This Site Primarily Contains a Collection of Airchecks of Numerous Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St. Paul) Radio Stations, Some Recorded Off The Air by Rick Burnett and Many Others Recorded or Provided by Other Contributors to This Site (see footnote at bottom). The Contribution of Recordings and Materials are Greatly Appreciated and Have Made this Site a Bookmark for Those Interested in Radio From this Era. Explore the many recordings on this site by using the menu at the left side of the screen. Should you have material to contribute, Please Email: Rick1031(at)HotMail.com Note: Substitute @ for the "(at)" when typing email address
KQRS George Fisher May 15, 1970
Not sure how I came accross this recording. I assume George sent it to me a while back, as I just found it on a old external hard drive I had not pluged into a computer for years. George does his version of undgerouund style radio as broadcast in 1970. A little different from KQRS today.
KQRS - Progressive Radio John Fineberg does 12 Midnight to 6 AM September 25th, 1972, and Ozone Hour
John Fineberg worked part-time at KQ and then moved to KRSI-FM. John sent me his last show on KQ before moving on to KRSI. You will hear Dan Pothier say a heartfelt goodbye to John when he takes over at 6 AM (Part 2 of the aircheck file at the right). John also sent me a recording of the KQRS Ozone Hour. This may be a spaced out version of KQ's progressive format and was also recorded sometime in 1972.
John Fineberg emailed the following comments on his days at KQRS in the early 70's:
What can I say about KQRS? It was the dream job of a lifetime. I say this without any hesitation whatsoever, even today, 36 years and several careers later.
It was my first job after graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in Broadcasting from the University of Minnesota. My connection to the station was that I listened to the station constantly, and felt like I knew the announcers intimately, even though I only really knew one of them personally at that time. Y'know, until I met John Fine in 1969, I'd planned on shortening my radio name from John Fineberg to John Fine. Confident that we'd eventually end up working together someday, I called an end to that plan.
John introduced me to Alan Stone (who had taken over as program director after John Pete left for KRSI, KQ's only competitor in the market). A couple of years later, Alan hired me over the phone, when I was in San Francisco, attending Elkins Institute to get a First Class FCC License.
I got to start my broadcasting career at what I considered to be the finest station anywhere. As I'd listened to stations around the country recognized for being the best, I knew what I was talking about. Even though it was only a part-time gig, not many people get to skip the small town step and start at the top. I couldn't have been more excited!
KQRS was my ideal job. We had an incredibly talented staff. We had an incredibly trustworthy staff, as well, as we had a huge amount of say in what we said and what we played on-the-air. Not quite free-form, but nearly. In any one hour, we bounced around from rock to jazz, blues, folk, country, East Indian and comedy. And we made it all fit together, telling stories and making political comments through the music that we chose. We prided ourselves on segues that musically and/or thematically blended magically together. We basically played everything except for classical (which is, shockingly, what I listen to most today).
It was an honor to work with great talent like Alan Stone, Dan Pothier, George Donaldson Fisher and John Fine. Plus we had a fabulous production person, Richard E. Nelson, who constantly amazed me with his editing skills.
Like all of us at that time, I lived and breathed KQ. We were fiercely loyal, and our listeners were equally loyal. When I was stolen away to KRSI in 1973, I only took the job because it was full-time (plus I liked the idea of working with my new friend, John Pete, and my old college friend, Susan Bradley). Even Alan Stone advised me to take the offer, as he couldn't promise that I'd get the next full-time opening. "And," he said to me, "we can always steal you back." "Don't you forget that," I said back. Unfortunately, when I desperately wanted to come "home," I couldn't, because I had inadvertently burnt a bridge with Dick Poe, the general manager.
The KQ I knew and loved died shortly thereafter. Like other progressive stations nationwide, it went from true art to true commercialism. It had gone from a tax deduction for some wealthy lawyer out east into a money-maker. And, once you start making money, the tendency is to try to make even more. Lots more. And that's how KQ died, slowly but surely.
I got really spoiled working at the KQ of 1972 (even though I missed the even more progressive years that led up to it). Being on-the-air there was the most creative period of my life. I was an idealist, and I never again found a station -- or a job -- so ideal again. And, even though it was really a very short amount of time that I worked there, I made some incredible friends, people who I still love and still count as dear friends, almost four decades later. ______________________________________________________________ John, Thanks for sharing this. Rick B.
This is pre Tac Hammer and pre pre Hamilton. Russ send a few emails commenting on the airchecks he sent. Here is his first email after finding the site: ________________________________________________ Hiya Rick! I was just trying to search for some old radio mates and came across your site. Hmmmm, there is nothing on the ORIGINAL KQRS(?!?), the one that was the underground station that MADE KDWB and WDGY "tone down" their jocks.
Staff at the time was John Pete Middays/MD Alan Stone (afts) Dan Pothier Then Susan Bradley... overnights were George Donaldson Fischer then Bobby Moske, and me (Russ)... Weekend/swing John Fine, John Fineberg/ Randi Kirshbaum GM was Dick Poe.
Factually I cannot say, but I do believe that the movie FM (and subsequently WKRP) was the basis of the movie. YES, it was based on a San Fran station, but we were the staff that did a parking lot "walk out" protest for both commercial overload and the release of Alan Stone. Russ
The next email from Russ had comments on the 1972 aircheck material he sent me: Morning Rick! Here's a track that I burned onto CD. It;s a bit hissy as we had a Wollensak tape machine for airchecks, LOL. It was recorded at 3 3/4's speed (LOL) and you almost got the entire 4 hour show on ONE 7 inch reel!! You can also tell that the speed was not exact as there are sections with different pitches to my voice. This is probably a little compilations from several shows, as the quality is noticeably different in sections. You can hear some of the other air staff in commercials too, like Booby Moskie (? /sp) John Pete and Alan Stone. I still have not plugged in ole Sony Vaio PC to scarf the other little snippets that were savable off those old reels. ( 3 or 4 different brands and types of tape (remember that ole RED tape?? and how stretchy it was? LOL!
Here's one of my Favorite Alan Stone stories...As usual when I came off the air I'd pop into his office to say high and ask if anything new was coming in from the record guys, and get a little show critique. Alan said "
Russ I want to tell you that the break you did at 7:15 this morning was absolutely fantastic. The way you described the pheasant in the front yard, how the dew sparkled in the morning sun, and the grass. How you thought it might brighten the day for those waking up and having to look out there apartment at another apartment. Oh, and the visual of the gargoyle on the roof eaves, I could see it. It was a beautiful piece of auditory painting." I said Thank you Alan, smiling proudly...as he added, although I think if you thought about it it may have gone on a little long....17 and a half minute in the morning show might just have been a little long." LOL You may have know that in that era of "underground radio" some of us may have started the day by having a little herb for breakfast. Hahahaha! Leads to some very descriptive verbiage, and creative song pre-sells! Russ
On the 1973 Aircheck, Russ emails the following:
Rick, as I recall, Bobby Moske (George Donaldson Fischer's replacement on the overnight show) gave these to me as a Christmas present. "This is why I played Tubular Bells, so I could go into productions and set things up. I hope you like them." as he handed me 4 seven inch reels. "I did miss a couple of songs while i was changing tapes."
They are mostly complete with those few exceptions. the 6 and 7 am hours.
Enjoy!
Russ
Thanks for sharing Russ Rick B.
Airchecks contributed by Russ and posted May 2008.
John Lassman was once a member of the morning crew at KQ and this recording was provided by him. John is now the operations manager for WLTE-FM and JACK FM. On this recording, the Chucker is interacting with a telephone caller.
Contributed by John Lassman, formerly of KQRS, now Operation Manager of WLTE and JACK-FM. (10-1-07)
A Day in the Life of a Twin Cities Radio Station; Composite February-March 1979
KQRS-FM Al has apparently cleaned out his storage locker and just sent me a number of station composites he recorded off the air and compiled from 1979 and a few airchecks from 1977. I will post more at time allows, so check back. Anyone who has an interest in 1970 radio, has to appreciate the forethought Al Arneson had to record and save these tapes.
KQRS-FM Tac Hammer 6-10 AM (There was life before Tom Barnard - Tac never got into Trouble with Indian tribal leaders) Alan Stone 10-2 PM Dave Dworkin 2-6 PM Hal Hoover 6-10 PM Benjie McHie 10-2 AM Nancy Rosen 2-6 AM Pat Kennedy Weekends/Swing Recorded and contributed by Al Arneson, formerly at KSTP-AM and U-100. (Posted 11-17-07)
The recording includes the full commercial segments. This tape was recorded by Hank McKenzie when he lived in the Twin Cities. He use to record radio stations at the time to get recordings of the music he liked. Hank writes:
"t was one of about a dozen I made during that time to extract music I enjoyed while keeping within the budget. Unfortunately, this is the only one that has survived the years. The others have been recorded over. I will say that I was going to Brown Institute at the time working toward an Electronics degree and had earned a 1st Class FCC license so I paid a visit to the KQRS studios out on Lilac Drive one morning to investigate the possibility of working as a broadcast engineer for the station or, at least, research the duties and such. The engineer wasn't available so I spent about a half an hour watching Tac thru the glass as he did his morning show. Unfortunately I did not get a chance to actually meet him."
Contributed by Hank McKenzie, Marysville, WA. Posted 5-1-11
KQRS Ray Erick September 8th, 1999 Ray, mentions his tour of the old Grainbelt brewery this day with his friend and author, Jeff Lonto (who contributed this recording). You will hear Ray tell us that we are listening to "The Station That Doesn't Talk Over The Music." You will also hear there was a winner on the KQ92 payroll contest.
KQRS Mei Young December 26th, 1997
Contributed by Jeff Lonto, author of Fiasco at 1280. (10-1-07)
Dave Hamilton, KQ Operations Manager/Program Director, at his office desk down the hall from the studio
On May 2nd, 2007, I was in the Twin Cities on business and had a chance to get a tour of the KQRS studios. I was lucky to get the tour, because I understand that rarely happens. I first met Dave many years ago when we were teenagers and fellow pirate radio station operators. I attempted to help him with his Radio Shack P-Box FM transmitter. Not sure I was much help. Dave is a great example of a pirate radio station operator that did great in the real radio world. Although I do not have any aircheck of him, you can find one of him at RadioTapes.com as Boogie Dave on pirate station WSKC in Minnetonka.
Recent ratings show KQRS back on the top with an 8 share. Congrats to Dave and the KQ crew. Hope all continues to go well with the new owner, Citadel.
Marc Kalman, KQRS Vice President and General Manager & Dave Hamilton, KQRS Operations Manager/Program Director
KQRS - Ray Erick at the KQ control board on May 2, 2007. Ray at one time worked at KJJO co-hosting a moring show on the then oldies station and also worked at WWTC in 1988 and had a cult folloing with his weekend show called "The Magical Mystery Tour". Click on the photo to see Ray's Garage on the KQ Web Site.
Joe Pyne 1966 on KQRS Radio
Joe interviews a 23 year old Nazi and tears him a new one.
Contributed by Mike Cunningham of Lacrosse, former KTCR-FM Operations Manager. See his other contributions on the Cunningham page
Notice the very diverse music play list.. Blind Faith, Kenny Rogers, and Peter Paul and Mary in the same 1/4 hour. Daryl Laub voices a Radio Shack spot, I believe the jock is Wayne Anthony.
Contributed by Dick Sigurdson, Minneapolis, Minnesota
KDWB - KQRS - KSTP Composite Recorded October 1978 (left below photo)
You will hear the unknown person who recorded this tune up and down the dial and not stop long in one place. You will here: Ed O'Brian - on KD Tac Hammer - on KQ Bob Lange - on KD Doug Silver - on KSTP Michael Christian - on KD Smokin Joe Hagger - on KD Jeff Pigeion - on KSTP Mike Beech - on KD
Mixed in you will also hear various KQ DJ that I do not recognize and they never say there name. Let me know if you recognize any Rick1031@hotmail.com
On 9-8-07 I heard from Jay Philpott by email within hours of posting this new material. He stated:
"I taped all of the airchecks on the KD-KQ-KS Composite, The "Tale of Twin Cities composite and the Twin Cities at Night feature. I may have done the CCO morning show from '80 and the WWTC recording, but I can't be certain as I can't correlate those airchecks to anything in my collection. But it probably WAS me, since I was at my peak in taping the market from 1976 to about 1982 or so. I was an aircheck taping nut as a teenager. I went to high school at Armstrong ('78), and worked in the promo department at KSTP 1977-78, then at KTWN-AM Anoka in 1979, and KFMX/KRSI 1979-80 before landing at WLOL for 4 incredible years 1980-84. Some of these airchecks were taped on my good home stereo, and some were taped with a portable rig I put together so I could record at work.
It was a kick hearing these things after they've spent many years traveling the collector circuit -- I remember trading with Matt Seinberg almost 30 years ago, which is how he got them in the first place!!
Here's some fill-in info on the KD-KQ-KS composite
After Tac Hammer, there is a brief Hines & Bush segment you didn't credit
After Bob Lange, the jock is Alan Stone of KQRS
After Michael Christian is Mike McNeal of KSTP
Then, Hal Hoover of KQRS
For some reason I edited in that brief thing where Larry Lujack says "turn this sucker over". That was from his narration of an American Air Chexx issue, where he told listeners that side one was ending and there was more on side two. It makes no sense being on the Twin Cities tape, really...but I always thought it was funny.
Later on the tape, there are more KQRS segments featuring: Nancy Rosen, Benjie McHie and then Greg Austin (Ausham) of KSTP, Marc Elliott of KDWB and back to KSTP for Jim Summers.
OK, now about the "Tale Of Twin Cities" production. I was the Minneapolis/St. Paul contributor and editor for the Aircheck Factory from 1977 to 1980. I wrote a monthly column about the market in his newsletter, and I taped all of those stations, and gave Tom Konard at ACF all the background he needed to write the narration which was done by Michael Black of KONO/San Antonio. While you did in fact acquire the recordings from Matt at BAAC, you should probably credit the original source and note it was produced by "Tom Konard's Aircheck Factory".
I LOVE what you do with this site, and I've also been in touch with radiotapes.com to compliment him on his work."
I appreciate the help Jay has provided to fill in some of the blanks, provide corrections and provide some behind the scenes information on the recordings. I am sure we are all grateful to Jay Philpott for saving our Twin Cities radio history by recording all the airchecks he did in the 70's.
Acquired from Aircheck collector and contributor Matt Seinberg of Big Apple Airchecks www.BigAppleAirchecks.com Jay Philpott originally recorded this KDWB-KQRS-KSTP composite. Jay currently (9-9-07) works in St. Louis at 106.5 "The Arch" doing weekends and has work for a number of Twin Cities radio stations.
JAY PHILPOTT is a 25 year broadcast veteran. Jay's radio work has spanned many formats and eras in the world of contemporary music. He is a fan of all types of music and an expert at pop and rock music. Jay is a published author and recently released "Ain't Misbehavin', Just Conclavin" - a 30 year history of the Conclave Learning Conference, a major American music industry seminar held each year in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Jay's Twin Cities radio experience includes WLOL and KFMX.
KDWB - KQRS - KSTP Composite Recorded October 1978
You will hear the unknown person who recorded this tune up and down the dial and not stop long in one place. You will here: Ed O'Brian - on KD Tac Hammer - on KQ Bob Lange - on KD Doug Silver - on KSTP Michael Christian - on KD Smokin Joe Hagger - on KD Jeff Pigeion - on KSTP Mike Beech - on KD
Mixed in you will also hear various KQ DJ that I do not recognize and they never say there name. Let me know if you recognize any Rick1031@hotmail.com
On 9-8-07 I heard from Jay Philpott by email within hours of posting this new material. He stated:
"I taped all of the airchecks on the KD-KQ-KS Composite, The "Tale of Twin Cities composite and the Twin Cities at Night feature. I may have done the CCO morning show from '80 and the WWTC recording, but I can't be certain as I can't correlate those airchecks to anything in my collection. But it probably WAS me, since I was at my peak in taping the market from 1976 to about 1982 or so. I was an aircheck taping nut as a teenager. I went to high school at Armstrong ('78), and worked in the promo department at KSTP 1977-78, then at KTWN-AM Anoka in 1979, and KFMX/KRSI 1979-80 before landing at WLOL for 4 incredible years 1980-84. Some of these airchecks were taped on my good home stereo, and some were taped with a portable rig I put together so I could record at work.
It was a kick hearing these things after they've spent many years traveling the collector circuit -- I remember trading with Matt Seinberg almost 30 years ago, which is how he got them in the first place!!
Here's some fill-in info on the KD-KQ-KS composite
After Tac Hammer, there is a brief Hines & Bush segment you didn't credit
After Bob Lange, the jock is Alan Stone of KQRS
After Michael Christian is Mike McNeal of KSTP
Then, Hal Hoover of KQRS
For some reason I edited in that brief thing where Larry Lujack says "turn this sucker over". That was from his narration of an American Air Chexx issue, where he told listeners that side one was ending and there was more on side two. It makes no sense being on the Twin Cities tape, really...but I always thought it was funny.
Later on the tape, there are more KQRS segments featuring: Nancy Rosen, Benjie McHie and then Greg Austin (Ausham) of KSTP, Marc Elliott of KDWB and back to KSTP for Jim Summers.
OK, now about the "Tale Of Twin Cities" production. I was the Minneapolis/St. Paul contributor and editor for the Aircheck Factory from 1977 to 1980. I wrote a monthly column about the market in his newsletter, and I taped all of those stations, and gave Tom Konard at ACF all the background he needed to write the narration which was done by Michael Black of KONO/San Antonio. While you did in fact acquire the recordings from Matt at BAAC, you should probably credit the original source and note it was produced by "Tom Konard's Aircheck Factory".
I LOVE what you do with this site, and I've also been in touch with radiotapes.com to compliment him on his work."
I appreciate the help Jay has provided to fill in some of hte blanks, provide corecctions and porovde some behind the scenes information on the recordings. I am sure we are all grateful to Jay Philpott for saving our Twin Cities radio history by recording all the airchecks he did in the 70's.
Acquired from Aircheck collector and contributor Matt Seinberg of Big Apple Airchecks www.BigAppleAirchecks.com Jay Philpott originally recorded this KDWB-KQRS-KSTP composite. Jay currently (9-9-07) works in St. Louis at 106.5 "The Arch" doing weekends and has work for a number of Twin Cities radio stations.
The airchecks on this not for profit web site were recorded off the air. The recordings on this site provide historical examples of Twin Cities radio and are intended for purposes of archival preservation and for research. Additionally, the recordings can be used by vision impaired visitors to get an audio perspective of radio history. These recordings are not intended to by used by others for commercial purposes.
Some of the airchecks are off reel to reel tapes that were recorded off the air by the web site creator. In May 2006 the recordings started to be converted to MP3 and shared here. In addition to this web site creator's recorded aircheck collection, there are also many airchecks that were recorded and submitted by friends and acquaintances, or contributed by other collectors. Sources are cited, if known. The contributed recordings from friends and contributors of both airchecks and other material are greatly appreciated. Without their help, the site would have many less pages of radio history. The recordings of the contributors to this web site who recorded them off the air may show up on other sites. This site does not charge any fees to listen to the posted recordings. The purpose of this site is to provide radio history and intended for purposes of archival preservation and research.
Windows Media Player works well to play these MP3 files, and depending on your internet settings, will start streaming the file once the link is clicked, Some files are large and may take time to open. Should you have any aircheck of Twin Cities radio stations, let me know and I may be able to include them at this site. Contact me at Rick(at)HotMail.com --- NOTE Replace "(at)" with @ when typing email address
