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The Making of a Classic: 20 Years of KFRC, 1966-1986 (0:41:29)

… an AM Radio Legend …
Younger than its sister station, KHJ/Boss Angeles, by a year, KFRC (“The Big 6-10”) shook up San Francisco Top 40 radio with its Bill Drake-driven “more music” format in 1966. Over the years, it seemed to get only stronger, winning a string of Billboard awards and showcasing a parade of DJs who managed to work in their unique personalities while pumping out the hits. The Big 6-10 men and women included Mike Phillips (most recently at KRTH/Los Angeles), Steve O’Shea, Howard Clark, Bobby Dale, Dale Dorman, Dave Diamond, Chuck Browning, John Mack Flanagan, Marvelous Mark, Beau Weaver, Eric Chase, Rick Shaw, Big Tom Parker, Shana, Dave Sholin, Don Sainte John, Harry Nelson, Jack Armstrong, Sue Hall, Bobby Ocean (who voices this special), Jack Friday, Sandy Louie, Bill Lee, and, of course, Dr. Don Rose. Produced by longtime KFRC staffer Albert Lord, this is an amazing look and listen at a most influential station, including news, contests, promos, and even a spot for Corn Huskers lotion, one of the station’s first advertisers. Rub some on, sit back and enjoy.

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