Bootleg Top 40, Volume 1 (0:58:35)

… “This album is a promotion of SSS RECORDS and is NOT FOR SALE” …

I’m not sure how this LP (remember those??) managed to fall into my hands, but it passed through CFTR sometime in the early 80’s, and I made sure to get a copy. It’s filled with 50 airchecks of some great talent on some legendary radio stations. Guys like Dan Donovan on WFIL in Philly, Norm Gregory on KJR in Seattle, Dave Williams on KROY in Sacramento, Larry O’Brien on WCFL in Chicago and many more. It was a promotion of SSS Records, and was produced and edited by Mike Suttle. And it’s not only a classic – it’s a class act, as well.

Note: The original “Bootleg Top 40” included 50 airchecks. Due to poor technical quality, Magic Christian on KCBQ is not included here.

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!

Carl Davis
Trustee
North Carolina Broadcast History Museum