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Drake-Chenault Jones Goldies Demo, 1990 (0:05:58)

… It’s the format you grew up with, but never, never outgrew …
[Description by Uncle Ricky] Within a large box of diverse cassettes from contributor John Long, I found this 1990 demo for Drake-Chenault’s GOLDIES from Drake-Chenault/Jones Satellite Services. They definitely “got it” in 1990, because this demo begins with a collection of short airchecks from WRKO and Jerry Butler, KHJ and Robert W. Morgan, KGB, Charlie Van Dyke on KFRC – and a smokin’ sample of CKLW. As this demo plays out, we learn that Drake-Chenault/Jones Satellite Services is conducting a nationwide search for air talent to deliver that adult audience that we want. As of the posting date of this exhibit (December 30, 2001) the phone number given on the tape “can not be completed as dialed.” Ouch. But don’t worry, in 2002, you can hear this “oldies format” on any one of a number of digitally-delivered radio stations around the country (even if someone else is doing it.) FABULOUS production on the Oldies montage, which follows the opening airchecks and is used as background for pitches on “the money demo” and the “ongoing national music research”. Regardless of the history of this particular venture, this demo rocks!

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