Paul Purtan, WSAI Cincinnati OH 1964 (0:21:05)

… . . . Gene and Dean, now wait a minute . . . Jan and Dan . . . what is it? . . . Jan and Jean . . . …

Paul Purtan, who became better known as Dick Purtan when he joined CKLW, is heard here on another legendary mid-American Top 40 pioneer – WSAI. This is Cincinnati in April, circa 1964.
The fidelity of this one is somewhat gritty, (though well-matched to narrow-band Real Audio) but not so offensive that we can’t marvel at some of the rarities within. Included: one jingle we recognize as Futursonic, and several more we don’t! Check out the $5.00 tickets to the upcoming Beatles concert at the Cincinnati Gardens. And, for 25 cents and 25 words, handwriting analyst “Andre” can tell your “likes, dislikes, attitudes, ambitions and shortcomings” – all without ever meeting you! (And this was a station promotion, too!)

As far as we know, Andre did not end up Wanted by the FBI but that feature and the PSA reminding us to read the labels on insecticide were part of the payoff to own the license in those days. It’s been a very long time since the NAB Lively Companion jingle, too, and there’s more in this genuine Top 40 treat.

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