Davy Jones, WPGC Washington, D.C. December 31, 1968 (1:14:42)

… . . . as we count ’em down, hot ‘n’ heavy on Good Guys radio . . . …

[By Paul Bicknell]

New Years Eve, 1968 — Oh What a Night! Big Wilson, the PD at the time, and I had huddled for weeks trying to decide what methodology should be used to end up with the “number one” record of the year at the very end of the presentation. It was a frantic time. I still don’t know if we actually hit it, or not.

That night was really a “rockin’ New Year’s Eve” and the phones were lit up like a Christmas tree. I think there was a little “bubbly” floating around. Though against company rules, I think there were lots of “guests”, too.

WPGC was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Working with Harve Moore and Bob Raleigh, Jim Collinson and Joel Denver and other greats — it just made rock ‘n’ roll and that night really special. WPGC was Top 40 at its best.

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