Rock Radio 50 Years Ago ~ NOVEMBER 1974

 Oldies Rock Radio Brings You Home Again 

November begins the season of nostalgia, thankfulness and sharing. Whether you live with memories or simply seeking wistful magic of the season, there is no doubt you’ll be treated to a Thanksgiving table full of long-ago lyrics and tunes.

Let me get you started on a musical feast from 50 Years Ago this Month …

NOVEMBER 1974 Radio News & Muse ♪ 

While most of us were prepping for family and feasting, some Rockin’ artists were making news rather than roasting a turkey …

November 2^nd:  Who was there? George Harrison struck out on his own in the first North American concert tour by a Beatles member since their final August 29, 1966, event in San Francisco. The Vancouver show held on this date in 1974 included his new best friend, Ravi Shankar, but few Beatles songs, except those written by George.

November 21^st:  Soul-master, Wilson Pickett, with buddies, O'Kelly and Rudolph Isley (members of The Isley Brothers), just wanted to have a little hunting fun in the country, today in 1974. While visiting the tiny town of Andes, New York, at the western edge of the Catskill Mountains, Pickett was arrested when the local law heard he’d (allegedly) fired a bullet that went right through the artists’ hotel room door. Rumor has it, a tad too much alcohol and hot-blues tempers were involved. Luckily, he was too inebriated to hit anyone.

November 28^th: It was generally no big deal when one popular artist joined another on stage at a boisterous ‘70s concert. Though the former Beatles’ Harrison, had just begun his solo tours, this night turned out to be John Lennon’s final concert appearance, as he joined buddy, Elton John, in New York City’s Madison Square Garden. Happy fans were treated to Lennon’s wildly popular, "Whatever Gets You Through the Night," a soulful, "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds," and the prophetic, "I Saw Her Standing There." ♪ … Picture yourself in a boat on a river | With tangerine trees and marmalade skies … ♪   

On Your Tinny Transistor Radio ♪  
Where were you bein’ thankful November 1974? I found Two dynamic, November Rock Radio surveys in the BFYP Collection to remind us of the 1970s’ wild-and-crazy California lifestyle. OK, fine, it’s still wild-and-crazy, but for all the wrong reasons. Back then, even when life was tough, there was always a bouncy song of hope, and life’s distress could be softened, with a soulful tune ♪ … Don't let life get me down | Gonna take it the way that I found it | I got the music in me … ♪    

So what was happening behind the mic and foremost in the music scene? Here’s a sample of what and who you were listening to …

Part of the crazy California reputation likely stemmed from one unique DJ who set the bar for the next couple of generations in radio and television broadcasting. Using radio show syndication before it was a thing, Wolfman Jack reached more listeners with his offbeat, salacious personality than anyone on the airwaves.

This month, his gravelly voice gave KAFY “The Big 55” in Bakersfield, California, something to talk about and swing with, when the November 28, 1974, survey advertised his live show with local DJ, Mark Daniels. Were you listening?

Moving on down the road to SoCal though, it’s the KOLA 99 November 9, 1974, chart in San Bernardino, California, that really caught my eye for collectability. Though now known as KOLA 99.9 FM, back in the day, history suggests “The POP SOUND of So. California” had a lack of consistent format or even on-air personalities.

Their “Now Sounds Plus Oldies” Top 40 survey also proclaims “Solid Music Uninterrupted.” Locals could/can attest to its reach, boasting a transmission tower height (1,663 ft) reportedly rivaling the Empire State Building (1,454 ft). In a comment on RadioDiscussions.com, “In the 70’s and early 80’s KOLA was ‘Jack’* before anyone even thought of the concept. A ‘single voice’ all day long, they played what they wanted and never took requests!” (*Jack-formatted station.) Since then KOLA streamed through the years, adapting to “Oldies” as the decades changed the term, and currently hosts a full roster of on-air personalities. Rock On!

November Song of Note ♪  
Known for his heartfelt, homespun, acoustic guitar tunes, John Denver gives us the perfect title tune to take us through family-oriented November and Thanksgiving. BFYP’s monthly Song of Note was #2 on KOLA/Bakersfield, California’s chart, to bring us “Back Home Again.”

Denver, a New Year’s Eve baby in 1943, began as Henry John Deutschendorf Jr., in Roswell, New Mexico. His early life in small towns like Roswell and Tucson, Arizona, explains a lot about his fondness for nature and contempt for cities. Through a tumultuous life and tragic death in a solo plane flight accident (1997), his legacy of music and love of nature endures.

Whether it’s real life, fantasy, or in spirit with family, friends, or fond memories, enjoy your Holiday “Back Home Again” ♪ … Sometimes this old farm feels like a long-lost friend | Yes 'n' hey, it's good to be back home again … ♪   

November’s Quirky Band Names ♪ 

It’s an age-old conundrum. Sometimes it takes a while to create just the right name for a new baby, a book title, a website domain, or … a band. Such was the case for our November Quirky Band Name Award honoree!

B.T. Express hailed from Brooklyn, New York, and the funk/disco sound they wanted to present to the world was the easy part. The mix of artists and soulful I.D. took a little longer. Reports tell us the inkling of something new splintered from early 1970’s King Davis House Rockers, which soon turned into the Madison Street Express. Still seeking just the right identity, they tried on Brothers Trucking, before finally settling on B.T. Express.

Their first hit, "Do It ('Til You're Satisfied)," confidently climbed the charts to #5, boosted by listeners at KOLA/San Bernardino, California. ♪ … Ooh, go on and do it, do it | Do it 'til you're satisfied | (Whatever it is) … ♪    

NOVEMBER 2024 Music Events & More ♪     

Humble November gives gratitude a home … just like Rock & Roll did for vinyl records about 70 years ago. While the king of music media for many years, there were a few decades when CDs threatened to squash vinyl records forever. Then it was discovered, vinyl still rules quality of sound.

Back in 2007 United Record Pressing, LLC, was floundering and its future vague. The historical vinylrecord manufacturing plant had its ups and downs from the beginning of vinyl records, then hit the CD brick wall. Along came Mark Michaels, looking for a small company to settle into. In the beginning, now CEO & Chairman, he didn’t know what an important, endearing, and fun venture he’d stumbled into. But to quote Mr. Michaels’ fave lyric: “Without love in the dream it will never come true.” (Help On The Way, Grateful Dead).

If you haven’t seen it yet, a recent Associated Press article tells us the United Record Pressing story, and touted vinyl records’ endurance and new growth … “In 2023, U.S. revenues from vinyl records grew 10% to $1.4 billion, the 17th-straight year of growth, according to the Recording Industry Association of America. Records accounted for 71% of revenues from non-digital music formats, and for the second time since 1987, vinyl outpaced CDs in total sold.” (October 29, 2024, Vinyl thrives at United Record Pressing as the nation’s oldest record maker plays a familiar tune.) Thank you. Now celebrate …

Wednesday ~ November 27^th: Put on your dancin’ shoes, it’s National Jukebox Day! We don’t know who established this day, but I love it! And if you click the link, you’ll find out who I think should become its sponsor, as he truly loves and restores vintage Jukeboxes. (And no, I don’t know John Papa, and have had no contact nor promotional payment from him.)

Though National Jukebox Day is a timely, nostalgic celebration the day before Thanksgiving, why not just keep the Oldies comin’ through the weekend. There’s bound to be some Rockin’ tune in your musical mix that will resonate with your Holiday spirit and nostalgic mood. Don’t have an Oldies playlist? No worries. AccuRadio is a fave of mine, with all the new and classic songs you love … (No, they don’t pay me to say that either. Sigh.)

Thursday ~ November 28^th: Much to the chagrin of the poor turkey, it’s Thanksgiving Day! Always an excellent Holiday for old tunes and sentimental memories. Oh … and great food! Over the years, I’ve sporadically spent this day alone, away from family. That didn’t stop me from cooking myself a turkey with all the trimmings, while I reminisced over past years of happy gatherings. And music is a big part of the memories. Enjoy.

BFYP Featured Radio Survey ♪♪

NOVEMBER 9, 1974 ~ KOLA/San Bernardino, California. Unique about this survey, is tunes listed from #31 to #40 on their “Top 40” are “Bubbling Under” and on their way up, or never make it to the solid Top 30. And who remembers Dr. Demento?! He was the late-night entertainment in San Bernardino. That’s the ‘70s … “mad music and crazy comedy.” … 50 Years Ago this Month in Rock & Roll Radio! Where were you that groovy day when your radio played … 

Let’s Celebrate a Fun, Grateful Thanksgiving NOVEMBER 1974 … Rock On!  

BFYP Book 1 (1954-1959) on Amazon         
BFYP Book 2 (Swinging ‘60s) on Amazon 
Blast from Your Past Gifts 
Share your Golden Oldies R&R fun on “X”/Twitter: @BlastFromPastBk 

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LinDee Rochelle is a writer and editor by trade, and author by way of Rock & Roll. Two books (of three planned) are published in her Blast from Your Past^TM series, available on Amazon: Book 1 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The First Five Years 1954-1959^TM (eBook only; coming soon in updated print edition) and Book 2 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The Swinging Sixties^TM (eBook & print). Coming soon-ish … Book 3 – The Psychedelic Seventies!^TM 

Note: FYI – All links in the BFYP site are personally visited, verified, and vetted. Most are linked to commonly accessed sites of reputable note. Occasionally, since I often feature real people and/or singular sources there may be an unsecured link. As with everything cyber-security, use at your own discretion and risk. This site is wholly owned by LinDee Rochelle & sponsored by PenchantForPenning.com^TM. No compensation is received for any mentions of businesses, products, or other commercial interests. *All holiday and special event days are found at Brownielocks.com’s calendar site. Enjoy! 

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Rock Radio NOVEMBER 1972 Believing in Music

Gratitude for You ... Do You Believe in Music? I Do.

Well, here we are, like it or not—smack-dab—swingin’ in the middle of the Holiday Season. A time for believing in faith, family, self ... and music!

November’s Thanksgiving is a poignant reminder that gratitude is not always easily given, and often difficult to accept. So let me just say ... THANK YOU ... for stopping by, and I humbly hope you enjoy your stay.

November 1972’s Rock Radio music mania starts and ends with gratitude for the music that will never die, and the pioneering DJs who brought it to us through our tinny transistor radios. There’s still a little more info and some polish needed on this month, but we can get Rockin’ now ... 50 Years Ago this Month ...

♪ Then & Now Rockin’ News & Views 

Remember when concert tickets were $3.00?! No? Well, I’m not blowin’ smoke, darlin’. It’s true. And we have the KROQ/Los Angeles, November 12-18, 1972, radio chart ad to prove it!
       The November 25^th L.A. Coliseum concert ad on the back cover of “L.A.’s Hot ROQ” boasted an all-star lineup: Stevie Wonder, the Raspberries, Sly and the Family Stone, Chuck Berry, Bee Gees, Eagles and Marjoe—all for three bucks. Sigh. Those were the days.

> NOVEMBER 1972 Rockin’ News Then …
Robin and Maurice Gibbs of the Bee Gees joined the crazy ROQ dudes for a cover pic with the newly arrived Charlie Tuna (aka Arthur W. Ferguson). Why “Tuna” you ask? Why not Shark or Swordfish?
       Like radio stations and DJs were wont to do, it’s all in the name of the game. When he began a 1966 gig at KOMA radio in Oklahoma City, Arthur hadn’t yet found his name niche. KOMA’s DJ Chuck Riley created the name and used it only once, a week before Arthur’s arrival. Waste not, want not!
       Taking advantage of “Charlie the Tuna’s” Star-Kist fame, “Charlie Tuna” was spawned and Arthur never swam back. (Sorry, couldn’t resist those fishy puns!) The name change served him well, with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star (January 1990) and more accolades than fish in the sea!

> ♪ On Your Tinny Transistor Radio   

 “I Can See Clearly Now,” by Johnny Nash hit #1 a week apart on both KROQ/L.A. (November 12^th) and KIMN/Denver (November 18^th). They were a tad ahead of Chicago where it hadn’t quite hit the top ten, at #12, November 4^th at WCFL. Its Reggae-Soul-Pop sound resonated with music lovers, as did Nash’s “Stir It Up,” following close on its heels.
       Ever wonder what top songs the Brits were listening to? WCFL/Chicago’s November 11, 1972 chart lists “England’s Top 10,” starting appropriately for Thanksgiving month, with #1: “Mouldy Old Dough” by Lieutenant Pigeon. (Seriously.) The “Pub rock” instrumental struts a fun back story.
       I’ve said it before and it bears repeating ... our current decade is an eerie reflection of the 1970s ... rebellion, global turmoil, with an underlying dose of love. And it’s all reflected in the music ... and our ...

Monthly Song of Note ♪
After seeing a headline portending winter weather wearies, I toyed with climate tunes like Albert Hammond’s “It Never Rains in Southern California,” and another weathered wonder, “Summer Breeze” by Seals & Croft. But this month’s Song of Note ♪ is just that ... “I Believe in Music“ by short-lived band, Gallery.
        ♪ As long as I’m makin’ my music | ain’t gonna do nobody no harm ... I, I believe in music | Oh, oh, I, I believe in love ... ♪
      Written by the venerable Mac Davis a couple of years earlier, he didn’t originally make much of a splash with it. But Gallery gave the song wings, hitting this month’s KROQ/L.A. survey at #5. It eventually became Mac’s signature song, because ... well because that’s how he feels! (You too?)

Quirky Band Names 

Plucked from the NOVEMBER 1972 charts ... something a little different this month. November, in all its harvest and Thanksgiving glory, is all about food and our gratitude for the loving hands that provide it. So let’s feature foody band names!
       We saw them earlier in the year, but they’re still makin’ music. Savor the scent and lick your lips for ...
       Bread (pumpkin bread) / (Chuck) Berry (spiced cranberry sauce) / the Raspberries (raspberry-apple pie) / The Main Ingredient (sweet & smokey turkey). There ya go – recipes for half of your Thanksgiving dinner. Don’t forget to set up a stack of oldies on your vintage phonograph and enjoy!

NOVEMBER 2022 Rockin’ News Now …
This month, we give thanks to what was, what is, and what could be.

November 23^rd: The calendars note National Jukebox Day but without a hosting link. Well, as a site dedicated to Oldies music, that just won’t do. From the 1940s through at least the 1980s, vinyl records still filled the popular music machines in nearly every bar and diner in America. When the digital revolution took over, did they go away? Heck no! Smart jukebox manufacturers simply updated their technology and the music kept playing ... ♪ put another dime in the jukebox, baby  ♪ ... if only they were still a dime!
       Curious about the once-ubiquitous record machine? A fun, go-to history of the jukebox. Ready to buy a bona fide vintage jukebox or collectible replica? There ya go ... Rock On!

November 24^th: Of course, it’s Thanksgiving! And we have just the radio chart for your dinner table conversation. Nostalgia and gratitude go hand-in-hand this time of year. Get them chatting about the good ol’ days ... “KIMN gives Denver the bird,” with a tasty turkey on its back cover, telling fans to “Tune-in for ‘fowl’ details”! 50 Years Ago this Month ... and follow it up with inclusive plans for all in the New Year. Happy Thanksgiving!

♪ BFYP Featured Radio Survey 
NOVEMBER 12, 1972 ~ KROQ/Los Angeles, California, made a big deal of welcoming Charlie Tuna to its popular disk jockey staff, complete with Bee Gees brothers, Robin and Maurice, to push their bubbling under tunes, “Paper Mache” and “Alive,” up the chart ladder ♪ … 50 Years Ago this Month in Rock & Roll Radio! Where were you that groovy day when your radio played … 

Let’s Celebrate NOVEMBER 1972 and … Rock On!  ♪  

BFYP Book 1 (1954-1959) on Amazon
BFYP Book 2 (Swinging ‘60s) on Amazon 
Blast from Your Past Gifts 
Share your Oldies R&R fun on Twitter: @BlastFromPastBk  

LinDee Rochelle is a writer and editor by trade, and author by way of Rock & Roll. Two books (of three) are published in her Blast from Your Past series, available on Amazon (eBook and print): Book 1 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The First Five Years 1954-1959; and Book 2 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The Swinging Sixties. Coming soon … The Psychedelic Seventies!

Note: FYI – All links in the BFYP site are personally visited, verified, and vetted. Most are linked to commonly accessed sites of reputable note. Occasionally, since I often feature real people and/or singular sources there may be an unsecured link. As with everything cyber-security, use at your own discretion and risk. No compensation is received for any mentions of businesses, products, or other commercial interests. *All holiday and special event days are found at Brownielocks.com’s calendar site. Enjoy! 

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