Dick Orkin Tooth Fairy Demo, 1973 (0:15:12)

… If you loved him as a flying chicken, you’ll love him as a grounded fairy …

[Description by Uncle Ricky, contributed by Eric Rhoads]

From Dick Orkin’s Radio Ranch Website:

“At the suggestion of Ken Draper, WCFL Radio Program Director in Chicago in the late 60’s, Dick Orkin conceived and wrote the Chickenman and Toothfairy series while he was Public Affairs/Production Director at the “Voice of Labor” radio station… In the early 70’s, Dick created this 325 episode radio serial that told of Newton Snookers… The episodes dramatize the mishaps of Newton — who in his attire of lavender dental smock and sequined high hat and mask — visits the homes of children who lose their growing teeth. The series has aired on more 2,500 radio stations wordwide and remains in syndication. In recognition of his creation of these series — as well as his radio advertising work — Dick was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in April 2002 by the National Association of Broadcasters.”

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