From 1966 through 1973 Bill Gavin held an annual Gavin Conference. They were largely attended by Top 40 and Adult Top 40 PDs, General Managers, a sprinkling of jocks and for every Broadcaster, there were at least 4 record company promotion men. While Bill was most conservative and certainly not a part of it, the “after hours” of the convention were the stuff of which legends are made. Party and Hooker City, courtesy of the record companies. All of them. This is the story of the 1971 Conference in New Orleans.
Listening to the entire tape is a special treat as you get to hear some of America’s very best Air personalities ever. They don’t have events like the Gavin and Billboard Conference anymore. No one takes the time to produce a show like the Gavin awards where each year you heard a whole new array of Top 40 Hit parodies. (You can hear these just prior to the announcement of Nominees in each category.)
Smaller Market DJ of the Year:
Nominees were: Gary Burbank, WAKY, Louisville; John Garry, WIST, Charlotte; AND:
Chuck Roy, KROY, Sacramento, CA
Introduced as “Chuck Ray”…
Jim Sheldon, KVEN, Ventura, CA
Jay Thomas, WAPE, Jacksonville, FL
Mike Welch, KIOA, Des Moines, IA
Jay West, KRIO, McAllen, TX
Progressive Radio Station DJ Award of the Year:
You hear and understand that “dope” really was a happening thing when you hear Tony Pigg (KSAN, San Francisco) in the Progressive (underground) Radio category. Also, pick up on how Progressive Radio Jocks gave birth to millions of images for millions of brains. Progressive radio then was very much what the Internet was, say just one year ago, and in many quarters still is. (also included: Steven Ponneck, KSAN; B. Mitchell Reed, KMET; Les Turpin, WCBS-FM; Michael Tearson, WMMR.)
The R&B DJ of the Year:
Nominees were: Donnie Brooks, KATZ; Larry McCormick, KGFJ; Jay Butler, WCHB; Jimmy Bishop, WDAS; Jerry B, WWRL.)
Good Country Music Good DJ of the Year:
Discover that the Country format nominees were, for the most part, very classy personalities who just happened to play Country music. Much of it became crossover Top 40 hits. (includes Tom Allen, WIL; Bill Mack, (no ID given); Larry Scott, KLAC; Arch Yancey, KIKK; Sammy Jackson, KLAC; David Lee, WIL; Corky Mayberry, KBBQ.)
MOR DJ of the Year:
Listen and laugh to legends like Wally Phillips and Dick Whittington and you understand why they made six figure salaries when an average salary was more like $25,000 in 1971. Poor pay for an industry that made so much money was radio’s dirty little secret. Rumors about so & so making $200,000, or the assumption that if you were in Philadelphia or San Francisco you made a million were myths. Most jocks and PD’s did not discuss what they really made. If not for voice-over and personal appearances, many guys were struggling. The low pay was a disgrace and yet, real tribute must go to the Jocks and PDs for their devotion to doing what they loved most in all the world – Top 40 Radio. Many hung in there and found just rewards in ownership and management.
“The High-Priced People nominated:”
Don Imus, WGAR, Cleveland
Robert W. Morgan, WIND, Chicago
Gary Owens, KMPC, Los Angeles
Wally Phillips, WGN, Chicago
Dick Whittington, KGIL, Los Angeles
J.P. McCarthy, WJR, Detroit
Chuck Blore introduces a Tribute to Gordon McLendon
Bill was always a “showman” and every awards banquet was professionally produced, as you can clearly hear. The finest independent radio production firm at that time was Chuck Blore Creative Services, and every year Chuck produced a fantastic show for his peers in radio. (includes: Don Keyes, Bill Stewart, Ken Knox, and Bill Weaver.)
TOP 40 DJ of the Year:
Nominees included Steve Lundy, KFRC, San Francisco, George Michael & Dr. Don Rose, WFIL, Philadelphia, AND:
Larry Lujack, WLS, Chicago
Don Steele, KHJ, Los Angeles
Charlie Tuna, KHJ, Los Angeles
Dan Ingram, WABC, New York
Introduced as “Don Ingram!”…
Mike Seldon, KLIF, Dallas
And the winners were? Hey I was there, but that was 25 years ago. I think I remember, but believe this should be historically accurate. Hit the comment button and send Uncle Ricky the winner’s name. The 5th caller wins…..