Rick Burnett's Twin Cities Radio Airchecks

A Collection of Twin Cities Radio Airchecks From the 60' & 70's

Home

Recent Posts

Twin Cities Radio Tapes

More Twin Cities Radio

Older Twin Cities Radio

KANO-AM

KDWB 630 Tapes

KQRS Photos & Tapes

KRSI and KFMX

KSTP-AM '70's

KTCR-FM Tapes

WAYL-FM

WCCO 830

WCCO-FM Before WLTE-FM

WLTE-FM 102.9

WDGY 1130 Tapes

Judy Dibble-WDGY History

WLOL

WMIN

WMMR-U of M

WYOO/WRAH

WWTC

News Radio (& TV Too)

The Private Collections

Jim du Bois Contributions

Jeff Lonto Colletion

Cunningham Contributions

Randy Randall Collection

Sigurdson Contibutions

Al Arneson Collection

KDAN - KEEY - KRSI - KFMX

KDWB

KSTP

KTCR

KQRS

KUXL- WAYL WDGY

WCCO

WLOL/WRRD - WWTC

Pirate Radio-Twin Cities

Broadcasting Hall of Fame

Brown 60 Year Celebration

WWOD

Aircheck & Other Links

Guestbook & Comments

Older Twin Cities Radio

This page has recording of some old radio shows, going all the way back to 1945 with Cedric Adam's newscast on WCCO.  This page also includes some 50's and 60's airchecks of WDGY-AM, KDWB-AM and WWTC-AM (Scroll Down).  Some of the airchecks are un-scoped and have the commercials left in.  Brings back some memories and interesting insites on the "Good Old Days"   


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 

Pavek Museum of Broadcasting October 27, 2007 Hall of Fame Dinner Public Service Announcements
Spots with Charlie Boone of WCCO and Chuck Knapp of K-BOB


It was a great event with Chuck Knapp of K-Bob as the co-host.

See photos taken at the event on the Pavek page:
Click Here






PSA spots provided by Mary Niemeyer, SVP/Market Manager CBS Radio (WCCO).  Posted 9-21-07.

Media
Pavek Museum of Broadcasting Hall of Fame Dinner PSA by Charlie Boone and Chuck Knapp #1
Media
Pavek Museum of Broadcasting Hall of Fame Diner Announcement with Charlie Boone and Chuck Knapp #2
Media
Pavek Museum of Broadcasting announcement of the Hall of Fame dinner with Charlie Boone and Chuck Knapp #3
Media
WCCO-AM Cedric Adams Newscast 1/19/45

These two recordings are from the 1940's and represent some early history in Twin Cities broadcasting.  Cedric Adams was a big time broadcaster in the 40's with WCCO-AM.  Although I was not around at the time, I find these recordings interesting and they certainly have historical value.

The first recording was off the air on January 19th, 1945.  This was Cedric Adams noon newscast and was brought to you by Crisco Shortening.  You will hear a detailed update on the action in World War II as it draws near its end.  Cedric informs us this is President Roosevelt's last day of his 3rd term and he will be sworn in for his 4th term the next day.

The Twin Cities will also have a new model street car launched the next day from the rail yards at University Ave. and Snelling.  This was the street car maintenance yards before Midway Shopping Center was built at this location.


 The second recording was made November 1956.   Israel captured the Gaza Strip for the second time.  Yes, the Middle East was even a big news story back then.

But the lead story was the school closing announcements.  The winter weather was severe and Cedric had a long list of closings to get through.  Boone & Erickson had this duty in the 50's, 60's and 70's.  We all tuned in to see if we were getting a snow day.  Most times my school was not one of the closings reported and I had to get my boots on.

Twin City Federal was a big sponsor for this newscast.  They were touted as "the largest savings & loan in the United States"  They had offices in Downtown Minneapolis and Downtown St. Paul.  It appears at this time, branch bank offices were common.

You can see Cedric's bio at the Pavek Musuem of Radio Histry Hall of Fame, as well as hear some additon recording of him at: http://www.pavekmuseum.org/Adams.htm


(Acquired from collector A. Mintz)
Media
WCCO-AM Cderic Adams Nighttime News November 1956
Media
WCCO-AM Bob Dehaven & Red Valley Gang-Fall 1945

The Cargill Red River Valley Gang broadcast was on the air during the time when live audiences attended studio broadcasts. This was a weekly broadcast for some time at WCCO-AM.  Hosted by Bob DeHaven, Cargill was the sponsor for this live show that included a studio audience.  Corny jokes and country music is the format.   The Grand Ole Opry was not the only place for live country music, but it was better than this.  At the end of the broadcast Bob informs us next week's show will be coming from Grand Forks in celebration of "Harvest Days."  As of July 2008, I came across the following link to a WCCO broadcast from the 1955 Minnesota State Fair of Bob DeHaven and the Red River Valley Gang: 

http://www.830wcco.com/topic/play_window.php?audioType=Episode&audioId=1988776 


One of the members of the Red River Valley Gang was Hal Garven, known as Gus on the radio broadcast  His brother, Ernie, wrote the Hamm's Beer commercial.  Ernie died in 2004, but his memory lives on here and on a web site at:  http://www.tcmu.com/archivemm/mmarticles03.html  Scroll down to the second to the last photo and bio.

Ernie Garven wrote many popular commercials, which the trio recorded during the 40's and 50's. You may recall, in addition to  the Hamm's Beer commercial, "From the land of sky blue waters!",  the one he did for Dairy Queen, "Let's all go to the Dairy Queen, I see one just down the street". The commercials aired for many years all over the country.


(Acquired from collector A. Mintz)

WCCO-AM 803 Severe Storm Coverage

In addition to reporting on school closings during the winter, 'CCO was also the station that was tuned in by many Twin City citizens to find out if they were in the path of an oncoming tornado.  The recordings below are a collection of severe weather segments.  Although it shows a date of May 6th, 1965, there are segments from many different years.


(Acquired from collecotor A. Mintz)
Media
WCCO-AM 830 Severe Storm Coverage 5-6-65 No 1 of 4
Media
WCCO-AM 830 Severe Storm Coverage 5-6-65 4 of 4
Media
WCCO-AM 830 Severe Storm Coverage 5-6-65 No 2 of 4
Media
WCCO-AM 830 Severe Storm Coverage 5-6-65 No 3 of 4
KDWB 63 Jingles From Early '60's??  Maybe late '50's?

I do not recall who gave me this tape recording of old transcriptions of the very early KDWB jingles.  It is possible Rob Sherwood (Buff) gave this tape to me when he was at KD.  The theme is "Color Radio" and this group includes the well know "63...That's Easy To Remember" and the long jingle "Night Time is The Right Time to Listen and Enjoy." which I separate from the group.  If you can tell me more, please email me at: Rick1031@Hotmail.com

If you remember back this far, sit back and relax, in your pajamas or slacks...and listen and enjoy KDWB.

Rick B.
Media
KDWB "63....That's Easy To Remember"
Media
KDWB "Night Time is The Right Time to Listen and Enjoy"
Media
KDWB - The Jingle Group - "Color Radio" Theme

Tom Wynn (Below)

Tom Wynn was at WDGY in the early 1960's and the two WDGY airchecks below are from January 6, 1961.  This aircheck in two parts is presented un-scoped.  All promos, commercials and music have been left in.  This provides a historical look at the times.

An additional aircheck was provded by Randy Randall of Tom Wynn at WLOL-AM in the early 70's while LOL was programing the "Number One Music" format.  In a September 2006 email Tom sent to me, he states he has been on the air for 48 years and is currently at KRGO in Fargo doing a morning news/talk show.  He recently celebrated 25 years at KFGO.  You can see another photo of Tom Wyn and his on air partner by clicking the following web address: http://www.kfgo.com/pages/tomanddankfgo.html


Tom Wynn at his current job at KFGO in Fargo ND. Tom has been in radio for 48 years and was at WDGY in the early 60's. Tom was a grad of Richard Brown's American Istitute of the Air, a predecessor to Brown Institute. He now does a morning news/talk show in Fargo.
 
 
Media
WLOL-AM Tom Wynn 6/5/72 - from collector Randy Randall of Rochester MN.

   

  

KTCR-AM 690 in The 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: http://www.pavekmuseum.org/tedesco.htm

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 60's KTCR airchecks acquired from collector A. MIntz)


Media
KTCR-AM 690 Jay Jensen No 1 of 2 8-16-63
Media
KTCR-AM 690 Johnny Long 8-16-63 Unscoped
Media
KTCR-AM 690 Jay Jensen No 2 of 2 8-16-63
Media
KTCR-AM 690 Johnny Long/Vern Arthur Live Remote 8-16-63

Note On Jay Jensen Aircheck Above

Radio broadcast from 1963 over Minnapolis' Country and Western Station KTCR.  This is an actual uncut recording just like you would of heard it back in 1963 with the music, ads and news.  Below is what you will hear.

1.  Local News -- Local Woman killed from being thrown from car;  Hourly wage increases 50 cents an hour; Navy Man AWOL in Los Angeles and is wanted by law enforcement; Minnesota Twins News.  And Local Speedway Sports Report.

2.  Song:  Ten Thousand Times -- Hawkshaw Hawkins

3.  Great Jingle for Pall Mall Cigarette Ad.

4.  Song:  Gold and Silver, Have I none -- Sonny James

5.  Advertisement for Hutchison Trailer Sales.

6.  Song:  Take a Look at that train -- Milo Brown

7.  Advertisement for Riverview Terrace Thompson Homes Jingle -- New Housing track with homes starting at $13,000.

8.  Song:  If some folks would leave us alone -- Freddy Hart

9.  Announcement for Convention Center Concert starring Wanda Jackson and Freddy Hart.

10. Advertisement for McDonald Trailer Sales

11. Song:  The Red River Valley Polka -- Six Fat Dutchmen

12. Advertisement for Hepner's Auto Body Repair

13. Song:  Lonesome Life -- Billy Grammer

14. Jingle for Salem Cigarettes -- Great Jingle!  "Salem Cigarettes - Salem has a modern filter plus rich taste with menthol!  Softened with Fresh Air! Oh the wonderful world of Salem"

15. News

16. Osco Motors Advertisement

17. Song:  Saddle Down -- Mike Saddle and the Saddle Brothers

18. Advertisement for Riverview Terrace Thompson Homes

19. Song:  Down on the Corner of Love -- Buck Owens

20. KTCR Jingle

21. Song:  It was only a heart -- Skeeter Davis

22. Jingle for Brother's Golden Guensey Milk

23. Song:  The Tinker Polka -- Bill Brown

24. Local Weather Report

25. Song:  Big Sam -- Autry Enman

26. Advertisement for Kent Cigarettes

27. Song:  Freight Train --

28. Song:  You had me riding a broken down Merry Go Round -- Slim Whitman

29. Song:  Instrumental by Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys

30. Jingle for KTCR Radio 690!

31. Public Service Announcement -- Trade School Warnings and Tips.

32. Credit Union Information Announcement

End of Broadcast.


 
Media
KTCR-AM Texas Bill Strength 8-16-63
This famos country recording star who appeared five times at the Grand Ole Apry, Texas Bill Strength, worked for a period of time at KTCR-AM 690 in Minneapolis, and later at WMIN.  This is an unscoped recording of his show as he filled in for an announcer who just completed a live remote at the corner of Nicollet and LakeStreet.  Since is it unscoped, you get to hear the commercials of the time.  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.

Scroll down further to get to WDGY & KDWB


WDGY-AM 1130 Minneapolis

Some good stuff here.


(All 1960's WDGY, KDWB and WWTC airchecks acquired from collector A. Mintz)
Media
WDGY-AM 1130 Perry St. John All Night Shift 5/12/63
The quality is not great on this recording, but you can still hear everything.  WDGY was certainly a much different station pre-Beatles than it was as the 60's progressed.  I hope to get some late 60's clips up on the site soon.
Media
WDGY-AM Hal Raymond 7/9/63
 
Media
WDGY-AM Dick Driscoll 8/60 Scoped
Media
KSTP-AM Tribute To Elvis - Day Elvis Died 8-17077 Un-Scoped
Media
WDGY-AM 1130 Various DJ's 11/57 Scoped. Dan Daniel, Bill Armstrong, Don Kelly-the morning mayor, Stanley Mack, Bill Diehl, WDGY Jingles, and Dick Driscoll
Media
WDGY-AM Dan Daniels 8/57 Scoped
   

KDWB-AM 630 St. Paul (Woodbury)

More good Stuff.  Enjoy.


Media
KDWB-AM 630 Don French 9/6/60 Scoped
Media
KDWB-AM Kelly 8/26/65 Un-Scoped
 
Media
KDWB-AM Bobby Davis 3/68 Scoped
Media
KTCR-AM Texas Bill Strength 8-16-63
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.shtml
Purchased from collector Aaron Mintz
Media
KTCR-AM 690 Jay Jensen No 1 of 2 August 16, 1963
Purchased from collector Aaron Mintz.
Media
KTCR-AM 690 Jay Jensen No 2 of 2 August 16, 1963
 
Media
WWTC-AM Dick Haase 5/5/65 Un-Scoped - acquired from collector A. Mintz
The History of Radio in 10 Minutes  Unknown Date

It was recorded before 1965 because you can hear comments by Todd Storz about 10 minutes into this 11:30 long recording.  You will also hear Chuck Blore comment about Color Radio.  This takes you back to the beginning and bring you up to Top 40 radio.  This tape was found at WDGY's basement at the old studio at the Blooming transmitter site (long gone and replaced by housing).
Contributed by Judy Dibble, formerly of WDGY

Media
HIstory of Radio in 10 Minutes (actually in 11:30)
All airchecks on this page, except the Tom Wynn WLOL aircheck of 6-5-72, were acquired from collector A. Mintz

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