1970s: WCZY 95.5 FM started as a beautiful music station. It played a mix of orchestral music, light classical, and some popular music. The station was known for its high-fidelity sound and was a popular choice for listeners looking for “good music.”
1980s: By late 1979, WCZY transitioned to a Contemporary Hit Radio (CHR) format, focusing on Top 40 hits. This change was part of a broader trend in radio during that era, where many stations shifted to more contemporary and popular music to attract younger audiences. For nearly a decade, the station featured popular DJs and was known for its energetic and upbeat playlist. The ‘CZY DJs spanning a decade, were: Dick Purtan, Dave Prince, Tom Dean, Marc Avery, Lou Roberts, Ed Barrett, Kim Carson, Roy Stephens, Paul Brian, Steve Kelly, Brian Patrick, Bob Carlton, Doug Dunbar, and famed Detroit sportscaster Larry Adderley on sports.
In today’s USARM (USA Radio Museum) aircheck feature we recall the voice of WCZY personality, Randy Carr, from May 13, 1980.
Transition to WKQI
1989: The station rebranded to WKQI and continued with the CHR format. The new branding was “Channel 955,” pronounced “nine-five-five,” and it became a staple in Detroit’s radio landscape. WKQI was known for its hit music and engaging radio personalities.
Today, WKQI still operates under the “Channel 955” branding and continues to be a popular Top 40 station in the Detroit area.
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NEW! A special THANK YOU to Randall Carr, of Commerce Twp., MI., for recently having contributed his own WCZY memory from 1980. This aircheck will be archived into the USA Radio Museum aircheck repository. (Photo courtesy: Randall Carr)
AUDIO REMASTERED! This audio recording was digitally enhanced by USA Radio Museum.
WCXI 1130 AM was a well-known country music station in Detroit during the late 1970s and 1980s. Here are some key points about the station:
Call Sign: WCXI, which stood for “Country 11” (XI is the Roman numeral for 11).
Format: The station primarily played country music, catering to the tastes of Detroit’s large population of country music fans.
Notable Personalities: The station featured several popular DJs, including Deano Day, R. T. Griffin, Bob Burchett, Steve Gramzay, Michael Kelly, and Randy Price. These DJs were well-loved by listeners and contributed to the station’s success. In today’s USARM (USA Radio Museum) aircheck feature we recall the voice of WCXI personality, Randy Carr, from January 22, 1981.
Community Involvement: WCXI was involved in various charitable activities, raising funds for causes like the March of Dimes and the Muscular Dystrophy Walk-A-Thon.
Changes: Over time, WCXI tried different formats, including oldies and urban gospel, before eventually switching to a Christian talk and teaching format.
WCXI played a significant role in the Detroit radio landscape during its time as a country music station.
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NEW! A special THANK YOU to Randall Carr, of Commerce Twp., MI., for recently having contributed his own WCXI memory from 1981. This aircheck will be archived into the USA Radio Museum aircheck repository.
AUDIO REMASTERED! This audio recording was digitally enhanced by USA Radio Museum.
Russ Knight, also known as “The Weird Beard,” was a popular 1960s radio personality. He started at KLIF in Dallas, left for WXYZ in Detroit in June 1964, then returned back to Texas to KICT (1964) and KILT (1965), both in Houston. Knight briefly worked at ABC-owned WXYZ in Detroit (four months) before departing for KITC.
One of the least known, or forgotten, highlight of Knight’s radio career was when he was called to testify before the Warren Commission. In July 1964, while in Detroit, Russ Knight testified (under his real name Russell Lee Moore) before that investigative body in Chicago. He was summoned for questioning, under oath, about his interactions with Jack Ruby after JFK’s assassination. Knight recounted meeting Ruby at the Dallas Police Department, where Ruby appeared agitated and mentioned Ruby delivering sandwiches and soda for the KLIF radio staff, that evening. Knight’s testimony offered insight into Ruby’s behavior in the aftermath of the assassination. [USARM Note: You can read Knight’s complete Warren Commission testimony, here.]
Russ Knight KILT, Houston (1965)
Russ Knight’s illustrious radio broadcasting career covered these various stations outlets:
Russ Knight had an impactful career in Texas radio, and beyond, beginning after returning to KILT in Houston, in 1965. One of his acclaimed moments in his broadcasting career was when he introduced the Beatles onstage (two concerts) at the Sam Houston Coliseum, in Houston. The date was August 19, 1965.
Russ Knight passed away on October 12, 2012. He was 79. You can view his obituary, online, here.
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AUDIO REMASTERED! This audio recording was digitally enhanced by USA Radio Museum.
Dick Clark had a groundbreaking career in both radio and television.
Radio Career: He began in 1945 at WRUN in Utica, NY, and later worked at WFIL in Philadelphia, where he hosted a record-hop show that led to American Bandstand (1956). He founded United Stations Radio Networks, syndicating shows like Rock, Roll and Remember and Countdown America, reaching thousands of stations. He was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1990.
(Courtesy: Classic Posters dot Com)
Concert Tours: From 1959 to 1966, Clark produced Dick Clark’s Caravan of Stars, featuring top rock and R&B acts like Bobby Vee, Paul Anka, and The Supremes.
Television & Production: As host of American Bandstand, he introduced new music artists to national audiences. He launched Dick Clark Productions (1957), producing American Music Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and various TV specials. He created New Year’s Rockin’ Eve (1972) and hosted game shows like The $10,000 Pyramid, winning multiple Emmys.
Dick Clark passed away on April 18, 2012, at 82, after a heart attack, following complications from a 2004 stroke.
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WHN, a historic New York City radio station, debuted on March 18, 1922, at 833 kHz before settling at 1050 kHz. Initially offering a mix of music, news, and drama, it underwent several ownership changes, including a lease by Loew’s Theatre Organization. Renamed WMGM in the late 1940s, it shifted to a rock & roll format in the late 1950s and later became a leading country music station in the 1970s and 1980s. In 1987, it transitioned to sports radio as WFAN, the first all-sports station. Today, it operates as WEPN (1050 ESPN), affiliated with ESPN Radio.
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AUDIO REMASTERED! This audio recording was digitally enhanced by USA Radio Museum.
USARM Note: The featured aircheck was Gary Steven’s very last show on WKNR, Saturday, April 3, 1965.
Gary Stevens had a remarkable career in radio, starting from his early days in Buffalo, New York, and eventually becoming a prominent figure in the industry. Here’s a comprehensive bio of Gary Stevens:
Early Career Gary Stevens began his broadcasting journey at WWOW in Conneaut, Ohio, while on vacation from college. He later attended the University of Miami, where he worked at several stations, including WCKR and WAME. His career quickly progressed as he moved to WFUN in Miami, where he stayed until 1961.
WIL St. Louis In 1961, Gary Stevens joined WIL in St. Louis, where he worked alongside notable personalities like Ron Lundy, Dan Ingram, Roger Barkley, and Gary Owens. He hosted the evening show from 7 PM to midnight, gaining a strong following and honing his skills as a Top 40 disk jockey.
WKNR Keener 13, Dearborn, MI In November 1963, Mike Joseph hired Gary Stevens to join WKNR in Dearborn, MI, a suburb of Detroit. WKNR, known as “Keener 13,” was a powerhouse in the Detroit radio market, and Gary quickly became one of its most charismatic and popular DJs. His show was known for its energetic style and engaging personality, helping WKNR climb to the top of the Detroit radio charts within an incredible span (after WKMH transitioned to WKNR) of just under 2 months by January of 1964.
WMCA New York City In April 1965, Gary Stevens moved to New York City to join WMCA, where he became part of the “Good Guys” lineup. At WMCA, Gary continued to build his reputation, playing the hits and engaging with listeners through his 7-11 PM shift. His time at WMCA further solidified his status as a top radio personality.
Later Career and Legacy Gary Stevens’ success in radio eventually led him to a career in broadcasting management. He became the president of Doubleday Broadcasting, one of the fastest-growing chains of radio properties in America. His journey from a night-time Top 40 disk jockey to a successful executive is a testament to his talent and determination.
Gary Stevens’ contributions to radio have left a lasting legacy, and he is remembered fondly by radio fans and broadcasting colleagues alike.
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NEW! A special THANK YOU to John Troll, of Danbury, CT. (and sole owner of this Stevens, WKNR aircheck), and Ted Smucker, of Cassopolis, MI., for both having contributing this fabulous, Gary Stevens, WKNR 1965 audio memory. We’ve added this aircheck to the USA Radio Museum’s aircheck repository.
AUDIO REMASTERED! This audio recording was digitally enhanced by USA Radio Museum.
USARM Note: The featured aircheck was Gary Steven’s very first show on WMCA, Wednesday, April 7, 1965.
Gary Stevens was one of the popular “Good Guys” on WMCA in New York City during the 1960s. He joined WMCA in April 1965 after leaving Detroit’s WKNR (Keener 13). Gary was known for his engaging personality and his 7-11 PM shift, where he played hit music and interacted with listeners. He was part of the team that made WMCA one of the top-rated radio stations in New York City during that era from the time of his arrival there, through the station’s formidable Top 40 years WMCA were still tops with teen listenership in 1965, 1966 and 1967.
When Gary Stevens joined WMCA in April of 1965, the station was already well-known for its “Good Guys” format. WMCA had established itself as one of New York City’s top radio stations, playing a tight rotation of the most popular songs of the day. The station was famous for its team approach, where all the DJs worked together to promote the music, the station, and the excitement of the era.
The “Good Guys” lineup at the time included Joe O’Brien, Harry Harrison, Jack Spector, Dan Daniel, B. Mitchel Reed, and Johnny Dark. Gary Stevens joined this team and quickly became a beloved part of the station.
WMCA was known for its energetic and engaging DJs, and it played a significant role in popularizing the Beatles in New York City (along with competitor WINS and Murray the K). WMCA’s Good Guys were also featured at both of the Beatles’ concerts at Shea Stadium on August 15, 1965, and August 23, 1966. The station was also a fierce competitor with Top 40 WABC, and it consistently ranked as one of the top-rated stations in the city during the mid-1960s.
Gary Stevens’ last show on WMCA was on September 18, 1968. After leaving WMCA, Gary Stevens (and his wife) moved to Europe, where he worked in radio in Sweden for a couple of years before eventually transitioning into radio management and executive roles.
WMCA was a top 40 station from late 1960 until 1970. This era, especially from 1963 through 1965 when the legendary B. Mitchell Reed was there, those years was considered the station’s glory days, as it reached the baby boomer generation at their teenage peak and achieved high ratings.
In 1970, WMCA transitioned from its successful “Good Guys” top 40 format to a full-time talk radio format called ‘Dial-Log Radio.’ This shift marked the end of the “Good Guys” era, but the station continued to thrive with the new format. WMCA featured a variety of talk shows, including sports talk with Jack Spector, conservative talk with Bob Grant, and overnight talk with “Long John” Nebel.
In the 1980s, Gary Stevens became the President and CEO of Doubleday Broadcasting, a company he helped grow significantly. Under his leadership, Doubleday Broadcasting expanded its radio station portfolio, including the purchase of WLLZ-FM in Detroit, formerly the Christian/religous-formatted station, WBFG. Gary Stevens was instrumental in transforming WLLZ into a successful classic rock station, which became known as “Detroit’s Wheels.”
Gary Stevens’ career in radio management and executive roles showcased his ability to build and manage successful radio properties, having left a lasting impact on the broadcasting industry, at the time, while Doubleday Broadcasting was under his CEO directorship and control.
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NEW! A special THANK YOU to John Troll, of Danbury, CT. (and sole owner of this Stevens, WMCA aircheck), and Ted Smucker, of Cassopolis, MI., for both having contributing this fabulous, Gary Stevens, WMCA 1965 audio memory. We’ve added this aircheck to the USA Radio Museum’s aircheck repository.
AUDIO REMASTERED! This audio recording was digitally enhanced by USA Radio Museum.
KXOK was a prominent radio station in St. Louis in the early-1960s. KXOK was known for its Top 40 format and was especially popular among teens and young adults. The station featured many well-known radio personalities, including Ray Otis.
Ray Otis, who arrived from WKMH in Dearborn, MI., became the station’s program director in 1962 at just 24. Otis recalls how KXOK came to be a magical place. He joined a station that had been initially launched by manager Bud Connell, and his mission was to guide it through its next phase. “There was magic at KXOK like no other place I’ve seen,” Otis says. “Everything just fell together. The synergy was incredible.” The station’s home was a small grove of trees at 1600 North Kings Highway, which it affectionately named “Radio Park.”
When this aircheck was recorded, Ray Otis was heard weekdays on KXOK in St. Louis from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
According to the stlmediahistory.org website, KXOK was owned by Todd Storz, part of his network of AM stations known for their rock and roll formats. Thanks to station veteran Dick Ulett, we list an array of names that defined KXOK:
Mort Crowley, Danny Dark, Ron Riley, Peter Martin, Robert R. Lynn, Bob Shea, David D. Rogers, Dan Allison, Johnny Rabbitt, Don “Stinkey” Shafer, Richard Ward Fatherly, Nick Charles, Bruno J. Grunion, William A. Hopkins, Big Ears Bernard, Steven B. Stevens, Bobby Shannon, Delcia Corlew, Chickenman, News at 55, Radio Park, and the station’s slogan, “The station with the happy difference.”
The station’s building sat across from the old Parkmoor, housed in a converted old house with the studios added on. The house’s front room served as the reception area, and the rest was used for storage. Out front, facing Kingshighway, stood the green 3-foot-tall letters “KXOK,” a remnant from its previous location at the Star-Times Building downtown.
Ray Otis was at KXOK from 1962 to 1970, when he left for New York’s WNEW. Later in 1970, Otis returned back to Detroit for WCAR.
USARM Note: Most of the above information was provided by the St. Louis Media History website.
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NEW! A special THANK YOU to Mark Yurko, of Langhorne, PA., for this KXOK aircheck contribution for our USA Radio Museum repository. Featured here, we’ve archived this 1964 WXOK audio memory into our aircheck collection.
AUDIO REMASTERED! This audio recording was digitally enhanced by USA Radio Museum.
Tom Maule was a notable personality at 93 KHJ during the late 1960s, known for his distinctive voice and his role as a nighttime DJ in the midst of the station’s dominant “Boss Radio” era.
Arrival at KHJ
Maule joined KHJ in June 1967 and was immediately placed in a prime evening slot, broadcasting from 9:00 PM to midnight. This was a time when the station was at the height of its popularity, and KHJ was known for its energetic Top 40 format. Maule’s arrival at the station was part of the ongoing expansion of KHJ’s on-air talent, which included well-known personalities like Robert W. Morgan, The Real Don Steele, and Charlie Tuna. His show was aimed at the younger audience that KHJ targeted, playing the latest hits and connecting with listeners through his engaging voice and style.
Tom Maule’s Radio Style and Legacy
Maule was known for his lively personality and smooth delivery, which was a great fit for the high-energy Boss Radio format. The fast-paced, tightly formatted broadcasts were designed to keep listeners engaged, and Maule’s evening show was no exception. The show featured not only music but also Maule’s own commentary, humorous observations, and interactions with listeners. His ability to connect with the audience during the night hours made his show popular among young people in Los Angeles.
Though not as famous as some of the bigger KHJ personalities like Robert W. Morgan or The Real Don Steele, Maule still gained a strong following. His voice became familiar to many listeners, and he contributed to the station’s reputation for cutting-edge entertainment and music during the late ’60s. KHJ’s evening slots were crucial in maintaining the station’s dominance, and Tom Maule was an important part of that success.
Later Career
Tom Maule’s time at KHJ didn’t extend far beyond the late 1960s, as the landscape of radio was shifting in the early 1970s. However, his impact on the station was felt during the period he worked there. After leaving KHJ, Maule continued to work in radio, though not to the same level of prominence he had achieved in Los Angeles. Like many radio personalities of that era, his career reflected the changing tastes and shifts in the broadcasting industry.
Later, Tom Maule became a prominent TV weatherman in the Fresno area. Maule passed away in 1993.
Though his time on KHJ was relatively short, Tom Maule is remembered as one of the voices that helped shape the station’s iconic sound during a golden age of Los Angeles radio. His contributions to the station’s late-night programming remain a part of KHJ’s rich history.
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NEW! A special THANK YOU to the 93khjcreator.spring.com for contributing this 1965 KHJ aircheck, which is also now available on their site. We’ve added this aircheck to the USA Radio Museum’s aircheck repository.
AUDIO REMASTERED! This audio recording was digitally enhanced by USA Radio Museum.
Dave Shafer was a prominent radio personality in the Windsor/Detroit market, best known for his work at CKLW 800, one of the most influential radio stations in North America during the 1960s.
Dave Shafer began his career in radio in the 1950s, working in various markets before joining CKLW in the early 1960s. CKLW, located in Windsor, Ontario, served the Detroit area as well, and by the mid-1960s, it had become a powerhouse in Top 40 radio. The station’s reach and influence across both sides of the U.S.-Canada border made it one of the most important broadcasters in the region.
Having tapped early-on radio aspirations during his high school days, Dave Shafer left Dover, Delaware for Detroit in 1961. He landed his first radio job as music librarian at WJBK. Shafer eventually found his way behind the microphone – in studio – as the new “Jack the Bellboy” by the following year in 1962. And thus began Dave’s storied, three-decade broadcasting career in Detroit radio. Including stops at WCAR, WOMC, WCZY, along with a 11-year run at CKLW radio in Windsor, Ontario, in the 1960s and 1970s.
CKLW Morning Show
In 1963, Dave Shafer, a.k.a. as “Jack the Bellboy’ while at WJBK, made the leap across the Detroit River for RKO General CKLW in Canada. He became a key figure at CKLW, hosting the highly popular morning show. His friendly, energetic delivery and ability to connect with listeners made him a beloved personality in the area. His morning show was known for its lively presentation, including the latest pop music, news, and often humorous commentary. His presence helped set the tone for the station’s success, as CKLW had a major impact on shaping the Top 40 format in the region.
Influence and Legacy
Shafer’s work at CKLW made him one of the prominent voices of Detroit and Windsor radio during the 1960s. CKLW was known for its fast-paced “Boss Radio” format, popularized by the likes of Bill Drake and station programmer Paul Drew, and Dave Shafer was one of the voices that kept listeners tuned in every morning. His ability to entertain and inform made him a central figure in the lives of many local listeners. CKLW’s success during this period was largely due to its combination of top-notch personalities, including Shafer and Tom Shannon, and its cutting-edge approach to radio.
Later Career and Impact
Though his career took him to other stations over the years, he is most fondly remembered for his role at CKLW. Even after his departure from the station, Shafer remained a respected figure in the world of broadcasting, contributing to the evolution of radio in the Detroit area.
Having long retired from the broadcasting profession and living in Florida, Dave passed away on May 7, 2006, at the age of 73.
Today, Dave Shafer is remembered as a key part of CKLW’s golden era during the 1960s, an era that shaped the future of Top 40 radio in North America. His influence as a morning personality on CKLW continues to be celebrated by those who remember the station’s heyday.
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NEW! A special THANK YOU to Mark Yurko, of Langhorne, PA., for this CKLW aircheck contribution for our USA Radio Museum repository. Featured here, we’ve archived this 1965 CKLW audio memory into our aircheck collection.
AUDIO REMASTERED! This audio recording was digitally enhanced by USA Radio Museum.
Robert W. Morgan was a beloved radio personality, known for his work as the morning show host on 93 KHJ in Los Angeles during the 1960s and 1970s. He was one of the key figures in shaping the “Boss Radio” format, a highly influential and dynamic style that became synonymous with the station during its heyday. Morgan was known for his engaging and energetic personality, often incorporating humor and a friendly, approachable style into his broadcasts.
The station’s programming included extensive music playlists, a strong emphasis on top 40 hits, and catchy jingles (the famous “Boss Radio” jingle became iconic). The sound was edgy, fun, and fast-moving, with DJs like Robert W. Morgan, The Real Don Steele, and Charlie Tuna becoming beloved figures on the airwaves.
While station programmer Ron Jacobs was indeed a key figure in radio consulting during this era and went on to become a successful radio executive (founding Jacobs Media, a leading consulting firm), it was Bill Drake who is most closely associated with the creation of the Boss Radio format at KHJ.
Robert W., as he was also known as, it was his voice and presence that made him a favorite among listeners, helping KHJ become a top-rated station. Morgan’s influence extended beyond just his radio career, as he became a key figure in the pop culture of Los Angeles at the time. He worked with the station for many years before eventually moving into a career in music and voice-over work.
Morgan passed away in 1998, but he left behind a lasting legacy in the world of radio, particularly in the history of Los Angeles radio broadcasting.
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NEW! A special THANK YOU to the 93khjcreator.spring.com for contributing this 1965 KHJ aircheck, which is also now available on their site. We’ve added this aircheck to the USA Radio Museum’s aircheck repository.
AUDIO REMASTERED! This audio recording was digitally enhanced by USA Radio Museum.
Note: A radio re-creation produced by KHJ PD Ron Jacobs, this recording was pressed on vinyl LP and was released by Increase Records in 1970.
