Rock Radio JULY 1973 Summer High

Rockin’ into July on a Natural High …

It’s JULY! Middle of summer, red-white-blue, flag-waving fun, JULY. As a patriotic elder, a rare personal political opinion: Whether born here or not, if you don’t love America for all its faults, foibles, beauty and benevolence, you’re in the wrong country. After 247 years, it is still the best country in the world. After all, it brought us Rock & Roll! 

Oh my, wait ‘til you see the music nostalgia we have planned for you! We poked along in May and June with WCFL respective music charts, but for JULY 1973, we’re picking up summer speed with three rad surveys! From the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, we were Rockin’!

What top tunes did we push to #1 in the heart of the summer 1973? The Mile High City (Denver) radio listeners sent Jim Croce into the clouds with “Bad Bad Leroy Brown,” while the irreverent L.A. market voted Stories’ “Brother Louie” to the top. But a little picturesque resort town north of San Diego gave Paul Simon’s “Kodachrome” the thumbs-up at #1. Like a favorite ol’ snapshot … let’s take a peek … at 50 Years Ago this Month …  

JULY 1973 Rockin’ News ♪ 

The 1970s are known for art in practically every medium, and the radio stations treated their fans and listeners to some of the best of the era. From psychedelic curlicues to disk jockey portraits, we delighted in visuals along with the music.

Each of our three vintage music charts are highly collectible in their own right, for art, image, or significance of the era. After a couple months in the East and Midwest in June, we venture further West for July 1973. Which was chosen as the Featured Radio Survey? Check ‘em out …  

July 14^th: For a tiny market in a funky beach resort town, KUDE Rocked the (air)waves in Oceanside, California. Like other small stations though, it offered a solid proving ground for early Rock jocks to hone their skills before moving on up. Even without any remarkable art or a sparkling jock image, the plain gray “San Diego County Music Guide” in the BFYP Collection is remarkable as a 50-year-old collector’s piece. You’ll learn why, below. 

July 14^th: In music news, this day also marked a sad moment for fans of The Everly Brothers. Although Phil (1939-2014) & Don (1937-2021) had already promoted their Knott’s Berry Farm (Buena Park, California) appearance as their final event together, Phil couldn’t finish the set or the engagement. He left the stage in a rage and the pop duo of real brothers barely spoke to each other for ten years. Don went solo the next night for the first time, reportedly commenting to fans, “The Everly Brothers died ten years ago.” The Everly Brothers’ professional reconciliation finally occurred in 1983.

July 21^st: Whoohoo! The mile-high city is in the groove with featured Rock Radio DJ, Danny Davis, on the cover of KTLK 1280’s “Double K” music survey. Denver, a highly respected home of many artistes over several decades proved its early eclectic nature with dynamic Danny’s headshot in a first-rate, detailed pen and ink
drawing of him by “D. Ray.” Apparently, Danny owned a Porsche at the time, as it’s pictured with him. Or was it indicative of wishful thinking? 

July 24^th: Many boomer ladies everywhere will remember KHJ/Los Angeles’ July “93 KHJ ‘Thirty’” with David Cassidy (1950-2017) on the cover, at his peak of fame and fortune. The teen heartthrob’s sultry image promoted his upcoming morning DJ spot. Cassidy, winning fame in The Partridge Family TV show, sought to jump-start his reinvention, in a brief stint as a KHJ DJ, for a fan base who already loved him. By summer’s end, Cassidy focused again on records, releasing “Daydreamer” in the fall. ♪ … I'm walking in the rain | Chasing after rainbows I may never find again … ♪  

And surprise! All three radio surveys are on the Featured Radio Survey page. Rockin' your memories to bring you a smile ...

On Your Tinny Transistor Radio ♪  
This month we have three awesome vintage radio surveys as you noticed above! But only one will make the Featured Radio Survey honor. Which of them do you think is the chosen one? (If you’re too curious to wait, see below.)

During 1973’s incredibly creative musical year, every month holds new—now vintage—top tunes that still resonate with us today. And gauging by the number of Oldies songs that are selected by current advertisers to hawk their products, even the young’uns like them.

Some might think Gilbert O’Sullivan’s “Get Down” would make a good dog food commercial. Although it hadn’t yet made the cut at L.A.’s KHJ, KUDE/Oceanside (CA) fans took it up to #10 and KTLK/Denver gave it the #11 spot this month. Why was it so popular with many people nationwide? It’s fun, it’s bouncy, and it’s about a dog. Or is it? Nah. His girlfriend was a little frisky  ♪ … Get down, get down, get down | You're a bad dog baby | But I still want you 'round … ♪ 

While Denver radio fans yelled at the dog to get down and enjoyed Danny Davis spinning their song choices, Los Angeles’ powerhouse station courted controversy with the Stories’ “Brother Louie” at #1. The song about an interracial love affair is bittersweet but strikes a chord in many, yesterday and today, as it has inspired various uses in popular culture. You might recognize it as the walk-up song for MLB’s popular New York Mets infielder, Luis Guillorme. Regardless the use, the message is the same ♪ … Ain't no diff'rence 'tween black or white | Brothers, you know what I mean … ♪  

This is all leading up to …

Monthly Song of Note ♪   
Pardon me, while I strike a high note! Talk about a sing-a-long … we either swayed or swooned to the tune of this mellow-yellow melody. “Natural High” is highly popular in today’s slow-jams. No surprise, Denver fans elevated it #2 at KTLK; it was boosted up to #4 at KUDE/Oceanside; while KHJ/L.A. fans were letting it drift downward to #7, July 1973. 

Whether your high is natural or not wasn’t the focus (if a focus was possible in the ‘70s 😊). Penned early on by Bloodstone’s bass player, Charles McCormick, it was their first top ten tune. It’s all about wishful thinking and stands the test of time for unrequited love  ♪ … And I'll take to the sky on a natural high | Loving you more till the day I die … (And I don’t even know you) …  ♪    

Quirky Band Names ♪  
Speaking of, “Bloodstone” the band name makes our quirky list. Beginning in the early 1960s as the “Sinceres,” another unique moniker, we wonder, was their new name adopted for the bloodstone’s ancient “magical” properties to preserve health and youth? The oft-known “stone of Babylon” has been revered since around the 3^rd century. When it comes to the band, however, some questions simply have no answer.

Then there are other questions with quirky, tongue-in-cheek responses. Take The Hues Corp (abbreviated on the chart which set their “Freedom for the Stallion” at #24 at KUDE/Oceanside) for example. From all accounts, the pop trio was set on making the play on words directed at the Howard Hughes Corporation. It’s reported they initially went a tad further, wanting the title, “The Children of Howard Hughes.” However, it was nixed by their record label. (This was long before Hughes passed and his billions were left behind, basically up for grabs [1976].) It took a little digging to learn that Hughes apparently was a confirmed racist …

July 2023 Music Events & More ♪   

July 7^th: Get your boogie shoes on, it’s National Day of Rock n' Roll! Oddly, there is no official link, so we hunted up a couple for you. The one featured on the day (Edifier-online.com) seems to be the most knowledgeable with terrific celebrating suggestions. The Musicians of Mischief, however, is most enthusiastic with their own Las Vegas event… Long Live Rock N' Roll!   And gyrating close on its heels …

July 13^th: International Day of Rock n' Roll … Although two links are associated with the official day—one for Wikipedia, the other for the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum—both acknowledged it was established to commemorate the globally linked 1985 Live Aid Benefit concert on this day in 1985.  

July 14^th: Vroom! Vroom! That’s the sound of vintage muscle cars revving their engines today! It’s Collector Car Appreciation Day! Like peanut butter and jelly, classic cars and Rock & Roll just go together. Find a local vintage car show and enjoy the memories.  

July 15^th: Did you know the San Diego County Fairgrounds built a new performance venue? Opening was in February, and the wait for hot summer concerts is over! The SOUND stage presents Blue Oyster Cult! A little Psychedelic Rock goes a long way …

July 30^th: Ah, it’s Blast from Your Past self-promotion day! Um, I mean, it’s Paperback Book Day! There doesn’t seem to be an official, historical link for this awesome day, so it’s mine now! Or rather, yours. Take a day, explore the world of words in a convenient paperback book. Sometimes a digital copy just won’t work. Great pastime for the beach, park, or a quiet corner at home. ♪… and I want to be a | paperback writer … (The Beatles 1966) ♪ Oh, wait! I “R” one! 😊 Here’s a special just for you …   

So, my Rock & Roll Radio friends, if you’d rather add an eBook to your device for summer reading, and since I haven’t yet republished BFYP Book 1 in print (Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The First Five Years), click the title link for a two-day eBook giveaway just for you over the weekend—July 29^th & 30^th! Enjoy, and Rock On … 

BFYP Featured Radio Survey ♪♪ 
JULY 14, 1973 ~ KUDE/Oceanside, California! I had to choose this one of the three. First, it’s part of my home base in San Diego County. But for its vintage value alone, it’s a stand-out. As a vintage collectible that personifies Rock Radio stations of the era, KUDE/Oceanside, California, is a treasure. You’ll see the station solicited attention from the “big guys” in L.A., with this fairly rare “KUDE Guide” mailer sent out a week after compilation, addressed to RCA Records in L.A. It’s complete with an Ike Eisenhower 8¢ stamp. So cool. Enjoy all three BFYP Collection surveys … from 50 Years Ago this Month in Rock & Roll Radio! Where were you that groovy day when your radio played … 

Let’s Celebrate JULY  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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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  

 ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪

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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