Stan Freberg, Stretching The Imagination, 1965 (0:01:51)

… OK people, when I give you the cue …
[Contributed by David Saviet, Description by Uncle Ricky] This classic Pro-Radio Advertising commercial was created in 1965 by Stan Freberg and includes the unforgettable Who Listens To Radio? jingle performed by Sarah Vaughn. In addition to several Freberg commercial releases, this particular spot was distributed in a National Radio Month package to NAB and/or RAB member stations. This exhibit, particularly the Sarah Vaughn jingle, reminds me of a time when radio held such great promise. Top 40 shook off the threat of TV and thousands of local radio stations were independently operated. Today, who listens to radio? Do we count Satellite radio, and Internet radio? But more importantly, does every community have the options and opportunities for the local radio ownership and employment that existed in 1965?

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