… This extra edition of the news will be presented on the half-hour by KLIF
as long as the news is urgent …
[Description by Uncle Ricky]
This rare studio aircheck of Art Nelson on Gordon McLendon’s KLIF in
1956 provides an insight into the very early evolution of the Top 40 format.
Art Nelson later went on to much success in Los Angeles (KFWB,
KLAC, KMPC) and KLIF went on to become a legend in the
format.
You’ll notice the tell-tale clicks and pops of vinyl and acetate on the recorded
announcements and (sparse) station production elements. It would seem this was
prior to the use of tape machines (reel or MacKenzie) in the control room. A tune by
Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly was #3 on the Top 40, so seemingly,
rock ‘n’ roll was not business as usual for KLIF in November of 1956. In fact,
most will find the entire presentation to be as polished and formal as
the radio networks of the period.
Unfortunately, a promotional announcement featuring McLendon himself was
edited. It was an announcement of the upcoming $50,000 treasure
hunt. Both Todd Storz
and McLendon relied heavily on big-money contests in the early years of the
Top 40 format.
From California Aircheck Classic Issue #C-217