©
2006-2024
Man From Mars Productions
|
Feedback
|
 |
|
Thursday, August 18, 2011, 11:53AM Ed...Happy you're happy in Radio's after-life. Yeh, I've been with Temple University's WRTI-FM/HD/Stream since 2005. I do a regular Big Band Jazz show Sunday evenings 7-8pm Also a Vocal Jazz Show on their HD channel...both of which stream on-line wrti.org. Those are recorded. PLUS I'm their go-to guy for fill-ins. By the way, check out our webstite wrti.org. You can listen on-line and also you can download an updated picture/bio there to replace that scandalous photo of me from 1970. I've also narrated several audio books for Hachette publishing out of New York. I record them at a studio close by. You know, this past week a guy I used to work with at WBZ during my audio engineer days in 1963 found me when he keyed in Jeff Kaye's name...and the link from the DRC/bio brought him to me via WRTI. Strange ! Anyhow, we haven't been in touch for about 45 years.I haven't been in touch with Jeff since the late 80's. By the way, do you know of anyone who would have a copy of the Heller-Ferguson jingles that were on WBZ in the late 60's? One in particular I'm looking for is the lengthy 2 minute track that begins..."Boston listens...BZ while we let the music play...." I have a copy that I think you made for me, but the audio drops down midway through. It's one of my all-time favorites. Thanks, Bob "It's L U N C H T I M E" Craig (e-mail) |
|
Sunday, August 7, 2011, 5:00PM As a former chief at WDRC I must take the time to add my 2 cents worth about your listing. It’s GREAT! Charlie Parker was the best PD I have ever worked with. The playing of “Downtown” from the moble unit for days around town before we moved to 750 Main was stroke of pure genius on his part. The loss of Mr. Buckley will be felt by all in the industry. Thanks for listening. George Watson (e-mail) |
|
Hi Ed. Just heard of the passing of Rick Buckley, long-time CEO of Buckley Broadcasting Corporation. Having worked for WDRC for 8 years, 1975-1983, I can truly say that Rick was a quality employer and the company treated me well. His passing comes less than two weeks before this year’s Big D reunion in Middletown with all Hartford radio people welcome to attend. Steve Parker and Ron Pell are in charge of arrangements. Lee Gordon has also invited all former WPOP personnel to attend since they are not planning on a reunion any time soon. Bart Mazzarella, aka Bob Marx (e-mail) |
|
Sunday, January 16, 2011, 1:28AM Hi, Love your website. I have an addition to my BOB O'BRIEN page. Since March 2010, I've been doing a doo wop show on KRWZ (AM 950 & 103.1 FM) in DENVER. It's called DOO WOP SATURDAY NIGHT and airs 8-MIDNIGHT, Denver time, and streams at CRUISINOLDIES950.com. Also, my full-time gig, KDES-FM in Palm Springs, CA streams audio. Bob O'Brien (e-mail) |
|
Monday, October 11, 2010, 2:37PM Ed, My fondest memory of Ken Griffin was his following me at 7pm. Right from the get-go Ken said you must have a wonderfull mother. I said I do, and why would you say that to me? Ken's reply was "every night I see you, your clothes match from the socks you're wearing or the socks blending in nicely with your sweater or shirt." Ken's show was from 7 to 11pm when he would do top 40 and even carry on a conversation with at least 3 other character voices plus his own voice, a shear genius and incredible to watch. Then magically at 11pm he would shift gears and do The Scene of the Unheard. A Charlie Parker idea that Ken with his own personality would carry off beautifully! The show consisted of album cuts, the first AOR format in the country. As you can imagine the show was done with a laid back delivery with Ken's great sense of humor. His guests consisted of famous authors, poets, people in the music business, talent, folks behind the scenes, all interesting. They would drive from Boston, New York City, and all over the state to be on Ken's Scene of the Unheard. The show was intellectual, kind of like the Dick Cavett Show only it was Ken Griffen show on the radio. I had the pleasure of meeting so many interesing people either at Big D or with my wife at Ken's condo in Cromwell. Rest in peace my old friend. Dick McDonough (e-mail) |
|
Tuesday, October 5, 2010, 8:45AM That crazy, maniacal Fat's Fontoon "The weather baloon", laugh will forever be etched in my memories as a teen growing up in New Britain, and Ken Griffin's legacy will live on in the hearts of all radio listeners lucky enough to tune in. In the mid-60's Ken Griffin and Joey Reynolds were two of my radio hero's who contributed to my yearning for a radio career. We stayed in touch in recent years and he sent me a copy of his memory lane" book, "A Face For Radio", which I will always cherish. Yes, Doc, Charlie's ever growing roster of air talents should again earn him Program Director of the Year! Bob Marx (e-mail) |
|
Monday, October 4, 2010, 6:02PM I am so sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. He was truly an inspiration to me and my friends as young “teeny boppers”. I am happy I was able to have corresponded with him over the years, as recently as this past June 2010. I can’t find the words to express my sadness, as I grew up listening to him, Rocky and Fats. I will miss him and always carry fond memories of him, and thankful, I got to know him. Pam Civiello (e-mail) |
|
Saturday, October 2, 2010, 10:12AM As a teenager in the mid sixties, Ken Griffin was my radio idol. I faithfully listened to his nightly show. Ken had a unique ability to keep your attention with his music and words. I seem to recall that he had a more liberal playlist and gave small record label groups extra air play. Ken sent me his "A Great Face for Radio" book about five years ago and we exchanged several e-mails. Jim
Shannon |
|
Friday, October 1, 2010, 7:59AM Good night Fats Fontoon wherever you are… Tom Pagnotti (e-mail) |
|
Thursday, September 30, 2010, 10:38PM To the “big Skinney” “straight ahead green lights lay in wait” Paul Bailey (e-mail) |
|
Thursday, September 30, 2010, 3:06PM Charlie has another one of his talents joining him. I guess he's back programming another Big D up above. I hope it's a long time before he hires me. On another note, Capitol Records promoter Merv Amols passed away last week. Dave Overson (e-mail) |
|
Thursday, September 30, 2010, 1:59PM Hi Ed, Sorry to hear about Ken's passing..I had the privilege to work with Ken at a couple of stations (Magic 104 WIOF and WWCO and at WWYZ)..He was a character... well many characters...LOL..He always used to say "never take yourself too seriously" and "Let them hear you smile"..Then again he could crack me up on the air..by doing the Fats Fontoon laugh in the background... Rest in Peace Ken...You were truly one in a million... Johnny Gardner (e-mail) |
|
Thursday, September 30, 2010, 11:45AM Ed...Sorry to hear of Ken's passing. The mention of his name for me conjures up the prized personality image that was "The Big D". It also reflected what a great and respected radio market Hartford was. Bob
Craig |
|
Thursday, September 30, 2010, 10:50AM Ed--We're losing a lot of good friends. I haven't checked to be sure, but I think I worked with Ken/Joe first up in Springfield at WHYN--one of the weirdest and most successful radio stations of its day. "Winn" had a total lock on its market--a newspaper/radio/tv combo--and I think Ken was the mid-day guy when I arrived there to do overnights. The PD was a sadistic nutcase who demanded complete loyalty and constantly played head games with the whole staff. I could be wrong, but I think Ken finally quit when they took the ashtray out of the new control room. At WDRC I have several memories of my friend. D'you remember the WDRC album cover with us up painting a billboard? I think it was Ken who couldn't or wouldn't show up for the picture, and they pasted his puss over one of the part-timers who did show up. It didn't quite match, but you had to know it to spot the discepancy. We often taped various shows for overseas troops, along with the usual 'secret' airchecks for Buckley headquarters review. If you were friends with your engineer, the company airchecks weren't all that secret. It was Ken who couldn't pass up the opportunity to open his show with, "Today's program is being recorded for our troops in New York!" Only the jocks thought that was funny, and he got a pretty good dressing down for it. Mike Millard (e-mail) |
|
Thursday, September 30, 2010, 9:57AM I knew Ken only briefly, but he was a gentleman, a true talent, and warm and welcoming. I’m very sad to hear this. Thank you for letting me know. Hope all’s well with you. All is fine here. Best regards, Country Paul Payton (e-mail) |
|
Thursday, September 30, 2010, 9:52AM Ed, thanks for the notification. we're losing all the great ones. what a shame. Bob Cohen (aka Lee Roberts)(e-mail) |
|
Thursday, September 30, 2010, 9:34AM One of the DJs who had a huge influence on my career. I so wish I could have reconnected with him after I found his email address. Don Berns (e-mail) |
|
Thursday, September 30, 2010, 9:31AM Dear Ed, Thanks for the heads-up [about Ken Griffin]. Certainly an icon. Tom Ford (e-mail) |
|
Wednesday, July 28, 2010, 5:50PM Ron Pell and I are throwing a BIG D 50th Anniversary Party at Harbor Park on Sunday! Sunday! Sunday! August 15, 2010. BIG D…..IS 50! WDRC
is celebrating 50 years of Rock! The
date…Sunday, August 15, 2010 Please bring your cameras and lots of BIG D Memories! P.S. Bring Your Own Dollars. You pay for you if you want to eat/drink. I pay for me if I want to eat/drink. Thanks, Steve Parker (e-mail) |
|
Sunday, March 21, 2010, 11:28PM Hi Ed, Nice write-up on Bertha Porter and Jim English. Met Bertha once – learned a lot from talking with her just briefly – and had the pleasure of working with Jim. News update: still happily doing voiceovers (20+ years full time) and I’ve re-added an old ingredient: I’m playing keyboards in a professional band again after a 39-year hiatus! I’m working with Rob Carlson, the original lead singer of my post-college "we're gonna be rock stars" group, Benefit Street! Click for details. Just wrapped up our debut gig and CD release party last night in Fairfield, CT (Rob’s home town) at Stage One; it went great! Next on the “moonlighting” agenda: releasing the Benefit Street album that never came out 40 years ago! Interesting side note: I was a guest on Joey Reynolds’ show last week, as a musical friend/music expert on John Broven’s excellent new book, Record Makers and Breakers, now out in paperback. It’s required reading for anyone who did radio in (or loves radio from) the “wild and woolly days” of the ‘50s-‘60s etc. and the wild and woolly indie record companies that gave us such amazingly cool stuff to play. As you may know, Joey has been cancelled by WOR (the bigger Buckley station) in favor of a syndicated show. Damn shame, in my opinion. I hope everyone is staying happy and healthy. Watch for the Benefit Street CD coming soon. Country
Paul Payton (e-mail) |
|
Monday, February 1, 2010, 5:18PM Hi Ed It’s been awhile…but glad to see your site is still up and running and the blogging continues. I was a huge WPOP fan then when Ken G went to WDRC we listened to him on that station. I just connected with old friend also a fan, and she contacted Ken in writing…he did reply….I had lost communication via email, after Florida was hit with a hurricane in the Port Charlotte area. I looked at your website, and was happy to see it up and running with feedback from fans still remembering that era of Joey Reynolds, Ken, Dick Robinson…and all the concerts…yes I also went to Dillion Stadium to see the Stones. When the Stones came back to this area a few years ago, I caught them again at Rendshler Field in East Hartford. The show of course was fabulous, but Dillion Stadium will always be in my thoughts …especially attempting to jump on stage before being held up by the Police. Oh the days..you gotta love it. Pam Civiello (e-mail) |
|
Sunday, February 7, 2010, 5:13PM Hi Ed, I just wanted to take a minute and thank you for creating and maintaining this wonderful website! It brings back SO many memories! Although I was never associated with WDRC, I was a lifelong Bloomfield resident, having moved down here to the Houston area about 10 years ago. I was a loyal 'DRC listener for many years, from the early 60's through the mid 70's, probably one of the most iconic periods in WDRC's long history. I actually have and still listen to on occasion, old tapes I made of the Top 100 Countdown shows on New Year's Eve, something of an institution back then. I even have a pristine copy of the 1972 show with the 50 year anniversary montage played just after midnight on Dec 31, 1971. It never gets old... What prompted this e-mail, is that as I am typing this, I am listening to the 1973 Countdown show, with Otis in the Nighttime (bummer that he is no longer with us). Just about ANYBODY who lived in the Hartford area during that time period knows that he closed his show every night with Stairway to Heaven. Even if you weren't wearing a watch, you knew it was time to pack up, head home and go to bed! What none of us can remember is what he said every night just before playing it. Does anyone remember? It would be nice to complete the memory... Again, thank you for all that you're doing here! Steve Janowetch (e-mail) |
|
Monday, December 14, 2009, 7:55PM Hi Ed! As you know, 2010 will be the 50th anniversary of “The Big D” being “Radio 1 for Radio Fun.” We’re planning a year-long tribute and celebration using audio clips and radio greetings from personalities who have graced the Big D airwaves. Right now I’m in the process of collecting audio and memories/greetings from our alumni, and as many of them visit your site, I was hoping you could put the word out for me. If you’re interested in being a part of 50 Years of the Big D, please email me. Thank you! Grahame Winters (e-mail) Ed's reply: WDRC's previous anniversary celebrations have been a blast! Click here for the 50th anniversary of going on the air (1972) and the 40th anniversary of rock and roll (2000). |
|
Thursday, November 12, 2009, 11:06AM Ed: This link is to a nice little article that was just written about some of my "career memories" by Jerry Barmash on examiner.com. Thought you might find it somewhat interesting. Bill Rock (e-mail) |
|
Monday, November 2, 2009, 1:37PM Hi Ed, It’s been quite a while since I emailed you. My new address is below for the WDRCOBG site. Thanks, Ken Gilbert (e-mail) |
|
Friday, October 16, 2009, 1:49PM To Ed & All, I was very sad to hear of the passing of Bob Ellsworth. He was a good friend with big talent and a sense of humor just as big. He was an active member of that distinguished group BOOBS and I'll always remember his big smile and the impish looks he'd give me from time to time depending on what was happening during our monthly get togethers. Jim Jeffrey was very nice to me when I was starting out in radio. He gave me encouragement and believed that I actually had a chance to do OK in the business ,even though I had my doubts. I'm sure that many others might have felt the same way about Jim. Didn't know Jim Nettleton personally-just as a listener to WDRC growing up in the area. And he was most certainly among the best who ever worked there. As it turned out, I ended up being lucky enough to be on the air at the station I grew up listening to. WPOP was of course the other favorite. Barry Grant (e-mail) |
|
Tuesday, October 13, 2009, 10:59AM Ed, I was one of those who listened intently to every Jim Nettleton talk segment, learning from the master. Doubtless one of Big D's finest personalities. Sadly, we are losing our treasure here on this earth as, one by one, they pass on. My prayer for my Big D Brothers is that they will arrive at a place of eternal peace. Big Roy is getting his old staff back together and he's grinning that famous Parker sly grin. Bart Mazzarella, (Bob Marx '75 -'83) (e-mail) |
|
Friday, October 9, 2009, 11:08AM To All: The inevitable event has occurred for Bob Ellsworth. His family (and Fr. John Gatzak of WJMJ) have sent word that he passed away at 8:45 this morning. As you probably know, he faced his fate with a great deal of strength, humility, and even humor, but could not overcome the ravages of fast-moving esophageal cancer. Memorial tributes are expected to begin airing on WJMJ immediately, at 88.9 mhz. Malloy Funeral Home of West Hartford is in charge of arrangements for cremation plus special services that will be held within a week. It is hoped that details will be provided in a formal obituary that will be published as soon as practicable. Bob’s widow, Rosemary, is coping well thanks to support from Bob’s numerous friends and her immediate family (all of whom were on hand from California, Pennsylvania, and Cape Cod). Each of us has lost a great pal, expert performer, and deeply committed citizen. Thankfully, we can all share wonderful memories of his enormous talent and sparkling personality. Bill Hennessey (e-mail) |
|
Tuesday, October 6, 2009, 4:56PM Ed- When I heard of the passing of Jim Nettleton yesterday, I went numb. He and I had reconnected over the last couple of years. He shared some great "Memories of Charlie" with me. Now, I turn to your site, and find the news of Jim Jeffrey's passing. Both of these guys were fantastic talents! Dad always knew how to pick 'em. I'm sure that both Jim and Jim are happy to be back working with my Dad Rockin' on those Heavenly Airwaves! My prayers go out to both of these Great Broadcasters, their Families, friends and fans. God Bless Them All, Steve Parker (e-mail) |
|
Monday, October 5, 2009, 11:41AM Sadly, we’ll be hearing about more of these reports, rather than fewer. Here’s hoping be both arrive at the pearly gates last – and healthy right up to the finish line! Best regards, Country Paul (e-mail) |
|
Monday, October 5, 2009, 11:14PM Sad news, indeed ... and a reminder of our own mortality. I listed to "Diamond Jim" as a teen and was pround to call him a colleague in later years. I'll remember him in my prayers. Kevin Brownell (e-mail) |
|
Monday, October 5, 2009, 10:35AM Ed: I remember "Diamond Jim" as one of the true gentlemen in our business. Two events from our DRC days come to mind. First, as I recall, he wrote an editorial with news director Joe Barbarette on changing the rules which prevented terminal cancer patients from being allowed access to unapproved drugs that might hold some promise for them and future cancer sufferers. His analysis and persuasive confidence awed me. Jim was not without a sense of humor, but he was a true professional, and seeing him 'lose it' was a rare experience. We were in Bloomfield at the old studios, and they were doing some re-wiring of the hookup between the engineer's console and the control room. Jim was doing mid-days, and because of the tech work, he was doing his show from the newsroom. As we approached the 1 O'clock news, we checked with the engineer, and found Jim could do the live commercial in my newscast, from the control room/deejay booth. It seemed better than having Jim read it over my shoulder on the same mic I was using--there was too good a chance that one of us would crack up. Especially since Sandy Beach was there, and grinning like the organ grinder's monkey. The song ended, the news intro began, and as the engineer opened my mic, Sandy entered the newsroom, closed the door, and switched off the lights. We had a gooseneck desk lamp, and as I struggled with the news I protected the on-off switch of the lamp with my free hand--only to watch Sandy unplug it! I had just enough control left to cue Jim for the spot. The cue was the time, along with the button-push that triggered the loud gong hanging over the newsdesk. Unfortunately, I was starting to crack, and while I managed the authoritative, "WDRC Newstime..." ok, I pushed the wrong button--the one that just made a buzzing sound at the engineer's position, just loud enough for Jim and me to hear--and I finished the cue with, "Wuh...wuh...one oh threeeheeheehee." You know how a pro handles losing it--he reads a line or two as straight as he can, cuts the mic, forces out the laughter, switches the mic back on and continues until he has to repeat the laughter. Jim did just that, but what the engineer hadn't told him or us, was that Jim no longer had control of his microphone, the engineer did. It was probably the longest Connecticut National Bank commercial in history, and the funniest. The more he had to laugh, the more we laughed at seeing Jim lose control. And the more we laughed, the less able he was to get through it without breaking up again. It wasn't until he finally got to the end of the commercial and we heard him laughing even harder as he stomped away from the live mic, that we learned why it had happened. Strangely enough, no one ever questioned us or even mentioned it...and I thought for sure that would be the end of my WDRC stay. Mike Millard (e-mail) |
|
Sunday, October 4, 2009, 9:31PM thanks ed! i didn't know jim jeffrey but, not only had i heard of jim nettleton when i was at 'DRC but, i later had the distinct pleasure of working with him in tampa! he did mornings on WDAE, while i did middays on sister WUSA (W-101). he was always a gentleman, a professional and i loved that voice! mike
taylor (e-mail) |
|
Sunday, October 4, 2009, 7:21PM Oooh… this is TOO much. Jim was a true “gentleman” – very talented, very suave, very hip. Philadelphia’s loss is also another notch in the memory book for the old WDRC. ALL of us are getting older, but the “Golden Years” are rapidly losing their luster. Remembering Jim will add a well-deserved reflection of those ‘good ol’ days’. Bill Hennessey (e-mail) |
|
Sunday, October 4, 2009, 2:34PM It is sadly noted that "Diamond" Jim Nettleton at the Big D in the 1960s passed away at the age of 69. Marty Zeldis (e-mail) |
|
Saturday, September 26, 2009, 4:04PM Diane....Please accept my sincere condolences on Jim's passing. We not only worked together at WDRC but roomed together for a while (1970) when I arrived in Hartford. He was director of the Connecticut School of Broadcasting at the time. He was the consumate gentleman. His attention to detail was a high point. After he left Hartford and went to Pittsburgh, we kinda lost touch. I thought of him often and had no idea he was back in New England. Unfortunately, I was saddened to find out about his passing. As you've been reading, he is being remembered with fond and cherished memories. Bob Craig, Philadelphia (e-mail) |
|
Saturday, September 26, 2009, 2:35PM Hi, all-- Jim's wife here. Thanks for including me in all your kind thoughts and memories. I'm copying his son Mark who is also in broadcasting in Phoenix who will like to see these stories about his Dad. The outpouring of these memories of all the people Jim helped along the way has been a tremendous support. He liked nothing better than to mentor and teach. His biggest complaint when we watched TV or listened to radio these past few years was "no body works with these kids anymore! They keep making the same mistakes and no one tells them. They come out of college with a broadcasting degree and are thrown to the wolves....sink or swim. They just need a few pointers." He'd then write them long letters that started out "I'm just an old retired guy up in the hills of NH, so you don't have to pay any attention to what I'm about to say, but......." Most of the time he'd get these great letters back thanking him and agreeing with everything he said. One weekend reporter at a small station up here (OK, they are ALL small in NH!) he had a very long correspondence with is now anchoring one of the morning shows on a major network. Jim was so tickled by that. And, he'd be tickled by all your stories and kind words. As am I. As he would have said "You've been a peach!" Thanks, guys. Diane Jeffrey (e-mail) |
|
Saturday, September 26, 2009, 1:15PM Ed, I had the good fortune to know and work with Jim. Tho’ saddened by the news of his passing, I am warmed by the memories of Jim’s kind and thoughtful presence….his smile, his willingness to sit in the studio with me…. … listening to my concerns and insecurities …. sharing his time and his thoughts ….Jim was a great listener and mentor. Even though the news isn’t always going to be good…..the memories of those who embody the spirit and soul of the Big D….will always be grand ! Thanks Ed for manning the campfire for all of us. Rod “Allen” Ewing … Class of ’70-’72 (e-mail) |
|
Saturday, September 26, 2009, 12:31PM Ed, Great to hear from you , unfortunately under such sad circumstances. Jim and I worked together at WDRC back when I was just starting while in college. He flew me a few times in his airplane from Brainard field in Hartford back to Bridgeport airport as a favor when I finished my weekend shift on DRC-FM. IF memory serves me well I think it was a Beech-craft Musketeer. That was over 42 years ago. He himself would fly down from Providence. He was a very nice and generous man who was happy to lend a hand. BTW ... I'm still the imaging voice for DRC and doing imaging for WOR in NY as well as my work on SiriusXM and the NBC-Television Network. Bill Rock (e-mail) |
|
Saturday, September 26, 2009, 9:50AM Thank you, Ed. I remember Jim's gentle demeanor. Dan Siemasko (e-mail) |
|
Friday, September 25, 2009, 10:18PM You know Ed... I found out through the strangest way....I was thinking about, of all things, Jim Jeffrey....and I decided to Google him...and I discovered that he had died! I know it sounds like an episode from MEDIUM...but it really happened. The strangest thing is...I hadn't thought of Jim in years. I was sorry to hear that he had passed. He and I worked in a lot of the same places...WDRC...WBZ...and KDKA. He'll be missed, Hope you're well old friend. Jim Harrington (e-mail) |
|
Friday, September 25, 2009, 7:41PM Hi Ed, Sorry to hear about Jim [Jeffrey]...I don't believe he was at DRC when I was there...Actually it was the stone age when I was there it's been so long....Too many of these notices lately..Guess it's the age...Believe it or not I'm still working...if you can call it that...I pop in the studio for some Judge Judy and some other odds and ends..still fun. All the best, Jerry Bishop (e-mail) |
|
Friday, March 27, 2009, 12:51PM What an AMAZING site! It is so great to be able to go back and relive the magical moments in time with WDRC. I never worked at the station but have many connections to those who did. I would like to share just a few. It all started In 1964 when I was 14, with my very first public performance ever. It was with "Dickie Robinson's Caravan of Bands" at the Windsor Locks K of C hall with my very first band called the "Pentagons." Later it was playing for Diamond Jim Nettleton, Sandy Beach (and others I'm sure) with a band called the "Quiet Ones." It became a tradition of Sandy Beach's to play tambourine with us on the song "Mr. Tambourine Man" whenever we played at one of his dances he hosted. In later years my friend at the time (Jeff Bennett) and I used to stop by the studio at 750 Main Street pretty much every night and bring all the overnight DJs coffee from Dunkin Donuts or food from White Castle, which was across the street at the time. They included Barry Grant, Rod Allen and others also. I remember when Rod Allen was writing and co-producing his "American Pie" special that we helped him with some of the possible meanings of the lyrics and it was so exciting to hear the special finally broadcast, knowing that we had helped a little! And finally, speaking of Dickie Robinson, in 1998 I was playing my planned very last performance of my career (as a solo keyboard-vocalist at the time) at Trader Vic's at Champlin's Marina on Block Island and was retiring from performing altogether after 34 years. Imagine my shock to look out and see Dickie Robinson standing there listening to me that night. After talking to him during my last break, I went back on and dedicated the entire last set to him and publically thanked him for all the opportunities that he had given me and thousands of other musicians over the years. I then performed nothing but 60's songs and when I sang "Groovin" by the Young Rascals as one of my last songs that night and publically thanked him once again, he actually became emotional as did I. It was tough to continue singing I was so moved! It was an emotional moment that has and will continue to stay with me my entire life! What an AMAZING and thoughtful man he is! And, the mystical part of that night was that I had come full circle and ended up playing for him both at my very first performance of my career as well as (what I was planning to be) my very last performance of my career. And I had not seen him at all in between those 34 years! Eerie! Now, after 10 years of retirement, I have been lured back out and I am actually playing in a 6-piece classic rock band again. I wonder if he'll ever get to hear US? Hmmm Thank you SO much for this website! There are so many of us who love nostalgia and this site has brought back so many fond memories (and jarred some memories that we had forgotten as well) and I sincerely appreciate all the work and love that obviously went into it for us. Kenny Hicks (e-mail) |
|
Saturday, March 18, 2009, 7:42AM Hi Ed, If you remember, October 2006, I requested someone to help me find information about Jackie Russell recordings. Well, finally I received an E-mail with all the information and we have been able to download the music from his recordings. You have no idea how happy that I and all of his children are. I am sure that you and your website has been responsible for bringing us so much joy. We will be sharing this with our whole family. Thanks again. Virginia Cole (e-mail) |
|
Tuesday, March 14, 2009, 2:18AM Ed I'm now into my sixth year as 'imaging voice' of WDRC-FM. I'm just as excited today as when I first worked there as a jock in the mid 60's when I was just starting my career. It's cool to be the only one there who was also on the station back in 1967. Your site never ceases to entertain and inform. I was reading ALL the history. What a great job you've done on this site for DRC. It is a treasure. As for me, I'm still a prime time announcer for the NBC Television Network, I'm still on Sirius XM on Sat. nights on Channel 13 Sirius Channel 18 XM , Elvis Radio. I was the very first voice on that channel beginning on the 50th Anniversary of Rock and Roll direct from Graceland in Memphis TN. I'm the longest running jock on the channel. Previously I'd been on Channel 6 ( Sixties Vibrations) Channel 61 ( New Country) and Channel 5 ( Gold). These days I can also be heard on WOR in New York as the announcer for John Gambling and Glenn Beck. Speaking about having "been there"... I was an engineer at WOR when in college back in 1966. Currently I'm also producing some TV shows for Connecticut Pubic Television. Take care Ed and lets keep in touch. Bill Rock (e-mail) |
|
Friday, February 6, 2009, 8:06PM Hi Ed- I thought I would share one of the many memories that I have of WDRC. Although I never worked there on-air, I was friends with many of the people who did, including Barry Grant, Dick Robinson, and Gary DeGraide (Go, Manchester Rowdies!). I spent quite a bit of time there, since I was a graduate of The Connecticut School Of Broadcasting (1968) and the school studios were in the Main St. building at that time, and Dick was nice enough to let graduates stop in any time for practice. Here's my story: It so happened that Barry Grant was visiting my roommate and me one evening when Charlie Parker came over to check out a pickup truck that my roommate was selling. Barry was working at WAAB in Worcester, Mass. at the time. While we were sitting around talking about the truck, I introduced Barry to Charlie. Charlie asked Barry if he was the one with the show on WAAB, and Barry said yes. Well, it turned out that Charlie had heard Barry's show, like it, and asked him to come by for an audition for the nighttime job at 'DRC! And the rest, as they say, is history. Just one of my many WDRC memories that finding this site has renewed. Thanks for the great work! Ed Goss (e-mail) |
|
Monday, January 12, 2009, 1:19AM Ed: First, a quick hello and a Happy New Year! Just as an update, I’ve been PD at KHTC (K-Hits) Houston since January of 2007. FYI …Scarborough was no more my name than Mitchell. A young PD trying to prove he was the boss made me change Mitchell to Scarborough. Website has moved. Still working after all these years. Ed "Mitchell" Scarborough (e-mail) |
|
Friday, January 2, 2009, 1:19AM Ed... After reading Barry Grant's note, some visitors to the WDRC feedback page might get the wrong impression because he omitted the "translation." B.O.O.B.s stands for "Bunch Of Old Broadcasters." Lee Gordon (e-mail) |
|
Thursday, January 1, 2009, 4:32AM Hi Ed, HAPPY NEW YEAR! I was a young lad when I attended the Rolling Stones Concert at Dillon Stadium. Thought it was in 1965, but it could have been in 1966. I think The McCoys, The Standels, & Syndicate Of Sound were the other groups. My girlfriend implored me to rush the stage- I chose to let her and many other fanatic female fans do that , as I watched in amazement. It was one of the all time best concerts for me. Hartford had other memorable outdoor shows with huge crowds in attendance. While I was at WDRC, we were involved with the shows at Colt Park. I MC'ed most, if not all of them. Learned quickly not to be the one who went on stage to announce the show was canceled after thousands of fans were soaked and wallowing in mud for an extended period during big rain storms. It's unclear to me as to why Hartford stopped allowing those big outdoor concerts, but they disappeared. Another mention of that stellar organization BOOBS- the Ct Broadcasters group of radio/tv folks that meets once a month at The Arch Street Tavern in Hartford for dinner, a great jazz band, and sharing of many great tales of the radio/tv world in Ct. Lots of laughs and darn good camaraderie, inspired by Bill Hennessey, who really makes it all happen. We meet most months on the last Monday of the month. Barry Grant (e-mail) |
|
Tuesday, December 30, 2008, 4:25AM Hi Ed, I used to live in Springfield, Mass. (1965-75) and WDRC was where it was at!!! It was all I listened too. I went to the Rolling Stones concert at Dillon Stadium in 1966. Boy is it hard to find any info on that show. It was fantastic. I'm a massive Beatles /Rolling Stones fan. The bid "D" sponsored that Dillion Stadium show right? I love your web site. Brings back a lot of memories...all good! Harold
Montgomery Ed's reply: I believe the Rolling Stones concert at Dillon Stadium was on Monday night, June 27, 1966. About 8,000 raucous fans attended. This might not have been a Big D Big Show. I believe WPOP sponsored this concert. Does anybody have more concrete memories? |
|
Wednesday, October 8, 2008, 4:19PM Ed, My name is Tom Bradley – I’m Beth Bradley’s husband. In case you hadn’t heard, Beth had a heart transplant on June 17th, and is doing very well. The operation was a complete success – it’s a great heart, and she’s headed toward a full recovery. Her job now is getting her strength back, so she’s concentrating on exercising, eating, and resting – with the occasional social function. In fact, she attended Brad Davis’s 50th anniversary party at the Marriott last month and spent most of the time catching up with her WDRC friends! Thanks to everyone at WDRC and all her listeners for all the support – we’re happy she’s back on the road to health, and grateful for all the love and support. Tom Bradley (e-mail) Click here for the latest on Beth's progress! |
|
Monday, August 18, 2008, 11:50AM Hi Ed, Just a quick update. I've been on the morning show on Soft Rock 106.5 WBMW in New London since July 26, 2006. I still work with a direct mail advertising business, too. It's a busy day starting at 4:15 AM! Glenn O'Brien (e-mail) |
|
Wednesday, August 6, 2008, 11:34AM I just read your piece on Jim Jeffrey. As an old student of his, I've been trying to locate him for a long time. Thanks! Wayne Therrien (e-mail) |
|
Thursday, June 26, 2008, 8:34AM Hi Ed, Excellent site. I worked at WDRC as Chief Engineer from early 1984 to November 1985. Wayne [Mulligan] and I installed the Motorola AM stereo system in '85, spring I believe. I'm clear about the year since we were AM stereo for perhaps six months or more before I left to become GM of WWUH which was Jan of '86. WDRC-AM was still live when I left (except for the Shafer Automation we ran overnights on AM and FM) and as stated on the site the sat feed didn't start until early '86 so its impossible for the AM stereo to have gone on in '86. John Ramsey (e-mail) |
|
Hi Ed, Thought you might like to know about a veteran broadcaster's group called BOOBS. We meet once a month at a restaurant bar in Hartford,Ct-The Arch Street Tavern- for dinner .A wonderful band,The Hartford Jazz Orchestra provides excellent entertainment. Lots of stories always get shared along with some wonderful camaraderie.People who worked at Hartford,New Haven, Waterbury,Springfield and other area Radio/TV stations attend.Some are retired,pthers still working. It's lots of fun-join us some time! By the way, in case you wondered, BOOBS is BunchOfOldBroadcasters. Barry Grant (e-mail) |
|
Sunday, April 27, 2008, 8:45AM Hi- I have been researching my grandfather, John W. Hubbard. In April 1915, he received his license as Radio Operator, Commercial First Grade and was granted a Special Land Station in July, 1915 in Port Chester, New York. His call number was 2ZP. As Sergeant First Class, he served in the 16th Service Company of the Signal Corps, Military Intelligence Branch. During his enlistment in the Signal Corps, he had traveled over 10,000 miles and was engaged in experimental wireless work on the General Staff. Later, he was one of 26 who first sent and received messages to Scotland as part of the Radio League of America test project during December 1921. The Radio Club of America fails to recognize the 26 others-including my Grandfather- who participated in this trans Atlantic test. I don't know whether my Grandfather was a member of the Radio Club. Later, he and his father, Joseph, had a wireless radio supply store. One interesting article from the Ridgefield Press notes in 1920 that "Hubbard's Radio Store set up a receiver in the Town Hall in November so that Ridgefielder's can listen to the returns that show Harding and Coolidge beat Cox and Roosevelt. Earlier returns could only be gotten from telegraph." In 1923, another article states that "John Hubbard, local radio store owner, picks up a concert in Honolulu, the most distant radio broadcast ever heard in Ridgefield. Earlier, he had received broadcasts from England." I found your article fascinating, but like so many articles of early radio history, it fails to mention others who were true pioneers in early radio. I'm not out to correct early radio history- but to add to it. At any event, I wish to honor my Grandfather and his accomplishments. If any of you have any information you can share please do. Thank You! Jim Hubbard (e-mail) |
|
Monday, April 21, 2008, 7:24PM Hi Ed, Greetings from WATR in Waterbury! I was going through your site....and after more than an hour realized how much time had gone by and yet I was still enthralled!...and saw the listing for Ed Flynn, who worked at DRC in the summer of 1969. I am Ed's new producer here at WATR AM 1320 and I wanted to let you know he is still going strong. He just marked his 17th year as host of Talk of the Town and in 2008 marks 53 years in local radio. So if you so desire you can update your listing for Ed. As of 4/21/08 he shows no signs of slowing down. Your site is amazing and I hope you know how appreciated it is by someone like me, relatively new to the business and a huge fan of local history. With best wishes, Chris Fortier (e-mail) |
|
Sunday, March 30, 2008, 5:42AM Hello, just happen upon your website when i was checking out my grandfather, and was on your personalities page, Roy Hansen from 1946, just thought I give an update, he passed away in April 2003, leaving behind a wonderful family in Florida. Thanks. Bobby Diggs, Roy Hansen's grandson (e-mail) |
|
Thursday, February 21, 2008, 10:58PM Does anyone recall a feature on WDRC-AM from the early seventies called 'Big D Dial-A-Hit'? How did it work? Was it a music request line or a voting process? New44moon (e-mail) Ed's reply: Dial-A-Hit was the late 1970s version of the popular 1960s WDRC Discaway feature. When you heard the audio cue, you dialed the studio line and if you were the correct caller, you won whatever record was being given away that hour. The illustration to the right appeared on the Big D Sound Survey for the week ending September 30, 1977. |
 |
|
Friday, January 25, 2008, 9:15PM Hey Ed: I just got word that there are some film producers up here in the Boston area in the process of producing a documentary on WVJV-TV or V-66, which was a short-lived but very influential music video station where I did the morning shift from February 1985 to May 1986 when V-66 sadly was sold to The Home Shopping Network. For a year-and-a-half we became quite a sensation in the Boston area adopting a "local MTV" format that helped many local bands such as Ball and Pivot, The Stompers, 'Til Tuesday, and even some established local groups such as Aerosmith, The New Kids On the Block, and the J. Geils Band get significant airplay of their videos. The station was created through the efforts of two legendary Boston disc jockeys, Arnie "Woo Woo" Ginsberg and John H. Garabedian and we had a very talented airstaff that really connected with the viewers. Unfortunately, the ride didn't last very long but just like WDRC, anyone who was fortunate enough to work on "The V" became a member of a fraternity that will last forever. If anyone would like to, they can go here and see the promo trailer the documentary producers have put together using a lot of old footage that I hadn't seen in 20 years. I'm the first VJ you see on the trailer which is the actual aircheck of the very first moment V-66 went on the air. Hope everyone enjoys it. Thanks! Bill Stephens (e-mail) |
|
Thursday, January 17, 2008, 9:10AM Ed, Congratulations on the incredible job you've done putting this site together. I hung around the old Bluehills studio as a kid and did get to know a few of the jocks back in the mid to late 60's. Just as an update, Scotty Morgan ( Lance Drake ) is now residing in New Mexico. Also, he has a site regarding the Blue Beats which may be of interest to some readers and also yourself. Regards, Randy Farrar, Farmington, CT (e-mail) |
|
Monday, January 7, 2008, 3:47PM Aloha From Maui! I grew up listening to DRC in the 60's, and had a record store - Recorded Music - in Bristol from 1974 thru 1980. We participated in many promotions with the station, and listened to it often. One of the jocks - we think it was Jerry Kristafer - recorded a song "I Love My Coffee." We had a cassette of the song, recorded off the air for a long time, but as these things go, it was lost in the move from CT in 2001. Is this something you've ever come across? If so, is there a way we could procure a new copy of the song? We have quite a few of the old surveys from the 70's that were sent to the store, if they are of interest to you. I really enjoyed going through your history pages on the website - brought back lots of good memories! Keep up the good work! So many people living in CT don't realize what ground-breakers we had in our midst. All the Best, Dale Conlon (e-mail) Ed's reply: Can anyone help Dale with the "Coffee" song? |
|
Tuesday, January 1, 2008, 12:15PM Ed, Holiday Greetings from Florida! It's around 70 degrees this New Year's Day here, having been around 80 all the past week. But, our "winter front" will be moving later today, sending temperatures plummeting to the freezing mark. Now, for someone in CT or NH, that's not so unusual. However, for us here, it's time we actually break out those winter jackets we actually save for just such an ocassion as this! When last we "talked" I had just "retired" after being "downsized" (budget cut) by the Evil Empire (Clear Channel - whose vision really isn't) in Carolina. This, after leading an 11th ranked "Lite AC" station as PD/Middays to first place in 4 of 5 female demographics... 2nd in the other one and #2 overall (25-54) in the market! Anyway, after returning home to Florida, being off the air and not in radio just didn't seem right. Plus, golf really isn't my sport! After all, radio is basically all I've done since 1971! So, now, I'm happy to report I'm back at it, doing mornings at WRGO-FM. We're located in Crystal River, FL (about 75 miles north of Tampa), licensed to Cedar Key, and part of Market #83, (Gainesville-Ocala). Guess I'll never stop rockin'... Thanks for your time, Ed, and all your hard work. Sincerely, Mike Taylor (e-mail) |
|
Thursday, December 13, 2007, 2:03PM Hi: I wanted to share some good news with you. I've been selected as one of the 25 semifinalists in the Court TV Crime Writing Competition! (out of nearly 1000 entrants...I know, I amazed too!) So the adventure continues. What happens now, you might ask? Well here's what the good people at Court TV have written: "December 13, 2007: Round Two rating period begins on the second chapters of the Submissions submitted by the 25 semi-finalists. The second chapter of each semi-finalist's Submission will be released into the "Search for the Next Great Crime Writer" group on Gather.com for reviewing and rating by Gather.com members. Gather.com members will have the opportunity to rate the semi-finalists' submissions based on whether they think a submission is worthy of being purchased. January 2, 2008, 11:59 PM ET: Round Two rating period ends." Don't worry....this is the last time I'll ask you to rate my work...(in this contest anyway). The WINNER is picked from the 5 finalists, by the Court TV celebrity judges. Please take a couple of minutes and look at Chapter 2 of my new book..."STRIKE AT THE GIANT" . If you liked Chapter 1 you'll love Chapter 2...I hope. All you have to do is go to GATHER.COM...register if you haven't already done so (it only takes a second...and it's not complicated at all...heck...I did it.) and then go to this link . I would ask that you give me the highest rating possible (10's are nice). Just click on the star (like I said...10's are nice) and you've voted. If you'd like...you can leave a little comment in the space below the stars. Hey...you don't often get a chance to help a struggling writer...your help could kick-start my writing career...and get me out of the house (my wife wanted me to add that line) :) Oh...and feel free to email this message to all of your wonderful friends...I need all the help I can get. After all, your friends are my friends. Thank you again for your help. If I can return the favor sometime...please don't hesitate to ask. Jim Harrington (e-mail) |
|
Wednesday, September 19, 2007, 9:13AM Hi Ed, Just wiping my eyes after reading Kathy and Steve's recollections of their dad, the one and only Charlie Roy Parker! Wow, Charlie was one of the giants in the industry and I, for one, am proud to have been associated with him and Big D. I've told Steve many times how I considered Charlie my surrogate dad and I respected him more than any other. His belief in me as an on-air talent is the reason I continued on the air even as I had doubts about my own ability to rise to his standards. A defining moment in my career was the time he called me into his office to request that I MC the Beach Boys concert at the Civic Center. Holy Cow! I stammered and hemmed and hawed about how I wasn't capable and that he surely could find someone else. But he insisted that I was the perfect DJ to open the show, which I did despite my severe nervousness in front of such a large crowd. He was always pushing the envelope with me, stretching me in ways I could never do on my own. What a talent, what a boss/co-worker, what a dad! I will never, ever forget Charlie Parker. He changed my life. God bless you CRP. Bob Marx (Bart Mazzarella) (e-mail) |
|
Saturday, September 15, 2007, 11:39PM Ed: “Growing Up Parker” was a great piece! Nice work. Tom “Kelly” Pagnotti (e-mail) |
|
Saturday, September 15, 2007, 11:39PM Hi Ed, You sure do a hell of a job with this website. Here are some thoughts and an update on my career bio. I did work at WEMJ - doing afternoon drive for $1.75 an hour! The owner was a miniature man who had a large throne like chair in his office. Charlie Parker was my mentor and without him I would have never had any success in radio. He taught me a lot and allowed me to develop my minimal talent. He was also the funniest person I ever knew. And was a great practical joker-he pulled some beauties on me! Ask some of the DRC alumni about Bertha Porter's chair. I had a lot of fun working with Mike Holland, Otis, Kent Clark, Ted Dalaku & Jim Harrington to name just a few. Wayne Mulligan was a good guy and kept us on the air with everything working at all times as Chief Engineer. In 1974 I won a Billboard Air Personality Of The Year award while at DRC. I won the same award at WPLR & WMAD and was also Billboard Program Director of the year at WPLR & WMAD-both of those stations were named Billboard Station Of the Year. Walt Dibble asked me if I would be interested in covering the new hockey team, The Whalers. I accepted the assignment and it led to me doing Pro Sports reporting and broadcasting for 26 years. I got do the Boston Bruins, Red Sox-including the 1975 World Series, Boston Celtics, Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Milwaukee Bucks and Brewers, and all 4 New York Islanders Stanley Cup wins. And I did make the switch to banking where I've been in Construction Lending-mostly managing regions of the country for some major lenders. Barry Grant (e-mail) |
|
Tuesday, July 10, 2007, 3:25PM Ed, Enjoy visiting the site every so often to read folks recollections. Is it possible to update my e-mail address? I had a couple of folks track me through the site and the current e-mail is dead. Also, I left WAMU in 2001 and have my own consulting business serving public radio stations and producers. Steve Martin (e-mail) |
|
Wednesday, June 20, 2007, 9:25PM Hello, My Name is Ken, I'm 45, blind and am alumni of the Oakhill school for the blind in Hartford. I attended school from 1974 till 1979 when the Oakhill program was in Transition to become the Connecticut institute for the Multiple Handicapped, and to where it is today as a program for handicapped children and adults with the school as a part of it. It goes without saying that Big D touched all our lives as students. Charley and his staff were good to us, sure for example they represented themselves at the Lions club Christmas party at Valley's steakhouse at least once or twice in the five that I attended. I do remember in my last year, the Mobile studio D was at a special Olympics meet I. Participated in. Its great to read all the personalities and stories from the station's history. Was actually more of a Listener to the FM when it was the Album rock format, but if you had an am radio, even during the height of disco, you could still tune in the AM side and feel comfortable listening to it. In 1977, one of our students took classes at the Connecticut school of broadcasting on Saturdays. His first instructor was Dick Mcdonough. Remember listening to part of his tape notes. They were all a big part of all of us and on behalf of all of us who Attended school at the time at Oakhill, Thanks for this great sight. I still live in NJ, and still have friends in Connecticut, and we will never forget the fun we had listening to the great station at 1360 AM and 102.9 FM. Thanks. Ken Lawrence (e-mail) |
|
Friday, April 13, 2007, 10:12PM Ed Just checking in with an update. In August, 2006, I sold WLMI (FM), in Kane, the icebox of Pennsylvania. I have since retired to Lancaster, PA, where the alarm does not go off at 4:50 am. I'm not doing any radio now, but don't rule it out. I love visiting your website, because it brings back so many (mostly) fond recollections. Chuck Crouse (e-mail) |
|
Thursday, March 22, 2007, 4:39PM Hi Ed: Holy Guacamole!!!!!! I just read the interview with Jim Nettleton and found out for the first time in my life that he lived in Somerville, MA and attended Somerville High School! That's my alma mater and the city I consider my home town, having lived there from early childhood until getting into radio in 1972! What are the odds? Just wanted to add that my network automotive television career continues to speed along. I'll be seen on no less than nine networks this year including NBC, CBS, ABC, and ESPN serving as pit reporter on the Champ Car World Series, on ESPN2 hosting a show called "Bidding Wars", on Discovery HD Theater as a collector car expert on "Appraise My Car", ESPN Classic as that network replays various NHRA national events from the 1990's on which I served as a pit reporter and occasional host, A&E as play-by-play announcer on the series "Driving Force", and coverage of Toyota Celebrity Grand Prix in Long Beach for SPEED Channel. Plus my Vocal Point media workshop for professional race drivers continues to grow in leaps and bounds. If any one wants to see what I've been up to they can go to: Ultimate Garage Productions, Inc., Vocal Point Media Workshop or Vocal Point Seminars. Hope all the 'DRC gang--past and present--is happy and healthy. I check back here often to catch up with the old crew. Peace, Bill Stephens aka Bill "FM" Stephens (e-mail) |
|
Tuesday, March 6, 2007, 9:53PM hi ed, i wrote to you on january 12, 2006 asking for help in getting a clean copy of extra girl by the blue beats. just wanted to let you know how helpful the people who visit this site are. several people have contacted me with copies of that song. to reciprocate, i wanted to let everyone know, i have many of the old WDRC tunes in my mp3 library and will be happy to share them with anyone who mentions this site. let me know title and artist and, if i have it, i'll gladly email the mp3 to you. thanks again. jerry silver (windsor then, minneapolis now) (e-mail) |
|
Sunday, February 18, 2007, 9:46AM Ed, Just to bring you up-to-date. WXLY/Charleston, SC has decided to go in a 'younger' direction and the entire staff was terminated by Clear Channel last summer. Today, I reside in Dallas, TX where I have my own production company: CHRIS RIVERS PRODUCTIONS, devoted to voice-over commercials, industrial narration, and voice- tracking assignments. Thanks for keeping the memory of the BIG D alive. Best Wishes, Chris Rivers (e-mail) |
|
Saturday, February 10, 2007, 2:12PM Ed, So good to hear from you. I stumbled upon your site and found it simply amazing. You've got so much info on there that it's going to take at least a year to read everything. Great job! As
for the bio, while working at WWCO, I received my draft notice and
was sent to Vietnam. Awarded two bronze stars while fighting with
the 101st Airborne Division. I was promised my job back at CO upon
my return. All the other info is correct. I married that lady who
used to answer my "Goodnight Karen." I also divorced her While in Toronto, I opened my own recording studio, record company and publishing group. Released several recordings and, as of this date, have two new CDs coming out this year of past recordings. One from a German label releasing material from the group that I was in during the mid 60s (The Squires - Going All The Way) and the other of material I recorded in Toronto throughout the 70s, 80s, and 90s. This should be out any day now. Bullseye Records Canada is taking care of that one. Steve Parker and I have been touching base but have yet to have a lengthy discussion. Seems as though we get a hold of each other at the wrong times. Will be in touch with him again soon. Thanks for putting this site together. It looks and reads great. You've really gone the distance and should be rewarded for it. All the best Ed, Michael
Bouyea (Holland) |
|
Sunday, January 28, 2007, 6:02PM Hey there- Due to popular demand (and the fact that I was able to get into a studio-thank you David Marsden!), I have recorded another pod cast for The Spirit of Radio web site. This time it's comprised completely of cover versions (an old CFNY weekend promotion). Hopefully you'll hear some old favourites and perhaps a version of an old favourite you haven't heard yet! To hear this streaming show, click here, look for "sounds" on the left side of the page, click the "+" sign to open up the menu, the go to "pod casts" and click on pod cast 2. Enjoy! Don Berns (e-mail) |
|
Tuesday, January 23, 2007, 6:35AM Hi Ed. I frequently log on to the obg website to see if any of my old buds checked in with "Feedback" and have been dissapointed that it appears that no one has written since Oct! How can this be? Actually, I'm hoping that someone organizes a reunion of former air staff and other personnel at Bid D. They held one quite a few years ago but I found out about it after the fact. Anyone interested in getting something together for the old guys who worked for Charlie Parker? I think it'd be pretty "groovy" man. I was moved to write in after seeing the trivia about Dick McDonough (The Prince), getting tipsy back in '70. Dick was one of my mentors and one of those special people I will never forget. Since I did my last air-shift on Dec. 30, 2005, I have been doing lots of free lance voiceovers and work full-time in business development for Christian FM in Vero Beach FL. All the best, Bart
Mazzarella (Bob Marx) |
|
Thursday, October 5, 2006, 7:43AM Hi Ed, I need your help on locating a record. The artist was Jackie Russell. The producer was Aubrey Mayhew. The label was Sheraton. The year was 1953 or 1954. I believe the name of the song was Heart to Heart. Jackie Russell was my husband and passed away in 2002. Me and his six children have been unable to find this record. It was played on the Torrington station constantly. Please advise me if you can help. Desperately searching. Sincerely, Virginia Cole (e-mail) ED's NOTE: Can anyone help? |
|
Monday, September 25, 2006, 8:26PM Dear Ed: I remember the Hooked On A Feeling stunt. I was taking some phone calls from listeners. Their reactions were priceless! Wish I could tell you more specifics about the event......but certain things will go with me to the grave. Steve (Son Of Charlie) Parker (e-mail) |
|
Saturday, September 23, 2006, 9:42PM Perhaps not as famous as the “Midnight Hour” incident, but I recall sometime, (perhaps around 1973, one of the disc jockeys playing the “oogachocka” theme from the song ‘Hooked on a Feeling’. It was played for maybe a half hour. Just that section of the song. Not sure why I remember that but it has always stuck in my mind. Does that sound familiar? Whom was the disc jockey? Don Spencer (e-mail) ED's NOTE: on February 9, 2007 Mike Holland replied: That was Charlie's idea and he made a loop of the intro, which he had me play until the police came to the door thinking that I was in some sort of trouble (mentally). Since then, I've hated that record. Wonder why! Mike
Holland |
|
Saturday, September 16, 2006, 8:19AM Hi Ed, I was surprised and happy to see my name listed on your DRC website. I did the Sunday morning news shift and vacation fill-in during the '80s, first for Kathy Wyler, and then Andy Bricker, who were news directors at the time. The days of Brad Davis and Sebastian. Fond memories, working with Larry Wells. On my first air shift, I was supposed to use the air name "Ed Walters," but I was so nervous, out came "Ed Orzechowski." I never realized till now that Sandy Beach had worked at DRC. He married the girl who used to live across the street when I was growing up. Prior to The Big D, I did similar work for WARE in Ware, MA. Since then, I've done some voiceover work, and am now a freelance writer. Ed Orzechowski (e-mail) |
|
Sunday, August 27, 2006, 4:39PM Hi, Update on yours truly, BOB O'BRIEN (am & fm 1986-87). I'm now at KDES-FM in beautiful Palm Springs doing middays (OLDIES of course). Contact me at my web site. Complete resume & airchecks available at my site, too. BOB O'BRIEN (e-mail) |
|
Tuesday, June 13, 2006, 4:33PM Just located this great website. It's been a long time since I worked at WDRC as Dick Korsen's secretary in the 1980's and I just wanted to say hello to everyone I knew back then. I truly enjoyed the fast-paced atmosphere and the good and bad times we all shared. I am grateful for the experience of working with some really terrific people, especially Larry, Diane, Ken "Money Bags," Sebastian, Brad and Dave. Darlene Buckland (e-mail) |
|
Sorry to hear about John Wade and Steve Capen (Kane) truly going off the air. When I moved to Philadelphia in 1971 at age 19 to work at WIP, I rented John’s apartment. (2 br duplex- rent: $260…Take home pay: $210.01.) That extra penny every week made all the difference. John was kind enough to leave the lime green shag carpet in the living room. Wish I’d saved a piece. WDRC’s talent of that era was exceptional. I am happy to have met John, Jim Nettleton and Ron Landry. But Dick Robinson’s a real pest. Won’t stop calling me from his yacht. Seriously, I’m so proud to be a small part of this great station’s legacy. I now realize how lucky I was to grow up listening to these incredible talents, who inspired me to become a broadcaster. "Flashback!" has now been on the air in syndication for more than 1000 episodes (20 years!). This past winter, I served as studio announcer for NBC at the Torino games. I hope Charlie would be proud. Bill St. James (e-mail) |
|
Saturday, May 20, 2006, 5:42AM Here's an update for you for the DRC site (I am amazed at how current you're keeping the information): I have "retired" Dr. Trance and and currently just doing voice over work in Canada and the U.S. I just came off a 1-1/2 year stint as the voice of The Global Television Network in Canada. I talk to and see Sandy Beach all the time. In fact, I inducted him into the Buffalo Radio Pioneers Hall of Fame a couple of years ago. I also ran into Walt Pinto in NYC with Joey Reynolds a few weeks ago. He actually apologized for one of the all-time great practical jokes that he played on me in the halls of WDRC in 1967. It wasn't necessary. I DO have a sense of humour. -cheers- Don Berns (e-mail) |
|
Saturday, May 20, 2006, 2:07AM The 5th Beatle is no more. He has entered Heaven's Door. God Bless him. Steve Parker (e-mail) |
|
Thanks for the heads-up even though the message is not the one we'd like to hear. LJW was a good human being, talented broadcaster and a real friend when there were few around. He was the "real deal". I'll never forget him. Tom Melanson (e-mail) Ed's note: Tom and Jim Nettleton (below) both worked with Long John Wade at WFIL) |
|
Hi Ed: I am so sorry to hear about this [Long John wade's death]. I last saw him at the WFIL reunion a couple of years back - was looking forward to seeing him again this September, when the next reunion takes place. It will be a much sadder event without him. He was a pro and a friend. Jim Nettleton (e-mail) |
|
Tuesday, April 18, 2006, 8:56AM Hey Ed....GREAT SITE!! I admire your PASSION and LOVE of radio!! I'd Love to meet you sometime.....As you can tell when listening to me...I sincerely love the music-the listener-and the whole experience of radio........Laura Kittel tells me you worked here-and you are a great guy.....:) A Couple things.... I was voted one of the Nation's top radio personalities several times in the nineties by BILLBOARD and RADIO AND RECORDS-along with Music director of the year.... worked at WWYZ-Country 92.5 where I received the awards....also worked at KC101-WPLR-WEZN-WELI-WAVZ-WMOS-WYNY New York-and now WDRC FM.... Have my own Entertainment company....married to Darcy since 1983.... I'd really welcome any and all feedback you have on our Morning show.....Listeners and clients seem to really like the whole "tone" of the show....Family Friendly..positive-courteous..lot's of music..interactive.....and Fun!! Not too many of these kind of shows left in the Morning eh Ed?? :) Hope you are well!! John "Cadillac" Saville (e-mail) |
|
Saturday, March 25, 2006, 4:25PM Ed: I stumbled upon your great WDRC site by accident (looking for something else) and of course, was hooked for hours! Nice - and very extensive - job. I was thrilled to find I was mentioned as instituting the oldies show format in 1972. O.K., Charlie Parker actually instituted it and hired me to be the D.J., which was a big career break for me at the time and for which I was and remain eternally grateful. I eventually found my 'bio' under the 'personalities' section and I wanted to make some corrections to that, as it was somewhat inaccurate. 'Jim's first show was filling in for Jim Harrington on Big D FM, 9AM-3PM'. I was hired by Charlie Parker to do the 10 to 3 oldie show. That's all I ever did. I was never a 'DRC part-timer. 'On Monday, February 28, 1972 he began presiding over WDRC FM's "Solid Gold" midday show, 10AM-3PM as Harrington moved to afternoon drive'. Correct. Well, wait. I think it was actually February 21st, but who's counting? 'PRIOR: WCDQ Hamden, CT; WWCO Waterbury, CT' I did come to WDRC from WWCO-AM in Waterbury (where I did APM drive) but I never worked at WCDQ. Prior to WWCO, I was at WMMM AM/FM in Westport, later to become WEBE-FM. 'AFTER: WHYN Springfield, MA; WPTR Albany, NY; WNHC New Haven, CT; WADS Ansonia, CT; WIOF Waterbury, CT' I never worked at WHYN or WNHC. I did later go to WPTR-AM in Albany, N.Y., then to WQQW-AM, Waterbury as PD (that station is long since gone. I did a brief stint at WICC-AM Bridgeport, WADS-AM Ansonia and WWCO-AM (again, in 1980) and then, I was at WIOF-FM ('Magic 104')for 11 years, where I ended my broadcasting career in late 1992. I did work at Bloomingdales as a supervisor in the mail order department, then at The Hartford insurance Company in Southington, in sales. I later worked at a communications company in Watertown. I retired in 2005. Thanks for the chance to set the record straight and for providing a fabulous WDRC website. Obviously, a labor of love and much appreciated by those of us who fondly recall 'Big D'. Jim Scott (e-mail) |
|
Friday, February 17, 2006, 6:49AM Mr. Brouder, What a let down. Mr Reynolds has still not responded to my daily emails. The person who said it was "midnight hour" also has not responded to my emails. At the time of the incident "hanky panky" was in the midst of its being #1 for its eventual 13 week reign. Why would a prankster DJ choose to play "midnight hour", when a more ridiculous song, perfectly suited for the DJ's PLANNED stunt, was dominating the airwaves? Furthermore, the report is that Joey had a microphone while he was in the elevator. BUT the DJ I seek was doing the show, then the record skipped for 45 continual minutes, then, that DJ was OFF THE AIR as punishment for the irresponsible stunt. Joey was back on the air the next night. This is why I am trying to find out "who was that, what were the behind the scenes details, and where is he now"? I guess I'll have to contact WDRC themselves, and the county newspaper, because I KNOW WHAT I HEARD!!! Thanks for your help. Deacon, Steven Charles Keller (e-mail) |
|
Thursday, February 9, 2006, 8:58PM I was talking to an old radio man and he sent me the site in an e mail msg, his Ham radio call sign is, WB1AIU, a great guy and fun to talk to he worked in Broadcast for a time in Conn. The site is great and the Dick Robinson story was super, wish I could have known him. I am a Ham Radio Op but at this time I am off the air due to some health problems, but as McCarther said "I shall return" thanx for a great place to do some GOOD reading thats not so darn disheartening, Paul
Maikranz (e-mail) |
|
Thursday, February 9, 2006, 3:55PM Ed... It was interesting to read all about the legendary Dick Robinson. It seems he has been "everywhere" and knows "everybody." As you know, I have a website to promote my freelance voiceover business but, just for fun, I decided to add an unusual page which highlights all the other Lee Gordons I have come across while vanely searching the internet for signs of my own existance. Mentioning every other Lee Gordon on the internet is murder on my page ranking but I don't care; it's fun. But what's even more fun is in my most recent sweep I landed on Dick Robinson's website where he had a picture of one of those other Lee Gordons. Naturally, I immediately added it to my "Other Lee Gordons" page. It's the 3rd item down. Lee Gordon (e-mail) |
|
Tuesday, February 7, 2006, 6:24AM Hi Ed, As always, fantastic content at OBG.com! Dick Robinson was one of my early hero's having spent my adolescent years growing up in New Britain and tuning in regularly to Big "D" and POP. One day Dick called to hire my band to play at one of his famous Record hops, (he did this every once in a while). I think it was the Hi-Tones but could have been one of my other bands before my Detroit Soul days. Later, after being bitten by the DJ bug following my first year at Cambridge School of Broadcasting in Boston, I sought out Dick's services at CSB to help me record a professional audition tape. He engineered it at CSB, 750 Main Street, in 1968. Dick, ever supportive, said I was good enough to hook up with WDRC right then, but I lacked experience, so I settled for WBMI in Meriden. It was seven years later before I tried to get Charlie Parker's ear again, (this time successfully). I have been life-long friends with Dickie Robinson and will forever be grateful to him for helping a nervous, young, struggling kid get over his first hurdle in the most exciting field known to mankind. 'Course I'm prejudiced having spent my life riding my magic carpet on the air-waves. Dick, may your pleasure cruise go on forever. Love and blessings to you and Sally. Gratefully yours, Bart Mazzarella (aka Bob Marx) (e-mail) |
|
Sunday, February 5, 2006, 9:52AM Dear Ed, Congratulations for this wonderful site. I spent about 3 hours trying to have a look at everything. I’m a Frenchman who happened to be in Hartford, CT from December 1968 to December 1969. In January (I was 22 years old then), I walked into the WDRC offices at 750 Main, and asked the receptionist – Fran Klein – for an appointment with Charlie Parker. I was working for Colt’s Firearms and had a year to do whatever I wanted before being drafted in the French Army in 1970. To my amazement, and probably because I had done production work at the mighty million-watter Europe 1 here, Charlie asked me to do a demo tape. He thought my accent would add something to the air personalities he was seeking to work on the FM side. I did my demo in the production studio, operating the turntables and the mike, while a gentle (who?) engineer took care of the cart machines for the station IDs. The result was less than satisfactory and Charlie, after auditioning the tape with me took almost a couple of hours of his precious time, to explain what was wrong and what was right in my “performance”. We talked of radio, TV, France, wine and in spite of his stern look, he made such an impression on me that I can almost remember everything he said more than 35 years ago. He advised me to take “polishing lessons” at the CSB, which I did. I had the chance to meet, and have as teachers or lecturers, Dick Robinson, Bill Hennessey, Ron Landry et al. Attached is a candid photo of Dick Robinson, shot in the AM studio some time in August 1969. (Joey Reynolds was around). I’ve got lots of pictures I would like to share but they’re on slides, and I never felt the need to have prints made so far. Take Care. Jean “John” Cocart (e-mail) |
|
|
Monday, January 30, 2006, 7:45AM It was the Midnight Hour. Joey Reynolds did it from the studios on Blue Hills Avenue. Years later at 750 Main he got himself stuck in the freight elevator, and did his show from the telephone in the elevator. Traffic was parked along the curb for a block or more on Main Street! A great combination of Fans and Policemen tried to come down and rescue Joey. How do I know all of this? I was a there! Back when BIG D was #1 for Radio Fun! Thanks for all that you do Ed! My Dad is smiling from above! Steve Parker (e-mail) |
|
Sunday, January 29, 2006, 6:39PM In 1967 I was 13 years old and living in Simsbury, when one night the WDRC DJ pulled a prank by playing Tommy James's "hanky panky", which repeatedly skipped back into the previous groove, lasting almost an hour without any break, causing perhaps hundreds to call the station and the police. Do you know that DJ's name, and/or whereabouts? Steven C. Keller (e-mail) Ed's reply: This sounds like something Joey Reynolds would have done Are you sure you're not thinking about the Midnight Hour incident? |
|
Saturday, January 14, 2006, 9:05AM I listened to your clip of Dick Robinson’s Beatnik DJ and it sure sounds like it was ripped from “The Monster Mash! Bob Clere (e-mail) |
|
Thursday, January 12, 2006, 12:01AM hi. i grew up with wdrc when i was a kid. (and wpop)... anyway.. i heard a record on its air in the 60s called extra girl by the blue beats. i have a copy (bought at korvettes) but it's very scratched. would it be possible to get an mp3 by email of this tune by you or one of your many (i'm sure) contacts? please let me know how much it would cost. i'm very anxious to get a copy. thanks. jerry silver (windsor then... minneapolis now) (e-mail) Ed's reply: Can anybody help Jerry? |
|
Wednesday, January 4, 2006, 3:06PM Dear Ed, Your web site homage to WDRC continues to amaze and impress me! Skimming through the history of this great heritage station makes me feel so proud to be a part of it. This May (2006) will mark nine years that I have enjoyed sharing mornings on the air at 102.9 DRC-FM. It hardly seems possible! When I began anchoring news in 1997 I was doing it for both Brad Davis on AM 1360 and for Jerry Kristafer on 102.9 FM. GM Wayne Mulligan offered to up my status to Morning Drive Co-Host after Jerry's departure in 1998, and it's been quite a ride ever since. It's a tricky balance co-hosting and anchoring news. I often liken it to Ginger Rogers, "backwards and in high heels. . . " The different male partners I've had the opportunity to work with have varied so much in personality -- I've had to learn to be flexible and go with the flow. I've come to believe that longevity in this ever-changing field depends greatly on #1. showing up on time each and every morning; #2. leaving cares outside the studio doors and facing each broadcast day with energy and excitement, and #3. being able to connect with the listeners. That's how I see it, anyway. Nine years in this business is a real achievement! So Happy New Year to you and all the terrific fans, past and present, of WDRC! Long may you run! All the best, Beth Bradley (e-mail) |
|
Sunday, January 1, 2006, 11:15AM Ed, I just checked out the site – great stuff! I loved the history. I worked at WDRC during college in the late 1990’s. I was hired in the Spring of 1997 to run the station during the night and to produce the morning show with Jerry K. I left to serve with the U.S. military in Bosnia, but returned in early 1998 to work with Beth Bradley in the news department. I wrote morning newscasts for WDRC AM and the affiliates in Torrington, Waterbury and Meriden. I produced the morning show when Marc Sommers anchored. Because I had been in military, Gary Lee Horn (who was a substitute news guy for WDRC FM) nicknamed me “The Sarge,” – which was used during promotional events and for on-air contests etc. I began covering news events for Beth and eventually anchored newscasts on the affiliates when the regular anchors were sick or on vacation. A couple of times I read the news for Brad Davis’s show, a broadcast that my grandmother listened to proudly – she has listened to WDRC for 65 years or more! After I left DRC, I worked briefly at WHYN in Springfield. Then I switched to newspapers, working in Connecticut at the Norwich Bulletin and the New Haven Register. I went on to work for the Stars and Stripes, covering the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. I had just taken a job at the Sarasota Herald Tribune in Sept 2004, when the Army again ordered me to active duty. I now serve as chief of media relations for the U.S. military in Afghanistan. My tour ends this Spring – and I’ll be back in CT, looking for a reporting job. I’m proud to have gotten my start in news at WDRC with Beth Bradley and recall my time there fondly. Again, it’s a great site and I enjoyed checking it out. Take Care, SFC Rick Scavetta (e-mail) |