Lee Baby, KOOL-FM Phoenix AZ January 11, 1996 (VIDEO) (07:19)

… For more information, call the older workers program – y’ hear that, Tom? …

This rare video features Lee Baby and his pal, Shotgun Tom Kelly at KOOL-FM in Phoenix, Arizona. Shotgun Tom recorded this on January 11, 1996. Lee is doing his show standing up, moving around and having a great time.

In 1996, everything had not yet gone to computers. The KOOL-FM studio had three CD players and six cart machines. The mixing console was a modernistic, curved design that wrapped around the jock. And look – there’s even a reel machine in the control room.

Lee told me that he doesn’t like to be videotaped or photographed while working. He said it was distracting. So, it’s a real privilege to get this “behind the scenes” view of a master air talent at work.

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