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 JUNE 1973 Summer of Steamy Hits

Summer Love Holds the Other Key to Me    

We’re rolling into summer, lovin’ the music, sprinkled with a spirit of nostalgic adventure! Not only will we take you back to June 1973, we’re sharing 2023’s San Diego County Fair full of nostalgic music fun, and below that, you’ll find a lineup link to similar summer festivals across the country.

First, on the virtual Internet streets, word has it, June is National DJ Month! Sponsored by Music Talkers, they couldn’t have said it better, “Whether broadcasting to listeners on the radio, engaging TV audiences or just setting the mood of a party, wedding reception, or any a special occasion, the DJ is an essential part of our culture.”

So true—from decade to decade, radio for instance, has reinvented itself to remain relevant, with help from the disk jockeys who refuse to believe their listeners don’t need them. We do. Locally and globally.

So, together with our respective DJs, here we are in June 2023, Rocking back to the Summer of 1973 with fond memories of now-iconic tunes, like George Harrison’s “Give Me Love,” and “Thinking of You” (Loggins & Messina). No doubt about it, Summer Love holds a special place in the hearts of teens in every generation. The world feels brighter, hearts are lighter, and luuuuvvvv is in the air! 50 Years Ago this Month …

Rockin’ News 1973 ♪ 

June 4^th: Who recalls radio of the ‘60s and ‘70s in Davenport, Iowa? You might remember it was on this day 1973 that KFMH radio flipped its lid from one extreme to another—easy listening to alternative rock. Talk about culture shock! Captain Steve Bridges, local celebrity DJ, gave the station its new music ID as PD, and listeners loved it. Reportedly, the first song in the new lineup was 1971’s nearly seven-minute statement, “I’ve Seen All Good People” by Yes.

June 15^th: ♪  And if you feel like I feel baby … ♪  “Let’s Get It On” was recorded by the inimitable Marvin Gaye on this day, finally hitting WCFL’s July 21^st chart at #37, to begin its slow, sexy, upward climb to the top ten tunes by November 1^st. ♪… Somethin' like summer time … ♪ #SoulTrain

On Your Tinny Transistor Radio ♪ 
Ya gotta love an ad that even 50 Years Ago compared itself to “industry standard,” McDonald’s. June 1973 radio survey ad: “Yahoo, Texas Burger! More beef than a Quarter Pounder or Big Mac from Dog N Suds …

And just to confuse you, that’s in Chicago! Yup, we’re heading into another month of WCFL on your turntable. Not for any particular reason—it’s just the only June vintage music chart in the BFYP Collection*.

Last month, we saw Larry Lujack lounging on WCFL’s cover. For June, mid-days’ DJ Bob Dearborn made the cover and brought you all the hot tunes for lunch! As a DJ mainstay with the top stations in Chicago, Bob’s career in the windy city spanned sixteen years in his forty-five-plus years in radio. Practically a record in DJ-speak!

We were getting thirsty for Pepsi as the turntable spun under the hot summer sun, JUNE 1973. A WCFL ad mentioned Pepsi-Cola's 75th anniversary ... but do you know what the famous "pop" was called for five years before 1898? Visit the Featured Radio Survey page for answer! Musically, not much changed in the Top 40 lineup from late May to early June. May’s top ten songs shuffled up-and-down and danced around each other, to push Sylvia’s steamy “Pillow Talk” to the top. ♪… And let's get together before the day runs us down … ♪  

Some fun new tunes are bubbling up from the bottom, with Pink Floyd (“Money”), Deep Purple (“Smoke on the Water”) and Tower of Power (“So Very Hard to Go”) all clinging to a bottom rung. By month’s end, the first two (incidentally, not about love) found their tunes jockeying in the top twenty of sweltering Summer hits …

Quirky Band Names ♪ 
Ya betcha there’s a band named New York City, with their first and biggest hit, “I’m Doin’ Fine Now” on the charts, 50 Years Ago this Month … after taking a bite of the Big Apple, we’re hitchin’ a train to the Midwest. Following a string of early no-hits, the still-active-today Ohio Players first gave us “Funky Worm.”

But it’s a band whose name defined the ‘70s and began their pot-smoking spiral rise up the charts this month, that caught my eye. The Doobie Brothers slipped into 1973’s steamy summer hits with yet another in their string of hits, “Long Train Runnin’.” After several resurrections over the past fifty years, they’re still playing strong.

Ah, but what about the Quirky Name? You guessed it—the Doobie Brothers earned their moniker honestly—so to speak—but band drummer, John Hartman, is reported to having not a clue “doobie” meant a marijuana joint. Um, okay. They also hadn’t intended to use the name permanently, just until they could think of a better one. And as our parents would have said, “See kids, this is what smoking pot does to you!” LOL Whatever their name, we’re glad they stuck around  ♪… Without love where would you be now … ♪  

Monthly Song of Note ♪ 
*Music surveys from the BFYP (Blast from Your Past) Collection of Rock & Roll and Radio memorabilia is the source for our Featured Radio Survey and monthly Song of Note. Limited availability of vintage charts means at times, I managed to collect only one radio station radio survey for any given month.

For instance, WCFL/Chicago’s charts are the only ones I have for both May and June of 1973. They’re only two weeks apart, so still share several tunes in the top ten. However, “My Love” by Paul McCartney (and Wings) rocketed up the WCFL/Chicago chart for June 2, 1973, hitting #6, from last week’s #16. Its rapid rise put it in a class by itself for June.

McCartney bounced onto the last few rungs of the Top 40 chart for the first time at #38, May 5^th, and with just three giant leaps, “My Love,” that celebrates his wife, Linda, passed up songs languishing in the top twenty for weeks, on its way to #6. Yup, it was a hot, steamy month for love, June 1973! ♪ … Don't ever ask me why | I never say goodbye to my love … ♪ 

June 2023 Music Tidbits ♪   

Making summer hot, our San Diego County Fair, June 7^th to July 4^th, brings the steam to SoCal stages. Their apropos theme: “Get Out There” urges us to roam and explore this summer, and ya may as well enjoy great music while you’re at it! Some standout Rock below and full list of stellar concerts and comedy in all-inclusive fun, here. (Of course, fair admission comes with ticket purchase!) And the Chevrolet Paddock Stage performances are all free with your fair ticket!

June 7^th: Don't you just love a great trip with California’s own Train?! Who knows, maybe you’ll “Meet Virginia.” Great way to open the Fair! Train tickets    

June 14^th: Bruuuuuce! You definitely don't want to miss a trip down Memory Lane with the Springsteen Experience! Performer Josh Tanner is also a Jersey guy & his Paddock Stage show is free with Fair ticket.

June 17^th: Keepin’ you Rockin’ halfway through the Fair, dig out your inner teen, 39ers, we’re heading to the 50^th anniversary tour of Lynyrd Skynyrd! From Jacksonville, Florida, to San Diego, California, like many Rock & Roll powerhouses, Skynyrd has proven 39 and HOLDING is more than a cliché (and our sister club’s platitude), and Rock is an enduring lifestyle. “Get Out There” and Rock On! ♪… Gimme three steps towards the door …♪ Skynyrd’s tickets    

June 23rd: What's a good date night concert? Eagle Eyes of course! This talented group has perfected their tribute to the acclaimed Eagles, down to the smallest details for the biggest effect. See for yourself ... free on the Paddock Stage. 

July 1^st: Shhhh, don’t tell anyone, but we’re sneakin’ into July to bring you news of Southern Rock band, Alabama, taking the stage at the San Diego County Fair! Who doesn’t love Rock with a twang?! Though their biggest hits ushered in the 1980s, founding member, Jeff Cook (with cousins, Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry), was a Rock Radio DJ in their hometown of Fort Payne, Alabama, in the late 1960s. Playing together in the early ‘70s, it was 1973 when they decided to “go pro.” ♪… Oh, Tennessee River and a mountain man | we play together in Mother Nature's Band …♪  Alabama ticket-time   

The Fair’s steamy summer music doesn’t stop there. That’s just a sampling of the Toyota Summer Concert Series on the “Corona Grandstand Stage.” There are local bands and great tribute bands on the Chevrolet Paddock Stage throughout the month. Bottom line, make June 2023 a stand-out summer of music and more, to remember! And BFYP readers across the country, check out your local county fairs to make it a super summer and “Get Out There”!

June 28^th: Back to general June news, we’d be remiss not to tell those who Rock a little more laid back, Island Style-under-the-limbo-stick, it’s International Parrot Head Day. If you don’t know what that means, well, all I can ask is, where have you been for the past 50 Years-plus?! Jimmy Buffett is a classic and so are his songs ♪… Chew a little Juicy Fruit | Wash away the night …♪            

BFYP Featured Radio Survey ♪♪ 
JUNE 2, 1973 ~ WCFL/Chicago—yep again! Last month’s Larry Lujack cover was fun, while June’s mid-day DJ Bob Dearborn, promised all the hot tunes for your afternoon lunch! You may remember Bob as the DJ who championed Don McLean’s “American Pie” with an in-depth analysis of the song in January 1972. This month, still playing the hits, Bob’s halfway through his six-year gig at WCFL … 50 Years Ago this Month in Rock & Roll Radio! Where were you that groovy day when your radio played … 

Let’s Celebrate JUNE 1973 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 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 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 … Book 3 – 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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