The Art Roberts Collection

The phase and alignment problems on this cassette contribution become somewhat less unpleasant after the first three minutes, so jump in the for the long haul and enjoy. This is an unscoped exhibit of Art Roberts on WKQX-FM (Chicago 101), from Thursday, September 13, 1979. In his book, Thinkin’ Out Loud, Art wrote that he created his “most meaningful feature” (Thinkin’ Out Loud) while working with Bill Stedman, Program Director at WKQX. This aircheck (unfortunately) doesn’t include that feature, but it surely is a real-time sample of this young adult radio station – or is it an “Oldies” format? Listen for the NBC signature that opens the Barbara Schleck newscasts — and there are interesting “unknown” jingles. We believe that Art’s self-contributed 1981 WKQX aircheck is a better example of what Art did at WKQX, but it’s wonderful to hear Art sounding so great in 1979. The comparisons between his 1967 WLS presentation and this 1979 WKQX presentation are very interesting. He sounds just as real, comfortable and relaxed in 1979 as he did in 1967. [Thanks to The Aircheck Factory]

Of all the airchecks of Art Roberts we’ve been privileged to hear, Art sounds like he is having the most fun on this one. It was August 1967, and this is the “old line” Gene Taylor-programmed WLS, featuring a few of the Anita Kerr jingles. There’s also a complete locally-produced newscast with Dick Harley in this evening show, as well as a headline news report and a bountiful selection of commercial announcements. Many presentation elements were overdue for an upgrade, but the music selection is marvelously Mid-American. And even though it sounds like there was a fan running in the studio every time Art’s microphone was on, it’s easy to hear why Roberts had such a long and successful run on this legendary radio station. He’s having fun, and so did his audience. [Thanks to The Aircheck Factory]

Here’s Art Roberts (unscoped) in morning drive on WCFL, from June 8, 1971. Until I heard this aircheck, I didn’t know that Art had worked at WCFL. I asked John Rook for some background. “Shortly after I left WLS to become president of Bill Drake’s company, Art called me saying he had just been let go from a job of more than ten years, for no reason, by the new WLS PD, Mike McCormick. But Art was excited about doing mornings at WCFL and asked if I would call someone I had never met, Lew Witz, manager at WCFL, on his behalf. I did, Art got the job and that call from me to Lew Witz opened the door for me to consult SuperCFL later on.” Howie Roberts, Rick James, Fred W. Barton, Carmen Holliman, Bob Christopher and Mike Rounds are also heard with an unusual WCFL Newscast. [Thanks to The Aircheck Factory]

Of all the airchecks of Art Roberts we’ve been privileged to hear, Art sounds like he is having the most fun on this one. It was August 1967, and this is the “old line” Gene Taylor-programmed WLS, featuring a few of the Anita Kerr jingles. There’s also a complete locally-produced newscast with Dick Harley in this evening show, as well as a headline news report and a bountiful selection of commercial announcements. Many presentation elements were overdue for an upgrade, but the music selection is marvelously Mid-American. And even though it sounds like there was a fan running in the studio every time Art’s microphone was on, it’s easy to hear why Roberts had such a long and successful run on this legendary radio station. He’s having fun, and so did his audience. [Thanks to The Aircheck Factory]

This is a composite of Art Roberts WLS jingles, by PAMS. Both acapella and orchestrated cuts are featured. There are a few drop-outs at the beginning, but otherwise, the fidelity is very good. [Thanks to Man from Mars Productions]