In the 50-plus years you’ve been rockin’ radio here in the Motor City, you created a legacy which will be remembered, loved, and will be left unmatched, unsurpassed, and can never be duplicated. When you believe you’ve come to the end of a long journey, another path awaits you for something even much better. Cherish every moment of this time. And may you revel in this new golden chapter of your life. Happy retirement, Jim Johnson!
A Viewing Tip
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‘SANTA COMES TO TOWN’ “More than a quarter-million children and parents jammed Woodard for the annual J. L. Hudson Thanksgiving Day Parade to give Santa Clause and Christmas Carol a rousing welcome to Detroit.”
Detroit Free Press, Friday, November 29, 1963
[Note: Click over image 2x for large PC detailed view or tap and stretch image across your tablet or your mobile device.]
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Woodward Avenue. The precise spotwhere the photo was taken, facing towards east Grand River in the heart of downtown Detroit. To the right, was the J. L. Hudson building. Towering in the background is the historic Merchants Building. The old Singer building, as it was known at the time, is visible on the left. It is the Shinola Hotel today.
Added inside the photo frame is the exact street view (looking up Grand River from Woodward Ave) as it appeared in November 2022. The featured photograph was taken by Detroit Free Press chief photographer Tony Spina during the J. L. Hudson Thanksgiving Day Parade in Downtown Detroit, in November 1963. 60 years ago, today.
Photo: The Associated Press [Click over or tap on image for largest detailed, digitized view.]
The Presidential limousine under fire in Dallas,12:30 p.m., CST. (Photo: Mary Moorman; AP UPI)
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WWJ NBC Detroit Radio logo, 1963
Approximately 20 minutes after NBC broke programming with a bulletin (AP; 12:40 p.m., CST) President Kennedy had been shot, the NBC Radio Network in New York took control of the news coming out of Dallas on all the NBC affiliates nationwide, including WWJ, WWJ FM in Detroit, at the top of the hour — 2:00 P.M., EST, Friday, November 22, 1963.
In this hourly segment you will hear NBC radio reports by the following correspondents:
Peter Hackus (NBC Radio Network, New York); Edwin Newman (NBC Radio Network, New York)
Robert MacNeill (Dallas); Bill Ryan (NBC TV [feed] New York); Charles Murphy (ABC-TV [feed] Dallas); David Brinkley (NBC TV [feed] Washington); Alan Bickley (WFAA Dallas); Joseph Michaels (New York); Jean Hill [eyewitness] WFAA Dallas); Frank McGee (NBC TV [feed] New York); Robert Gorawlski (Washington); Chet Huntley (NBC TV [feed] New York); John Holfin (NBC cameraman [eyewitness] Dallas); Morgan Beatty (NBC Radio Network, New York); John Lavencheck (Miami); Robert McCormick (Washington); Pierce Allman (WFAA Dallas); Irving R. Levine (Rome); Kenneth Bernstein (London)
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Note: In 1963, WWJ WWJ-FM was owned and operated by The Detroit News. The NBC Detroit affiliate was represented nationally by Peters, Griffins, Woodward, Inc.
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The Presidential limousine, with the mortally wounded President, is photo captured on the Stemmons Freeway speeding towards Parkland Memorial Hospital. It is 12:33 p.m. Dallas time.
The Associated Press wires breaks with a bulletin. President Kennedy has been shot. 12:40 p.m., CST; November 22 (Jim Feliciano Collection)
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WWJ NBC Detroit Radio logo, 1963
In this hourly segment you will hear NBC radio reports by the following correspondents:
Joseph Michaels (New York); Bernard Brussell (Paris); Ray Sherer (Washington); Joseph Hersh (London); Berry Simmons (San Diego); Pierce Allman (Dallas); Ian Stewart (Hong Kong); Peter Hackett (Washington); Robert Abernathy (Washington); Nancy Dickerson (Washington); Tom Petitt (Dallas) David Abernathy (Bonn); Richard Volariani (Washington); Robert Goralski (Washington); Joseph Michaels (JFK in New York; 11-15-1963)
Also, you will hear a special WWJ radio news report by: John Hultman, WWJ WWJ FM — top of 7:00 p.m. hour — NBC Radio in Detroit.
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Note: In 1963, WWJ WWJ-FM was owned and operated by The Detroit News. The NBC Detroit affiliate was represented nationally by Peters, Griffins, Woodward, Inc.
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Immediately after shots were fired, the Dallas police converge and cordon off the Texas Book Depository Building. Photo taken around 1:00 p.m., Dallas time. (Photo: Dallas Times Herald)Listening to the latest news bulletins blaring from the car radio, the scene outside the emergency entrance at Parkland. The Vice-Presidential car, the convertible Lincoln Continental at left, was driven by Texas Highway patrolman Herschel Jacks. He is wearing the Stetson hat in the photograph. (Photo: Dallas Times Herald)
Photo: Eanon Kennedy; Dallas Times Herald
The Detroit Free Press Saturday, November 23, 1963
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WWJ Detroit NBC Radio logo, 1963
In this hourly segment you will hear NBC radio reports by the following correspondents:
Bob Whitten (Sacramento); Robert Goralski (Washington); Tom Perryman (Dallas); John Rich (Tokyo); Herbert Kaplow (Washington); Joseph Michaels (Interviews Carlos Bringuier, New Orleans — New York); Richard Valariani (Washington); John Chancellor (Berlin); Tom Petitt (Dallas); Robert Abernathy (Washington)
Also, you will hear a special WWJ radio news report by: Don Perrie, WWJ WWJ FM — top of 11:00 p.m. hour — NBC Radio in Detroit.
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Note: In 1963, WWJ WWJ-FM was owned and operated by The Detroit News. The NBC Detroit affiliate was represented nationally by Peters, Griffins, Woodward, Inc.
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Photo: Jack Rosen
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Bob Pratt
A special thank you to Bob Pratt, of Farmington Hills, MI., for contributing these historic recordings for our Motor City Radio Flashbacks archive.
In November 1963, Bob Pratt recorded over 20 hours on reeled tapes covering the tragic four days, 60 years ago.
Some 5 hours after the NBC Radio Network first broke with stunning word President Kennedy had been shot (12:40 p.m., CST 1:00 p.m., CST) Bob Pratt proceeded recording more of the NBC radio news as they unfolded on WWJ-FM in Detroit. The evening recordings began at 6:20 p.m., running through 11:36 p.m. Friday night, November 22, 1963.
Bob Pratt also shared his personal recollections of President Kennedy’s assassination. His personal memories is featured on this site, here.
These historic Detroit radio broadcasts was never available to anyone — anywhere. Motor City Radio Flashbacks featured these historic recordings in their entirety — exclusively here — for the very first time, when this site premiered these broadcasts in November 2018, five years ago.
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A precise moment in place and time. Where Detroit shoppers were photographed reading the shocking news streaming electronically across the WXYZ-TV news ticker displayed at the Detroit Bank & Trust building. Griswold Ave., near State Street, Downtown Detroit. Friday afternoon, November 22.
Friday, November 22. The country awoke without a hint the day would be remembered.
The Detroit Free Press. The headlines Detroiters woke up to on Friday morning, November 22, 1963.
At 1:51 p.m., (Dallas Time) Friday, the Dallas police reports a suspect is picked up and placed in police custody. Escorting the suspect to Captain Will Fritz’s office is Homicide detectives Richard Sims (L) and Elmer Boyd (R). (Photo: Dallas Times Herald)
Above newspaper images courtesy from the freep.com newspaper archive. Copyright 2023. Newspapers.com.
The above featured images was ‘clipped,’ saved, and re-imaged from the credited source by Motor City Radio Flashbacks
All photographs used in this featured presentation was randomly selected. All photographs was captioned by the author. All selected photos herein were found to be under/as ‘public domain’ and are exhibited here for educational purposes only, as stipulated under the “fair use” clause, unless specified otherwise, and having been credited, as.
For largest views — if viewing on your mobile device, tap over newspaper images. Open to second window. “Stretch” images across your device screen to magnify detailed view.
All images posted in this featured presentation was re-imaged, re-framed, and was web created for this featured presentation by Jim Feliciano. The selected ‘televised’ image was used (see top frame), having been obtained from the personal collection of the author.
AP Bulletin image: Scanned from an actual 11-22-1963 AP scroll (from author’s personal collection).
Previous published on Motor City Radio Flashbacks: Friday, November 22, 2023
Photo featured: by Jack Rosen (for additional content by the author further referencing the Jack Rosen photograph, above, go here)
In the Rosen photo, note the television monitors. All three major news networks were broadcasting the news out of Dallas that day. CBS, ABC, NBC, respectively.
The author purchased the Jack Rosen photograph (featured above) 15 years ago, from the official Jack Rosen (now defunct) website. This same image is available today and can now be purchased HERE
Photo featured, by Eanon Kennedy: The Dallas Times Herald
This photograph was published enlarged on the front page of The Dallas Times Herald (and was published also in other major newspaper publications) on Saturday, November 23, 1963.
For a remarkable story about this iconic November 22, 1963 photograph, and the photographer who took it, read this article, HERE.
Photos featured: The Dallas Times Herald
The alleged sniper’s view of Elm Street from the 6th. floor of the Texas School Book Depository building, Dallas. Late Friday afternoon. (Photo: Dallas Times Herald)
A reporter shouted, “Did you kill the President?” Oswald answered, his voice breaking momentarily, “No, I have not been charged with that. In fact, nobody has said that to me yet. The first thing I heard about it was when the newspaper reporters in the hall asked me that question.” Flanked between the accused are detectives Richard Sims (L) and Elmer Boyd (R). Oswald professes his innocence before the press during a midnight press conference, November 22-23, 1963. (Photo: Dallas Times Herald)
In this WJBK FM, Saturday, November 23 segment you will hear the 1:00 p.m. WJBK Radio 15 Newsline Report with Bob King and Bernard Morris.
WJBK Radio 15 Newsline, November 1963
In November 1963, the WJBK News department comprised of 5 news anchors. The Radio 15 anchors were: Bob King, Norm Lenhardt, Alan Thayer, Bernard Morris and Bob Edgington.
For news and information, the WJBK news department was reliant on UPI and AP teletypes machines for local, domestic, and international news wires and reports.
In 1963, the Storer Broadcasting owned WJBK radio station was not affiliated with any major news organizations, nor with a major news network.
You will note a somber solemnity in the first day of national mourning. WJBK, a top 40 station, dropped entirely their music format. The station reverted instead playing continuous dirge music — breaking only for news as they developed at the top and bottom of the hour throughout their broadcasting day, Saturday, November 23, 60 years ago today.
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Note: In 1963, WJBK WJBK-FM was owned and operated by The Storer broadcasting Company. The Storer Detroit affiliate was represented nationally by the Katz Agency, Inc.
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The Detroit Free Press Sunday, November 24, 1963
It is 4:40 a.m., Saturday, November 23. Entering through the gates of the White House, President Kennedy’s body is returned to the East Room of the Executive Mansion for the last time. (Associated Press)
In Detroit, universal shock, disbelief, and grief immediately sweeps the city on hearing the news of President Kennedy’s assassination. (The Detroit Free Press, Saturday, November 23, 1963)
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WWJ NBC Detroit Radio logo, 1963
In this (newly added; November 1, 2019) WWJ-AM hourly segment you will hear NBC radio reports by Russ Ward (New York) and following correspondents:
Richard Volariani (Washington); John Rich (Tokyo); Pierce Allman (Dallas); Enaldo Akalena (Beirut); Wilson Hall (Rio De Janeiro); Joseph C. Harsh (London); John Sharky (Saigon); Phyllis Hepp (Nairobi); Alvin Rosenfeld (Tel Aviv); Irvin R. Levine (Rome); Peter Hackuss (Washington); John Chancellor (Berlin); John Lavencheck (Miami); Robert McCormick (Washington); Robert Gorawlski (White House); Hubert Humphrey (Washington); Bernard Prissell (France) Pope Paul IX (Vatican); Senator John Tower (New York); Representative Hale Boggs (Louisiana); Representative Gerald R. Ford (Michigan); Representative Albert Thomas (Washington); Alan Kennedy (New Delhi)
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Note: In 1963, WWJ WWJ-FM was owned and operated by The Detroit News. The NBC Detroit affiliate was represented nationally by Peters, Griffins, Woodward, Inc.
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The accused, Lee Harvey Oswald, is seen on television (CBS-TV) handcuffed between two other prisoners prior having been booked a fourth (and final) lineup by Dallas police, Saturday morning, November 23.
Dallas Police Homicide Lt. J. C. Day hoists the alleged suspect’s rifle through a crowded, third floor hallway at Dallas Police Headquarters. Later in the day Homicide Bureau Capt. Will Fritz declared to the press, “This case is cinched. This man killed the President.” Late Saturday evening, November 23.
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WWJ NBC Detroit Radio logo, 1963
In this (newly added; November 1, 2019) WWJ-AM hourly segment you will hear NBC radio reports by Russ Ward (New York) and following correspondents:
Irvine R. Levine (Rome); Ed Newman (Washington); Robert Goralski (White House); Ron Nessen (Washington); Tom Petitt (Dallas); Jim Jenson (Hyannis Port); Jim Holbrook (Chicago); Ray Sherer (White House); Jim Hurlman (New York); Ray Moore (Atlanta); Robert Abernathy (Washington); Bryson Rash (Washington): Eli Abel (State Department); Richard Harkness (Andrews Air Force Base); Dr. William H. McCarcall (Bristol, Tennessee); Wells Heilmann (Bonn)
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Note: In 1963, WWJ WWJ-FM was owned and operated by The Detroit News. The NBC Detroit affiliate was represented nationally by Peters, Griffins, Woodward, Inc.
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Saturday, November 23. The U.S. flag on the White House is televised lowered at half mast.
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Bob Pratt
A special thank you to Bob Pratt, of Farmington Hills, MI., for contributing these historic recordings for our Motor City Radio Flashbacks archive.
In November 1963, Bob Pratt recorded over 20 hours on reeled tapes covering the tragic four days, 60 years ago.
The featured WWJ-AM recordings began at 7:30 a.m., when NBC Radio (New York) first signed on that morning on all their affiliates nationwide, Saturday, November 23. These recording totaled 4.5 hours, to 12 noon. The featured WJBK-FM recording began in the afternoon, at top of the 1:00 p.m. hour. Saturday, November 23.
Bob Pratt also shared his own recollections of President Kennedy’s assassination. His personal memories is featured on this website, here.
These historic Detroit radio broadcasts was never available to anyone — anywhere. Motor City Radio Flashbacks featured these historic recordings in their entirety — exclusively here — for the very first time when this site premiered these broadcasts in November 2018, five years ago.
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Throughout the rainy day, a continuous stream of mourning government officials and dignitaries arrive at the White House as President Kennedy’s body lies in repose. Saturday, November 23. (Photo: Abbie Rowe; The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, Boston)
Above newspaper image courtesy from the freep.com newspaper archive. Copyright 2023. Newspapers.com.
The above featured images was ‘clipped,’ saved, and imaged from the credited source by Motor City Radio Flashbacks
All photographs used for this featured presentation was randomly selected. All photographs was captioned by the author. All selected photos herein were found to be under/as ‘public domain’ and are displayed here for educational purposes only, as stipulated under the “fair use” clause, unless specified otherwise, and having been credited, as.
For largest views – if viewing on your mobile device, tap over newspaper images. Open to second window. “Stretch” images across your device screen to magnify detailed view.
All images posted in this featured presentation was re-imaged, re-framed, and was web created for this featured presentation by Jim Feliciano. The ‘televised’ image was used (see top frame), having been obtained from the personal collection of the author.
Previous published on Motor City Radio Flashbacks: Saturday, November 23, 2023
Photos featured: Associated Press
The President’s body lies in repose inside the East Room at the White House. Saturday morning, November 23.
In this segment you will hear NBC radio reports by the following correspondents:
Ron Nessen (Washington); Don Doke (White House); Ed Gulf (Mobile Unit); Dave Rush (St. Matthews Cathedral)
The complete coverage of the Low Pontifical Requiem Mass for President Kennedy at St. Matthews Cathedral, as broadcasted on WWJ, Detroit, on the NBC Radio Network. Highlights:
“Hail to the Chief” (JFK casket brought into Cathedral); Commencement of Mass; Entrance Hymn; Reading of the Gospel; Offertory; Consecration; The Lord’s Prayer; Celebrant’s Communion; Communion Missile; Communion Prayer; End of Mass; Words by Reverend Phillip M. Hannon (Auxiliary Catholic Bishop) Washington; Cardinal Richard Cushing; Cardinal and dignitaries exit Cathedral.
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Note: In 1963, WWJ WWJ-FM was owned and operated by The Detroit News. The NBC Detroit affiliate was represented nationally by Peters, Griffins, Woodward, Inc.
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Sunday, November 24 and through Monday morning, November 25. Lying in state, the President’s bier is viewed by over 250,000 mourners for nearly twenty-four hours inside the United States Capitol Rotunda. (Photo: Associated Press)
Monday morning. Outside the U.S. Capitol, the President’s casket rests momentarily on the military horse drawn cortege before proceeding to St. Matthews Cathedral.
John F. Kennedy, Jr., salutes his father’s flag-draped coffin outside St. Matthews Cathedral. (Photo: Associated Press)
The Detroit Free Press Tuesday, November 26, 1963
The Military Cortege on Connecticut Avenue, approaching the Lincoln Memorial and the Memorial Bridge, crossing the Potomac into Arlington. (Photo: Associated Press)
A U.S. Navy serviceman weeps as President Kennedy’s casket passes by inside Arlington.
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WWJ NBC Detroit Radio logo, 1963
In this segment you will hear the NBC reports of President John F. Kennedy’s State Funeral:
The complete and final coverage of President Kennedy’s Funeral. As broadcasted on WWJ, Detroit, on the NBC Radio Network. Highlights:
JFK’s casket, caisson leaves Cathedral; Ed Gulf, (Mobile Unit) reporting; JFK Funeral procession crossing Potomac; Procession continues; Procession enters Arlington; JFK casket carried to gravesite; Kennedy family approaches grave; National Anthem, Air Force Bag Pipes; The Fly-By; Blessing of the Grave (Richard Cardinal Cushing presides); Military Honor 21 Gun Salute; Oratory Prayers, Church Consecration; Military Honor Guard 3 Gun Salute, Playing Military Taps; Military Honor Guard folds Flag; Cushing officiates Prayers, recites Church Blessings of the Grave; Flag handed to Mrs. Kennedy, commence lighting of the Eternal Flame.
” . . . John F. Kennedy, has been laid to rest.”
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Classical music resumes play over the NBC Radio Network
The Honor Guard rests the President’s casket upon the placer. It is 2:52 p.m., EST. (Photo: Associated Press)
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Bob Pratt
A special thank you to Bob Pratt, of Farmington Hills, MI., for contributing these historic recordings to the Motor City Radio Flashbacks archive.
In November 1963, Bob Pratt recorded over 20 hours on reeled tapes covering the tragic four days, 60 years ago.
In November 1963, Bob Pratt recorded over 20 hours on reeled tapes covering the tragic four days, 60 years ago. The recordings began at 11:16 a.m. through 3:43 p.m., Monday afternoon, November 25, 1963.
Bob Pratt also shared his own recollections of President Kennedy’s assassination. His personal memories is featured on this website, here.
These historic Detroit radio broadcasts was never available to anyone — anywhere. Motor City Radio Flashbacks featured these historic recordings in their entirety — exclusively here — for the very first time, when this site premiered these broadcasts in November 2018, five years ago.
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Archbishop Richard Cardinal Cushing officiates Prayers, recites the Church Blessing of the Grave over President Kennedy’s casket and final resting place in Arlington. (Photo: Charles Del Vecchio, The Washington Post)
The U.S. flag draping the President’s coffin is folded and is presented to Mrs. Kennedy, photographed facing Auxiliary Catholic Bishop Phillip Hannon (Washington D.C.), 3:15 p.m., EST. (Photo: Associated Press)
Above newspaper images courtesy from the freep.com newspaper archive. Copyright 2023. Newspapers.com.
The above featured images was ‘clipped,’ saved, and imaged from the credited source by Motor City Radio Flashbacks
All photographs used for this featured presentation was randomly selected. All photographs was captioned by the author. All selected photos herein were found to be under/as ‘public domain’ and are displayed here for educational purposes only, as stipulated under the “fair use” clause, unless specified otherwise, and having been credited, as.
For largest views – if viewing on your mobile device, tap over newspaper images. Open to second window. “Stretch” images across your device screen to magnify detailed view.
All images posted in this featured presentation was re-imaged, re-framed, and was web created for this featured presentation by Jim Feliciano. The selected ‘televised’ image was used (see top frame), having been obtained from the personal collection of the author.
Published on Motor City Radio Flashbacks: Monday, November 25, 2023
Photos featured: Associated Press
At 3:34 p.m., EST., the NBC Radio Network concludes its four-day coverage, closing with these remarks, ”. . . John F. Kennedy, has been laid to rest.”
Compiled by the Music Popularity Chart Dept. of Billboard, from national retail store and one-stop sales reports, and radio airplay reports.
ON YOUR PC? To fully appreciate this Billboard Hot 100 (week-ending) November 23, 1963 chart feature click on image 2x and open to second window. Click image anytime to return to NORMAL image size.
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The Honor Roll of Hits comprises the nation’s top tunes according to record sales and sheet sales, disk jockey and jukebox performances as determined by The Billboard’s weekly nationwide sales.
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Audio digitally remastered by Motor City Radio Flashbacks
The above Honor Roll Of Hits music chart was digitally restored by Motor City Radio Flashbacks
ON YOUR PC? You can view this entire Billboard 11/2/1963 chart ENLARGED. For a larger detailed view click above chart image 2x and open to second window.
Click image anytime to return to NORMAL image size.
ON YOUR MOBILE DEVICE? Tap over chart image. Open to second window. “Stretch” chart across your device screen to magnify for larger print view.
The Honor Roll of Hits comprises the nation’s top tunes according to record sales and sheet sales, disk jockey and jukebox performances as determined by The Billboard’s weekly nationwide sales.
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Audio digitally remastered by Motor City Radio Flashbacks
The above Honor Roll Of Hits music chart was digitally restored by Motor City Radio Flashbacks
ON YOUR PC? You can view this entire Billboard 10/05/1963 chart ENLARGED. For a larger detailed view click above chart image 2x and open to second window.
Click image anytime to return to NORMAL image size.
ON YOUR MOBILE DEVICE? Tap over chart image. Open to second window. “Stretch” chart across your device screen to magnify for larger print view.
The above featured Detroit Free Press CKLW advertisement/ article was digitally re-imaged 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 CKLW RKO General ad (April 1961) 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.?
ON YOUR PC? You can read this entire newsprint article/ad — the fine print — ENLARGED. For a larger detailed view click above 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.COM home page.
ON YOUR MOBILE DEVICE? Tap on newsprint image. Open to second window. “Stretch” image across your device screen to magnify for largest print view.
In the 50-plus years you’ve been rockin’ radio here in the Motor City, you created a legacy which will be remembered, loved, and will be left unmatched, unsurpassed, and can never be duplicated. When you believe you’ve come to the end of a long journey, another path awaits you for something even much better. Cherish every moment of this time. And may you revel in this new golden chapter of your life. Happy retirement, Jim Johnson!
