(Above: Mercury is really pretty small when compared to the Sun. We don't get this view again until 2032.) May 9, 1970 It's the date that Walter P. Reuther, president of the United Auto Workers, was killed in a plane crash just outside of Pellston, Michigan at the age of 62. His wife May was … Continue reading New this week in ’70: May 9
WVON
New this week in ’70: April 25
April 25, 1970 It's the day after the People's Republic of China became the sixth nation to put a satellite into orbit. That same day was the last airing of Death Valley Days, which had been airing since 1952. Stanley Andrews was the long-running host, giving up the show in 1964 to Ronald Reagan. On … Continue reading New this week in ’70: April 25
New this week in ’70: March 21
(Above: We don't put folding chairs on the court enough anymore.) March 21, 1970 It's a big day in college sports. UCLA claims the NCAA men's basketball championship, defeating Jacksonville University 80-69. That's right - Jacksonville, home of the Dolphins, which has just over four thousand students today and in 1970 was the second-smallest school … Continue reading New this week in ’70: March 21
New this week in 1970: January 17 and 24
(Above: Curt Flood of the St. Louis Cardinals) January 17-24, 1970 This post combines two weeks into one to play catch-up. Among the history to cover is the final event of the AFL on the 17th. The final AFL All-Star Game takes place in Houston, and the West beats the East 26-3. The newly … Continue reading New this week in 1970: January 17 and 24
Soul sounds: WGES-AM/Chicago Top 30 Tunes, February 1, 1962
(Above: The back of the WGES survey, complete with on-air lineup.) One of the great tragedies of history occurs any time we lose something we can't get back. Along the way to doing the research for my dissertation, I learned quickly that the efforts made to preserve popular culture aren't equal, and there's no better … Continue reading Soul sounds: WGES-AM/Chicago Top 30 Tunes, February 1, 1962
Rest in peace, Herb Kent: The Kool Gents, “I Just Can’t Help Myself” (1956)
Radio lost a true legend on October 22 when Herbert Kent passed away at the age of 88. Herb was known to generations of radio listeners in and around Chicago as "The Cool Gent." His night show on WVON was rated second only to WLS in its powerhouse AM days in the 1960s. It's hard … Continue reading Rest in peace, Herb Kent: The Kool Gents, “I Just Can’t Help Myself” (1956)
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