Rock Radio 50 Years Ago ~ JANUARY 1975

Rockin’ the New Year in a Sky Full of Diamonds  

I wish! But like many lyricists, we can take poetic license and turn the night-sky stars into sparkling diamonds to begin 2025 with musical magic.

Welcome to another 50 Years Ago this Month series behind the mic, with Rock Radio DJs and the music they helped make great in “the good ol’ days”! Hopefully, you’ll forgive me for being late with this article—again. After all, it’s tough to concentrate on writing when everyone around is partying! But before we get into it, a word from our sponsor … well, from me …

This is your official “AI” notice for the New Year: The Blast from Your Past site has never and will never (knowingly) be written or assisted, by Artificial Intelligence. It’s just stupid ol’ “I” and I enjoy writing these articles. They soothe my soul. So why would I hand that indulgence over to an artificial, soulless entity that can’t feel pleasure?!

That said, let’s Rock On, into 1975 … 50 Years Ago this Month … 

º JANUARY 1975 Radio News & Muse ♪ 

While Watergate convictions rolled on and Wheel of Fortune debuted on NBC, January 1975 music began to shift toward the right with more Heavy Metal music. We watched the left bounce around to Disco coming up to its peak, and Pop music kept us middlin’ around in relative sanity.

We’re still relaxing in Hawai’i with the January KPOI radio survey, after December’s Holiday frenzy, and find that not much has yet changed in the Top Ten. Even Wolfman Jack is again on the cover! This time in festive spirits to Rock you into the New Year …

January 1: Pioneering Rock Radio DJ, Joey Reynolds, is one of the most recognized East Coast personalities in the biz. He is also one of the most controversial, who, at WKBW/Buffalo, New York, famously rejected the idea of sponsoring The Beatles in their first US concert (1964), the night after their famed Ed Sullivan Show debut. But on this day in 1975, KQV/Pittsburgh hired Joey as program director.

       Um, that didn’t go so well either. He apparently dumped the Top 40 format to broadcast a skewed mix of jumbled music played by irreverent DJs, with inane advertising jingles sprinkled between DJ stunts. Not unexpectedly, Joey was fired by May and later in the year, KQV gave up music altogether, switching to 24-hour news. As we well know, though, Joey is a resilient kinda guy and truly a much-admired broadcaster. You can read a brief story of his 1960s rise behind the mic, in Blast from Your Past’s Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The Swinging Sixties.  [Image: Joey, Bill Gardner & Shotgun Tom Kelly. Three of my fave DJs at a fairly recent CES show in Las Vegas.]

January 6^th: Were you there when the hottest concert ticket in Boston by a band not even on the charts, caused a riot? ‘Tis true—a thousand or so fans got antsy while waiting to buy Led Zeppelin tickets in Boston Garden’s lobby. As usual, rioters’ angry stupidity came at a cost for all Boston fans, when the mayor cancelled the concert.

January 8^th: New York’s Madison Square Garden took advantage of Zeppelin’s canceled tour and booked them for this day—the tickets sold out in a then-record of four hours. The notoriety got “Stairway to Heaven” back on the bottom of San Francisco’s KCBQ January 20^th radio chart for a week.

January 31^st: It didn’t take long for Barry Manilow’s now-iconic love song, “Mandy” to go gold. It debuted on KPOI’s January 3, 1975, chart at #26 and became his first gold single three weeks later. Do you know it started out as a #1 hit on UK Pop charts in 1972, then known as “Brandy,” by Scott English (written by English and Richard Kerr)? With a little arrangement revision and title change, Manilow made it his own and a hit is reborn.

♪ On Your Tinny Transistor Radio ♪  
Where were you bein’ fun and feisty in the New Year 1975? L.A., New York, Hawai’i? Here’s a sample of what and who you were listening to …

“Laughter in the Rain” by Neil Sedaka hit the #1 spot for KHJ/Los Angeles on their January 7^th chart. What was the other side of the country voting to the top? Fighting to keep its #1 status the first week of January, with New York listeners at WABC, is Carl Douglas’s “Kung Fu Fighting.”

But we’re still in Hawai’i for this month, listening to KPOI and asking, “When Will I See You Again”? Sparkly trio, The Three Degrees, finally grabbed the #1 spot on January 3^rd’s “Records of Hawaii” chart. 

KPOI listeners were mainly content with up-and-comers released back in the Fall of 1974, jockeying their faves up the ranks. The Top Ten didn’t change much, with the top tunes hanging on by the edge of their claws, just in a little different order.

And we’re still swayin’ with the palm trees, in sync with Wolfman Jack! He rang in the New Year with a festive cover for KPOI, party hat and all! 

January’s top three tunes, basically shuffled around from December’s chart list (previous chart #s in parentheses): #1) “When Will I See You Again” (3); #2) “Please Mr. Postman” (5); and #3) “Kung Fu Fighting” (1).  

♪ January ’75 Song of Note ♪   
Up for consideration was KPOI’s #5 tune, “Laughter in the Rain” by Neil Sedaka, for its pure happiness shining through the clouds and stormy weather. But looking for something even more fantastically hopeful to start the New Year, January’s Song of Note is … 

       In the beginning of a New Year when anything is possible, can’t you just visualize a trip with “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” (Elton John). Released in November ‘74, it made steady progress up the chart, settling the first week of January at #11 before skipping into the Top Ten.   
       A Lennon/McCartney tune from 1967, it was inspired by Lennon’s son, Julian’s, nursery school drawing for a classmate. Lennon gave a poetic nod to Lewis Carroll’s literary style (Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass) for his creative lyrics.
       Some of you may have noticed the initialized reference of the title to the hallucinogenic drug, LSD. Personally, I had never visualized that allusion, but some people will find an intentional or unintentional double meaning in just about everything. Lennon was appalled and firmly denied that “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” is an acid song. Do you believe him? Jus’ askin’ … 
       Elton John’s version certified Gold on January 29^th, but Elton would rarely-if-ever sing it in a concert after Lennon’s death. Its connection to Lennon was simply too personal. ♪ … Picture yourself in a boat on a river | With tangerine trees and marmalade skies … ♪    

♪ Quirky Band Name Award ♪
As promised in December, I simply could not pass by this farcical opportunity for the quirkiest band name we’ve had in a while … Disco Tex & the Sex-o-Lettes … fronted by a colorful character with dancing babes, wins our first 2025 Quirky Band Name Award.

       In spite of their sexist name—not an oddity in the day—the group from the Bronx was serious about making a name for themselves in the burgeoning Disco era. Bubbling under on KPOI’s “New Music” list, their first hit, “Get Dancin’,” cashed in on the dance craze’s high energy fervor. It stalled at #21 over the next few weeks, followed in April with release of hit number two, "I Wanna Dance Wit' Choo (Doo Dat Dance)," both becoming Disco anthems—even scoring frontman, Monti Rock III (born Joseph Montanez, Jr.) a gig as DJ in the iconic movie, Saturday Night Fever (1977).  
       Despite over-the-top theatrics, and marginal singing talent, Disco Tex & the Sex-o-Lettes’ tunes were bona fide early Disco hits, riding a high that took them through the best of it. But things were sketchy with the group through 1982 when they permanently disbanded. As of last reports, frontman, Rock, is still performing at 82 years young.  

♪ JANUARY 2025 Music Events & More ♪    

Monday ~ January 20^th: Today’s National Disc Jockey Day, and though the official sponsor is noted as Wikipedia, without Radio and the pioneering Rock Radio Disc Jockeys behind the mic, this monthly odyssey wouldn’t exist!  
       An assigned article about Rock & Roll memorabilia inspired two books (a third coming eventually) and this monthly sojourn into Oldies Rock Radio with its dynamic on-air personalities. I am especially appreciative of Disc Jockeys and their contributions to my life “back in the day” (I was a frequent winner of station giveaways!) and current lifestyle of music and fun. 
       Interviewing more than forty DJs for my books was not only essential, but extremely entertaining. Cousin Brucie/NY, Shotgun Tom Kelly/SoCal (who just published his own book), Ron Riley/Chicago, and my fave DJ friend, Bill Gardner/Philly+, all gave me the lowdown and high points of

their lives behind the mic (1950s-1970s). In January 1975, Bill wowed his KVIL/Dallas, Texas, listeners, and the station’s billboard advertising reflects the flamboyant flavor of the ‘70s!
       Largely overlooked and underrated in today’s podcast/iTunes/playlists era, DJs still deserve our love. As one calendar’s historical commentary notes, “On this day, we celebrate the talents of all the disc jockeys, from those playing the ‘Chicken Dance’ for the millionth time at a wedding to the radio personalities who help you get through the morning commute.” 

Tuesday ~ January 21^st: And on this date every year, at BFYP we commemorate Wolfman Jack’s birthday! After all, those books I talk about are dedicated to the “Original Rock ‘n’ Roll Animal.” Not only an entertainer, Wolfman Jack (Robert Weston Smith, 1938-1995) was also a consummate marketer, popularizing and selling his syndicated shows at a time when DJs just didn’t do that. Do you recall his memorable performance in the American Graffiti movie? If you want an evening of pure entertainment, buy/rent/view the film. It’s still a hoot! (Image: Wolfman Jack & San Diego’s own celeb DJ, Shotgun Tom Kelly!) 

Tuesday ~ January 28^th: Okay, granted, I stretch a tad seeking relevant music-related blurbs, but seriously, it’s National Kazoo Day! And yes, Kazoos are maybe not popular in Rock tunes, but it has been used—the Beatles turned to it now and again—like McCartney in “Uncle Albert” and Ringo in “You’re Sixteen.” The simple little instrument has been accompanying musical knee-slapping and harmony humming since its patent by Warren Herbert Frost on January 9, 1883. So why celebrate on January 28^th? For no particular reason, says its sponsoring site.

♪♪ BFYP Featured Radio Survey ♪♪  
JANUARY 3, 1975 ~ KPOI/Honolulu, Hawai’i. Wolfman Jack just couldn’t resist having fun for the 1^st, in full party hat and horn regalia on the survey’s cover. One can’t help but wonder … did KPOI keep its New Year resolution to make winners of more than 10,000 listeners in 1975?! … 50 Years Ago this Month in Rock & Roll Radio! Where were you that groovy day when your radio played … 

Let’s Celebrate JANUARY & a Happy New Year 1975 … 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”: @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! 
            01/01/25: The Blast from Your Past site has never and will never (knowingly) be written or assisted, by Artificial Intelligence. It’s just stupid ol’ “I” and I enjoy writing these articles. They soothe my soul. So why would I hand that indulgence over to an artificial, soulless entity that can’t feel pleasure?!

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Rock Radio 50 Years Ago ~ AUGUST 1974

It’s a Beachin’ Summer of ‘74 at BFYP!   

Oh, do I have a mid-summer’s dream article for you! Grab a brew or your other fave libation, kick back, and enjoy the read. It’s gonna be a long but most excellent adventure! 

With three fun Rock Radio music charts vying for the coveted Featured Radio Survey spot, we shan’t be lacking for a cool mountain of memories to help stave off our summer sweat. One of those charts grabbed the spotlight for this gal’s hometown San Diego connection. Oh yeah, it’s gonna be fun. Let’s get Rockin’ 50 Years Ago this Month … 

AUGUST 1974 Radio News & Muse ♪ 

Back then, and to a large degree even now, long hair on guys equates to a rebel … but today there are many more varying degrees of rebelliousness and its intent. In music of any era though, rebel is good! And when it came to playing the maverick music for listeners of the 1970s’ Rebel Rock Radio, our own BFYP DJ Shotgun Tom Kelly had the hair—and the ATTitude—for it! 

Though it pains me to admit I don’t have BFYP Book 3—Psychedelic Seventies—finished yet, Shotgun, who I interviewed for inclusion, was a vibrant part of San Diego’s AUGUST 1974 music radio scene, of which KCBQ played a vital role. Scroll down for a BIG surprise that will tune you in to his 1970s life behind the mic & more! In the meantime, check out the flowing mane on this guy ...  

And I have a not-so-secret source of rebel gossip from back in the day … our DJ Extraordinaire, Bill Gardner, featured in July’s BFYP article continues his story of the Bill-and-Shotgun’s most excellent adventure to NYC for Bill’s Billboard Award.

“We hit not only New York,” Bill revealed, “but several East Coast cities that trip, including my hometown, Philly. Shotgun actually 'shared a doobie' with my FATHER in their staid suburban home! 

“Andre [Bill’s younger bro also in radio—see below!] and I will never forget it, and always laugh about it to this day. We also visited Washington DC. Shotgun brought his video camera and was recording many things, among them of course, the White House and when security approached us, they told him he wasn't allowed to record the White House on videotape [the only means of recording back in the day] and asked us to leave 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue! I think it's because we both had long hair back then.” Hmmmm, like I said—rebels. 

Bill spilled more beans, “We also visited Toronto and when I asked him to PLEASE pack my extra six bottles of Labatt's Blue beer in his suitcase for our return flight over the border, to head back to San Diego, he was very nervous. But I'd run out of room! I reassured him everything would be fine ... don't worry! When we got back, several of the bottles had broken in his suitcase via the airline's rugged luggage compartment, and all his clothes were soaked in it and smelled like BEER!”

Like that was a problem in 1970s San Diego? LOL Yup, August 1974 was a hairy time for San Diego’s favorite DJ! Bill snapped this photo as Shotgun slumbered at a NYC friend’s place. 

More fun with Shotgun below, On Your Tinny Transistor Radio … 

August 10^th: The era of glam rock and all things to excess, was a perfect backdrop for the hot, steamy, Summer August Jam at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina. Dubbed “Carolina’s Woodstock,” it drew more than double the expected attendance, weighing in at 200-300,000 music lovers jammin’ over the weekend. Like Woodstock, the organizers weren’t prepared for unruly patrons and weather, which eerily imitated Woodstock’s muddy quagmire. Hearty entertainers included The Allman Brothers, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, and The Marshall Tucker Band. A fitting five-year anniversary tribute to Woodstock; and of course, it was sponsored by local radio powerhouse stations of 1974, WAYS and WROQ. 

August 16^th: Arguably credited with starting the punk rock era, it was today, The Ramones debuted their unique style and resonance—a simple but effective three-chord sound—at the infamous CBGB’s in New York City. They had so much fun, they continued concerts with rare breaks for twenty-two years. Sadly, all four original members jammed up to music heaven in early-to-mid 2000s. You may know “The Blitzkrieg Bop!” their first single release, February 1976. 

August 23^rd: Was John Lennon your fave Beatle? Then you likely know that on this date in 1974, he and then-girlfriend, May Pang (while on a Yoko break), in all their all-togethers, saw a UFO over the New York City skyline. Kinda makes ya wonder what “mothers’ little helper” they were enjoying at the time. Seriously though, they were serious. So much so, that Lennon started a song that Yoko finished for posthumous release in 1984, “Nobody Told Me.” Apparently around 400 sightings were recorded from other New Yorkers that night, in various stages of attire. ♪ … Everybody’s smoking and no one’s getting high | Everybody’s flying and never touch the sky | There’s a UFO over New York and I ain’t too surprised … ♪   

On Your Tinny Transistor Radio ♪  

Where were you sweating up a storm and listening to cool radio stations in August 1974? We go West this month for an odd line-up of decidedly not Top 40 Tunes. Making our way from the hot red dirt of Pueblo, Colorado, we head to heat-stricken Bakersfield, California, before hitting the cool waves of San Diego. Here’s a sample of what and who we were listening to …  

These radio stations marched to their own drumbeat in their list of popular tunes, with KAFY and KCBQ giving us their Top 26, and KDZA stretching the musical spectrum with a belligerent list of Top Forty-Two. Perhaps the Summer sun got to them as all three of these cities in the West were a little slower in picking up on new August top tunes. Their surveys, at least for their Top Ten, mimic our JULY’S WOKY/Milwaukee Top 30. The East is always a bit pushy.  

So, having explored much of August's Top Ten in July, our August Monthly Song of Note and Quirky Band Name contenders are taken from the surveys’ bottom of notable songs, as they begin scrambling up the ladder. 

Were you hanging out in the Rocky Mountain city of Pueblo, Colorado, 50 Years Ago? Strolling through the Steel City’s streets and visiting its many historic museums, you flipped the dial on your tinny transistor radio to KDZA. Wolfman Jack’s* tribute tune, “Clap for the Wolfman” by the Guess Who, jumped up 7 rungs to #10 on their “Pueblo’s Rock 1230” survey #317 for 08/09-08/15/1974. No wonder they aired his syndicated show to stir up their listeners on Saturday nights. What was #1? Going into its third week, Paper Lace’s “The Night Chicago Died.” *The BFYP series is dedicated to Wolfman Jack. Check out his early years, here.

Let’s head over to the left coast where DJ Chris Conner graces the cover of KAFY/Bakersfield; a small market station that had an historic effect on the DJs who began careers there. Some, however, like Chris, made Bakersfield home early in his radio days, and never left. He became the “voice of Bakersfield radio” for decades. Chris passed away at 70 in 2017, while still sharing the hits as a beloved DJ since 1977 at Bakersfield’s KUZZ (originally KAFY). News Director, Mark Howell, remembered Chris as “an old school, high energy radio personality on air and a great guy off mic” … Chris brought you the hits at KAFY when Paul Anka’s “(You’re) Having My Baby” was in its second week at #1; Anka hadn’t had a chart-topper since “Lonely Boy” (1959). 

So we hit the sand in San Diego next, and what a Summer treat! Who remembers the ubiquitous italic typeface of the IBM Selectric typewriter? It’s instantly recognizable in KCBQ’s list of Top 26 hits. Oh—and another now-famous DJ face on the “Q Hits” survey?—San Diego’s very hairy Shotgun Tom Kelly! 

Shotgun Tom just couldn't get enough of San Diego. With most of his career at one San Diego radio station or other, he’s been our “resident DJ” for most of the past fifty years. Radio was a mere steppingstone to a myriad of fantastic achievements in Radio and TV that led Tom to a prestigious star on the celebrated Hollywood Walk of Fame (2013). Corner of Hollywood & LaBrea if you’d like to see it.  Have a quick read with Shotgun’s excerpt from BFYP Book 2: The Swinging Sixties! And “Shotz” just released his own book of memoirs! Pick up a copy of his NEW book, All I Wanna Do Is Play the Hits! Enjoy the memories with him!

Like KDZA, “The Night Chicago Died” was still hanging around at #1 for KCBQ listeners, “Compiled by ‘Q’ – Based on YOU!” Beginning to slip behind the waves, “Sundown” was down from #6 to #10.

If you’re in a hurry to find out which radio station made the Featured Radio Survey page, scroll down … or ... you’ll have more fun if you just keep reading ‘til ya get there. 

Monthly Song of Note ♪ 
I found it! Another Summer song we can cruise the main with and like last month’s “Wild Thing” it’s great for warbling off-key at the top of our lungs. “Beach Baby” by British band The First Class, entered KDZA/Pueblo, Colorado’s “Top 42” at #39 this month. Though it never passed the top twenty with Pueblo fans, it crawled slowly up to the Top Ten lists in California for San Diegans by late September and Bakersfield listeners by mid-October.  

The bouncy bubble-gum tune written by The First Class organizer, John Carter and wife, Gillian (Jill) Shakespeare, was this band’s sole solid hit—however, Carter (born John Nicholas Shakespeare) is a prolific and multi-faceted creator of many musical works and tuneful entities. One of his many outlets, The First Class was an odd little band that used “front men” and session players for their recorded music, but a mishmash of other musicians to tour as The First Class. Alrighty.  

Though sketchy in some radio markets, like KDZA, “Beach Baby” nearly didn’t get heard at all. At the time of its production, the UK was suffering an energy crisis and frowned upon using electricity for anything other than basic human necessities. To do so could have resulted in a fine or worse. But Carter was convinced “Beach Baby” was a hit and persuaded top-notch record producer, Jonathan King, to hear a master demo tape. As Wiki quotes Kasey Casem’s American Top 40, “He [King] invited the artist to come in, and, in a room lit only by candles, keeping the volume turned way down, he listened to that tape, and he knew he'd bought a hit song.” ♪ … Beach baby, beach baby, give me your hand | Give me somethin' that I can remember | Just like before, we can walk by the shore in the moonlight … ♪   

Quirky Band Name Award ♪  

A growing presence since 1964, Kool & the Gang from Jersey City, New Jersey, didn’t really catch on until 1973 w/”Jungle Boogie” & “Hollywood Swinging,” the latter hitting California stations’ charts at #19 KCBQ, and #26 for KAFY in August 1974. We’re not privy to know what group name(s) the ten-man team began with, but by 1969 the versatile band, led by brothers, Robert "Kool" Bell and Ronald Bell aka "Khalis Bayyan," had become Kool & the Gang. Their ample musical repertoire includes jazz, rhythm and blues, soul, funk, disco, rock, and pop music. Even with some tough member losses, the groovy band is still performing and in April this year (2024) became inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.*  

Who else caught our eye on the August 1974 surveys to vie for Quirky Band Name Award? 

Do you have time to remember the good Tymes? While the Tymes is memorable for several chart-toppers in their long career in Philadelphia (since 1956 as the Latineers—the only hint of a name history), “You Little Trustmaker” wasn’t one of them. It did, however, catch the bottom rung of KDZA/Pueblo, Colorado, at #36. It also gave them recognition for their better known, “Ms Grace” that came along the following year. It was the group’s earlier top tune, though, “So Much in Love” (1963) that garnered a spot in the 2001 Songs of the Century list (#215 of 365). And by 2005, Tymes was invited into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.

And a drum roll, please … which of these admiral bands grabbed the Quirky Band Name Award? It was a tough call, but for pure versatility and still-current popularity, I chose Kool & the Gang. *Interestingly, their wildly popular tune, “Celebration” (1980) came in at #214 of the 2001 Songs of the Century list.

AUGUST 2024 Music Events & More ♪    

BIG Blast from your Past DJ NEWS! 
Our DJ Extraordinaire, Bill Gardner, blasted the news on his website recently that he’s retiring from flying—his enjoyable “side job” to radio. Flying not only provided transportation as he flitted from station to station, spreading his golden voice across the country over five decades, but created an off-air “professional” job in-between the love-of-his-life radio gigs. While it was always a second love throughout his esteemed radio career, flying less will give him more time to devote to Rock Radio Memories on his site. He updates it every week … go now and enjoy! 

Another “grounding” love in life for Bill, is family. He also announced the recent prestigious award presented to his “little brother,” also with a big radio presence. “Congratulations to my amazing talented brother Andre Gardner!  The Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia just named Andre a 2024 Hall of Fame Honoree!” Andre has graced the airwaves of Philadelphia at WMGK-FM for 22 years of his 47 in radio! And he says he owes it all to his Big Bro, Bill. Awesome. 

CONGRATS to you both for long and distinguished careers. You can read about Bill’s early radio life in BFYP Book 2 (The Swinging Sixties), available on Amazon. And I swear, Andre, yours and brother Al Gardner’s, true tales behind the mic, are coming up (sigh, eventually) in Book 3, Psychedelic Seventies. While life has gotten in the way of my career-love, writing, after an interminable hiatus I am back working on Book 3.  

August 9^th – 17^th: Like every year at this time, Graceland—the palatial grounds of Elvis Presley’s home—is celebrating Elvis Week! Not only can you visit and enjoy everything Elvis, but there’s a special opportunity for virtual access to the festivities. Through the miracle of technology, online participants can have online front row seats without even being there! Schedule & pricing. Check out Elvis: Return to Vegas Show on August 16^th, featuring Elvis on the big screen accompanied by a live band … so cool. 

August 17th: We're Rockin' on for Baby Boomers' Recognition Day! Well darn, there is no longer a viable sponsor link for this auspicious day—but you know too, our Sis site, 39 and Holding Club celebrates Boomers every month! We’re more than happy to share even more recognition for those who remember the “Good ol’ Days,” to spice up the dog days of Summer! You may recall this special day used to be celebrated in June, but now jams and jiggles in August for more celebration with Woodstock Festival memories (August 15-18, 1969)! I hesitate to assume, but it’s likely not ALL Baby Boomers loved Rock & Roll—just the zaniest, hippest, and most fun ones! LOL  

BFYP Featured Radio Survey ♪♪  
AUGUST 16, 1974 ~ KCBQ/San Diego, California, where the surf’s up and long hair is “in” no matter what decade or music is making waves. In August 1974 Shotgun Tom Kelly ruled the airwaves on KCBQ, playing all the hot tunes of Summer listed in the “Q Hits.” We were feelin’ salacious and steamy with Roberta Flack’s “Feel Like Makin’ Love” (#5) and “Tell Me Something Good” (Rufus) at #7. Clear time in your day to check out … 50 Years Ago this Month in Rock & Roll Radio! Where were you that groovy day when your radio played … 

Let’s Celebrate AUGUST 1974 ~ And … 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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