Year: 2012
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“The Kid” Makes It To 58 Years In Radio
58 years ago this week I began my first radio show on CJOR. The first song I played was Marie by the Four Tunes. As a 17-year old King Ed high school student, I had been hanging around and learning the ropes at CJOR from deejay Al Jordan. Al took me under his wing and…
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Sony Music Timeline Mystery
Watch musical history unfold as Sony Music celebrates 1000 Sony, Columbia and RCA artists on the walls of its London offices. How many Canadians did you find?
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Red Around Town, November 2012
The CRTC has denied BCE‘s application to acquire control of Astral Media‘s television and radio services because it is not in the public interest. Astral media operates 84 radio stations (including Vancouver’s AM 650, home of Red Rock Diner, Shore FM and Virgin Radio 95.3) and 20 pay and TV channels. This is the first…
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Jim MacDonald “On The Spot”
Here is newsman Jim MacDonald in the CKWX news car. My guess is from 1957 or 1958. Jim was the newsman who helped me create the “whale on the beach” prank in 1958. 15,000 people showed up at Sunset Beach trying to see the fantasy whale. It cost me my job, as I was fired…
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The Sun Turns 100 With A Great New Book
The Vancouver Sun is celebrating 100 years in business. This is truly an iconic newspaper, and in conjunction with the anniversary columnist Shelley Fralic has written Making Headlines — 100 Years of The Vancouver Sun. The book includes some historic photos, many of which have won international awards. I was flattered to see this shot…
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Catching Up With An Old Friend: Pat O’Day
Pat O’Day ruled the Seattle radio airwaves with humor and entertainment for many years. He was Program Director of KJR and a partner in Concerts West Productions that toured the likes of BTO, Jimi Hendrix, Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra across America. He has a legendary reputation in the Jet City. Pat underwent brain surgery…
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Buddy Guy, Jonny Lang At The “Red”
Buddy Guy and Jonny Lang appeared at the Red Robinson Show Theatre Friday night. What a great double bill. Grammy award winning songwriter, singer, and master blues guitar player Jonny Lang opened the evening. He received a wonderful standing ovation at the end of his set. It was one of the longest sessions of applause…
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Red Around Town, October 2012
Singer Andy Williams has died at the age of 84. Andy appeared here many times at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. He also appeared on a locally produced CBC-TV show hosted by Paul Anka. The last time I saw him was in Branson, MO at his Moon River Theatre. His guest that was Petula Clark. That…
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New Music From Jim Byrnes
That’s me backstage with Jim Byrnes at the Red Robinson Show Theatre for the Larry & Willy fan night. Jim and I had a great laugh over a bunch of things. By the way, you must hear his latest release I Hear The Wind In The Wires, a strong salute to country music. I told…
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John Iacobucci, Winston Rekert… Gone But Not Forgotten
This photo of John and me was taken at his house during a summer party years ago. Man were we young! He added humour to all our lives. My friend John Iacobucci has died at the age of 70. John had heart problems for the past few years and his heart finally gave out. He…