The Real Don Steele, KHJ Contestants, July 1970 (0:13:02)

… just as LOUD as you can, OK? …
Here’s a rare and privileged opportunity to hear what went on “behind the scenes” at KHJ. The Real Don Steele is featured on air, and on the telephone, prompting winners to be stars on 93/KHJ in Los Angeles. Was $50 above or below Union scale at the time? We have edited addresses, phone numbers and music out of this exhibit.
Some great period spots, too — Casey Kasem for Fender and lush arrangements for deodorant soap. You only go around once in life, and you gotta grab for all the gusto you can, right? Note that RDS declines to put the first winner on the air, because her level was too low. And the last winner on this exhibit, Mike of Norwalk, was eleven then. We hope he’s happy and healthy with the posting of this exhibit in 2006. He would be a youthful 47.

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