Cousin Brucie, WABC New York, October 1963 (RESTORED) (0:23:48)

… . . . anyone who lives north of 125th street is an eskimo . . . …

Movin’ and Groovin, havin’ a ball – with Cousin Bruce.

The “Big M Theme” leads this half-hour of what was possibly the most listened-to station and personality in North America in 1963. This recording might have been made in the studio, prior to the final processing chain. It’s the only time I’ve heard WABC without the ever-present reverb — but a visitor (see Comments) says that WABC didn’t start using reverb until 1964.

I find it impossible to describe the sheer joy of what Cousin Brucie and WABC meant to me — maybe you can add a comment (below.) Otherwise, get ready for goosebumps — it’s chime time, cousins!

This classic WABC aircheck was the FIRST WABC aircheck streamed on the Internet, on June 16, 1996. And, 12 years and 6 days after the original ‘scoped version appeared at REELRADIO, we are proud to introduce contributor Jay Marks’ masterfully-restored version!

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