John Stone, KJR Seattle, 1960 (0:13:31)

… starting right here on the Stone Stomper this afternoon …
[Description by Uncle Ricky] Name it and Claim it, The Pick to Click, The Big K in Seattle – what a treat to hear first-generation Top 40 from Seattle legend KJR! This aircheck of a very low-key John Stone from November 11, 1960 may be somewhat low-fi but the content meter is pegged for many hooks that defined formula radio at the beginning of the 60’s. KJR was low on gimmicks (no reverb), long on personality (the DJ was an important part of the show) and there was always “more music and fun”, not to mention liner cards. It was Radio One and Home of the Magic Medley. Pacesetter News was concise, comprehensive, accurate – news wherever and whenever it happens! Newsman Dave Clark is reporting from the KJR newsroom, complete with news “bugs” and a story about a jailed sheriff. And, check out the classic Chun King spot by master satirist Stan Freberg. From California Aircheck Classic Issue #C-87

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