Futursonic Swingin Sound (0:08:30)

… … We’re swingin’, so c’mon along, WMAK’s on the go … …

Futursonic’s unique tight vocal harmony is heard in “Swingin’ Sound.” The package (heard here for WMAK, Nashville) was only the fourth ID series produced by Futursonic. It was created near the end of 1959. Many of the cuts were also created by Jodie Lyons (see “The Versatiles Days of the Week”, below.) The package contains the first cuts written by Lyons.

Overall creative control of Futursonic was in the hands of Jim Wells. He and Jack Alexander started the company in 1958. Both came from PAMS where Wells had written much of PAMS Series #6. Alexander was part of the PAMS sales staff.

Futursonic’s first package was “Pacemaker” produced in September, 1958. It was followed by “Most Happy Sound” for CHUM in mid 1959, and “Econo-Pack” for WINS in June, 1959. These packages slowed CRC’s growth and cut deeply into the PAMS market. All were designed for Top 40 Radio.

[Curator’s Note: An example of on-air usage of several cuts in this series can be heard in the closing minute of WFUN Fundamental News, 1961.]

Welcome to the new ReelRadio!

This site is now operated by the North Carolina Broadcast History Museum. 

We want to thank the board of ReelRadio, Inc. for their stewardship since the passing of the founder Richard Irwin in 2018.  It has not been easy and they have maintained the exhibits for future generations to enjoy.

I met Richard Irwin, aka Uncle Ricky, when we were freshmen at East Carolina University.  We both had worked at local stations in our hometowns.  No one was more passionate about radio, especially Top 40 radio, than my friend Richard. 

Our goals with this site are to preserve the exhibits and make them available free of charge for people to enjoy.  Over time, we hope to add some airchecks to the site.  This will not happen immediately.  Time and resources will determine the future of new exhibits. 

Many thanks to the web folks at the Beasley Media Group for countless hours of work.  Again thanks to the board members of ReelRadio, Inc. for their faith in us. 

Richard Irwin’s hope was that his site would live on long after his passing. He said, “I hope REELRADIO will survive as my contribution to the ‘radio business’. The business is allowed to forget me, but the business should never forget the great era of radio that we celebrate here”.

We remember Richard and we thank him. If you enjoy this new site, we would appreciate a contribution. We hope you enjoy the new ReelRadio!

Board of NCBHP
North Carolina Broadcast History Project