Capitol jazz artist Nat King Cole with Detroit radio personality Ed McKenzie on WXYZ radio, earlier in 1954 (Click on image for larger view)
Nat King Cole on WXYZ radio, earlier in 1954
Capitol jazz artist Nat King Cole with Detroit radio personality Ed McKenzie on WXYZ radio, earlier in 1954 (Click on image for larger view)
Ed Mckenzie is definately one the pioneers in Disc Jockeys who had an incredible early influence in the American Record business, how well I remember his ‘Saturday Dance Party’ which was broadcast by WXYZ-TV, out of the old Macabees Building on Woodward Avenue in Detroit, Michigan. I was somehow allowed into the studio as a 10 year old kid who strayed into various media establishments, hoping one day to go into entertainment myself. I would stand at the back of the studio, and watch the likes of performers like Della Reese, The Four Preps, Roy Hamilton, Lavern Baker, and so many others sing while the teenage audience danced to their hip rythmns. My very first participation in a commercial for TV was drinking Vernors Ginger Ale on the air, on Ed Mckenzies show. Ed himself as I remember him was cool, well dressed, and very well spoken, emitting a warmth that every one connected with. He’s one of the people who remains in my memory, for that very reason.
Frank Charles Dodson
Author of ‘Wednesday’s Child’ Xlibris Publishers.