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 Favorite of Those Interested in Radio From this Era. This Site Also Includes Rare Twin Cities Pirate (Unlicensed) Radio Airchecks. 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@hotmail.com
This Page has Airchecks of KTCR-AM, Inlcuding Some From the Mid-1960's
KTCR-AM was a day-timer country station in the 1960's until Al Tedesco sold it in the early 1980's. Al and his brothers were inducted into the Musuem of Broadcasting Hall of Fame. See more on this at the following web site:
These rare recordings were all dated the same day in August 1963. The quality is not great, but you can hear everything. The source is a transcription (vinyl phonograph record), and appears to be compiled by an aircheck service of the day. It is interesting to hear the DJ's read most of the commercials live and also the commercials of the time. These airchecks are un-scoped and you hear an unedited show.
(All of the 60's KTCR-AM airchecks were acquired from collector A. Mintz)
KTCR-AM 690 - Texas Bill Strength August 16th, 1963
This famous country recording star who appeared five times at the Grand Ole Opry, Texas Bill Strength, worked for a period of time at KTCR-AM 690 in Minneapolis, and later at WMIN. This is a recording of his show as he filled in for an announcer who just completed a live remote at the corner of Nicollet and Lake Street. You get to hear the commercials of that time, including a Salem Cigarette and a Muntz TV spot. You can see more information on Bill at the following web site: http://www.hillbilly-music.com/artists/story/index.php?id=11253 Click on the address link to see his Bio. According to the bio, he was a highly rated DJ in the Twin Cities.
In 1990, Texas Bill Strength was elected to the Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Fame. You can see his information on the Country Radio Broadcasters web site at: http://www.crb.org/hof/hofinductees/1990/texasbillstrength.shtmlPurchased from collector Aaron Mintz
KTCR-FM John Bortnen - October 1978 - Country
Not much of John Bortnen on this short recording. However, there is a late 70's jingle to be heard.
KTCR-AM St. Pete October 1978 Oldies Format
In the late 70's KTCR-FM a daytimer, went to an oldies format and put country on hold.
Recorded by Jay Philpott
Yes, this is the former country station before Al Tedesco sold it in the early 80's. They did an oldies format briefly. You are listening to "Number One KTCR." Although Mike does a good job, I do not believe KTCR ever got close to Number 1 in the ratings.
Contributed by Jeff Lonto, author of "Fiasco at 1280." (10-1-07)
At one time in the Summer of '74, KTCR-FM had its own survey. I was responsible for its weekly publication as the then music director. It only lasted a few weeks and was discontinued. I think the trade-out we had with teh printer ended. I wish I had a copy; it looked better than the survey's to the left.
Rick B.
Surveys contributed by Jeff Lonto, author of "Fiasco at 1280"
KTCR-AM & FM Twin Cities Country Music Twins survey from 1-12-74
KTCR-AM & FM Twin Cities Country Music Twins survey from 1-19-74
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
