KAAY Last hour of Timeless Tracks

If you are a long time reader of this blog, you know that I have had frequent clips from the Timeless Tracks broadcast by Tony Warner. This was an FM radio program about the 40th anniversary of KAAY. Tony did a super job of getting old employees and air checks together for a 4 hour broadcast. Today is the last hour with no cuts. All the commercials and music are included. As always, this was recorded off the air and is presented here for educational purposes. Enjoy:
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George J. Jennings & Doc Holiday at Theater Opening

The opening of a "Twin" cinema.Big news in those days. Drive-ins were on the way out. The movies were big advertising dollars for KAAY. The primary movie chain's advertising was handled by the General Manager Len Carl. When Len was promoted to manage, Lin Broadcasting's first television stations (WAND, Decatur, IL) I took over the account and when I left KAAY, George assumed the account. Much time and grooming when into the person that handled the theater's account. Soft drinks and beer were also big dollars. KAAY even had a seperate "beer" rate card. These three catagories also contributed to the "sound" of KAAY. This was the era of "It's the Real Thing", "This Bud's or you". The movie ads were great pieces of production. One time we recorded the entire sound track of a movie and produced our own spot because the national spots were no good.
It's been a long time since an advertising jingle become a hit record.

George J. Jennings in the KAAY News Room

Behind George, cart machines, and an old reel to reel magnacorder. In the rest of the station, Ampexes. George was at KAAY twice. He was in the original sign on crew. He went to WDGY and couldn't stand the winter. We were happy to get him back. About a year ago I was driving on a short trip and listening to XM Radio. The sixties at 6 were spotlighting WDGY and they ran a full 5 minute broadcast of George. You never know what has been recorded and when it will surface.

More about Hillbilly Heaven

The story and music clip that follow, is about Tex Ritter's recording of "Hillbilly Heaven". When you hear it, you may wonder how a hardcore country song made it on top 40 stations. For those of you who weren't there here are the facts. Hillbilly Heaven peaked at #26 on the Billboard Hot 100 9/4/61. A couple of different versions are available on ITunes, Walmart Music, and Rhapsody.

KAAY in Hillbilly Heaven

I have made a major find in my limited archives. In late 62 or 63 Tex Ritter had a crossover hit called "Hillbilly Heaven". He then started doing special recordings for radio stations that mention the station's jocks at the end. I had one made for KXLR where I was program director at the time. Then, when I went to KAAY I asked Tex to make one for us. I found the acetate recording, and have transfered it to digital.For educational purposes only.
Select the first choice, it's label is messed up. It reads: "&Nbsp;"

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