulbs were popping at times Monday that it seemed as if the Beatles were taking the stage. Strangers talked baseball to strangers.
On the final day at Tiger Stadium, fans staged a festive wake for the old ballpark that featured heavy nostalgia, 65 old-time players and a rooftop grand slam.
The daylong celebration concluded with an emotional ceremony in which groundskeeper Charlie McGee dug up home plate with a pickaxe and took the precious cargo in a motorcade across downtown to the new Comerica Park.
Moments later, a cast of former Tigers took their old positions to loud applause and participated in a ceremonial lowering of the stadium flag.
The evening ended with many of the 43,356 fans standing at their seats, piano music playing over the public address system and the lights slowly going dark for the final time. As some fans daubed tears from their eyes and other beamed wide smiles, beloved announcer Ernie Harwell bid farewell to one of the most historic piece of baseball real estate in America.
“Tonight, we must say goodbye,” Harwell said, “So long old friend. We will remember.”
Cheers for players, stadium
The game highlight was Robert Fick’s based-loaded home run that slammed into the roof in right-field and bounced back into the field. The blast iced the game for the Tigers, and Fick, hardly a household name in the game, was signing autographs well into the night.
After the game, fans grew hoarse cheering for the former Tigers who entered the field from centerfield for the closing ceremony as music from “Braveheart” played. First to appear was Mark “The Bird” Fidrych, the sensation of the mid-1970s who ran to the pitcher’s mound and scooped dirt into a plastic bag.
Players who received some of the loudest cheers were hometown favorites Willie Horton, Kirk Gibson and Ron LeFlore. Fans also screamed for Alan Trammel and Lou Whittaker, Gates Brown and Al Kaline. Some fans seemed stunned to see some long-forgotten heroes as Jim Bunning, Eddie Yost and Charlie (Paw Paw) Maxwell.
“Awesome, just awesome,” gushed Richard Coriaty, 36, a former Detroiter who traveled from Fontana, Calif. for the game.
Coriaty swept his hand toward the field, where the players assembled, dressed in the plain white uniforms with the old English D on their chest. “You know, of all the . . . things that have happened in this city, the one thing we all have in common is those guys out there.”
And the old building that became our field of dreams.
[Note: See Detroit Free Press article below for more. Click over images with mouse, or tap on and stretch article (and all photos and box scores) across your mobile device screen for larger detailed view].
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Jim Price, a former catcher for the Detroit Tigers and a key member of their 1968 championship team, passed away at the age of 81. The Tigers announced his death on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, but no cause was provided.
Price played with the Tigers from 1967 to 1971, primarily as a backup to All-Star catcher Bill Freehan. Over the course of 261 games, he recorded a batting average of .214, with 18 home runs and 71 RBIs, contributing to the team’s 1968 World Series victory.
In 1998, Price began his broadcasting career as a radio analyst for the Tigers, later expanding to their television coverage. Originally from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, he excelled in three sports at Hershey High School before signing with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1960, opting out of college football scholarship offers.
Alongside his wife, Lisa, Price co-founded a nonprofit organization called Jack’s Place, named after their son, who has autism, aimed at providing support for individuals and families affected by the disorder.
Jim Price partnered with Ernie Harwell in the Tigers broadcasting booth from 1999 to 2002.
Audio digitally remastered by Motor City Radio Flashbacks
Audio digitally remastered by Motor City Radio Flashbacks
Audio digitally remastered by Motor City Radio Flashbacks
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Before the final game at Tiger Stadium, a ceremony took place, hosted by Ernie Harwell, the current Tiger broadcaster and recipient of the Ford C. Frick Award. Owner Mike Ilitch addressed the crowd, joined by Michigan Governor John Engler, Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer, and Commissioner of Baseball Bud Selig. The event also featured Hall of Famer and longtime Tigers right fielder Al Kaline.
Instead of the usual lineup exchange between managers, both teams designated honorary captains. Al Kaline represented the Tigers, while former MVP and Hall of Fame third baseman George Brett stood for the Royals.
The game concluded at 7:07 PM, after which the grounds crew gathered around home plate. At 7:13 PM, groundskeeper Charlie McGee used a pickaxe to remove home plate, which was then escorted by police and carried to Comerica Park by Tiger pitchers Matt Anderson, Jeff Weaver, and Francisco Cordero.
Ernie Harwell took the stage to recount the history of Tiger Stadium, accompanied by music from *Field of Dreams*. He presented a film featuring legendary Tigers like Ty Cobb, Sam Crawford, Hughie Jennings, and Harry Heilmann, and recognized the Hall of Famers: Heinie Manush, Mickey Cochrane, Charlie Gehringer, Hank Greenberg, Hal Newhouser, and George Kell.
Following speeches from Willie Horton and former manager Sparky Anderson, a group of former players emerged from the center field gate. This included Mark Fidrych, Bill Freehan, Dick McAuliffe, Dave Bergman, Mickey Stanley, Kirk Gibson, Cecil Fielder, Al Kaline, and the duo of Alan Trammell and Lou Whitaker, along with Elden Auker. They formed a line from the center field flagpole to home plate, passing the flag that had flown over the stadium during its finale.
After Auker handed the flag to catcher Brad Ausmus, players tossed souvenirs into the stands, while some fans collected dirt from the warning track in plastic bags. At that moment, Harwell delivered his final farewell: “Tonight, we say good-bye… Farewell, old friend Tiger Stadium. We will remember.”
At 8:19 PM, the scoreboard was turned off. A final team photo was taken at 8:45 PM, and by 9 PM, the stands were empty. As the last fans departed, a sign was hung from the iconic right-center field overhang that read: “Today, there is crying in baseball. So long, old friend.”
Audio digitally remastered by Motor City Radio Flashbacks
Audio digitally remastered by Motor City Radio Flashbacks
WILSON JUNIOR HIGH ‘The Spotlight’ January 27, 1967
“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.
Wilson Junior High School’s Christine Schumacher, pictured here at 13 years of age in November 1966. (Photo credit: Keener13.com’s Scott Westerman, Steve Schram)
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.]
Woodrow Wilson Jr. High, in Southwest Detroit, as photographed in 2012. (Credit: Susan Ellis Miles)
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.
WKNR Scottie Regen.
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)
