Rock Radio 50 Years Ago ~ JULY 1974

Wild Summer of ’74!  

From HOT tunes to COOL news, Blast from Your Past is Rockin' the Summer, 50 Years Ago this Month. 😊 

Omigosh! I had such a tough time choosing which Song of Note and Quirky Band Name to feature! 

For sure, JULY 1974 was a classic! From the songs we sang along with to the bands we bounced to … there was and still is … never a dull moment in Rock & Roll Radio History. C'mon along as we Rock On …

JULY 1974 Radio Muse & News ♪ 
Although there wasn’t much music news happening this month, I found a couple noteworthy people and moments that some of you may recall …

July 8^th: Who remembers David Bowie’s (1947-2016) “Diamond Dogs” tour concert in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania? It began in Canada, mid-June, but the esteemed Tower Theater shows began on this day and earned the distinction as recording venue on four of the six concert nights for his first official album, David Live. ♪ … When you rock 'n' roll with me | No one else I'd rather be … ♪    

July 29^th: It’s always sad when a fave performer leaves us for Rock & Roll Heaven, but it hurts the most with the tragically young ones. Such is the case on this day 1974 when “Mama” Cass Elliot succumbed to a heart attack at the too-soon age of 32.
       She did, however, leave on a high note. Her solo London concerts just ended with a heartwarming standing ovation on the final evening. The next day she spent in a full day of fun-friend visits. They included Mick Jagger’s 31^st birthday celebration, a brunch in her honor organized by English singer/actor, Georgia Brown, and later a cocktail party hosted by journalist Jack Martin. Though treated for exhaustion just a couple months before, signs of heart issues were apparently dismissed. She died in her sleep, perhaps with the sound of a standing ovation crowd ringing through her dreams.

On Your Tinny Transistor Radio ♪  

Then, as now, dissidence and uprisings were common and seemingly never-ending. The 2000s have a lot in common with the salacious and steamy 1970s. It seems in fifty years, we have learned little.
       1974: a presidency in turmoil (Nixon), racial tensions (Boston busing for desegregation), and we were still avidly following the news of seemingly heiress-turned-terrorist (Hearst & SLA). Just for fun, we endured a 1960s hold-over in an “epidemic” of streaking.

Substitute a few circumstances and names, and you can plop them down in 2024. Both eras reflect a transitional period, as personal and political mores are challenged, revised, and reversed.

Yes, our tiny transistor radios brought us news of the day, but through it all, the Rock Radio DJs brought us music to soothe the savage beast …

Where were you slathering on the suntan lotion in July 1974? Atlanta, Dallas, or Milwaukee? Here’s a sample of what and who you were listening to …

From the memories of BFYP DJ Extraordinaire, Bill Gardner:

If you were hanging around in Dallas, Texas, summer of 1974, I’ll bet your fave DJ on KVIL was the affable Bill Gardner! Some time over that summer he trekked to New York City for the Billboard Radio Convention at the Plaza Hotel. He had to … so they could hand him the award for Air Personality of the Year in the Large Market category! 

Bill said when he sent the award image for this article, “Always thought it was hilarious that KVIL was SO new and unknown in '74, they actually misspelled the call letters on my award :-).” Yup. Sure enough, “KIXL” is big and bold. Knowing Bill, it has made his award even more endearing, along with the memories, “Shotgun Tom (Kelly; a San Diego treasured DJ) went with me and sat at the table with me in that swanky hotel.”

Justifiably, Bill was inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame in 2020. In the throes of Covid-19, there was no fancy hotel or long-winded speeches, but it was still a much-deserved honor. He suggested on his website that the YouTube video of his presentation might still be available if you search. I did it for you … check it out, along with a couple more fun items of Bill Gardner on YouTube!

In 1961’s WLS/Chicago station, popular DJ Art Roberts became known as Mr. Happy-Go-Lucky in a long stint that finally ended with a cross-country move to San Francisco’s KNBR in 1971. Apparently that wasn’t the New York native’s cuppa tea, where he only spent one year. Headed back to Chicago, he landed this time at WCFL—another iconic and pioneering station.

We catch up with Art and his happy attitude summer 1974 at WOKY, another legendary Rock station in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he stayed for about five years.

On July 22, 1974, Art casually peeks out on fans from the cover of “WOKY Plays Favorites” music chart. Were you there to hear him noon to 3:00p? Check out what he was playing for you …

Monthly Song of Note ♪  
Sex, drugs and Rock & Roll—it’s all here and then some!—in July 1974’s WOKY/Milwaukee music chart. In the running for our Song of Note:

I thought about going with “Rock and Roll Heaven” on this month’s chart at #14 by the venerable Righteous Brothers. (And half of the bros, Bobby Hatfield joined his heavenly mates in 2003.) After all, Rock & Roll is in the title, how could I go wrong! But … this is July—middle of summer when we want to be happy and free—while this song is sentimental and sweet, it is a well-deserved ode to many Rock & Roll icons who went before. Just a little too somber for summer fun.

Then I spotted it—the quintessential ‘70s sexy summer song with all the steamy ingredients of “Sex, Drugs and Rock & Roll”! “Wild Thing” by Fancy who gave it a second incarnation (originals: 1965 & ’66) and WOKY listeners gyrated it up to #10 in one giant leap from #16 the previous week. You’re welcome … ♪ … Wild thing | You make my heart sing | You make everything groovy … ♪   

Quirky Band Names ♪
I was totally tempted to crown Blue Magic with “Sideshow” at WOKY’s #17 spot, simply for the song’s inspiration by a visit to an antique museum. But the name’s the game here and Blue Magic is fun, but there wasn’t much magic to their origin story.

Although Fancy’s “Wild Thing” made the cut for July’s Song of Note, due to lack of name origin, they were aced out of the Quirky Band Name Award by England’s Paper Lace.

The Paper Lace story also doesn’t note much of a name origin, other than relating the tidbit that Music Box became Paper Lace in 1969. OK. So why do they warrant our July Quirky Band Name Award? We’re back to the songs … Their version of “Billy Don’t Be a Hero,” though sliding down, was #8 at WOKY, even after Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods charted with it at the top, back in June.

Annnnnd, Paper Lace gave us a second song on WOKY’s chart at #1—“The Night Chicago Died.” Apparently, Milwaukee listeners loved a good gloom-and-doom story with poignant purpose. Bottom line, Paper Lace’s feat of two songs in the Top Ten, set them ahead for a BFYP award.

JULY 2024 Music Events & More ♪    
It’s history, but never forgotten. Special days for your Rockin’ memories calendar …

July 4^th: America’s Independence Day! Well now, there are so many reasons to celebrate … or not … with it coming after last week’s presidential debate. As we question what this day means, I found a song in the Top Ten that, while not a patriotic song per se, could be an interesting metaphor in the relationship with our country. “Rock the Boat” (Hues Corporation) is afloat at #2 on WOKY’s Featured Radio Survey this month in 1974 … when we navigated the waters of another tumultuous era. Enjoy the lyrics and/or the tune as you watch the fireworks this day … and all the way through the impending skewed election ♪ … Our love is like a ship on the ocean | We've been sailing with a cargo full of, love and devotion | So I'd like to know where, you got the notion | Said I'd like to know where, you got the notion | To rock the boat, don't rock the boat baby … ♪

July 5^th: Most years, San Diego’s County Fair in Del Mar, closes with spectacular 4^th of July fireworks. But this year, there are three more days of fun-in-the-sun and “Let’s Go RETRO,” segueing into Friday, July 5^th’s Papa Do Run Run concert! Although they’re Beach Boy sound-alikes and love paying tribute to the venerable surf band, Papa Do Run Run is a classic in their own right, when in 1975 they topped the charts with the Beach Boys’ “Be True to Your School.” By 1978 their horizons expanded with the soundtrack gig for CBS film, Deadman’s Curve. Get your tickets asap!

July 7^th: Amazingly, there is a National Day of Rock n' Roll! More amazing is there is no “official” supporting site. But you’re here, and we’re all about pioneering Rock & Roll, so do a little dance and Rock On!  

July 9^th: “Always a hoot” it’s Dead Head Day.  Many Grateful Dead fans (Deadheads, if you will) celebrate this international day of respect for Jerry Garcia and the band. It was on this day in 1995 that the Grateful Dead as originated, wowed their fans for the final show at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. They didn’t realize then, it would be their last show together. Jerry Garcia died of a heart attack exactly one month later. Though there is no longer an official link for the tribute, the band lives on in some of its founding members, and links above all have history and current events.

July 30^th: Are you a book reader? Do you wanna be? It’s Paperback Book Day! What better day to pick up a good book and settle in for a relaxing read. And we have just the book for you … Consider, all great music of the 1970s is a direct result of the incredibly innovative Rock & Roll of the 1960s. I can prove it … Get your copy of Blast from Your Past, Book 2 ~ Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The Swinging Sixties! I tell ya all about it …
Paperback / black & white … Paperback in collectible color …

BFYP Featured Radio Survey ♪♪  
JULY 22, 1974 ~ WOKY/Milwaukee, Wisconsin. While you were sippin’ on your Coke ‘cause “It’s the Real Thing,” getting ready to call the Mighty 92 for a song request, DJ Art Roberts was likely frantically juggling the next record, ad jingle, and another call on WOKY’s “Instant Request Line.” Bein’ a DJ wasn’t all it was cracked up to be, as they say. But it was apparently, a heck of a lotta fun … 50 Years Ago this Month in Rock & Roll Radio! Where were you that groovy day when your radio played … 

Let’s Celebrate JULY 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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Rock Radio 50 Years Ago ~ JUNE 1974

Steamy, Sexy Summer ~ Let’s Go Surfin’!  

Update 06/13/24 - Yay! JUNE 1974 has it all! There’s no denying, Rock & Roll was and is still, synonymous with Summer. And … 50 Years Ago this Month … Surf Rock and Radio DJs were hot! Sorry to have made you wait, but I hope you’ll feel it was worth it …   

JUNE 1974 Radio Muse & News ♪ 

Raise your hands, Boomers. How many of you used to win frequent radio prizes? In the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s, radio stations vied for listeners with fun contests and top prizes. Since it was long before digital phones, it truly was your dialing finger and push-button skills that made you a winner. 

Speaking of dialing and push-button phones, who in San Diego, California, remembers the colorful Princess phone or the plain ol’ black dial phones? You can poke your summer memories of radio fun & more at the San Diego County Fair/Del Mar!

Their “Let’s Go RETRO” theme is fun for all decades and from shag rugs to 45rpm records, you’ll be exclaiming, “I remember that!” Music and memories, and never a dull moment await you now through July 7^th! “With a nod to nostalgia and a focus on fun, the 2024 Fair will give our yesteryears another moment in the San Diego sun.” Couldn’t have said it better m’sefl! Rock On …

Back in the day, who did you talk with on the phone to win? The DJ of course! Welcome to National DJ Month! Sponsored by “Music Talkers,” who recognize that DJs certainly deserve the month-long celebration, the site generally reports music artist news, so it isn’t strictly about DJs.

Since I’m a little partial, a few appreciative words about Radio DJs … Today they aren’t a whole lot different from those of yesteryear, except for how they’re viewed. Radio Insight quotes, “’Disc jockeys do weddings,’ says programmer-turned-broadcast-instructor Len O’Kelly. “’I’m fine with DJ, but my, oh my, that rubs some radio types the wrong way,’” says Mike Wiethorn.”

So true! Especially when it comes to the stories of pioneering DJs from the 1950s, ‘60s & ‘70s. And, more interesting insights with Sean Ross.

Although back in the day in radio, there were (and still are) subtle differences between jocks, personalities, and broadcast announcers, you never called them “wedding DJs.” Now, they’re often referred to as “on-air hosts.” Bottom line, their common denominators are people (their loyal listeners) and entertainment. That hasn’t changed.

Are you wondering what it was really like as a pioneering radio DJ? Visit former WIBG, KCBQ, KVIL (and more!) radio jock/announcer/personality & DJ, Bill Gardner!

This month, call your local radio station and wish your hardworking DJs a wonderful month. Better yet, listen to them … live. Tune in and let them know you’re listening.

For more June celebration, who remembers (or knows of history) the first time you heard “Let’s Go Trippin’” on the radio? Arguably, it’s the tune that ushered in the reason for International Surf Music Month!

Sadly, the sponsor link is not a secure site. So fair warning … if you’d rather not visit the North East Surf Music Alliance, my alternative choices are for sites that provide the history behind the music, like …  

Ground-breaking Rock guitarist Dick Dale, dubbed the “King of the Surf Guitar,” and legendary band, The Beach Boys (still touring!), are considered pioneers in the early California surf sound.

Each with their own style, Dick Dale (yes, he did surf) excelled in instrumentals, telling surfing stories with his incredible guitar riffs, beginning with “Let’s Go Trippin’” (1960) and a Surf Rock version of “Misirlou” in 1963. By December 10, 1961, Dale’s “Let’s Go Trippen” (sic) had crested at #13 on San Diego’s KCBQ radio chart.

Dale and his band, the Del-Tones, aptly provided movie soundtracks that Surf Music inspired. Go ahead, rent or scour streaming services for 1963’s Beach Party and 1964’s Muscle Beach Party (both starring Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello). You’ll never have so much fun without sand!

Emulating Dale’s energetic guitar style, adding their own nuances and vocalizing the SoCal sound, The Beach Boys made waves with “Surfin’” (September 15, 1961, acoustic demo video) and followed up with top tunes, “Surfin’ Safari” (1962), “Surfin’ U.S.A.,” and the ultimate summer love song, “Surfer Girl” (both released late 1963). ♪ … Little surfer little one | Made my heart come all undone | Do you love me, do you surfer girl … ♪ Then he splashes her, and they dive into the frothy waves together. Ahhhhh …  

Now, fast-forward to 1974 … what were our top tunes on the radio ten years later?

On Your Tinny Transistor Radio ♪  
Where were you twistin’ the radio dial of your cool Pontiac Firebird, cruising under the summer sun, JUNE 1974? WTAL/Tallahassee, Florida, Walnut Creek, California (KFRC/San Francisco), or the mile-high city, KTLK/Denver, Colorado, heading into the Rocky Mountains? Here’s a sample of what and who you were listening to …

Boasting the “Undisputed #1 station for 8 years” on their music chart, WTAL/Tallahassee, listeners were feelin’ a little maudlin this vintage summer. They boosted the war-weepy “Billy, Don’t Be a Hero” by Bo Donaldson and The Heywoods, up to the #1 place of honor, June 17, 1974. Although the tune (and reported history) doesn’t identify the war Billy died in, Vietnam was heavy on everyone’s mind …  

On the sunny left coast, KFRC/San Francisco fans were tiptoeing on love clouds, with their June 18, 1974, #1 happy hit, “You Make Me Feel Brand New” by The Stylistics. The wide-scoping station catered to the whole Bay Area, to include Oakland, Walnut Creek, Concord, even reaching as far south as San Jose. And popular morning DJ Dr. Don Rose, never let his listeners feel anything except fun.

Then we stepped up to reach Denver, Colorado, at KTLK whose listeners were wondering if their love was stepping out, June 22, 1974. And it really is, one mile high …

If you were bein’ cool in the steaming days of summer, chances are you were “takin’ the drag” in downtown Denver. Were KTLK listeners identifying with a troublesome love song when they drove Gordon Lightfoot’s “Sundown” to the top of the chart? ♪ … I can picture every move that a man could make | Getting lost in her lovin' is your first mistake | Sundown ya better take care | If I find you been creepin' 'round my back stairs … ♪   

Which Rock & Roll radio station is JUNE 1974’s Featured Radio Survey? Keep reading … 

JUNE 1974 Song of Note ♪  
“La Grange” by ZZ Top takes the top honor for Song of Note this month! It’s classic ZZ and ‘70s attitude. Ever wonder where the idea came from for the movie, Best Little Whorehouse in Texas? It was a real place (The Chicken Ranch, 1905-1973) in a real town on the outskirts of La Grange, Texas! It rode rode high at #5 on the KTLK/Denver chart this month. The song and 1978 musical (later, 1982 movie) were all about attitude … well, and sex. Welcome to the ‘70s! ♪  … Just let me know if you wanna go | To that home out on the range … ♪   

Quirky Band Names ♪   
Well darn, the one with the quirkiest name has little-to-no info on how it came about. And its contender likely could tell us more about its moniker, if you can read Nederland’s West Germanic Language. Here’s what I found …

In a close race for June 1974 Quirky Band Name honor, Golden Earring is best known for “Radar Love” that shot up KTLK’s chart from #39 to #25. I did learn that teen friends George Kooymans and Rinus Gerritsen, formed the group “The Tornados” in The Hague (English), circa 1961. They banged around a bit and began getting gigs to open and close for Brits’ The Hunters, who played an instrumental titled “Golden Earrings.” The Tornados learned there was another band with their name, so decided to honor their mentors by switching to Golden Earring (dropping the “s” along the way to their own fame). As I mentioned, I’d love to tell you more, and the link is for their English version, but it too, glosses over the title details. ♪ … We've got a thing that's called Radar Love | We've got a line in the sky, Radar Love …  ♪  

Love the band name, Wet Willie! Its “Keep On Smilin’” is planted at #19 on June 22, 1974’s chart for KTLK/Denver. History tells us they began in Mobile, Alabama, as “Fox” when drummer, Lewis Ross, put the group together about this time of year in 1969. For whatever reason—change of scenery? better opportunities?—Fox headed to Macon, Georgia, and by 1970, their unique brand of Southern Rock was now known as Wet Willie. Still Rockin’ today, too! And there you have it. ♪ …

Keep on smilin' through the rain, laughin' at the pain | Just flowin' with the changes, till the sun comes out again … ♪  

And this month’s Quirky Band Name trophy goes to … I had to choose a tie-breaker, so took a closer look at their charting songs. Both with great messages, and I’m sure someone will correct me if I’m wrong, but I think Golden Earring’s “Radar Love” 1) had a catchier tune, and 2) lyrics that resonated with more listeners. C’mon, a love connection that transcended life itself?! The ultimate love song … pulling out ahead, it’s Golden Earring for June 1974’s Quirky Band Name honor!

JUNE 2024 Music Events & More ♪  

June 15^th: Here’s something to go with your International Surf Music Month! What good is it without surfing? Or at least visiting International Surfing Day’s sponsor link. With all the live beach cams around, even if you live inland, you can enjoy a bit of the beach vibe. Live from the Hotel Del, San Diego, California … Cowabunga, Dude & Dudettes!

BFYP Featured Radio Survey ♪♪  
JUNE 22, 1974 ~ KTLK/Denver, Colorado, where you could pick up a free copy of “Denver’s Double K 1280” music chart at most dime stores and record shops! … 50 Years Ago this Month in Rock & Roll Radio! Where were you that groovy day when your radio played … 

Let’s Celebrate JUNE 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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ORIGINALLY POSTED 06/01/24 
We’re Talkin’ Home on the Range  

Yea! It’s summer in JUNE 1974 and we’re Rockin’ … well, we will be soon, anyway. In the meantime, I hope you’ll Rock On with MAY’s finally-finished article! Three great vintage radio surveys spread the music love, and there’s plenty of early radio banter. We upped the Quirky Band Names category to a mini-awards version, giving you a little tuneful suspense.

We’ll be tying in June’s fun facts and Rockin’ fantasies with the San Diego County Fair in Del Mar, California. Opening June 12 – July 7, it features an awesome RETRO theme! Look for updates and our X (Twitter) posts for their fun through the generations.

And wait ‘til ya see what we mean by Home on the Range. Scintillating summer fun! Take in MAY’s fun below, then come on back soon!

Let’s Celebrate JUNE 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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