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Post by John Quincy on Mar 9, 2005 19:01:55 GMT -5
On March 9 we received this from Tony Warren:
Great site. I can spend hours here.
I was 12 when I started in radio and WAKY was the pace-setter and the most listened to radio station in Central Kentucky in and around Lexington. I would ride the C&O train from Mt. Sterling to Louisville, walk up to the old studios in the bank building and they would let me come in the studio and spend all day watching the jocks. Then I would ride the train home that night. I was about 14 then.
What great memories. Keep adding more stuff.
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Post by John Quincy on Mar 11, 2005 13:29:49 GMT -5
Ron Wainscott sent us this on March 10, 2005:
Just wanted to say that I love the WAKY website! I'm a little too young to remember a lot about WAKY (I was born in 1970) but I've always been a big fan of the WAKY style of radio. Johnny Randolph gave me my first job in radio at WKX in Eminence, KY in 1988. Again, GREAT JOB! Thanks for letting us re-live the "good old days" of radio.
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Post by Max Highbaugh on Mar 13, 2005 10:23:03 GMT -5
That's a shame about 1530. I guess I only had one chance to listen to them a couple of months ago. Of course, it was at night as I live about an hour south of Louisville. Think I also heard my mother talk about it and how much she appreciated it. Music stations on the AM dial are a dying breed. I have to drive to Virginia and go through West Virginia to hear any AM music stations at all.
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Post by John Quincy on Apr 4, 2005 10:37:56 GMT -5
We received this on April 4, 2005 from Terry Decker:Hi, this is a really GREAT site, and it brings back a lot of memories. Much like the result of a hard punch to the kidneys after a rum-soaked night too nasty to forget. No, really, did I mention that I like the site? First, I have a question. Does anyone know the eventual disposition of the Seeburg ‘home style’ jukebox that was used for the Sammy Seeburg over-night shows circa 1958? I had seen it at the transmitter site and begged Jerry Shea, the engineer at the time, if I could acquire it. I would love to find and restore that item. Also, if anyone is interested, I have the original Gates mixer board that was used all during the time WAKY was on the air. I acquired it from the basement when WVEZ (where I was then employed) and WWKY moved to the Marmaduke building. I was a kid when WAKY first went on the air, and I spent many hours in the building, as well as with Paul Cowley at WKLO. I have a lot of stories to share. For instance, I first knew I was going to be a radio personality when I saw Beecher Frank talking into an Altec 639 microphone, which was sitting on top of an overturned waste basket, playing 45’s on an RCA turntable, inside Bob Colglaser’s (sic) Ranch House restaurant. It used to exist where Shelbyville Road now passes under the Watterson Expressway. Those were the days, eh? I have had some minor success at places such as New York, Miami Beach, Los Angeles and San Rafael in Marin County, Calif., and of course WVEZ here in Louisville (twice, several years apart), as well as WLRS (during which I was proud to introduce Sha-Na-Na to Louisville). I currently have a small production studio where I turn out a humor CD every millennia or so. It’s a good thing I’m on disability. My doctor says my brain is scrambled from too many years watching stuff go ‘round and ‘round. I figure my name will be totally unknown to anyone at this site, and that’s probably the way it should be. However, I would like to invite anyone interested in viewing the WAKY mixer board (with all the graffiti), along with some other neat stuff, like the lighted ‘Baton’ (early equalizer) to check out my web site: www.terrydec.homestead.comSooo, See ya on the radio, Terry Decker
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Post by John Quincy on Apr 4, 2005 11:05:27 GMT -5
This was received on April 2, 2005:
I am Paul McLean from Jeffersonville, IN and I remember when WAKY first aired and they played, "The Flying Saucer Meets The Purple People Eater", for 24 hours and then never again. There were no commercials for a while and I seem to remember a DJ named Ricky Ware from Texas. I see no mention of him on your Web Site. Bill Bailey used to come to the Cheyenne Social Club in the 1970s and he was a trip for sure. The club is now Trixie's on Preston Street. I think that WAKY was previously known as WGRC. Sincerely, Paul McLean
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Post by John Quincy on Apr 4, 2005 11:08:30 GMT -5
We received this e-mail on March 29, 2005:
Thank you so much for the awesome sound of Bob Moody's voice!! I loved the voice and the program especially 5 o'clock on Friday!! -- and the weekend theme shows.
I really miss the WAKY oldies. Thanks for a true blast from the past!
Maggie (Bobby's Girl)
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Post by John Quincy on Apr 11, 2005 16:12:55 GMT -5
We received this from Paul Shelly on April 11, 2005:
Oh my God....what a great web site. I think of the good ol' days of listening to WAKY radio often. If you didn't start your day with Bill Bailey and Reed Yadon....you just didn't start your day.
I remember my dad had built this little shelf that hung down over the refridgerator (not frost free) and a clock radio sat on it as long as I can remember. That radio was tuned to WAKY and the dial never moved....ever.
WAKY radio played throughout our house as I ate breakfast and got ready for my day at Cane Run School and later on Butler High School. Having Bill Bailey and Reed Yadon on the radio was like having two old friends in your kitchen each and every day. What fond memories I have.
The one advertisement I would love to hear is the one where certain bands were playing around town and the WAKY jocks would be at those places....Club 68 in Lebanon, the Golden Horse Shoe, and the Kaliedescope on Zane Street. Ring a bell?
Thank you again for a great website....I have already called a relative and had him go to it.
There hasn't been another station like WAKY and there never will be.
I hope you continue to have success with this site.
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Post by John Quincy on Apr 11, 2005 16:27:13 GMT -5
We received this letter on April 11, 2005:
I remember riding down 4th Street and the weather was cold and snowy. Bill Bailey was the disc jockey at the time. We were riding in a Ford convertible and we put the top down and rode by the large window the disc jockeys looked out upon 4th Street. In the next few minutes Bill dedicated a song to the 4 crazy people that just went by with their top down. That is just one of many memories I have of WAKY radio. There are so many to mention. A true fan and a 54 year old person still loving rock and roll, Moe Kellow Class of 70 Iroquois High School
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Post by John Quincy on Apr 11, 2005 16:46:34 GMT -5
A. Brockwell sent us this on April 11, 2005:
When I was growing up, I used to listen to WAKY all the time. I still have some of the top song lists from the sixties.
When my girlfriends and I would have a slumber party we would call the DJ who was on the air at that time and he would talk to us during the playing of the records.
I hated it when WAKY went off the air. There are so many good things that WAKY did while it was on the air. One thing I can remember in particular, was the time they asked everyone who listened to their station to turn on their headlights to remind people to drive safely over the Fourth of July holiday. There were a lot of headlights burning that day!
I also listened to WKLO and have some of their top record lists also, but WAKY was the best.
Thank you for letting me share my memories with you. Keep up the good work.
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Post by buster on Apr 11, 2005 19:31:33 GMT -5
I was thrilled to see an article this morning before I went to work on WAKY---wow does that bring back memories. I attended Waggener in the 60's and there was no other station to listen to. I remember going to a radio station downtown that had a window on street level ---we would go and wave---was this WAKY or am I dreaming. Thanks Nonny Peterson
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Post by bruiser on Apr 11, 2005 19:49:46 GMT -5
I was thrilled to see an article this morning before I went to work on WAKY---wow does that bring back memories. I attended Waggener in the 60's and there was no other station to listen to. I remember going to a radio station downtown that had a window on street level ---we would go and wave---was this WAKY or am I dreaming. Thanks Nonny Peterson WAKY and WKLO both had showcase studios. WKLO was first with theirs, and it was on Walnut St. WAKY's showcase was on 4th St. You were also able to observe WINN operations.
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Post by John Quincy on Apr 11, 2005 21:30:16 GMT -5
We received this on April 11, 2005 from Teresa:
Maybe I did not look far enough but I loved WAKY.
I remember back in the 1960s they did a PR stunt where someone stole the "W" and it became AKY Radio and had reports of the "W" being seen around town.
In the summer saying it is time to flip and then hear the sound of someone coming off the diving board and someone under water doing WAKY 790.
My favorite was from the early 1960s when they had someone riding around town in a polka dot bikini on the back of a convertible and the person who came the closest to the guessing the number of polka dots won a prize.
Driving down 4th Street, cruising down 4th St. in 1968-69 and seeing the disc jockey through the big window at the studio.
I lived and breathed WAKY.
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Post by John Quincy on Apr 11, 2005 21:32:33 GMT -5
Tim Waits wrote us on April 11, 2005:
I just found out about the WAKY website today as i read the Courier-Journal. It was great to learn of the new website.
I was a small boy when I first began to listen to WAKY. A lady who lived next door to us kept me before I started school. Her teenage son, Barry, listened to the radio all the time. I guess I learned that the radio was an important part of life. Barry would often refer to WAKY as "Warky, Farky, Nub Narky." I have no idea why, but I remember that well. I also remember hearing songs like "When" by the Kalin Twins and "26 Miles" by the Four Preps on WAKY. Those were great days living in Louisville. Jumping Jack Sanders and Bill Bailey were a couple of my favorites. By the way, I graduated from Southern High School in Louisville in 1970.
I am now pastoring the First Baptist Church of Taylorsville, Kentucky, just outside of Louisville. Thanks for the great website!
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Post by John Quincy on Apr 11, 2005 21:34:52 GMT -5
Jay Korff wrote this on April 11, 2005:
I appreciate your Web site because being from the Louisville area and now in my early 50s, I listened to WAKY for many a year and thoroughly enjoyed each and everytime I listened to it. Just to see those names (DJs) again brings back many good memories. I thoroughly enjoyed finding out what everybody's doing who worked at WAKY. You sure did an excellant job researching all this information. It was really enjoyable to read everything. Like I said, it really brings back alot of good memories.
I'm glad to see that Bill is living in Louisville and that he is doing well after his stroke. Please tell Bill that he is still remembered and very much missed.
Thanks again for making this web site. They sure don't make radio stations like WAKY anymore.
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Post by John Quincy on Apr 11, 2005 21:38:22 GMT -5
Bill Amshoff writes this on April 11, 2005:
Great job on your WAKY & WKLO web sites. I really enjoyed seeing them and I will be back.
As I remember, both stations put out albums with local artists on them. I have been wanting to hear some of these songs but I can't find them anywhere. ( Oxfords Rugbies (not sure on the spelling ).
Do you have any idea on where I can get them or could you put them on these web sites with your airchecks?
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Post by John Quincy on Apr 11, 2005 21:50:04 GMT -5
Ben Pflederer writes on April 11, 2005:
It is about time that someone else, particularly from another media recognize the great work you have done on the WAKY & WKLO sites. I am somewhat partial to the WAKY site. It may appear these two sites are as competitive as the 2 stations were in the 60s. You sure are getting the support from those who worked at these fine stations. Yes, it was an honor to work there. "Lin Townsend" (Dennis Day) worked at WKLO in the late 60s around '68 or '69. Pete Boyce remembers him, if Allen Bryan doesn't. He worked the evening shift, if I remember. Please check with Pete for confirmation. He left WKLO for WMAQ in Chicago. I do not know where he is today. I would like to see his name on the Radio WKLO list at least. John, keep it up, You are doing a fantastic job. These sites are the best that I have seen regarding radio stations, old or new in some time. WABC77.com is a good site, but yours beats it. Thank you for everything and really bringing back the memories! Yes, there are some stories that cannot be told, about those times in the Good Ole Days in radio.
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Post by bruiser on Apr 11, 2005 21:54:31 GMT -5
Bill Amshoff writes this on April 11, 2005:Great job on your WAKY & WKLO web sites. I really enjoyed seeing them and I will be back. As I remember, both stations put out albums with local artists on them. I have been wanting to hear some of these songs but I can't find them anywhere. ( Oxfords Rugbies (not sure on the spelling ). Do you have any idea on where I can get them or could you put them on these web sites with your airchecks? The best place I've found to find recordings of the Louisville artists is C's Records in Shively. If Clarence doesn't have it, it's probably not available.
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Post by John Quincy on Apr 11, 2005 21:54:53 GMT -5
Terry Holland writes on April 11, 2005:
This morning's Courier-Journal carried a piece by Tom Dorsey profiling your web site, so you'll probably be getting a lot of email today.
My involvement with the station came about in late 1979 after the election of John Y. Brown Jr. as Kentucky governor. I had created for the campaign a 12-page replica of the Courier-Journal which we called the Campaign-Journal. It carried all the articles and photos we wanted the electorate to see and read. It looked just like the Courier had done it. I coined the word "advertorial" to describe it.
Not long after that I met George Francis, the new WAKY GM, at the wedding of my neighbor who was his traffic manager. He knew of my work and said he thought it could have a similar effect in a ratings campaign. George and Mike McVay, who was his PD, had taken WAKY to a mainstream AC format by then, thinking the station had to grow up just as its audience had.
George wanted to construct a campaign to beat WHAS in the Spring 1980 Book. Nobody ever beat WHAS in this market. Ever. But we did.
George and Mike built the campaign. My part was to write and design a two-page newspaper ad that looked and read exactly like a newspaper article. It was headlined "WAKY: The Wild Kid Grows Up." The subhead read "The crazy kid of the Sixties has become an adult, a solid citizen. Now, you can take him anywhere." The byline read "by Patrick Barry," my son's name. A gonzo-paced article of about fifteen hundred words. Three big photos. And a full week's program clock. I still have a copy of it.
WHAS complained that we bought the book, to which George responded, "Duh. Books are supposed to be bought. It's called business." So, in the fall we did it again.
That time, instead of a newspaper advertorial we produced a sixteen-page, full color tabloid magazine. (I'm looking at a copy of the front page of that one right now, a framed memento from George that hangs over my computer.)
Its masthead was "Good Times" and the front page carried two photos. One was of a hot teen-aged couple schmoozing at the window of a mint-quality '59 Chevy parked outside a malt shop. The girl's in a letter sweater and a poodle skirt. The other photo shows them, the guy and the girl, now grown up, strolling at the Zoo with their four kids. Their oldest is a teen-aged girl who's flirting with a guy as they walk along. The headline for this read: "The Good Times You Grew Up With..." (over the malt shop photo) "...Have Grown Up With You." (over the Zoo shot).
The girl in the poodle skirt was my girlfriend Carol's daughter Jenny. Carol is shown in the bottom photo as the mother of the four kids and the one who's flirting is Jenny again. Jenny strongly resembles Carol which helped pull off the generational deception.
There's a tease banner at the bottom of the front page that says "Good Times Inside: Bill Bailey Laid Back?! See for Yourself. Sunday Night Radio-A Thing of the Past. Star Scene. Dracula is Coming! And More..."
No mention of WAKY on the front page. None. Not anything to suggest that this was a cheap and tawdry commercial production by a radio station. George is entirely due the credit for that brilliant stroke. I thought he was nuts. But he was right. And WHAS had another book to whine about.
That was 25 years ago and if, since then, there has been a more effective blending of positioning, promotion, and seduction by anyone anywhere I haven't heard of it.
George is sort of retired now. He's at his home in Greenville, South Carolina and he's struggling with a puzzling illness. He's been a close and valued friend of mine since we first met. And any chronicle of WAKY should feature his accomplishment of taking 790 AM to the absolute top of the Louisville market. The station was significant and successful before George came along. But he made it #1. He slew Goliath and I'm sitting here smiling now as I think and write about it.
Bought the book, indeed. What a mean thing that was to do. Shame on you, George.
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Post by John Quincy on Apr 11, 2005 21:56:17 GMT -5
Jackie Ennis writes on April 11, 2005:
Reading the story this morning about WAKY in the Courier Journal brought back many good memories. I especially remember the Purple People Eater 24 hour play. I was very sick, and if my memory serves me (it may not) I think it was very hot that day. However, I remember lying in bed and listening to that tune as it played over and over again on a clock radio sitting in the headboard of my mother's "bookcase bed." Thanks for the memory!
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Post by John Quincy on Apr 11, 2005 21:57:51 GMT -5
We received this from Gregor Newland on April 11, 2005:
Cool site! I grew up here in Louisville and although I left for almost 20 years - I was disappointed upon my return to town to discover that WAKY was gone. In 1971 or 1972 I played in a band named "Shea" that won the "WAKY Band Battle" at the Auto Show. If I remember correctly, it took 3 days and maybe 100 bands competed. Do you guys have any old photos or information around this promotion? I'm fairly certain it went on for many years.
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Post by John Quincy on Apr 11, 2005 22:00:18 GMT -5
Stephen Young writes on April 11, 2005:
GREATTTTTT Website. Sure brings back many happy memories. Would you have any photos from WAKY's First Birthday Party that was held at the Indian Trail Shopping Center on Preston Highway? My brother was a member of Chuck Harrod and the Anteaters and they backed up Anita Bryant that day. Also, do you have anything you could put on your site about the "local bands" from the 50s and 60s. John St Clair from the Sultans is my neighbor. I will check with him and see if he has any WAKY memorbilia. Again, thanks. You are making a lot of people very happy.
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Post by chuckywallbanger on Apr 11, 2005 23:32:13 GMT -5
great time enjoying this site. i still have my waky 79 license plate. would love to see more of the haunted housei was a vollenteer acter a couple of times at 4th and st catherine.
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Post by John Quincy on Apr 12, 2005 4:57:04 GMT -5
We received this e-mail on April 11, 2005:
I worked at the "Boss Jock" station from August of 1972 until June of 1976!
I was there as receptionist, then billing clerk, then sales secretary...and also painted a portrait of Lee Masters (or was it Majors...that was a while back) for the reception area.
Johnny "Dude" Walker was the manager of our band: Monkey Meeks and the Colonels era 1973-ish. "Take me To Your Heart". Number 88 in BillBoard and in the toilet the next week...show biz. Monkey is now Gary Meeks and I think he is married to Sherry Edwards now.
I knew Bill Bailey, Johnny Randolph -- do you know about his career as a wrestling announcer? -- Gary Burbank, Coyote Calhoun -- who, to this day remembers me by name, bless his heart -- Reed Yadon, Thomas Shelby " Bob" Watson -- who coined the new weather phrase ' flow snurries' -- Lee Gray, Lee Masters, Mason... Dixon? was it -- and I must tell you, it was the most entertaining and fun job I ever had I couldn't wait to go to work.
I met the stars and the wanna bees. I got 10 jillion records and albums from the record promoters. I still have my "grab me I'm going WAKY" tee shirt and those are my hands on the t-shirt. I knew TG Sheppard when he was just a record pusher named Bill Browder. I got propositioned by THE Don Johnson when he was a short and skinny and heavily sideburned young man... never knowing he would grow into such a hottie! WOOF! Oh well...missed my chance to be his groupie.
There are a jillion stories from that little city...and some wonderful memories. WKRP in Cincinnati...the TV program...was extremely accurate and filled the void after I left the station. But I still miss the good old days when we were forever young and knew the lyrics to every song on the top 40.
I can go on for days and tell some stories...and I was so happily touched when I saw the article about your Web site...what a treat! You are on my Favorites page now...so I can check into my past and remember fondly the good old WAKY days.
Becky (Hall) Willingham Backert Louisville, Ky.
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Post by John Quincy on Apr 12, 2005 4:58:59 GMT -5
Trish Woods send us this on April 12, 2005:
I read about this website in today's paper. I have very much enjoyed reading and listening to the sounds of WAKY tonight. I plan to re-visit whe I have more time.
I grew up here. My sister graduated from Seneca in '68 and I from J-town in '74, so this is a lot of fun for us. This is great!! I think a lot of people in Louisville will love this website. Thanks again!!
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Post by John Quincy on Apr 12, 2005 5:01:06 GMT -5
Bruce Buren sent us this on April 12, 2005:
Great website. Brought back a lot of memories growing up.
I remember trying to be sure to get to the record shop each week to get my free copy of the "Silver Dollar Survey". I also remember putting on "Jumping Jack" Sanders after school & loved his theme song "Scorpion" that he played when he signed off.
Jerry Barr, though he had a short career at WAKY, was great to listen to following up Jack Sanders.
I look forward to seeing more great memories as the site builds.
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Post by John Quincy on Apr 12, 2005 14:31:55 GMT -5
Debbie Young from New Albany, Indiana writes:
I just wanted to say that it's GREAT that WAKY hasn't been forgotten! I grew up in Louisville and listened to WAKY probably from the time the Beatles arrived in the US! I can remember that a big night, once we were old enough to drive, was cruising 4th Street and passing by WAKY and WKLO where you could see in the studio and wave at the DJ!! I graduated from high school in 1972, and am 50 years old. I also once won a small hi-fi record player from WAKY. There was a contest run where you were to send in a postcard with a favorite song on it. I sent in "Happy Together" by the Turtles, and I won the stereo. When my mom and I went to pick it up at the station (I was still too young to drive!), The "Weird Beard" brought it out to the car - wearing a Nehru jacket, I might add!! I was so sad to read of his passing some time ago. For the past several years, I've mostly listened to country music. I don't know if you ever watch CMT, but they do a show called "Crossroads" where country stars pair with stars from other genres and perform together. There was one with John Mellencamp and Kenny Chesney. Mellencamp talked about listening to WAKY out of Louisville even though he grew up in Seymour IN! His point was that on WAKY you might hear Chicago, then Johnny Cash, then Led Zeppelin - there were no boundaries!! Thanks for all your work on this website!
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Post by Max on Apr 12, 2005 15:37:52 GMT -5
In response to Bill Amshoff's request about the albums spotlighting local talent, I got my WAKY album off eBay. It was cut in 1979. The WKLO album I have I had gotten at the quarterly Music Collector's Convention held at the Executive Inn (East). It's not local talent, though. It's just a repackaging of K'tel's Dynamite LP from 1974 and Out of Sight LP from 1975. I haven't run across a local band album, but you might want to start checking out flea markets, eBay, record shows, etc.
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Post by John Quincy on Apr 12, 2005 19:29:47 GMT -5
Steve Carrico writes on April 12:
AWESOME SITE & GREAT IDEA! I have fond memories of WAKY and one specific event in general. I was wondering if you recall the date of this sponsored gig by WAKY. Maybe not as I see you began your love of WAKY in 1970. This happened sometime in '67 or '68. I remember so well because it was my first date, actually puppy love date (not a real one as I was only 12 or 13). Me and a young lady (really young as we were both the same age) walked to the Showcase Cinema's on Bardstown Rd. for what I believe was WAKY's 13th anniversary. It was a "free" showing of "True Grit" -- the movie with John Wayne and Glen Campbell. I recall we were given (By WAKY) a free 45 record of "Where's The Playground Suzie" By Glen C. I think this was in the days of Weird Beard. Very cool memory but I am not sure of the exact date or other key WAKY personnel that were involved. Do you have anything on this event? I also recall a not-so-fond memory of Weird Beard's child drowning in the Crescent Hill reservoir. Are you familiar with this story and details? I just found the site and have not had a chance to drill down to all the details of the site. I am looking forward to reminiscing back in time.
Lastly, I have great memories of listening to Bill Bailey on the school bus in the early '70s on the way to St X High here in Lou. Thanks again and keep the good stuff coming. If you know anything about this 13th anniversary party or these other events, please advise.
Steve Carrico (Lou, KY) St X high school class of '74
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Post by John Quincy on Apr 12, 2005 19:40:01 GMT -5
Kenny Adams writes on April 12, 2005:
Just searched the web and found the WAKY site. Talking about bringing back memories. I have an album of the "Beatles Help" USA version that Rusty Reynolds signed at a sock-hop at Southwestern High School in Hanover, IN around '65 or '66. I know the album just came out and Rusty didn't have a song that the crowd wanted so I went home and brought back the album. I still have it and cherish the memories behind that special night.
I went to the old WAKY studio when it was in a tall building in downtown and not on the 4th Street location.
Those days will never happen again. I can still remember Johnny Randolph, Bill "Duke" Bailey and all the other great jocks that spun the records for the late '60s era.
I also remember WKLO had a British Jock by the name of Ken Douglas. He was at the Beatles Concert in Cincinnati, Ohio on Aug. 20, 1966. I know, because I was there. It was the only concert the Beatles had to cancel and play the next day, Aug. 21, 1966. They then traveled to St. Louis and played that night.
Your web site can only be explained as "Thanks for the Memories."
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Post by John Quincy on Apr 12, 2005 20:14:24 GMT -5
We received this e-mail on April 12, 2005:
Thank you for all the wonderful memories of my childhood. It is so neat to hear stories and see pictures from before I can remember.
My children are getting to see their Pa in his prime and I am learning all kinds of things I probably never would have otherwise. Faith Chapman (The Duke's middle daughter)
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