Month: July 2014
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Michael Buble Loses His Grandmother
I heard yesterday that Michael Buble’s grandmother Yolanda had passed away. Michael’s family is a close knit entity and this is a terrible loss. It seems when someone in the family passes on a little piece of you is gone too. I have had the pleasure of being in her company on a few occasions…
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Red Rock Diner Held Over!
When the Arts Club phoned to tell me that Red Rock Diner had been held over for a further one week run all I could say was “Great Balls of Fire!!!”… even more appearances. Be sure to get your tickets now as the demand has been strong.
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Catching Up With Don North
You may remember Don North as an ABC foreign correspondent, reporting mostly from Vietnam. The man has led a storied life. He was hired by Peter Jennings back in the Sixties. He has travelled the world and has had bullets flying over his head for decades. He is a gentleman, but he is also a…
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Bill Stephenson & Jim Robson, CKWX Baseball Play-By-Play, 1958
This is a rare recording of Bill Stephenson and Jim Robson broadcasting from the roof of Capilano (now Nat Bailey) Stadium with play-by-play action by the two sportscasters. When I asked Jim about Bill he said, “He certainly was my mentor and to so many others over the years. I recall our broadcasts when our…
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Red Rock Diner cast Q&A
This interesting Q&A is put on by the Arts Club Theatre for nearly every major production. Immediately following a performance, the cast appears to face the audience for a Q&A. This particular evening I joined the cast of Red Rock Diner, which showcases a month in my early rock and roll radio career. I think you…
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You Say You Want A Revolution…
In July 1966 C-FUN was getting heavy competition from crosstown Top 40 rival CKLG. As Program Manager of C-FUN I had to come up with an “edge” so we created The C-FUN Revolution. First we papered the town with these flyers stating that the Revolution was on its way: The formal announcements leading up to…
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Bill Stephenson, Broadcast Legend
Bill Stephenson was one of the most talented radio broadcasters ever. His diction and delivery were near perfect. I first met him in the Spring of 1957 when joining the crew at CKWX. Bill hired a young kid from Vancouver Island, Jim Robson, and they were the mainstays of the sports department at the station. My best recollections…
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Reditorial: The Future Of Radio
The recent retirements of CKNW talkers Philip Till and Bill Good raises the question: where are radio’s up and coming young stars? I was asked to talk at the conclusion of another successful night at the Arts Club Theatre production of Red Rock Diner about radio today. I said if I was a young man today…
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Paul Horn, 1930-2014
Paul Horn, who played behind some of this century’s musical giants, has died at 84. He played alongside Frank Sinatra, and knew the Beatles. Paul was born in New York. He was a star on flute, clarinet and saxophone. A triple threat you might say. A 1969 tour with folk singer Donovan brought Paul to…
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Red Rock Diner: Jerry Loves Connie
Red Rock Diner is up and running at the Arts Club Theatre with a wonderful cast of actors and musicians. Some who have attended have returned for a second time. Neil Minor plays the role of yours truly and is remarkable. Zack Stephenson plays the lead rocker and as usual his great talent makes things…