… It’s Dark in the afternoon …
Danny Dark today (courtesy of L.A. Radio People)
[Description by Uncle Ricky]
As has been noted before, St. Louis was a very hot market for Top 40 in the
early 1960’s. Smooth-talkin’ Danny Dark, who later went on to major
success as the voice of NBC, Bonanza, Budweiser and Mazda was surrounded by some of the best of the era. Dark shared the spotlight on WIL with Ron Lundy (later WABC) and Gary Stevens (later WKNR, WMCA and President of Doubleday Broadcasting).
Obviously, WIL (simulcasting with WIL-FM) was home to some very impressive talent. The production quality is very high, even if the fidelity of this particular aircheck is a bit lacking. It includes a “Blues Street News” feature with Nelson Kirkwood (who does the entire newscast without breathing – with a conservative serving of bells and whistles!) And how about that “WIL Weather Ball” Flashing Blue?!
You will also hear some early and interesting jingles, a very stylish sports report, a pre-recorded comedy(?) bit, at least two contest promos, and some classic commercials for Budweiser, Westclox, Pepsi, and a bunch of once powerful and profitable corporations, regional and local businesses. This is some generally hard-core big-time 1963 Top 40 in one of the most competitive markets in the country.
Danny Dark passed away on June 13, 2004. His family invites friends and fans to sign The Danny Dark Online Guestbook.