Day: February 28, 2012

‘CK AIRCHECK OF THE WEEK: WALT “BABY” LOVE, ’70

From the MCRFB Aircheck Library:

Walt “Baby” Love on 800 AM CKLW 1970

 

 

 

— “CKLW on a solid gold weekend answering a hit line request from Detroit” —

 

When these Walt “Baby” Love airchecks were recorded in 1970, the Bill Drake era had catapulted CKLW to No. 1 in radio ratings in Motown. The Big 8 was the most listened to radio station in Detroit, Toledo, Cleveland, and in Windsor, Sarnia, Leamington, Ontario and beyond.

With 50,000 watts of pure-enery emanating from the AM 800 transmitter towers outside it’s studios, the nighttime coverage was even more widespread after sundown. Reportedly at times, the CKLW signal could clearly be heard bouncing across four Provinces in Canada and in 28 states. The ‘CK signal had been picked up going far east well into Connecticut, and on some nights deep down into Florida as well.

But it was the Drake-Chenault format that drove the station to the very top. Tight and innovating, it moved faster than the competition drawing more emphasis on the playlist with less talk. By the early 1970s, CKLW was the most listened to radio station here in the Motor City.

Walt “Baby” Love became the first Black on-air talent at RKO radio, hosting radio shows at CKLW and WOR FM radio in New York City. He has held on-air positions at WNBC, WBLS and 99X, all located in New York City, as well as KHJ,  KMPC and KFI Los Angeles. Walt was also Urban Radio and Music Editor at the Radio & Records publication for 21 years.

In 2005, Walt Love earned a Master of Arts degree in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary of Pasadena, California. Today, Rev. Walt Baby Love currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife Sonya and son Stephen.

CKLW – WALT “BABY” LOVE – 1970

CKLW – WALT “BABY” LOVE (Scoped) – 1970

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FLASHBACK MOTOR CITY HAPPENINGS ’68 . . . JULY 6, 1968

From the MCRFB NEWS archive: 1968

Music Happenings In and Around Detroit Town, 1968

 

 

 

DETROIT — The Rascals are scheduled to perform their first Detroit concert Sunday at Cobo Hall along with Rodney Knight and the Soul Sextex…. Currently appearing at the 20 Grand Driftwood Lounge are the Fantastic Four, the Detroit Emeralds, the Magic Tones, Kris Peterson, and McKinley Jackson and the Politicians…. Tiny Tim appeared at the Edgewater Amusement Park…. Tom Shannon of CKLW radio hosted the Swingin’ Time TV show for vacationing Robin Seymour for two weeks…. Musicor’s Toys were in Detroit the week of June 17 to do promotional appearances for their new recordings…. Chuck Jackson and his revue performed June 22 at Mr. Kelly’s Lounge.

Joe Simon and King Curtis and his band are current attractions at the Phelps Lounge…. WCHB Radio presented its annual “WCHB Talent Contest” on June 22 at the Fox Theater. The first place winner out of 20 contestants was a singing female trio called the Delcavettes. Their prize is a recording contract with Solid Hitbound Productions here. Also performing on the show, intermixed with the contest participants, were Motown acts the Monitors, Shorty Long, Yvonne Fair, and Chuck Jackson. Judges for the contest included Al Kent of Ric-Tic Records, Hank Talbert of Music Merchants Distributors, and singer Gino Washington…. Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass appeared in its first Detroit concert June 17 at Cobo Hall. END

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 (Information and news source: Billboard; July 6, 1968)

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FLASHBACK POP MUSIC HISTORY: FEBRUARY 28

From the MCRFB Music Calendar:

Events for this date: FEBRUARY 28

 

 

 

 

 

 

1962: Legendary deejay Murray The K threatens to leave New York’s WINS-AM after the station considers changing from their TOP 40 rock and roll format to adult easy-listening.

A recent photograph of the (thanks to the Beatles) world-famous Cavern Club in Liverpool. (Click on image for larger view).

1963: John Lennon and Paul McCartney compose the Beatles’ next hit, “From Me To You,” while on a bus tour from York to Shrewsbury in Shropshire, England, while on tour with Helen Shapiro.

1966: Over 10,000 pounds in debt, the owners of Liverpool’s famous Cavern Club — where the Beatles got their start — decided to close the rock institution. 100 fans barricade themselves in the club, but to no avail. The venue would later become a subway station, although the Cavern would re-open in a different location.

1976: At tonight’s Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, Paul Simon picks up Best Pop Vocal and Best Album awards for Still Crazy After All These Years. In his acceptance speech he remarked, “I’d like to thank Stevie Wonder for not releasing an album this year.”

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(Pop Music events source: oldies.com/)

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