Joe O'Brien, WMCA New York, December 21, 1960 Pt.1 (1:01:24)

Unscoped
… The stores are so crowded, the pickpockets are working only by appointment . . . …

Joe O’Brien is featured in this wonderful capture of WMCA from December 21, 1960! This was original Top 40 radio on one of the nation’s very best stations, and this is the entire hour from 6AM to 7AM. Christmas is bustin’ out all over!

Two songs were restored because they were lost during tape changes, but there was no attempt to reduce the noise level. Most of the noise is in the mid-range area, so attempting to remove it would have created serious artifacts.

We’re also treated to some rare jingles, some classic WMCA home-made promos and songs, an editorial from Nathan Straus, Jr. (his family owned the station), and a Public Service feature titled Handicapped Worker Of The Day. Life begins at 570! Today, some would claim that Global Warming was affecting the weather in New York this particular morning as well.

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