Red Robinson

Last Wednesday I had the pleasure of interviewing one of the founders of Great Big Sea on Global Morning News. Alan Doyle was a most forthcoming performer who has not lost touch with his Newfoundland  origins. The week prior to our meeting PBS had presented their “Special” to great reviews… Chris Cornell was vocalist with the  Seattle rock band Soundgarden. He also recorded with Temple of  the Dog. The band recorded hits such as Black Hole Sun and Fell On Black Days before disbanding in 1997. Chris is reviving his career and is on tour around North America. There is no question he is one of the  finest rock vocalists around.

This photo was taken during an interview session held at 99.3 The Fox during his visit to Vancouver. The interview was held at the radio station at his request, but my interview ran on Global TV where I can be seen each Wednesday morning at 8:15 with a great variety of entertainers… Each year for 20 years in my TVWeek column at year’s end I would take time to salute those who had passed away in the world of entertainment, literature, sports and politics. I would like to continue with that tradition. Here are some names of note who have passed on in 2008:  Sir Edmund Hillary, the first man to  reach the summit of Mount Everest in 1953, dead at the age of 88.  Bobby Fischer, the Chicago-born chess player who defeated Russian champ Boris Spassky in 1972. He was 64. Actor Heath Ledger, who played The Joker in the Batman movie Dark Knight and other roles over the years. The young actor was only 28… Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who brought transcendental meditation from India in the 1960’s and had a wide range of followers including The Beatles and Mia Farrow. He was believed to be 91. Sci-Fi writer Arthur C. Clarke, best known for  2001: A Space Odyssey passed away at the age of 90. One of my favorite actors, Richard Widmark, who played nearly every role imaginable in movies died at his home at 93… Iconic movie actor Charlton Heston (The Ten Commandments, Ben-Hur, Planet of The Apes) died in Los Angeles at age 83… French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent died in Paris at age 71… Rock and Roll singer and guitar player Bo Diddley died of heart failure in Florida at age 79. American sportscaster Jim McKay, who covered 12 Olympic Games and hosted television’s Wide World of Sports has passed on at age 86… American comedian George Carlin passed away in Los Angeles at 71… Comedian Bernie Mac who starred in The Bernie Mac Show and movies Ocean’s 11, 12 and 13 died in Chicago at age 50… Isaac Hayes, considered one of the founders of disco and hip hop and the voice of Chef on the television cartoon series South Park died in his hometown of Memphis at 65… Comedian Dick Martin, part of the comedy team of Rowan & Martin (Laugh In) died in California at age 86. Great comedic actor Harvey Korman, best known for his stint on the Carol Burnett Show and in the hilarious movie Blazing Saddles passed on at age 81. Football icon and friend Bobby Ackles, President of the B.C. Lions Football club died of a heart attack on Bowen Island. Bobby was 69. Folksinger Odetta , a wonderful spiritual singer, died at age 77.  Mr. Blackwell, a California fashion designer and actor best known for his “Worst Dressed” celebrity list, died in Los Angeles at age 86… Estelle Getty, the actress who played the role of Bea Arthur’s sarcastic mother in the TV comedy The Golden Girls died at the age of 84. Actor extraordinaire Paul Newman, one of the world’s most famous film stars died of cancer at age 83… Writer Studs Terkel died in Chicago at age 96… Michael Crichton, author of the best sellers Jurassic Park and The Andromeda Strain and creator of the TV series ER died at age 66. Miriam Makeba, a South African singer who visited our town many times over the years has passed away at the age of 76 from a heart attack…Ted Rogers, who built a media empire died in his Toronto home at the age of 76. Eartha Kitt a  singer, dancer and actress who captivated audiences with her sultry voice has passed away at age 81… All are gone but not forgotten.  Many have left a lasting legacy for generations to come… in  other news, singer Connie Francis, who was one of the biggest selling  female recording artists of all time has just turned 70. Happy Birthday Connie!

Red, we are listening to  your show this morning and loving every minute of it.  Not only because you play the best music but because you call Christmas, Christmas.  Not “the holiday” not “the season” and we really do appreciate that.

With so many people, businesses and government so busy trying to be politically correct it is very refreshing to hear someone refer to this time of year what it really is - Christmas.

Thank you so much again for being such a great person.  You have brought years of listening enjoyment to us ever since we were teenagers.

Al and Cathy Reimer
Sardis

Al and Cathy, thank you so much for your letter.  I heard an expression the other day that really left a mark.  ”Majorities have rights too.” It is about time we defended what the rest of the world has come here to Canada  to enjoy.  No apologies are in order.  Have a  MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Kellie Robinson’s younger brother Jeff was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at age 10.

In the 23 years that followed, he underwent 26 surgeries and spent countless stints in the hospital.

“But he always had the most amazing spirit,” says Kellie.

(more from Erin McPhee in the North Shore News)

It was a pleasure to appear on the radiothon for the CKNW Orphan’s Fund broadcast live from the Fairmont Vancouver Hotel. Bill Good was the host when I appeared with CTV’s Tamara Taggart. A most worthwhile cause that saw over $1,200,000 raised. Parts of the Pledge Day were shown on Shaw Cable… I had a wonderful time riding with Elvis tribute artist Jeff Bodner in the 5th annual Rogers Santa Claus Parade. Over 300,000 people showed up on what turned out to be a sunny afternoon. We drove in Carole’s Chrysler Sebring convertible and we were delighted with the reception we received all along the route. The parade will be shown on Global TV on Sunday December 21st at noon and again on December 25th at 1pm. Great Canadian Gaming Corporation, owners of the River Rock and Red Robinson Show Theatres, sponsored our entry… this is the 20th anniversary of the release of the Beatles White Album, which came out  around the time the Fab Four were breaking up.  This landmark double album was interesting in that it was the first time George Harrison really got his due with songs like While My Guitar Gently Weeps… on the heels of  this special album it is sad to report that music industry icon Capitol/EMI has closed all its offices in Canada  and may soon do so worldwide. They were counting on a deal with  iTunes that fell apart. If they had been able to secure an  arrangement they could have saved their empire… an  interesting note from the U.K. where 45 RPM records are selling all over again with almost 15% of music sales on this old format… At year’s end I always reflect on the year past. Two highlights for me this past year were Carol Burnett and Patti Page. Both performers are getting on in years but still capable of being fully  entertaining.

Patti charted more hits than any other female artist in the 1950-1960 period. Tennessee Waltz and Doggie In The Window are recognized worldwide. She still has her voice but her body is frail. She had great difficulty walking across the stage but loves performing so much she found an inner strength to overcome it. When I look back over my career to the pre-rock and roll era it has been a pleasure to meet and greet and interview most of the biggest recording stars of that era: Frankie Laine, Tony Bennett, Peggy Lee, Kay Starr, Johnny Ray and now Patti Page. It was a special time in music and these were truly talented individuals.

Meeting Carol Burnett was a special experience for me. I met Harvey Korman in Vancouver years ago and we both shared our admiration for his tremendous comedic talent.  Carol recently put on a wonderful show at the Orpheum Theatre. Her presentation included many highlights from her long-running award-winning television series The Carol Burnett Show. It is sad to say we will never again see this type of variety show at the top of  the ratings, something that Carol touihed on while she was on stage. “That was then and this is now… the world has changed and you cannot go back.” This in response to a question from the audience. I agree with her, but reluctantly.  Let us see if Rosie O’Donnell is successful with her variety show. Personally I can’t stand too much of her at any one sitting. Patti and Carole added something special to my year and I felt I should share these experiences with you… Each Wednesday morning for the past three years I have been interviewing various celebrities. They vary from country  artists to pop stars to icons.

I had the pleasure recently to talk with James Blunt who packed them in during his Vancouver visit at GM  Place. James is a graduate of Sandhurst Military College in the U.K. He was with the first NATO forces to enter Kosovo during that  conflict. He also had the honour of standing guard beside the Queen Mother’s casket. James left the military after his four year stint and turned to his first love, music. He has been successful with original material he has composed and will no doubt be around for years to come. He was an engaging personality and has a discipline that was obviously earned while in the army.

A busy week comes to a close: the Global TV crew and I made our way to GM Place to interview New Kids On The Block and Natasha Bedingfield, who was the opening act for NKOTB. Natasha is the U.K.’s  biggest female pop star. Her song Unwritten was the most played on American mainstream radio last year. She has the distinction of being the first British female singer to score a number one hit in the U.S. Billboard pop chart since Kim Wilde 19 years ago. She and brother Daniel share the Guinness Book of World Records record for being the only siblings to have had solo number one hits in U.K. chart history. She was a delight to interview and she will be featured on a future Global Morning News Red’s Reunion feature… I was fortunate to sit down with the two principals of New Kids On The Block, Donnie Wahlberg and Danny Wood. Donnie and Danny grew up in Boston and were boyhood friends. In its heyday the group sold over 70 million records and generated hundreds of millions of dollars through concerts, and merchandise. NKOTB disbanded in 1994 and have come together only recently. In 1991 the group topped Forbes list of highest paid entertainers. Donnie is known for his appearances in Saw, The Sixth Sense and the Steven Spielberg TV series Brothers.  I asked him what his favorite role was and he answered, “The Sixth Sense”. He indicated that he will continue to act. Brother Mark Wahlberg has become a major movie star… look for my interview with NKOTB next Wednesday on my morning appearance on Global… I was taken aback on my recent weekly Global TV appearance when anchor Lynn Colliar held up the Vancouver Sun and its special edition saluting B.C.’s 150 years as a province. The page she turned to featured a column by Peter Birnie titled Top 20 Stars For A B.C. Birthday. It listed 20 entertainment players in the entertainment field in B.C. and I placed number 8. I couldn’t believe it. What a great honor. Now the Vancouver Sun is asking readers to help determine who the most influential citizens are in B.C.’s history. You can vote by heading to the Sun’s website and selecting your own top 10 candidates. Victoria has already selected their top 150 and I am honoured again by being in that original selection this past spring and summer. This list is a quest by the newspaper and your input is appreciated… on the weekend at the Red Robinson Show Theatre it was a reunion of sorts with David Clayton Thomas. He and I had crossed paths many times before. The former lead singer with Blood, Sweat and Tears is still going strong but his  most remarkable attribute is the fact that his voice is stronger than ever.

Kevin Statham photo

He told me that he does only about a dozen shows a year now and is truly tired of touring — he spent 40 years on the road.  David has a new CD titled The Evergreens and it is comprised of many of his own songs. He wrote great songs like Spinning Wheel for BS&T.  He also gave me a copy of his autobiography titled the same as the disc. Both are available at stores now. He is a most engaging personality and a Canadian treasure… Joe Rogan came to the Red Robinson Show Theatre last week and wowed them. He is funny and very much into foul humor and the crowd loved it as they had expected no less from the former host of Fear Factor and actor on the highly regarded television series Newsradio with Dave Foley and Phil Hartman.

Kevin Statham photo

Joe has an easy going personality and enjoys stand-up comedy over all his otherwork. He told me Fear Factor would most likely return to a television set near you. Meantime, you can catch Joe doing color on the Ultimate Fight shows… Jerry Dennon, who recorded many Pacific Northwest talents over the decades, is recovering from heart surgery and we wish him a speedy recovery.  Many of my interviews are available on CD through Jerry’s firm Soundworks. This company specializes in spoken word. They are available at the Red Robinson Show Theatre. The catalog consists of interviews with Johnny Cash, Charlie Rich, Sam Phillips, Elvis, Roy Orbison, Gene Vincent, Buddy Holly, Bill Haley and others.  Jerry is responsible for first recording the Kingsmen and the biggest hit of the sixties out of Washington state, Louie, Louie.  Good health old friend… My old friend Dan Holiday has returned to radio and his famous Rock and Roll Time Machine but this time it’s on KSER FM 90.7.  As he says in his note to me: “no jingles, no stagers, no bumpers, no spots, no kidding!” Just Danny and his music.  He is on air from 11am to 1pm each Sunday. I recommend it… even though it’s the middle of Red Rock Diner, my Sunday show at 104.9fm…

photo: Linda C.

I was at the Doormen’s Dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel this past week. The “Doorman of the Year” was Jack Poole, the man most responsible for bringing the 2010 Olympic Winter Games to our city. Premier Gordon Campbell gave one of his best speeches saluting Jack, the first man to hire the Premier when he was a very young man. A great function that raised much money for my pet charity The C.H.I.L.D. Foundation.

Click to hear me in 1955 at CJOR

The former CJOR at 600 on the AM dial is going dark and the station is flipping to FM.  It is fascinating that it is happening 54 years to the day I began my career there.  I had been hanging around CJOR in 1953 with Al Jordan and his Teen Canteen show.  I created a fictional character called Rod Gat, a satirical take-off on the popular writer Mickey Spillane’s anti-hero Mike Hammer.  It garnered a following and hundreds of letters poured in each week. It always ended with a cliff hanging situation which meant you had to tune in the following week to find out where the story was going.

Then suddenly Al Jordan took off to work in Penticton and was replaced by Rod Hume. He lasted six months. I had gone to Penticton on Remembrance Day Weekend 1954 to visit Al. Upon my return program manager Vic Waters told me that Hume had been let go and that he and others had decided to give me a try with a “live” audition. Vic said, “listen kid, if you can handle it you can have it and build it”.  I went on the air right after the four o’clock newscast and kicked the show off with a doo-wop/R&B song called Marie with the 4 Tunes. The phones lit up and at the end of the show Vic said I had the job.

Click to hear Vic Waters remember how it started

I built the show to a point where I had over 25,000 club members and it became an advertiser’s delight. I stayed at CJOR until April 1957 when I joined CKWX for more money… but more importantly to take my rock and roll records to a station that was going to broadcast with 50,000 watts. That would make it one of the nation’s top stations with an unbelievable reach.

I was replaced at CJOR by Brian Forst (before he was known as Frosty -  a name some have indicated he got from Seattle deejay “Frosty” Fowler). He had won a contest to replace me.

CJOR will always be with me. Even as a teenager I knew the station’s history.  Alan Young (Mr. Ed), Bernie Braden and Barbara Kelly, who became a sensation on BBC in England, and others had carved their careers at 600 on the radio dial.  I can remember the last days of old time radio with a live broadcast from the Commodore each Saturday Night with Doug Kirk’s Orchestra, Town Meeting in Canada from our radio studios on Howe Street, and Harmony House from the stage of the Orpheum Theatre.

The station had a reputation as a major source for news and entertainment. In the Fifties and Sixties the tradition continued with personalities such as Vic Waters, Monty McFarlane, Jack Webster, Dave Abbott, Pat Burns, Fanny Kiefer and a host of other great and talented people. Vic Waters, it must be added, aided and abetted the careers of many including Frosty, Fred Latremouille and myself. Sadly, Vic passed away this past summer.

I can still picture the rain on Howe Street illuminating the CJOR call letters, the Grosvenor Hotel and the main studios downstairs, Joe the shoeshine guy around the corner next to the dry cleaners on Smythe Street, the Orpheum a block away and down at the other end Robson Street, with  Danceland, where Jack Cullen had his studios, and of course Sam’s Shirt Shop where I spent gobs of money buying Elvis inspired clothing. These things are indelible in my mind.

Goodbye, old friend. You are going out without much fanfare but  the memories you have provided will live on with many of us. An era has ended.

Singer Yma Sumac, the Peruvian Songbird with the 5 octave range, has passed  away at 86. The only Peruvian in Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, she was born Zoila Augusta Emperatriz Chavarri del Castillo. “Yma Sumac” means “how pretty” in her native Quechua language. Her original albums are collectors items… Also gone at the age of 75 is Nick Reynolds, a founding member of The Kingston Trio. The group was formed in 1957 in San Francisco: Dave Guard on banjo, Bob Shane and Reynolds on guitar. Five of the trio’s first 6 albums hit #1 for  a total of 46 weeks. The Kingston Trio charted 17 hits on the Billboard  Top 100… Michael Crichton, who wrote The Andromeda Strain and Jurassic Park and created the  popular TV drama ER has died of cancer at age 66. His books have sold more than 150 million copies worldwide. Crichton wrote his  first novels while attending Harvard Medical School. A global warming  skeptic, he stirred controversy with his 2004 best-seller State of Fear, with eco-terrorists as the main villains. He was one of my favorite writers… Elvis lives! With the talents of DJ Spankox, a new  album of remixed Elvis Presley songs is set for release this month. Re:Versions is the first of its kind to be released in  North America, using the latest technology, 11 classic Elvis songs  have been reworked and rearranged giving them a new and modern twist  but keeping intact the original feel of Elvis’ beloved music… “Doc” Harris has been let go from CISL 650. With the forthcoming changes the veteran deejay has been given his walking papers from the frequency. If memory serves me right this is the fourth time he has come and gone from the same outlet.  “Doc” is one of the most well-known radio personalities in our town’s history. No reasons for his sudden departure were given… it was  my 22nd year at BCIT’s Scholarships presentation on November  5. The Red Robinson Achievement Award for Excellence in Radio  Broadcasting was awarded to Craig Wilkie from Nanaimo. My personal congratulations to Craig on winning the award… upcoming concerts at the Red Robinson Show Theatre: David Clayton-Thomas November 22, The Fab Four November 23, and the Good Noise Vancouver Gospel Choir featuring the Sojourners and Elvis tribute artist Jeff Bodner present A Gospel Christmas November 29…

Puget Sound Radio reports CISL is extending its programming to include music and  features lost when 600AM became redundant. It is a smart move. You  have to understand that this great 50 plus audience has been totally ignored with the exception of CISL and 600AM. I applaud General Manager Brad Phillips on this strategic move. My good friend and icon, Dal Richards is moving his popular show up the dial to 650.

Some of the comments on the site are interesting opinions but not necessarily based on any facts. One respondent asks “Why save a dead format?”

Who says it is a dead format?

He continues: “My insinuation that Adult Standards is a dead format (in Vancouver) would come from the fact that Pattison didn’t decide to carry it over to FM.  It’s not as if the commission has forbidden Standards on FM.”

I just couldn’t let that  comment go by without a response.

In Canada we have a marketing board mentality. Of course the CRTC is not made up of broadcasters. but bureaucrats much like you would find at the post office. They don’t forbid a jazz format,  a classical format, a classic country format or a standards or oldies  format but they create stupid rules that make it impossible to  have a pure format on any radio station. They justified bringing in  a series of rules to protect AM radio.  With the demise of so many AM stations what are they protecting in 2008?

People are amazed to discover that radio stations have to play up to 40% Canadian content and must obey the Hit/Non-hit ratio for music  played. This means you are restricted to only 49% of the music played being in any given format. If you play “oldies” on FM you must play 51% non-hits, so there has not been an oldies station worth a damn on FM in Canada. We are also  too limited in the number of heritage Canadian country acts to conform to the 40% Cancon rule. The same applies to jazz and other formats we  don’t hear in Canada. Add to this the hit/non hit ratio and you have a blueprint for bad radio.

I can understand the rules for contemporary country, rock and pop, but beyond that the Cancon rule should go the way of the dodo. I really believe we have talent and it can stand on its own now. I also really believe that radio would be so much better if the government got out of our faces. This is not  CUBA. Why are Canadians so afraid of speaking out against draconian situations like this?

I just returned from two marvelous weeks in Palm Springs where the temperatures were in the high 90s. Carole and I were visited by good friends from California — Darwin Lamm and his lovely wife Mimi.  We all took to the hot springs downtown, which are the original springs discovered by the Native Americans centuries ago.  Actor Ralph Bellamy encouraged many of Hollywood’s greatest to visit the town and it soon mushroomed into one of the world’s great desert resorts. Darwin is president of Elvis International magazine and at one time he was a pop singer with a group called Darwin and the Cupids. He originally lived in Vancouver, WA where he recorded for a Washington label. I met him back in 1959 while working at KGW in Portland… The following weekend Wink Martindale and his charming wife Sandi joined us for two days. We dined at the magnificent Bing Crosby’s Restaurant. The memorabilia from Bing’s private collection is something to behold. The food and the service are top drawer and I recommend it if you plan on visiting Palm Springs.  We spent two days in the sun with the Martindales and Wink is busy with many new projects which I will tell you about in the coming weeks.

Then it was back to reality. We came home to rain. But all was not dreary we were blown away with two shows at the Red Robinson Show Theatre.

Kevin Statham photo

Friday night saw the incredibly talented Neil Sedaka take to the stage for a fantastic program that brought forth many standing ovations.  Neil not only had his own hits (Calendar Girl, Happy Birthday Sweet 16, Breaking up Is Hard to Do ) but he wrote for others. One of the biggest hits he wrote won an Emmy: the classic Love Will Keep Us Together for The Captain and Tennille. Daryl Dragon and Toni Tennile had a successful television series and this became their theme song. Neil also wrote Stupid Cupid and Where the Boys Are for Connie Francis.  He was a child prodigy and at the age of 13 attended Julliard School of Music in New York. Neil was a classically trained musician and competed and won in many classical piano concerts over the years. The reaction from the crowd was overwhelming.

Kevin  Statham photo

It was to be repeated the next night when one of the true icons of popular music and one of the last of his kind came to town to sing. Tony Bennett was in fine form with his band the following night at the Red Robinson Show Theatre. I was surprised, while waiting offstage, to have him bring me out on stage with him for an acknowledgement. It was truly one of the highlights of my life. He is such a professional. He is truly a class act. Tony is 82 years young and I do hope he returns soon.

Cam McCubbin, one of the best news readers in anyone’s city has been let go from 600AM and 93.7 JRfm.  He is the latest casualty of the switch from AM to FM for these Pattison owned companies. This talented man still wants to continue working in radio and I just feel that someone with intelligence beyond room temperature will want to have this man in their stable… Sad to hear of the passing of Dionne Warwick’s younger sister  and Whitney Houston’s cousin Dee Dee Warwick. She had a major hit with I Want To Be With You in 1966 and a great version of Suspicious Minds in 1971. She was 63.. The Vancouver Sun has informed all their writers for the former West Coast section of the paper that their services are no longer required. Both Chuck Davis with his This Day In History In Vancouver column and my B.C. Entertainment Hall of Fame piece is no longer. I guess the “Seriously West Coast” banner is gone also. My guess is orders came from headquarters to cut back…

Russ Hamilton, who was a Liverpool star long before the Beatles, has died. He made the U.S. and Canadian charts with Rainbow in 1957, a song which has been covered by at least 100 other singers. Despite having a giant hit with Rainbow he made very little money. His real name was Ronald Hulme. He was 76… Congratulations to the B.C. Country Music Association on the success of their annual awards show held this year at the Red Robinson Show Theatre. Great to see my friend and former CISL morning show producer Curtis Pope from Abbotsford’s Country 107.1 win the On-Air Personality of the Year award… my most recent interview with Suzie McNeil will be shown on my weekly appearance on Global TV in the coming weeks. Susie was one of the stars on Rockstar: INXS and will sing at half time during this year’s Grey Cup football extravaganza.  Look for her new hit Let’s Go. It’s a winner…

On a personal note, my daughter Kellie came to Vancouver to launch her children’s storybook and colouring book titled Jeff Talks about Crohn’s Disease.  This is a book designed for parents of  children and the children who are diagnosed with this dastardly disease. Her inspiration for this book was the love of her late brother and our son Jeffrey who passed away at 33 from complications of surgery. Kellie took five years to make this book happen. It is the first time I have ever seen such a concept.

Kevin Statham photo

The launch took place at the Chan Health Centre at Children’s Hospital on Oak Street in Vancouver. Many specialists in this field were on hand plus  some of the research scientists from the centre set up to search for a cure.

Kevin Statham photo

C.H.I.L.D. Foundation CEO Grace McCarthy introduced Kellie in the lobby of the facility. Kellie thanked publisher Kirk Integrated Marketing for donating their talents in producing the book and she also thanked the incredibly talented Graham Harrop, editorial cartoonist with the Vancouver Sun for his fabulous illustrations which make the book so extraordinary.  Graham also donated his talents to the project.

Kevin Statham photo

After the formal introductions a group of children aged 5 to 8 sat down at some tables and began colouring their books. This was the litmus test that the books are going to be useful for youngsters afflicted with the disease.  All of the children on hand are courageously fighting the disease.  If you or someone you know has a child with Crohn’s and would like a free book just contact me here.

The latest BBM Radio survey is out for the past summer. QMFM is down considerably from an 8.3 share to a 7.0. The Beat goes on and on with a great increase from 7.0 to 9.8. CKNW stayed almost even, going from a 11.4 to 10.8 . JR Country has slipped slightly going from a 7.1 to a 6.3. It is also interesting to note that most of the stations that cater to a younger audience have gone up, including CFMI Rock 101, 95Crave and CFOX. The Beat of course leads the way. Summertime might explain the youth oriented formats having bigger numbers than usual. I could have predicted the CBC Radio 2 slide from 6.5 to 4.1. It was fine the way it was but insiders at the Mother Corp thought they would play with the programming and the results speak for themselves. Even their AM side CBC Radio 1 slid down from a 9.1 to an 8.5. 600AM moved up from a 2.2 to a 3.2 just as it is about to sign off forever. Sports station TEAM 1040 is hanging in there with a 3.1 and doing just fine thank you. To me the big news is that CKWX News 1130 has shot up from a 4.1 to a 5.4. I think advertisers are awaiting the Portable People Meters to take ratings. The current method from the 1940’s where ratings  are formed from individuals filling out a diary is so antiquated it is hard to believe that in the computer age they are still using it…

“Click me - I talk!”

I hope you will take time to listen to Red Rock Diner on 1049 fm — The Greatest Hits Of All Time. My new time slot is 8 am to 2 pm each Sunday… I have had a particularly busy week with interviews. Singer/songwriter Ron Sexsmith came to Vancouver to perform at the Chan Centre at UBC. I caught up with him on a  blustery day at the Hotel Vancouver. This is a singer/songwriter that so many respect including Feist and Elvis Costello. He is a shy person, however the interview was enlightening and you will be able to see it on my weekly Global TV appearance each Wednesday morning at 8:15 am. The next interview on the same day was with Sheryl Crow at GM Place. We talked about the American elections, Buddy Holly, her music, her awards, her participation with Revlon on raising money and awareness for Breast Cancer research. We also discussed her association and admiration for Sarah McLachlan. Sheryl worked with Sarah on the Lilith Fair tours and at her Central Park TV special where Sarah was one of the guests of honor. I don’t need to tell you she is an attractive person but not just in appearance, she has an inner glow of sincerity and warmth. I want to thank Sheryl for accommodating my interview which is the only one she granted at her Vancouver stop. It doesn’t hurt that I also love her music…

Kevin Statham photo

At the Red Robinson Show Theatre the same weekend it was Peter Noone of Herman’s Hermits and his outstanding and entertaining show that had the audience laughing and singing along with Mrs. Brown You’ve Got A Lovely Daughter, Leaning On The Lampost and I’m Henry The Eighth I Am. You couldn’t meet a more cordial person. Peter is not wrapped up in his celebrity. He is now 60  but looks 45…

Kevin Statham photo

Appearing at the theatre they named after me the next evening was Boyz II Men. What unbelievable harmony and showmanship. The audience was in love with them even before the curtain rose. All in all it has been a busy week. Most of these interviews will be shown on my Global TV program in the coming weeks… The Great Big Boo! is the ultimate musical show to celebrate Halloween! At the Bell Centre in Surrey, Centennial Theatre in North Van, New Westminster’s Massey Theatre, McPherson Playhouse in Victoria and Nanaimo’s Port Theatre. After the show you’re invited to meet the stars of the show and trick-or-treat with them inside the theatre. Details at their scary website… and don’t miss The 32nd annual BC Country Music Awards show Sunday, October 26 at the “Red”. Performances by George Canyon, Jessie Farrell, Aaron Pritchett, The Higgins, Ridley Bent, Gord Bamford, and Nashville’s Deric Ruttan.