R&B Influential Popularity On Rise In Mainstream Pop Here and The U. K.
O P I N I O N
Chicago — In 1966, Rhythm and Blues has achieved a peak position as a powerful influence on the total music business. A study of the Hot 100 chart will show that dozens of top selling records are R&B oriented, and this fact has not been lost upon the manufacturers. Key labels — major and independents — are making every attempt to improve their stance in the R&B field.
Examples are many: Capitol Records in recent months has been adding personnel with the distinct aim of improving that label’s image in the R&B market. United Artists Records has revived it’s Veep label as an R&B vehicle. Mercury Records here in Chicago, is making a determined push to solidify their brand in the R&B field. It is known as well that RCA Records plans a more greater, expanded field in current R&B activities with their sound.
But the phenomenon does not stop here. R&B is very big overseas — particularly in England. In addition to R&B records selling strongly there, the British record business currently mirrors a strong influence in pop market preference for the current R&B popularity.
This is all to the good, for it represents on the part of the music-record business an awareness that R&B is one of the great streams of American music.
The R&B idiom encompasses blues in all it’s variety, and blues is the bedrock of much of jazz; it encompasses the gospel, or “church” sound; it encompasses rock and roll; and via the blues strains it includes much of American folk music. In brief, R&B has brought to the music industry a vitality and depth which can derive only from the roots.
That this is now so fully understood reflects credit on the record industry and the record buyer. It is to the credit of NARA (National Association of Radio Announcers) and its members that there is now a keen awareness of the importance of the field.
Finally, it must be pointed out that success entails a burden or obligation which is willingly borne by those who are dedicated. It is NARA’s obligation to do all it’s power to maintenance the excellence of R&B music; to foster it’s growth on all cultural and economical levels. END
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(Information and news source: Billboard; August 13, 1966)
R&B MAKING DENT IN HOT 100 OUTLETS, INCLUDING KHJ LOS ANGELES, WKNR DETROIT, WMCA NEW YORK
NEW YORK — If anything dramatizes the vast popularity of R&B music today, it’s the increasing use of R&B records for programming by the nation’s Hot 100 format stations. The estimates of R&B play on pop rock ‘n’ roll stations range anywhere from between 10-15 percent in Denver to “close to 50 per cent” in Miami.
WSGN, in Birmingham, has a playlist featuring 30-40 per cent R&B oriented records,, said music director Dave Roddy. Dutch Holland, music director of WFUN in Miami, who considers the Supremes as R&B artists, says WFUN’s programming is close to 50 per cent R&B oriented records because “these records seems to be what’s happening at this time.” The Miami market has two R&B stations that influence the popularity of these records.
TEN SOUL HITS comprised the WKNR playlist for August 1, 1966. “You Can’t Hurry Love,” Supremes, debuted at #27. (Click on image for larger view)
WKNR in Detroit has six or seven records on its top 31 playlist that are R&B in nature, said deejay Scott Regen. This was considered a fairly representative week’s playlist. However, WKNR and most Hot 100 stations across the nation consider such artists as the Supremes as pop artists; they’re no longer strictly R&B artists, they say because their sales are mostly in the pop field. So stations such as KHJ in Los Angeles, the No. 1 Hot 100 format station there, may be playing more R&B oriented records than the 15 per cent now estimated. Program director Ron Jacobs said he felt that the popularity of R&B music is growing.
KIMN in Denver is playing 10-15 per cent in R&B oriented records and program director Ted Adkins said this represents an unusual display of the popularity of the music as only about 5 per cent of the population in Denver is Negro. Even some of the monster hits in the R&B field in previous years never got off the ground in Denver, he said. But this year thus far, in 1966, has seen more R&B oriented records happening in Denver than ever before.
WMCA, New York, had a playlist last week on which about 20 per cent of the tunes were R&B oriented.END
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(Information and news source: Billboard; August 13, 1966)
R&B soul great Otis Reddingperforming live on stage in L.A. at the Whiskey A-Go-Go in 1966.Motown Supremes “You Can’t Hurry Love” single from 1966.
Detroit Jock Switch; Chase to CKLW, Slagle to WXYZ
DETROIT, May 17 — A major switch of local disk jockeys is slated for tomorrow, with Eddie Chase, famed for his Make Believe Ballroom for the past five years on WXYZ, moving to CKLW, with Johnny Slagle returning from New York to WXYZ to take his place.
Chase has developed one of the top jockey reputations in this territory and the move is a major surprise, although it comes after a few weeks after some speculation and rumors–vigorously denied–of a switch involving Russ Mulholland instead, a WJR jock.
New Twist for Slagle
Billboard May 24, 1947
Slagle, a former top staff announcer at WXYZ, left a year ago to work on network shows in New York. This is his debut as a jockey.
Chase’s opening on CKLW involves a heavy program, including a 75-90-minute afternoon period, a late Saturday night and a Sunday morning show. His advent is being well publicized by the station, notably in a series of recordings by such top orchestra band leaders as Carmen Cavallaro and Sammy Kaye, advising listeners that they would meet Chase on the new station Sunday. The Make Believe title of the show moves over to CKLW with Chase, who has long featured special recordings and direct guest appearances by recording artists on his shows. END.
(Information and news source: Billboard; May 24, 1947)
“Wherever You Go — There’s Radio” Is Slogan In Detroit Station’s Promotions
DETROIT, August 25 — An all-out cooperative campaign to promote AM radio institutionally is being launched, September 15, by seven Detroit stations is what is believed to be the first joint move of its kind. All appropriate media will be used, including radio itself (transcribed spots and station breaks) car cards, and newspaper advertising. The only field missing from the program is television.
The key slogan will be ” “Wherever You Go — There’s Radio.” The slogan has been widely used by several local stations during the past four weeks. It will be incorporated into all advertising and publicity used in the venture. Individual call letters will be kept out of such copy, although individual stations are expected to incorporate the slogan and campaign symbol in their own newspaper, trade and mail promotion.
Participating stations range from 250 to 150,000 watters and includes: WXYZ, WJR, CKLW, WWJ, WJBK, WEXL and WKMH. The only local station not participating is WJLB.
The Plan has been on the boards for several months and appears solidly grounded. The set-up calls for pooling of ideas, effort and money. The precise size of the budget remains a guarded secret, but it is being shared pro-rated among the stations according to own one-time Class A rate.
A system of changing chairmanship for the drive was set up by the steering committee of one member from each station. Hal Neal, advertising and promotion manager of WXYZ, was named chairman for the first 30-day period. END.
(Information and news source: Billboard;August 25, 1951).
“Scott Regen was a phenomenon, and I just went along for the ride.” — Scottie Regen, legendary “Keener 13” and “Big 8” Detroit radio personality in the ’60s
“This is John Lennon, you’re probably listening to Scott Regen now and if you’re not, well you can’t hear what we’re sayin,’ tuh duh. . . .”
“Hello this is Paul McCartney, talking to a gentleman called Scott Regen who does his best to keep you happy.”
“Hi, this is Scott Regen of the Miracles and you’re listening to the Smokey Robinson show.” — Smokey Robinson
“Hi. This is Stevie Wonder and I’ll be visiting the Scott Regen Show. I hope that you’re with me when I do… I like to thank all of you for your cards and letters asking for me to be on the Scott Regen Show, you know I was coming. . . . so, until I’m on I’ll see ‘ya later.”
“Hi, this Johnny Rivers reminding you that you’re listening to the Scott Regen Show, that’s where it’s happening.”
“Hello Regen my ole’ friend, I’ve come to talk to you again. . . .” — Simon and Garfunkel
Do you understand the history you’re holding in your hands? –Johnny Randell, former WXYZ radio personality, Detroit, 1965 –1975
(Notes below from CD liner insert, as written by Johnny Randell, 2002).
Scott Regen, a phenomenon of the 60’s, was a legendary DJ on Detroit radio stations WKNR and CKLW. Scottie at one point had a 25 (share) rating on WKNR from 7 – 10 PM compared with the 7 and 8 of his two competitors. And WKNR could only be heard in half of the city! At one point on CKLW, Scott was No. 1 not only in Detroit, but in Toledo and Cleveland as well!
I was a deejay on a competing station. Scott was the most innovative and powerful force on rock radio. He was light years ahead of his time, instinctively marketing himself via what I call “Audience Directed Programming.” A concept no one even thought of back then.
Scott Regen used research, music mix, and the audience itself to create “Scott Regen.” And all from the heart. The history he made, his creative influence, is still copied today by radio programmers and DJ’s. Hearing Scott is hearing the evolution of rock radio.
WKNR’s Scottie Regen with the Beatles, August 13, 1966, at Detroit’s Olympia Stadium (photo courtesy Scott Westerman and Keener13.com)
Scottie says the ’60’s were a phenomenon and he just went along fro the ride. Listening to his CD shows otherwise. Scott didn’t just play ’60’s music. He was the ’60’s. He was a gift. His is the voice we remember. Now, remember it all again with this historic CD. Or hear it all for the first time. Either way you’ll see why Scottie is “radio king of the ’60’s.”
Scottie has lived in New York for the past 23 years (as of 2002 when this CD was released). He has worked for Atlantic Records, New York Newsday, and has appeared on several New York stations including 92KTU, Z100, WXRK, WYNY, and LITE-FM. He currently owns his own Manhattan based marketing-advertising company. His music tastes range from Billie Holiday to Benny Goodman to Chuck Berry, to Sinatra to Bach, and lots in-between. His favorite music however, is of the ’60’s. Particularly Motown and of course, the Beatles.
In 1999, the Temptations requested Scottie write their liner notes for their historic CD re-issue, “Temptations Live.” Scott introduces the Temps on the original album, as well as on this CD.
And he never stopped believing that “… in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.”*
— Johnny Randell
* Lyric line from Beatles' Abbey Road
None of this would have happened if it wasn’t for Bob Green.
WKNR’s Bob Green.“The Voice of Keener 13”
“When I auditioned for the job at WKNR, Bob Green (now Bob Green Productions, Houston) still the best radio production person on the planet, was on the air from 3 – 7 PM. He was also the station Production Director. And he was the one who created the admired, unique, “on air” sound of WKNR.
None of this would have happened if it wasn’t for Bob. He got me the job at WKNR. Not many people know this but I was turned down twice. Even so, Bob still went to bat for me! He believed I had it in me and put himself on the line with then GM Frank Maruca. He coached me. And I submitted a third audition tape. Then Frank heard what he needed to hear and I was hired.
There’s something as important as believing in yourself. Believing in others. Thank you BG.”
— S. R.
Thank You. Thank You. Thank you. Thank you. . . .
Konstantine and Joanne. WK Studios, New York. Frank Maruca, GM, WKNR, Detroit. Paul Drew, Program Director, CKLW, Windsor-Detroit. The most skilled and “feeling” Producer-engineers of all time, Bob Lusk, Greg Hallup, and Colin Kennedy, CKLW. Jacquie Simo, St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital. Johnny Randell. Alan Freed and William B. Williams. Barney Ales. Al Valente. Phil Jones. Ken Sands and Ralph Seltzer. HDH. Lawrence Horn. Norman Whitfield. Pat Coleman. R. Dean Taylor. Larry Kane. Cliff (Remember the night with Bobby Darin at Lafayette Coney Island) Gorov. Tom Geraldi. Kalvin Ventura. Ron Alexanberg. Irv Biegel. Tom DeAngelo and Tim Tam. The Shy Guys. Bob Jamieson. Peter Gideon. Sammy Kaplan. Edwin Starr. The Fantastic Four. The Parliament-Funkadelics. Michael Stevens. Pat St. John. Steve Schram. Jim Harper. Harry Weinger. “Smokey.” Stevie Wonder. The Four Tops. The Supremes. Berry Gordy, Jr. THE ARTISTS AND ALL THE LISTENERS.ALL OF YOU ANDEACHOFYOU. I apologize if I have forgotten anyone. And finally, thank you to my closest WKNR helper, warm hearted confidant and Lafayette Coney Island eating partner, Vaughn (Santa Claus to my daughter Laura) Trafaleaine. Vaugh was known and loved by our listeners as the “Big V.”
Liner notes from CD back cover:
Scott Regen, seen here, introduced, emceed the Beatles concert for WKNR at the Olympia on August 13, 1966. Scott followed the Beatles across cities in the U. S. during half of their concert tour in 1966. He would later say in a recorded interview with Tim Nixon (WHND) in 1983, his experience with the Beatles in the 1960s “… was astonishing to me. Although I knew all these things were happening to me, I was WATCHING all these things happening to me.” (Photo credit: Bob Benyas)
Scott Regen, a phenomenon of the ’60’s, was a legendary DJ on Detroit area radio stations WKNR and CKLW. On this CD you’ll hear on-air highlights with: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Marvin Gaye, Motown founder Berry Gordy, Jr., Herman’s Hermits, The Righteous Brothers, The Lovin’ Spoonful, The Supremes, Smokey Robinson, Simon and Garfunkel, Martha and the Vandellas, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder and more. (Back cover; CD liner notes).
From the MCRFB Aircheck Library, featuring Scott Regen:
Scott Regen – Radio King Of The ’60s – On Air Highlights 1965 – 1970 (38:44 audio)
Scott Regen (cutout; bottom) from a WKNR Music Guide, 1970
Addendum:For a comprehensive interview with Scott Regen, his thoughts, comments on his career during his years in Detroit radio and thereafter, read Scott Westerman’s insightful interview with Scottie at Keener13.com.
Thank you, Bob Green. Throughout the years, since I first contacted you in 1999, you’ve provided me with three reels of WKNR production tapes, four Keener 13 CDs including this Scott Regen CD — and for only the asking — through the kindness of your heart. Today, all those materials you provided us is today deposited and archived on this website. Bob Green, you are truly a class act. George Griggs, Scott Westerman and I cannot thank you enough for your contributions, materials, comments, and of your selfless time you’ve provided us with all things that was ever ‘Keener’ for this website.
On behalf of George Griggs, Scott Westerman, our friend Greg Innis, I, and from everyone who grew up in Detroit listening to you on WKNR and CKLW, we thank you, Scottie Regen. For all those wonderful radio memories you shared with us during the time you were sitting high on top at No. 1 in Detroit. Hearing you on the radio, not only were you just on. You were there for us. Your audience. And if only just for that reason, we can say your radio listeners loved Scottie Regen all the more in return.
Today, Scott Regen, MCRFB remembers as we salute you.
(The Scott Regen and Bob Green photographs above courtesy George Griggs).
A 23-year old Scottie Regen on WKNR in 1965. When this picture was taken, evidently this photo did not reveal the legacy early-on that would become synonymous with his name and the station he worked for during the ’60’s in Detroit — WKNR Keener 13.
LENNON COMMENTSREGARDING ‘JESUS AND CHRISTIANITY’SPARKSOUTRAGE, GROUP’S MUSIC AIRPLAY BAN ACROSS U. S.
NEW YORK — The radio ban against playing Beatles’ records, which was begun last week by Tommy Charles and Doug Layton, WAQY, Birmingham, Alabama, has spread across the country, with dozens of stations refusing to program or play recordings by the British group.
British magazine Datebook July 29, 1966 issue with the controversial “Jesus” Lennon comment which fueled universal outrage around the world.
Cause of the controversy is a statement published in a British magazine, Datebook, dated July 29, 1966 and attributed to John Lennon. The statement follows:
“Christianity will go. It will vanish and shrink. I needn’t argue about that: I’m right and I will be proved right. We’re more popular than Jesus now; I don’t know which will go first, rock ‘n’ roll or Christianity. Jesus was right, but his disciples were thick and ordinary.”
At a press conference held here late Friday, August 5, Brian Epstein, Beatles’ manager, said the statement was taken out of context. Epstein explained that Lennon meant “in the last 50 years the Church of England and, therefore Christ, had suffered a decline in interest.”
While the statement, confirmed by a Beatles spokesman, went virtually unnoticed in England, the reaction in this country was immediate.
In the aftermath of Lennon’s comments, Beatles records were banned from radio airplay by dozens of stations, sparked by B. J. Williams, seen here, a deejay from KSWO, Lawton, Oklahoma. (Click on image for larger view).
Greater impact has been in the so-called “Bible Belt” which is mainly in the southeast portion of the United States. But the ban has extended to other sections of the country. New York’s WABC has reportedly put Beatles records on the verboten list, but, at press time, the switchboard operator at the station said that not one of the station’s staff members could be reached.
B. J. Williams, deejay at KSWO, Lawton, Oklahoma, called for a Beatles “bonfire” and broke the Beatles’ latest record while on the air.
In Milwaukee, WOKY music director King Kbornik said he would not ban the record until he had seen Lennon’s remarks in print.
The extent of the ban is not known, but a majority of the nation’s radio stations will continue to program Beatles records. The group is scheduled to perform a concert at New York’s Shea Stadium August 23.
A spokesperson for Capitol Records, which issues Beatles recordings under it’s logo in the United States, said Lennon’s remarks were “quoted out of context and misconstrued.”END
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(Information and news source: Billboard; August 13, 1966)
From the MCRFB NEWS archive: 1966
