Jay Marks, Y-100 WHYI-FM Miami FL December 24, 1974 (scoped) (0:14:31)

Scoped
… Wait a minute, I don’t want to hear that one again …

[Description by Uncle Ricky, contributed by Eric Rhoads]

Long-time REELRADIO buddy Jay Marks hits the wrong button twice, but recovers quickly both times, in this restored warbly aircheck from Y-100 (WHYI-FM) in Miami, Florida. It’s Christmas Eve Afternoon, December 24, 1974, and Jay has lots of enthusiasm and seasonal cheer. Two big contests are underway, one for a stash of ALL the Beatles albums, and another for $2000 if you answer your phone I listen to the new sound of Y-100.

The original cassette aircheck was unscoped — but splattered, fluttered and warbled. The speed varied from beginning to end, requiring several corrections along the way. This restoration was intended to make an enjoyable exhibit for all, but it does represent the highly-compressed sound of 1974 Top 40. Jay’s performance is first-class and a great example of the steamlined, jingle-less music-oriented format that launched decades of success for this radio station. Jingles? These guys didn’t need no stinkin’ jingles. On the other hand, they didn’t play records back-to-back with no ID. They had too much goin’ on.

Note the chance to Call In and CONTRIBUTE, not WIN, but GIVE. Wow, a chance to call in and GIVE. Wrapping up, Robert W. Walker gets the last word. Two restored Christmas selections are included. Thanks to Eric for the tape and Jay for the show, and Merry Christmas!

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