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The
phenomena that was The Beatles fueled the growing popularity
of rock and roll radio stations. If Elvis propelled such music into
national conciousness, The Fab Four renewed the public's interest
and Top 40 radio stations were the benefactors.
WDRC
had a major advantage in its afternoon host, Long
John Wade. After their first appearance in New York on the
Ed Sullivan Show (February 9, 1964), LJW made himself the
station's Beatles expert, developing a close, personal friendship
with each of the Lads from Liverpool.
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Much
has been written about New York disc jockey Murray Kaufmann
who billed himself as "the fifth Beatle,"
but Long John traveled with the Beatles.
Click for his recollections
In August, 1964 WDRC sent Long John with the Beatles
on their national tour. From Los Angeles...Las Vegas...Denver...
Philadelphia...Chicago...New Orleans...and New York City,
LJW sent reports back to Big D while his younger brother,
Don, hosted his 4-8PM
show.
Thirty-five
days, 15,000 miles and 576,000 screaming fans later,
Long John told his listeners the Moptops were all
regular guys: "Personally I would say John
Lennon is the 'thinker.' Ringo is the funniest. Paul
the friendliest, and George is the quiet one."
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WDRC
purchased a special package of jingles based on Beatles
songs; this is one surviving cut.
After
Long John left WDRC in 1966, he spent several
years in Philadelphia and remained close to the Beatles.
Here he is shown with John Lennon and Yoko Ono during
their famous bed-in at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in
Montreal in May, 1969.
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