Ed Brouder is the webmaster for this site, which is not owned by, or endorsed by, WDRC Radio or Red Wolf Broadcasting. The site is a labor of love by a former listener, employee and admirer.

Information presented at this site is for research and enjoyment. Corrections or additions are welcome.

WDRC Alumni are encouraged to provide recollections and input which will be shared on this page.

E-mail

Tuesday, October 24, 2023, 5:17PM

Dear friends and family,

My beloved Paul [Country Paul Payton] passed away yesterday afternoon at home. Close friends and I were with him and he was peaceful.

Paul did not want a funeral. He will be cremated and his ashes spread in the Outer Banks, which we both loved, as he requested. He also requested a Celebration of Life and I will plan that in the future. If any of you have special photos of Paul, particularly early ones, that I can use, please email them to me.

Flowers are not necessary. Paul was a railroad fan so if you would like to make a donation in his memory, please direct it to either the Connecticut Electric Railway Association (Connecticut Trolley Museum) in East Windsor, CT or the Railway Museum of New England in Thomaston, CT.

Thank you for your love and support of Paul and me during the difficult past few months and weeks.

Bette Schultz (e-mail)

Friday, June 2, 2023, 11:03AM

John Fleming died in the wee hours of Tuesday, April 25th in Sarasota, Florida, where he and Betty had relocated just a couple of years before. They also maintained summertime living quarters in Chepachet, Rhode Island.

John had been a national SAG-AFTRA Vice President during his busy -- and very successful -- career in N.Y.C.

As you probably know, John was an ex-WDRC sales exec, where he met, and eventually married, a former receptionist, Betty Martin. While there, he established a lifetime relationship with Bernie and Milton Rosenberg which led to him becoming the on-camera spokesman for their chain of Bernie's TV & Appliance stores (I personally called Milton with the news of John's passing.) In addition to the Bernie's work, John was also the main advertising arm of State Street Discount, a huge appliance retailer in Portsmouth, N.H.

Fellow broadcasters will note John's somewhat unique experience as having been featured in THREE different TV spots during one of the Super Bowl games! He was an on-camera personality for Northwestern Mutual Insurance, and did voice-over spots for two other sponsors on that occasion. His talent was widely-respected (and richly-rewarded). John was cremated and his ashes are/were spread at various places of his choice.

Bill Hennessey (e-mail)

Tuesday, April 18, 2023, 10:03AM

So sorry to hear about the passing of Kris Kane. One of dad's greatest hires. Years later, when he really made the big time in Boston, he drove down to Hartford to work with my dad in a production studio to produce a PSA that dad had written for Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. He went into the studio to record and came out an hour later covered with sweat. He said "Thanks Charlie it's been years since anyone beat the s - - - t out of me like that". By the way, Kris donated all of his services so he could have the chance to work with my dad again. A great man with a big heart. God bless you my BIG D Brother. I'm sure my dad is thrilled to be working with you again at WGOD.

Steve Parker (e-mail)

Saturday, November 12, 2022, 9:39AM

Happy Thanksgiving! I vividly remember this hoax! My dad, Charlie, had me totally believing this, and he was watching me constantly for my reaction to each update. As an animal lover, I was so excited that these special birds were coming our way! I couldn't wait to see them! He really got me that time! What wonderful days those were! Kathy (Parker) Morgan (e-mail)

Saturday, November 12, 2022, 6:29AM

Top of the Morning. Thanks so much for yet another Big D MEMORY! I remember.. LIKE IT WAS YESTERDAY! GOBBLE GOBBLE. THE BIRDS THE WORD!!! Keep 'em coming & HAPPY THANKSGIVING.

Dickie & Sally Robinson & Family (e-mail)

Friday, November 11, 2022, 1:40PM

I was answering the switch board that afternoon. Somebody called and said that they were the FCC and I hung up on them. Charlie flipped! (Not in a good way!) It was either a hoax or they didn't call back.

Steve Parker (e-mail)

Friday, November 11, 2022, 11:44AM

I remember getting a call from a listener, threating to complain to the FCC if this turned out to be a hoax.

Walt Pinto (e-mail)

Friday, November 11, 2022, 11:26AM

Here's the link to the Birds promotion from Thanksgiving 1971.

Steve Parker (e-mail)

Sunday, July 3, 2022

Click here for the WDRC 100th Anniversary Guestbook!

Wednesday, November 3, 2021, 5:45PM

Hi Ed:

Sorry to hear of Brad's passing, especially the sad slow end; we're going through it with my mother-in-law and it's no fun. Allow me to add a personal Brad Davis story: he indirectly got me my full-time gig at WDRC! Len Thomas (Leonard Ham) did middays on WDRC-AM after Brad's morning show, and on a day in June 1977 Brad left the control room in even more of a ness than usual. Len tried to do a phoner, but hadn't realized that Brad left a live line on, and as he tried to undo the snafu he swore, not totally under his breath, "XXXXXXX Brad Davis!" Well, the person on the phone heard it, Charlie heard it, Dick Korsen heard it, Len was gone, Brad stayed, Bob Marx moved to Len's midday shift on AM and I got the on FM, beginning three happy years. So, thanks, Brad!

I'm still doing voice-overs and developing my record company, Presence Records. Still happily living in northern New Jersey, but I still and always will love Connecticut. A few of us WHCN folks from the '70s just had a reunion in Hartford, including Scott Hartley, who also did some part-time work at WDRC-FM when I introduced him to Charlie. He's now retired as state's attorney and living in East Windsor. And that's the news - hope all is well and happy with you!

All the best,

Country Paul Payton (e-mail)

Monday, October 5, 2020, 3:54PM

Hi Ed,

Just wanted to update you. I am currently retired from both radio and car sales. The email address you have listed for me is now outdated. Thanks and stay well.

John Bekish (aka Johnny Michaels) (e-mail)

Sunday, September 9, 2018, 7:48PM

Oh my God. Coke pants! Wish I still had my pair. They’d be a collector’s item. I remember that shoot like it was yesterday. Thanks for saving the memories Ed. BTW... I remember The Man From Mars like it was yesterday too. All the best my friend.

Jim Harrington (e-mail)

Wednesday, August 22, 2018, 8:22AM

Hi Ed,

Love the site…. I am no longer living in Florida, retired from teaching. I am now doing a podcast once again alongside of Sebastian here in Connecticut. It is called Sebastianuncensored and is available on demand. I am sending a picture of Phil Britton as I see you do not have one. It also includes Kathy Wyler who was the news director on Big D for many years. Regards to you,

Diane Novak (e-mail)

Saturday, March 31, 2018, 8:44PM

Love this site and can’t imagine all the work you have put into it. Was a big fan of the Big D especially in the 70’s. Man what great on air talent was to be had morning noon and night. The local countdown, mobile studio D, the personalities...it was when radio was radio and, sad to say, it will never happen again. But your site keeps it alive. Thanks!

Dave Oliphant (e-mail)

Friday, February 10, 2017, 1:11PM

Ed,

This relates to the Hartford Courant headline you posted from July of 1967. I'm a lawyer and not a DJ--but many were the days that I pretended to be one.

Joey Reynolds was my disk jockey idol going back to his days at WPOP. After POP, I followed him to WKBW and knew that he was in Detroit (WXYZ?) immediately before going back to Hartford and WDRC.

In the summer of 1967 I had just finished my first year at law school and was petrified that I would fail (1/3rd of my class did) and would be sent to Vietnam.

During that summer I worked as an orderly at the Mount Sinai Hospital and, upon his admission, Joey was one of my patients (I made beds; emptied bedpans etc. for patients on the wards and in the rooms). While he was at Mount Sinai, I had several conversations with Joey and it was all very exciting for me.

The headline you reprint could not even get the name of the hospital right. It was the Mount. Sinai Hospital and it was a fairly large and very active place. It was on Blue Hills Avenue in Hartford about half a mile from the WDRC studio. Joey was hospitalized for well over a week. There were people from the station always coming in; he regaled everyone who came to his room with jokes, and towards the end of his stay he actually broadcast his show from his room. I believe at one point he was operated on, but he always looked OK to me. In talking to him, he said that his hospitalization had something to do with the effects of a substantial and very quick weight loss that he just had, although it may have been more than that.

As a personal thing, in our conversations I told Joey that I was hoping to be a lawyer, but what I really wanted to be was a DJ, and he told me that being a lawyer was much better than being a DJ. My law school did not mail out grades until July and I would go home in July at lunchtime to see if my grades were in. That's the way I found out that I passed and, when after lunch I returned to work, Joey was one of the first people I told. He congratulated me profusively, and I'll never forget how happy that made me feel. I hope this adds a little to what the Courant article apparently left out. It was a memorable time for me.

Marty Zeldis (e-mail)

Thursday, August 4, 2016, 11:10AM

Ron Pell & Steve Parker present THE 2016 CONNECTICUT RADIO REUNION!!!

Celebrate this day in Connecticut radio history when WDRC gave birth to the BIG D! #1 FOR FUN……August 18, 1960.

Join us on Sunday, August 21, 2016, 2-5 p.m., at HARBOR PARK (also known as the Mattabesett Canoe Club) in Middletown. The Price…FREE! FREE! FREE! With your FRIENDS from BIG D! (I buy mine….you buy yours….) (Heavy Echo) BE THERE!!!

Ron Pell & Steve Parker “presently” don’t wear speedos or shave their legs. If questioned before, during or after Sunday, August 21, 2016 will deny any association with Whales of any sort. Pell & Parker, past BIG D employees and their families, friends and Connecticut radio fans are welcome. Buy at a Bedding Barn Near you.

Wednesday, July 6, 2016, 12:50PM

Lance Drake aka Scotty Morgan was one of the best. I will miss you my BIG D brother. Rock in Peace.

Steve Parker (e-mail)

Monday, June 27, 2016, 10:12PM

Ed:

Sorry to hear of Lance's passing. I remember him as a funny and creative guy during my days at The Big "D" when he was known as Scotty Morgan. I'm always saddened at the passing of a colleague.... especially someone I've worked with over the years. Lee...thanks for keeping us informed.

Bob Craig, Philadelphia (e-mail)

Sunday, June 26, 2016, 1:30PM

A while back, I sent an email to a number of WPOP alums on my list. As sometimes happens, a few bounced back as undeliverable. One that had never done that before was that of Lance Drake (Scotty Morgan). So I went to his website -- and it wasn't there. That seemed odd to me so I did some further investigation but didn't come up with anything conclusive. Today, I decided to resume my investigation, dug a little deeper, and sadly, came up with the answer. Lance died just over two years ago. The obit I found was not very detailed, but it contained enough information to confirm that it was the guy I worked with at 'POP back in the mid-70s.

Lee Gordon (e-mail)

Thursday, March 31, 2016, 8:45PM

Ed,

We went to 7th to 10th grade in Glastonbury. In the spring of 1970, dear old Dad started working in the NYC area and we moved to Stamford CT, where I finished high school.

I remember in September 1969 when WDRC went stereo. I came home from school one day, turned on my Heath AR14 receiver, and Voila! Stereo! Low distortion! They broadcast for two weeks before they mentioned they were stereo. I had built the AR14 during the summer of ’68 and noticed right away that Big D was fairly distorted with their mono signal. I’m sure the mono exciter and final were pretty old. Also missing from time line is the when WDRC went IBOC. I don’t know when that was. I enjoy WDRC-HD2 which has more oldies on it than the main channel. I know this because I visit East Hartford monthly, where my mother in law still hangs in there at 94 years young. Nowadays, the better half and I live in Hudson NH, just east of Nashua. I don’t get a chance to swing by my old house or any other place in Glastonbury as often as I like. I don’t even know where anyone I once knew lives any more.

IBOC: It’s a blessing and a curse. I like the alternative programming. Boston offers a few good HD2 stations. I’m a geek! I’ve got an antenna on the roof with a rotator just for FM. IBOC is also a curse. WFCR has a wonderful jazz show weekday evenings that I can’t get, thanks to NHPR which has a station on 88.3, which obliterates 88.5 with its IBOC noise.

If I sound like an engineer, I am. I’m a EE. I got my ham license in 2010: call sign K1NOB. I like to turn knobs.

Paul Dumont HS class of ’72 somewhere else (Rippowam HS Stamford, CT) (e-mail)

Saturday, January 2, 2016, 9:05AM

Hi Ed,

Happy New Year! Starting a week from today, January 9th, I will be hosting an oldies show every Saturday and Sunday from 6-10 AM on the frequency where we heard these songs originally...1360! I'll be playing the best music from the 50's and 60's, a few that haven't been heard in a long time, and at times, it will sound like radio did in the 1960's! It will also be simulcast on our other AM stations...610, 1240, and 1470! "The Big D is Back with Rob Ray"! Thanks again for helping me out!

Rob Ray (e-mail)

Monday, November 30, 2015, 7:22PM

Ed,

I just learned that Tom Pagnotti, who was known to Big D FM listeners as Tom Kelly, passed away today. I do not know any details other than a post on Facebook from his friends who said their goodbye's. I know that Tom was quite active as a voice-over artist in recent years and was very accomplished at his craft. It was mentioned that his friends in Bath will miss him. I don't have a clue which state Bath is in, New York. Anyone out there in Big D land have any other details to share?

Bart Mazzarella (aka Bob Marx) (e-mail)

Ed's note: the WBEN Buffalo website says Tom died at his home in Bath, ME at the age of 57; there is an extensive interview with Tom here.

Sunday, November 29, 2015, 2:09PM

Hi, Ed,

Happy post-Thanksgiving!

Haven’t been around the site a lot, but I wanted to let you know that my band, Rob Carlson & Benefit street, has released or SECOND album of all-original music. I’m the keyboard and bass guy. Although I also have my own projects including The Fabulous Dudes, who have an album of all-original group harmony sounds in styles of the ‘50s and ‘60s. All the albums are available at my record company website; there are links where folks can listen (or, if they feel generous or fan-like, buy tracks or entire hard-copy CDs).

One piece of sad news to pass along. In checking on line regarding another website, I learned that Bette (Radzevich) Landis, Lon Landis’ ex-wife, passed away in 2014. She had been the receptionist and station secretary when I was at WHCN in the early 1970s. I lost track of her after I’d heard she had married Lon, although I have held good memories of her over the years.

I hope all is well and happy with you; life is good here in New Jersey and the voice-over work continues along with the music.

Warmest regards,

(Country) Paul Payton (e-mail)

Friday, October 16, 2015, 4:02PM

Hi Ed,

Just wanted to pass along some news.

The WDRC Family has lost one of their legends, a man who in his career considered one of the "Good Guys" his career started in 1967 after graduating the Connecticut School of Broadcasting working at WPOP. Frank Holler worked for WDRC and was best known for his Jukebox Saturday Night Show. After leaving DRC he went to WHYN with his Jukebox Saturday Night Show.

Last night the legendary Frank Holler passed away at his home in Newington. Frank passed away just one day short of his 67th birthday. (Today October 16th is his birthday.)

Scott Greczkowski/FunTowerRadio.COM (e-mail)

Sunday, August 16, 2015, 8:07PM

Dear Ed,

To bring you up to date: The other "Jay Brooks" (who had been working somewhere in the midwest, I think) had just come to work in New Haven when I left WPLR to go to WDRC. I went to Charlie Parker when I was hired and said, "Since WDRC reaches into the New Haven market, I think I should change my air-name." Charlie was very amenable to that, since it would be silly to have two air personalities named Jay Brooks in the same market. I wanted to use the name "Jason McCord" (which I thought was a strong-sounding name), but Dick Korsen thought it didn't sound "real enough", to quote him. I distinctly remember standing there in his office thinking to myself, and this is the radio station which -- in its glorious past -- boasted personalities named 'Sandy Beach' and 'Bradley Field' ??? I was about to go on the air in five minutes to be broken-in during Jim Harrington's shift, so the clock was ticking. A bunch of us paced around Korsen's office, the others occasionally spouting out names, all of which I declined. Then, someone said "Jay McCormick." I thought about it for a moment, rolled it around on my tongue, and then kept it for the next 23 years until I left WELI in 1995 when they went to an all-talk format.

I began my full-time radio career after graduating UConn as Jay Brooks at WNHC-FM in 1970 -- which became WPLR -- and I was there until 1972, WDRC (1972-73).

After: WCCC, Hartford (1974-75); WCDQ, Hamden-New Haven (1976-1978); WNAB, Bridgeport (1978-1981); and WELI, New Haven (1981-1995). Through the years, I also did a lot of agency voice-over work for TV commercials and industrial narratives, taught broadcasting techniques at both the Hartford and Stratford branches of Conn. School of Broadcasting, owned a couple of small companies, and worked as an AFTRA-SAG extra during the 1974 filming of Jaws on Martha's Vineyard. Jim Harrington was also there at the same time.

I retired from full-time radio in March 1995, and became a free-lance writer. I'm the author of the recently-released novel TWO OF A KIND: An Erotic Love Story, published by Dorrance Publishing Co., Pittsburgh, and I currently reside most of the year in Arizona.

Best regards,

Jay Carson Elliott (a/k/a Jay McCormick) (e-mail)

Wednesday, August 12, 2015, 12:33PM

One of Joey’s many stunts was sticking the record In The Midnight Hour.

I still remember my Dad, WDRC Program Director Charlie Parker, listening to the station in the kitchen when the police broke the studio door down. But with Joey, nothing ever surprised Dad (I don’t recall anyone sticking 96 Tears).

Even though Joey was indeed one of the first “Shock Jocks” in the country, and my Dad even went so far as to fire him for calling the Mayor of Hartford Ann Ucello a “Dumb Broad”….they always remained good friends. …..and he’s still a dear friend of mine today.

Thanks for listening!

Steve Parker (e-mail)

Friday, August 7, 2015, 5:37AM

Hi Ed,

I've attached a one sheet on this year's BIG D 55th Reunion. Looks like it should be very cool. We're takin' over the whole joint! We'll be playing air checks and stuff. Kent Clark may even be bringing his 35th BIG D Reunion recordings. We're also asking folks to bring along any BIG D memories......memorabilia etc. Please help us spread the word! Hope you can make it! Thanks Ed,

Steve Parker (e-mail)

Saturday, July 18, 2015, 12:27PM

Who was the DJ , want to say Joey Reynolds, that played 96 Tears over and over again? Does anyone remember how long it went on? Remember listening to WDRC at Ocean Beach,New London.

BALLAS (e-mail)

Ed's note: This certainly sounds like a Joey stunt, though his most famous was playing In The Midnight Hour over and over again. Does the Question Mark and the Mysterians incident ring a bell with anyone?

Monday, March 2, 2015, 7:06PM

Ed's note: This was received after word of the death of West Hartford native Don Berns

Dear Ed....

It's such sad news. I heard of his passing via FB at about 2:45am...and I couldn't go back to sleep. I worked with Don in 1969 at WICE in Providence and again in the mid 80's at WTAE in Pittsburgh. He was a great talent and a good friend. He went to my wedding in 1971 and met my children when we worked at WTAE. I'm really going to miss the guy. Thanks for the update Ed. Hope all is well with you old friend.

Jim Harrington (e-mail)

Sunday, March 1, 2015, 4:24PM

hello ed,

well, i have retired (again)! i guess 43+ years of "playin' the hits" was enough! it was only rock n roll, but i loverd it!

so, now, you can add WYKE-FM/Lecanto FL to my "after" column.

my wife and i still reside in Dunnellon, FL. we are still involved with our Vizslas (hungarian pointers). my wife, an international flight attendant, shows our dogs and we both compete in hunt tests & field trials. i also compete with them in obedience trials.

i remember bill stephens once writing on this site how the number of us who were lucky (and fortunate) enough to have worked at 'DRC - and with the great charlie parker - are now dwindling. while that is both sad and true, this 2-time Big D'er will always hold on to those memories with great affection!

take care, ed,

mike taylor (e-mail)

Tuesday, February 3, 2015, 1:37PM

Hi Ed,

How are you my BIG D Brother? I get such a kick hearing Ron Sedaille refer to his new internet radio show as coming from the Fun Tower. Haven’t heard that one in a long time! Dad must be getting a thrill out of hearing how his FUN lives on. Thanks Ron.

On another note…. People don’t need to be too worked up about music changes at WDRC-FM. Connecticut’s First Radio Station has only had 3 owners since 1922. Mr. Doolittle, Mr. Buckley and now Connoisseur Broadcasting. They’re a locally owned radio group, with love and respect for the history and heritage of WDRC. They know and respect what a special place WDRC has always held in the hearts of its listeners.

Don’t worry about the change of music. I understand how much it hurts to lose some of the Personalities / your friends at BIG D. Just ask the folks who grew up listening to some of the greats like Dick Robinson, Sandy Beach, Long John & his brother Don Wade, Joey Reynolds and Dick McDonough….the list goes on and on. Take a look at the personality page of this amazing website that Ed Brouder developed and has maintained through the years. We owe a debt of gratitude to Ed. This site is not, nor will it ever be, the property of WDRC. It lives through your passion as well as Ed’s passion and love for WDRC. Thank you so much Ed.

WDRC sure has gone through many changes before and after August 18, 1960 (The Birth of BIG D and RADIO FUN!)). And just like it’s always been, the owners will listen to their listeners. If the ratings don’t stay strong, they’ll make changes to be sure. Just don’t be afraid to speak up. Thank you to everyone for your loyalty through the years.

WDRC is still WDRC, the BIG D…A true CLASSIC is still alive and well! Which way they decide to take the music is up to you. Hopefully with your continued passion, input and ideas….. ROCK & ROLL and the BIG D will never die! Thanks everybody!

Steve Parker (e-mail)

Monday, January 5, 2015, 10:46PM

Hi Ed,

Could you make and update to Ron Sedaille's TODAY listing on WDRCOBG.COM. Ron has relaunched his hit show "All Request Saturday Night" that was heard for years on WDRC FM until the Connousseur Media takeover of WDRC in July.

Rockin' Ron and ARSN can now be heard every Saturday night at his new online streaming station. The station is programed 24/7 and is also live nightly 8-10PM. I admire his and your lifetime dedication to WDRC and want to be sure that listeners that might be looking for Ron and his show can find him sounding better than ever!

WDRC has such a rich history, I live in Manchester NH and first discovered WDRC when searching airchecks on Youtube and Ron has many uploaded. WDRC was streaming their broadcasts so I became a listener. I then got interested in the station and read every inch of your site, great stuff as well as all the material that you have compiled on local radio history. It really was a special place. Thanks for your time and have a great new year.

Eric Bennett (e-mail)

Thursday, October 30, 2014, 5:46PM

I am VERY sad about wdrc's new format. You lost a 50-60 lover's patronage!

Ed and Judy (e-mail)

Monday, October 13, 2014, 6:30PM

I think a lot of long time DRC listeners were extremely upset this past summer when Connisseur Media came in & totally destroyed what was once a great radio station-Basically,the baby boomers were kicked to the curb-I seriously doubt the revamped format will draw huge ratings.

Scott Burton (e-mail)

Tuesday, September 30, 2014, 2:02PM

I'm sorry I just wanted to say how much I miss the old big d radio station. I miss the hosts I miss the music. I especially miss the morning crew with Kim Zachary. What happened its like it turned into a classic rock station overnight....we have rock 102 we don't need you too....bring back the old drc. Thank you for my rant.

Brenda (e-mail)

Tuesday, September 2, 2014, 12:14PM

Hi Ed,

It was great seeing you a few weeks ago at the BIG D (aka the Connecticut Radio Reunion.

Sorry to hear of the passing of both Len Thomas and Don “Boom Boom” Cannon. I remember when my Dad hired Len. Len had been on the Cape (Probably WCOD). Dad heard him and gave him a call. Len was blown away by the call. Apparently he had been sending my father airchecks for years, and Dad wasn’t that impressed. When he heard Len in his element, on the air, it made all the difference in the world. I also remember my Dad coming home after the incident, and telling me what had happened. He said that there really was no other choice. How could he be guaranteed that it wouldn’t happen again? The FCC would have flipped.

Don was a great guy! He was very tall. A real giant as I remember, with a wonderful personality, great smile, and a heart of gold. Don looked like Sam the Sham (Sam the Sham and the Pharohs..Wooly Bully). He used to hang out with Bill Hart, now known as Bill Saint James. Billy was a short bean pool of a teenager from Conard High in West Hartford, with “great pipes”. My Dad hired him straight out of Connecticut School of Broadcasting. I think that Don and Bill used to play golf together. What a sight that must have been.

In the long run, we have lost two of my BIG D Brothers. My prayers go out to both Len and Don as well as their families. Both great talents. But on the bright side, Dad sure is glad to get them back on the air at WGOD! As always Ed….Thanks for keeping the flame burning.

Steve Parker (e-mail)

Monday, August 10, 2014, 9:17PM

Ed:

In the spring of 1970 the Announcers and Engineers Club (we did the morning announcements on the PA) at my high school, the Norwich Free Academy, had a chance to tour WICH on Cuprak Road in Norwich (CT). Len Thomas was our gracious tour guide. One of our group must have asked if it was true that lots of announcers/ personalities did not use their real names. Len said that it was certainly true, and that in fact one staffer at WICH had the last name of Ham, and just imagine all the jokes and puns there would be about a Ham on the radio! Little did we guess that it was him. Rest in peace Mr. Ham.

Incidentally, I still love the website, always finding something new, like the link to Bob Craig's jazz show. Where it's always llllLLLLLUUUUNNNCH TIME. Just had to get that in.

Bob Lord (e-mail)

Monday, July 7, 2014, 2:29PM

Hi Ed!

Very sorry things have turned around again at WDRC.

To catch you up, I received a heart transplant in June of 2008. I know my donor was a man in his thirties. I have tried to contact his family, but they are not ready. Being in retirement from WDRC has been a huge change in my life. I quickly got used to having a heart again, and am so grateful! But now I needed to get my life back in order. I turned to a gym, Healthreax in Avon. I take lessens from a trainer there, do yoga, Zumba and cardiac exercises.

I spend one day a week reading at CRIS in Windsor. And I spend a good deal of time speaking for the group Donate Life, which encourages organ donation. I talk to kids getting their drivers license. I appear at Donate Life tables at car shows and health fairs. My message is, be an organ donor, and tell your family about it!

So, good luck to all my co-workers at DRC-FM. Use this time to do something meaningful with your talent. CRIS is always looking for readers! Best of luck!

Sincerely,

Beth Bradley (e-mail)

Tuesday, June 17, 2014, 10:48PM

Hi,

I worked at WDRC in the 1960’s and 70’s as an engineer. I started when Ted Hitchcock was CE, left to go back to school and then (on and off) worked under George Watson and Wane Mulligan until WDRC discontinued two person on air production.

I got to work with a lot of very interesting people, including Bertha Porter (who had more gold records than it is easy to count, they lined the walls when we moved back to downtown Hartford (from what Arthur Nelson Johnson Jr. (I worked with him at WTIC) called the Bathroom On Bluehills) and her replacement Jim English.

Of course Charlie Parker was one of my favorites. While I was working Saturday mornings, Charlie would often start his new contests during my shift. My guess is that he thought that if I could run them, then anyone could. They were often very complex from an engineering standpoint. By my shift the next Saturday, they were often very simplified. I usually got them right the first time.

I also worked with Walt Dibble, and on one Saturday morning in 1971 we got not a test, but a fully confirmed CONELRAD teletype alert at exactly the time we expected to get a test. I called WTIC to see what they were going to do, but they never answered my call (I suppose they were just as busy as I was trying to decide what to do) and Walt and I decided it was a mistake. I logged it as a test and we rocked on. Here is a link to the incident.

I was the on air engineer when Joey Reynolds decided to upstage WPOP during a sweep with a stunt that played all top 40 hits in 5 minutes. I added jingle pieces to cover the segues between the songs. Joey went on to not call for any commercials for the next hour or so. It was a Saturday morning, heavy with beer and other commercials. As each commercial in the log was bypassed, I took its cart from its slot and placed it on top of a pile in the full view of Joey and mentioned that we were behind on the intercom. Soon there were more carts in the pile than in the slots. We never got caught up; management was not amused.

Some of the people that I worked with at WDRC that were standouts (not in any particular order) were:

Ted Dalaku – Very personable, great guy overall.
Dick Robinson – CSB founder. A total salesman by the time I met him. One of the best.
Joey Reynolds – Just as crazy as you think he is; perhaps crazier...
Sandy Beach – Probably a member of the Tea Party today.
Bob Decarlo – Should never have left WDRC, he was a genuine Bob Steel competitor.
Ken Griffin – From WPOP – Had the feel of greatness.
Bob Craig - “It’s Lunchtime” – I liked the overall idea, but it was not commercial.
Don Cannon – Did overnight while I was at WDRC. A master of the art.

So it would very much please me to be added to the list of engineers at WDRC.

Tom Dinnella (e-mail)

Friday, May 9, 2014, 6:20PM

I lived in West Hartford in the early to mid 60s, when I was a young teenager. My radio memories consist of: WPOP's Joey Reynolds nighttime show.
"Jo-ey Reynolds Show / on POP ra-di-o / pop tunes, news and weather / where Connecticut gets together / on POP..., POP ray-dee-oh" [sort of to the tune of Wild Weekend]. And his (midnight?) ritual of him guiding his listeners in dripping hot wax onto their radio dial so it would always and only get WPOP. (What was that spooky instrumental tune that played during this?)

One day I heard that he was going to make an appearance in the parking lot of Sedgwick Foods, at the corner of Sedgwick Road and South Main Street, West Hartford. I walked there (I lived 6 blocks from it) and saw Joey on a platform, as I recall it. He was signing autographs. There might have been tunes being played, but I don't recall now. I had expected a really cool-looking guy, and was stunned by how overweight he was, and with a sort of pinched-in face. We should never see our radio heroes in person. I didn't wax my radio dial, because I also listened to WDRC.

I don't recall which DJ was on which of the stations. I just remember names like "Rusty Pots", "Sandy Beach" and other seemingly unlikely names, which I thought were made up because of the apparent puns.

I remember radio promos for Connecticut Dragway and Arthur Drug Stores. "sunday - Sunday - SUNDAY!!!! At Connecticut DRAG-WAYYYY!!!!" and "Arthur's, Arthur's, Arthur's, Open all the time. Arthur's, Arthur's, Arthur's, Open all the time. Arthur Drug Store."

There was one in West Hartford, on Farmington Av, just at the Hartford town line, open 24 hours, with a big lunch counter area, always serving. We also haunted the 24-hour Dobbs House / Toddle House in W.Hfd. Center. I occasionally listened to WTIC radio. At one time they had a pop tune format show after Bob Steele's show, with DJ Ted Dalaku, who called himself Ted Dala-koo-koo. At noon he'd put on an affected voice and call out: "It's LUUNNCCHH TIIIIIME!" [Ed's note: actually that was Bob Craig, though he and Ted both worked at Big D].

I often listened late at night to faraway FM stations including WKBW-Buffalo and WOWO-Fort Wayne. My restless feet were itching to go -- somewhere. I moved to California and never returned to Connecticut.

Jon Foulkes (e-mail)

Friday, April 25, 2014, 6:18PM

Dick,

We lived in West Hartford during WWII so as to be near the facility because of fears of sabotage,etc. I recall going there one day with Dad, unlocking the chain link gate, and seeing a gun, perhaps a 45. I was told that it was there so the transmitter operator could defend himself in case saboteurs tried to take over the transmitter to send messages, perhaps to submarines off the coast. You may recall there were air raid drills, with searchlights panning the darkened skies. Selected citizens were made air raid wardens, and houses had blackout curtains, and of course gas was rationed. Seems hard to believe, but true.

John Doolittle (e-mail) (son of WPAJ/WDRC founder Franklin Doolittle)

Friday, April 25, 2014, 5:07PM

Hi.

I was reminiscing with my wife an old DRC story that my father related to me. During the war they hired what I believe was an announcer. Shortly thereafter someone saw him with a gun. My dad then went and bought a pistol, I do remember seeing it in his desk drawer; looked like a 45 but at that young stage in my life I didn't, I'm sure, know what a 45 was. I was probably at most 4 years old at that time.

This story is from memory so there may be gaps in it but it stuck with me all these years.

Dick Haase (e-mail) (son of longtime WDRC Station Manager Walter Haase)

Friday, March 21, 2014, 12:55AM

Hello Ed-

Here is an obit we did for Jack Roberts. He was a great guy...we all mis him out here in CA...we were pals for 20 yrs since he arrived out here after producing Dick Cavett's cancelled radio show in NYC. Did you know Jack, perhaps?

BTW..I am from Willimantic, CT...used to write news for the AP in Hartford and Brad Davis then at WTIC used to read my CT news stories for his 12 mid nite news break and I would listen in the car driving home. I also loved WDRC...listend to station lot. I went on to NBC TV and became Johnny Carson's publicist on TNT SHOW during 80s, 90s. I am still in the PR game in LA.

Take care

Charlie Barrett (e-mail)

Wednesday, March 6, 2014, 1:07PM

Ed;

Just got off the phone with Walt Pinto (ring a bell?) Left New York a few years back, settled into an old Historical home on the east side of Providence. Still doing political work from home, and a few History Films from local sites. Was singing for Disney for the Pooh series for little ones; that was a hoot! Narrating illustrated stories for Smithsonian, and Disney, and enjoying the many Arts and Sciences from Providence. We have a Waterfire show on the river, in the middle of the city-that draws International fans. You should be here in the summer!

Thanks for continuing the saga of "Big D." It's nostalgic reading the after-notes!

Best,

Al Gates (e-mail)

Tuesday, March 5, 2014, 7:26PM

Another entry for WDRC's history: March 5, 2014:

After nearly fifty-five years of ownership, Buckley Broadcasting announces the sale of WDRC and its other Connecticut stations, WMMW Meriden, WSNG Torrington, and WWCO Waterbury, to Connoisseur Media, LLC. Buckley's President and CEO said that the "evolving competitive landscape" coupled with the Trustees' "sincere desire to see this historic brand continue, are cause for a change in the ownership of our Connecticut properties." He mentioned Buckley's over half a century stewardship of "these great call letters."

R.M. (e-mail)

Monday, March 3, 2014, 6:49PM

I’ve enjoyed perusing your WDRC website. I was mildly associated with DRC in the early 80s through the short-lived New England Broadcasting Institute in Bloomfield. I believe it was started by the Korsens and only lasted a few years. I think the school opened in either 1983 or 1982, but didn't last long. My class was either the first or the second to graduate. Some of the DJs who taught were Floyd Wright, Dave Nagle, Phil … sorry, Phil …, plus Ken Trimble and engineer extraordinaire Tom Ray. There were two practice studios set up, and we got the chance to go on-air at DRC on Sunday nights once we completed the course. I still have the reel-to-reel of my one and only on-air gig. I thought you might like to check into NEBI if only for the purpose of trivia.

Barbara Nelson (e-mail)

Wednesday, February 26, 2014, 4:24PM

Just a quick update on my personal status. I retired from AP Radio in Washington in November of 2012. My wife, Irene, and I are now enjoying our golden years in NH. Here's my new e-mail address.

Bryant Thomas (e-mail)

Wednesday, February 19, 2014, 5:09PM

Ed,

Please let your web site visitors know that my book is done and will be ready to ship by 3/31/14! Feel free to use any part of this email on your fine web site, if you wish. Please include my email address. Thanks!

An exciting new music reference book will be available by 3/31/14: “Supplement to Connecticut Rocks!” Pre-publication sale – save $5.

Well over 200 pages
Over 350 new entries for Connecticut artists and Connecticut-based labels from 1950s to 1995 & beyond
Over 380 updated discographies & biographies from "Connecticut Rocks"
Forewords by Nay Nassar, Cliff Edwards, Country Paul Payton, Robb Warner
Up-to-date price guide of Connecticut Records worth $25+
Record dating guide for "CCS" record numbers

Paul Bezanker (e-mail)
2603 Kim Miller Road Lake
Toxaway, NC 28747-6777

Saturday, December 28, 2013, 12:13PM

Hi Gang... My name is Joe Cipriano, former CT Radio Kid and now voice over artist.

I have a book that has just been released, "Living On Air - Adventures in Broadcasting." It's what I call, "my love letter to radio." I grew up on the air (hence the book title) in Connecticut and like many of you, I started as a teenager in radio. I began at the age of 14 at WWCO in Waterbury (Tom Collins) and eventually worked at WDRC in Hartford (Dave Donovan) before moving on to Washington, DC and later Los Angeles.

The book is a memoir filled with funny stories about the characters I've met along the way in radio and voice overs and how growing up in Connecticut played a huge role in my life and career.

The book is available at any bookseller, but as a CT Media person, I am offering the book with a 25% rebate, if you buy it at here you'll receive a $4.99 rebate after purchase via PayPal. Also, any book purchased here comes autographed and personalized.

There is also an audiobook version of Living On Air and I'm very proud of it. I wanted it to be more of a radio play than just an audiobook. I had composer, Greg Chun score the book and create original music for it. The sound design is beautifully done by AJ McKay with sound effects and imaging that recreates the scenes for a theater of the mind experience.

The audiobook is on audible.com and if you sign up with audible, you can actually get it for free. Here is the the link for the audiobook. If you would like to hear a 5 minute audio sample of Living On Air, the audiobook, you can listen to that here.

Wishing you all the best in 2014.

Joe Cipriano (e-mail)

Sunday, November 3, 2013, 8:07AM

I'm saddened upon hearing of the passing of Don Wade. I worked with Don as his engineer (control room op) in the mid 60s, during the time that they moved from their old Blue Hills Ave. studios, to the new ones at 750 Main St. Hartford. He was a great guy to work with.

John Diskes (e-mail) [Ed's note: click here for John's page of WDRC photos]

Friday, November 1, 2013, 11:17AM

Hi,

Bob O'Brien update for your site. I've written five books with more to come. I've attached the covers (all are under my real name).

Thanks in advance.

BOB LESZCZAK aka Bob O'Brien (e-mail)

Tuesday, October 22, 2013, 2:53PM

Fred worked for me for several years at Briarwood College, teaching an early morning announcing class. He used to show up early in my office so we could "talk radio." I remember those times with him very well. Great voice....

Neil Offen (e-mail)

Tuesday, October 22, 2013, 2:47PM

Fred was a good friend who worked with me and later for me. He helped me learn English when I first came to America. He and Betty Kimball were my sponsors when I applied for America citizenship. Franca and I will miss him. We know he is now resting in peace after his long illness.

Enzo DeDominicis (e-mail)

Tuesday, October 22, 2013, 2:35PM

I had the pleasure and privilege of working with Fred at WDRC back in the late 70's. Fred was a pro and very nice guy. I was glad to have known him. Fred was a very funny guy too, and fit well with the all the craziness at the Big D back then. Rest in peace good friend.

Dave Overson (e-mail)

Tuesday, October 22, 2013, 12:12PM

Sad News = (Oscar) “Fred” Swanson died last Thursday at age 79. Fred was one of the original voices on the old WHAY, New Britain -- and enjoyed a long career afterwards at WJMJ. A soft-spoken, very gentlemanly guy, he was liked and respected by all with whom he came in contact. His lengthy illness prevented him from being an active member of the Bunch Of Old Broadcasters, but he will be fondly remembered by all B.O.O.B. who knew him.

Bill Hennessey (e-mail)

Sunday, September 15, 2013, 4:59PM

Thanks for posting old Don Wade pics. WLS just did a tribute show. Heavy hearts.

Kathy Berg Chicago (e-mail)

Tuesday, August 13, 2013, 3:32PM

BIG D TURNS 53!!! Pell and Parker are at it again!!! Remember last year’s BIG D Blow Out? If you did……You probably weren’t there! Ron Pell, (Former drummer of the killer band Alive & Kickin’) and Steve (“The Bedding Barn Guy” Parker) Present…….. HARTFORD’S RADIO REUNION!!! Be there as The Jocks Rock Around The Docks!!! Celebrate this day in Big D History (August 18, 1960) when WDRC gave birth to the BIG D ….#1 FOR FUN! (You might call this Charlie Parker’s Labor of Love….). The Date………….THIS SUNDAY August 18th The Place……The Mattabessett Canoe Club (Where the hell is that?) aka Harbor Park in Middletown, CT. The Time……...2:00 PM – 6:00 PM The Price…FREE! FREE! FREE! With your friends from BIG D! (I buy mine….you buy yours….) (Heavy Echo) BE THERE!!!

Steve Parker (e-mail)

Monday, July 8, 2013, 4:13PM

Just a reminder to all of my BIG D Brothers, family and friends….. This Sunday is the celebration of Barry Grant’s life…. Let’s make sure that we give Barry the greatest send off so that his body can rest in peace in Grant’s Tomb, while his soul sails on to Rock ‘N Roll Heaven! Bet my Dad is happy to have him doing what Barry does so well at GOD-FM. Rock On Barry!

Steve Parker (e-mail)

Thursday, May 16, 2013, 10:30AM

This was posted via Brian McDonald on Facebook; I received the invitation today. I am passing this along to various friends at WPLR, WHCN, WDRC and WWUH. Please forward to all I may have missed who might be interested. Those who knew him or were his fans will find this of great interest. Barry Grant was a true original, an innovator who made a great impression just by being Barry. When I worked with him at WDRC-FM, his most salient program direction was, “Do your version of what I do!”

Best to all, Country Paul Payton (e-mail)

Facebook link

Sunday, July 14, 2013. 12:00pm until 6:00pm

We sadly lost our dear friend Barry Grant this past October. We all deeply miss him, especially that warm and infectious smile he always gave to anyone who was fortunate enough to have met him.

On Sunday, July 14th from 12-6pm at Shea's All American Grill in Manchester, we will be honoring Barry with a celebration of his life by offering an entire day of what Barry loved most.....live music performed by all of Barry’s favorite musician friends. This will be the day for us to thank Barry for all the support he gave to all of us! Many bands are donating their talents to make this a very special day!

We have decided to keep the ticket price at only $10.00 each which is a steal for all the AMAZING bands and musicians that will be playing back to back all afternoon! Also, tickets may be purchased in advance by sending a check for $10 pp to Kenny Hicks, 968 Pucker St, Coventry, CT 06238. You can contact Kenny at (860) 742-0739 for any info and/or ticket purchases etc. All proceeds from the BarryFest will be used to cover any costs associated with the logistics of putting on the event and any funds left over will be donated to a charity to be named later (perhaps an animal rescue since Barry LOVED his Jack Russell Terriers!) but we haven't decided. The bands and musicians who will be donating their talent to perform for all of us in Barry’s honor (not in any specific order of appearance) that day will be:

• "The Sweet Tarts" (an acoustic duo with a girly twist....but they do boy songs, too)
• "Cover2Cover" (my good friends who will be playing all your favorite songs you love to hear
• "Village Maid" (past members of "Little Village" and the "Arizona Maid Band")
• Brian McDonald (of "Thunder Road" and "Electric Cowboy" fame)
• "The New Remains" (and Bill Wilson, vocalist from "Last Licks", will also sing some tunes with them too!)
• "The Mambo Sons" which was one of Barry's absolute favorites
• "Avenue Groove" (a TERRIFIC band, guaranteed to get everyone up dancing!)
• The original "Little Village" (and the incredible Jimi Bell will be joining them on stage too!)

This will be a very special day for a very special person who we all miss dearly!

Monday, January 21, 2013, 12:26PM

It's been a long time since I visited the site. Was thinking of 'DRC this morning and have spent almost three hours going back on old times. I never worked for "Big D," but I had a connection through Charlie Parker who gave me permission to tape music from the library for a weekly show I did on a closed circuit station at the V.A. Hospital in Newington. I grew up a few miles from the transmitter site in Bloomfield. Ever since I can remember I have loved radio. While in the service I worked for AFRS and did a daily show for a short time at the AFRS station on Kwajalein, in the Marshall Islands in the mid '50's. I listened to Big D every day starting with the format change 1960. I remember Art Johnson, who did the 10am/2pm shift signing off for news, after doing the "old format" morning show and then signing back on a little after noon with the "New" format. I had many conversations with Aaron Shepard when calling in news tips. I got a little melancholy today reading about the many old 'DRC personalities who have passed away. In closing I simply have this to say, "THOSE WE'RE THE DAYS!"

Bob Cashman, Sr.
Jay, Maine (e-mail)

Wednesday, January 9, 2013, 7:46AM

Back in the early to mid 70's, Pete Ross was the "utility" man at WDRC. Whenever any air staff member had his day off, Ross filled in. I had recently seen a post on radiodiscussions.com that Gary Peters had passed away on Jan 3rd. I was very suspicious that somehow I knew that name. As I suspected, it was the man I knew as Pete. I recall when WDRC was doing a remote from the Manchester Parkade in front of "Treasure City", I had stopped by to see Pete just to say hi. He was gracious enough to invite me in Mobile Studio D's "Green Room" to talk about how I was doing at CSB. During this discussion, he told me to call him Gary (boy, was I confused). You see, I used to get the key to open CSB on the 6th floor from him when he subbed for the late Barry Grant in the DRC-FM studio on the 15th floor at 750 Main Street. We talked regularly. Then, after CSB, I would call him frequently to discuss how my pursuit of an air shift was going. He was always very encouraging, telling me not to give up over and over again. It always seemed like we were close, personal friends although we weren't. I am so grateful to Pete; uh Gary for his on-going inspirational support. His real name is Gary Almeida. Gary, thanks for everything. Rest in peace. . .

DJ Jim Wayne (e-mail)

Tuesday, October 16, 2012, 11:28AM

Hi Ed,

I just wanted to thank you for this great nostalgic site. I grew up near WDRC and could see "The Fun Towers" from my back yard. I got a crystal radio for Christmas one year..... remember those? It was red and looked like a rocket ship with a retractable antenna. Of course the only station I could receive was "The Big D." Fine with me, it was my favorite station. I'm retired now and live in South Florida. I saw Dickie Robinson on local TV here....how cool is that? What fond memories. Take care.

Dave Winn (e-mail)

Thursday, October 11, 2012, 4:05PM

Hi Ed,

I have so many great memories of Barry. My dad Charlie Parker, Program director of WDRC, first met Barry when I was in Manchester, CT looking at a car at Rod Allen’s house. I believe that in the early 70’s Rod was doing overnights at DRC-FM. Barry was working at WAAF-FM back then. He and my dad hit it off immediately, and before we knew it Barry was doing Grant’s Tomb on BIG D. My dad made Barry Program Director of the FM for awhile. Barry really knew his stuff. He was well respected by both the radio industry and music industry. He used to hang out with the local and national bands. Barry had more great stories about some of the most well known bands that he supported and got started.

When he returned to WDRC he was seen on TV during Saturday Night Live doing a commercial for the FM. One of his props was a rubber chicken! My dad and Barry laughed so hard. Barry had such a fantastic sense of humor. A Genius in the industry with a wild sense of humor. No doubt why he and my dad hit it off instantly. And he loved his Corvettes! I saw him a few weeks ago and he was still driving one!

If there is a Rock N’ Roll Heaven, well you know they have a hell of an overnight guy now. Our loss is WGOD’s gain. God Bless You Barry. May you forever rest in peace in Grant’s Tomb. Your Big D Brother,

Steve Parker (e-mail)

Wednesday, October 10, 2012, 11:06AM

Just spreading the word - former DJ and program director (WDRC, WPLR) Barry Grant passed away last night at his home in Manchester. He was a great radio personality, a friend to Connecticut musicians, and a proud supporter of the local music scene. He will be missed.

Tom Guerra / Mambo Sons (e-mail)

Wednesday, October 10, 2012, 11:05AM

Just heard from a reliable friend that Barry Grant has passed away. Just thought you’d like to know. By the way, I first met Barry back in ’73 when I attended CSB. I would arrive at 750 Main around 5am so I could sit with Barry for a short while before I would get the keys to open CSB for the day. . .

Jim Brochu (e-mail)

Wednesday, October 10, 2012, 1:21AM

Ed,

I am a friend of Barry Grants. Unfortunately, Barry has passed away tonight suddenly and unexpectedly. Thank you very much.

Ken Kalos (e-mail)

Tuesday, September 25, 2012, 1:58PM

Re: Don Wade's illness...

It was Don who agreed to listen to my very first aircheck in 1967 and made some generally pleasant comments about it, then sent me in to see Charlie Parker because I wanted to "steal" WDRC's jingle package to cut up for WBRU (AM) at Brown, where I was the PD at the time. It was that introduction which lead Charlie to hire me on the spot when he asked to hear the aircheck I had just played for Don and still had tucked under my arm (if you recall, 1967 was the year the FCC required AM and FM operations to stop simulcasting for at least 12 hours every day, and Charlie was...ahem...desperate to fill his slots on FM). At any rate, WDRC became my second professional gig, and I have in part Don Wade's generosity to thank for it.

doN Berns (e-mail)

Tuesday, August 14, 2012, 10:57AM

What a hoot! I vaguely remember Joel Cash, as I was (and am) a little younger than you. I never listened to WPOP, as I was loyal to WDRC. The rivalry was great, and it extended to two groups of kids' support in my school (RHAM High, Hebron). Specifically, I remember the song "Concrete and Clay" which both stations jumped on. However, WDRC played only the version by the Unit For Plus Two, while WPOP would not play that version, but played only the version by Eddie Rambeau. Nationally, both charted about the same, with the Unit Four Plus Two going to #28, while Eddie Rambeau peaked at #35. I made sure that our school hired only WDRC Deejays for dances. Pretty intense.

Robb Warner (e-mail)

Monday, August 13, 2012, 12:47PM

Hi!

I thought you’d get a nostalgic kick out of this!

I found the letter shown in the attached scans in my “To Be Sorted” pile. It’s a pre-ZIP Code (1962), hand-typewritten letter signed by DJ Joel Cash on WDRC original letterhead welcoming me to the “JOEL CASH-EW NUT CLUB”!

You will notice my address on the envelope was in Glastonbury, CT. The letter dates from my high school days. Growing up in a rural suburb of Hartford, I always turned the radio dial back and forth between WDRC (1360 AM) and WPOP (1410), following each station’s weekly surveys, and listening to the Swingin’ Six or Friendly Five DJs on ‘DRC and the wild guys on ‘POP.

On New Year’s Eve in 1963, I listened to both stations, but I had heard that Murray the K was broadcasting a Top (50 or 100?) Hits of 1963 on NYC’s station WINS and the printed survey was available by mail! My radio couldn’t tune in WINS, so I sent for a copy of the survey and it arrived 3 or 4 weeks later, autographed by the future “5th Beatle” himself! I no longer have my survey collection; it’s in the safe hands of Ed Brouder. Enjoy the attached images from 1962! (It's a good thing collectors never throw anything away!)

Paul Bezanker (e-mail)

Monday, March 12, 2012, 5:43PM

Hi, Ed and fellow WDRC alumni:

Just checking in – I noticed there was only one other 2012 e-mail so far on the WDRCOBG site; maybe this will help to stir the pot a bit and get some more people to check in!

Over the last couple of years, in addition to my “day gig” in voice-overs (24 years so far, 22 of them fulltime, and still going strong), I am now playing in an all-original music band, “Rob Carlson & Benefit Street.” Rob is a long-time working professional musician and impressive songwriter; he has also done a lot of radio production over the years. Rob and I go back to a college group, also called Benefit Street. Although the group had a top 10 hit in Rhode Island under an earlier name (The American Dream, “Love Is a Beautiful Thing” – I think Bob DeCarlo was still at WICE when it hit), that band’s album never got released in its proper time. However, it is now out on CD (including the American Dream tracks) on Presence Records. Click here for the band’s history, as well as links to buy the CD or download tracks. I tried to make it as thorough and respectful of the band as WDRCOBG is to the radio stations; you were my role model, Ed! And as always, I maintain my voice-over website.

Hope all is well with you and all of us surviving alumni. I’ve had the chance to hang out with quite a few of us at Lee Gordon’s Connecticut radio reunions, and although I missed the one in ’11, I’m looking forward to more this year. CT radio may not now be what it once was, but I’m happy to be part of its illustrious history and to have worked with some of the most talented people ever to grace the radio industry.

Onward and upward

(Country) Paul (e-mail)

Tuesday, January 10, 2012, 3:37PM

Hi,

New year. New email.

Dik Haddad LLC
Writing . Broadcast Production
West Hartford, CT (e-mail)