Year: 2017
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The Biggest Show Of Stars Turns 60
It happened sixty years ago today! On October 23, 1957 Fats Domino, Chuck Berry, the Everly Brothers, Eddie Cochran, Paul Anka, Buddy Knox, the Drifters, LaVern Baker, Clyde McPhatter, Buddy Holly and the Crickets, and Jimmy Bowen and the Rhythm Orchids came to Vancouver’s Georgia Auditorium for the Biggest Show of Stars. I was the…
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Red Robinson Interview with Syd Wong
I’ve been involved with the BCIT Radio Arts and Entertainment program for almost 30 years. Each year a Red Robinson Achievement Award for Excellence in Radio Broadcasting goes to a deserving student. It’s always fun when Radio Arts students come in to my office to talk. Syd Wong and her crew spent some time here…
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Johnny Cash Interview, 1976
I became friends with Johnny Cash in 1959 when I worked at KGW and he appeared at Portland’s Division Street Corral. After returning to Vancouver I brought him into CKWX for an on air interview. This continued for years. I can’t remember how many times I was emcee for his shows. He was always a warm…
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Glen Campbell Interview, 1976
We recently said goodbye to not only a great performer but a genuinely nice guy. Over the years I interviewed Glen Campbell many times. This interview took place while I was the morning man at CKWX/Vancouver. That evening I took my entire family to his show. We were given front row seats. Near the end of the…
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Cal George Signs Off
Just recently found out that former CKWX personality Cal George died in Penticton in late July at 96. Cal was a decent man who had a long and varied career. He was the epitome of a gentleman. Cal was from the old school of radio announcers, hosting quiz shows at the old CKWX studios on…
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The Beatles In Vancouver!
August 22, 1964… 53 years ago on this date, the The Beatles appeared at Vancouver’s Empire Stadium for their first Canadian concert. I was the MC and it was my job to settle the 20,000 screaming fans down so I could introduce the Beatles. In this 1989 demo for Western International Communications/CKNW you’ll hear concert…
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Thanks, Art Factora!
A huge part of the success of Red Rock Diner happens on the other side of the microphone. Hats off to the guy who makes it all happen, @artfactora! As the music fades out on @CISL650 at midnight August 27, Art will segue into his next adventure as Assistant Program Director at the new Sportsnet…
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Elvis 20th Anniversary Tribute, 1997
A celebration of the life of Elvis Presley is going on in Memphis this week. I was the emcee for Elvis Week in Memphis for five years, and had the pleasure of being emcee for his Vancouver appearance in August 1957. This is the 40th anniversary of his death. Over the years I became friends with…
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Rockin’ Around The Clock At The Kerrisdale Arena
The grand unveiling of the completed Arena Rock project is Wednesday August 30th from 5-9 pm at the Kerrisdale Arena, 5670 East Boulevard in Vancouver. Thanks to Lisa g Nielsen & Rene Cherrie for the video… and for helping to preserve our history!