The Don Kent Collection
Don on Oldies-formatted KWIZ, 1967 
Don Kent on the board at KNX, 1972
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Don Kent graduated high school in early 1964 and writes:"I had NO idea what career path to take. During my Senior Year I browsed through several college catalogs and came across "broadcasting" at Los Angeles City College. That sounded like fun. Besides, my dad had been in radio during WWII and it was sort of like following in his footsteps; well, kinda! I did pretty well at it, getting straight A's and a place on the Dean's List, so I figured that I'd found my "calling".
Back in those days I collected a bunch of aircheck tapes from my, then, favorite stations. I studied the techniques for school, but I just liked listening to them, too. Eventually, I connected with others who had done the same and we traded. While I was still in school I took a job doing the news part-time at KBLA in Burbank, CA. That was in 1965. It worked into a job offer from KWIZ AM/FM, Santa Ana, which, so far as I know, was the first all-oldie station anywhere. That ended in 1969 and I returned to the station in Burbank, which was now KBBQ (Country). I HATED the Country format, but by then I had a wife and son and I needed the job (didn't have to turn the monitor up, though!). The P.D. from KLAC, Los Angeles, heard me on the air and offered me a job at his station. Needless to say, I took it. After several months I switched over to the Engineering Department there. The station was co-housed with KMET-FM and I did Production-Engineering for both. In 1970 I moved over to KFWB, Los Angeles, as a Production Engineer. A couple of years later I briefly moved to KNX/CBS but didn't much care for it and returned to KFWB, where I stayed until 1979. That's when I moved over to television, where I did freelance audio work (common in that business) for a short time. That led to a staff offer from KTLA-TV in 1980. I started there doing "doofus work", but moved up the ladder to the position of Senior Engineer and later Crew Chief. Since moving to television my aircheck interests switched to restoration of early videotape recordings. I did all the restorations for the UCLA Film and Television Archive between about 1987 and 2002. In 1988 I won a Primetime Emmy for restoring the earliest television show recorded on color tape; "An Evening With Fred Astaire" (1958). Since then I have done several others, including The Nixon-Krushchev "Kitchen Debate" for the Library of Congress. I'm real proud of how those early shows turned out. Many years ago I collected rock 'n' roll records, but the "sound" changed from what I liked and I hung that up. I still have about three thousand records from back then though. In the intervening years since college, I just put those old aircheck tapes on a shelf in the garage. I haven't listened to them since the early 70's but they still sound pretty good, so enjoy! |
The Repository thanks Don Kent for sharing!
[Description by Uncle Ricky from notes by contributor Don Kent]
This is Hour Twelve of the First and Original History Of Rock And Roll, as broadcast by KHJ between 11PM and midnight on February 21, 1969. Our host is Robert W. Morgan.
Sirhan SirhanThis concludes the folk music section of the rockumentary, but the big payoff in this hour of original KHJ is the additional history provided in the ten-minute newscast (at 11:40PM!) Marv Howard anchors, with a report from Art Kevin at the Clay Shaw conspiracy trial. Then we get an update on the Sirhan Sirhan proceedings in Los Angeles. History? Heck, yeah.
This was the first “Rockumentary”, produced by KHJ Program Director Ron Jacobs. Following the unprecedented success of this legendary broadcast, Jacobs left KHJ later that year. RKO made the show available to the other stations in their group, narrated by station-specific talent. When RKO was done with it, Drake-Chenault offered a re-recorded version in syndication three times between 1972 and 1982. An edited version (no jingle) of the last release, narrated by Bill Drake, was still in syndication as of 2006.
The morse code REELRADIO “copymark” included (thrice) in this exhibit is a reminder that duplication and distribution for trade or sale is illegal and inappropriate. Do not copy, do not trade, do not sell.
[Description by Uncle Ricky from notes by contributor Don Kent]
This is Hour Eleven of the First and Original History Of Rock And Roll, as broadcast by KHJ between 10 and 11PM on February 21, 1969. Our host is Robert W. Morgan.
This hour is all about Bob Dylan.
This was the first “Rockumentary”, produced by KHJ Program Director Ron Jacobs. Following the unprecedented success of this legendary broadcast, Jacobs left KHJ later that year. RKO made the show available to the other stations in their group, narrated by station-specific talent. When RKO was done with it, Drake-Chenault offered a re-recorded version in syndication three times between 1972 and 1982. An edited version (no jingle) of the last release, narrated by Bill Drake, was still in syndication as of 2006.
The morse code REELRADIO “copymark” included (thrice) in this exhibit is a reminder that duplication and distribution for trade or sale is illegal and inappropriate. Do not copy, do not trade, do not sell.
[Description by Uncle Ricky from notes by contributor Don Kent]
This is Hour Ten of the First and Original History Of Rock And Roll, as broadcast by KHJ between 9 and 10PM on February 21, 1969. Our host is Robert W. Morgan.
This hour is very folksy, in fact, it’s all about folksy folks, with too much attention (in retrospect) paid to Donovan. There are several fairly obscure Donovan recordings here. There are also some bizarre and exciting electronic sounds of the era, magically generated at the time of recording, permanently identifying the source as Don Kent, our much-appreciated contributor.
This was the first “Rockumentary”, produced by Program Director Ron Jacobs. Following the unprecedented success of this legendary broadcast, Jacobs left KHJ later that year. RKO made the show available to the other stations in their group, narrated by station-specific talent. When RKO was done with it, Drake-Chenault offered a re-recorded version in syndication three times between 1972 and 1982. An edited version (no jingle) of the last release, narrated by Bill Drake, was still in syndication as of 2006.
The morse code REELRADIO “copymark” included (twice) in this exhibit is a reminder that duplication and distribution for trade or sale is illegal and inappropriate. Do not copy, do not trade, do not sell.
[Description by Uncle Ricky from notes by contributor Don Kent]
This is Hour Nine of the First and Original History Of Rock And Roll, as broadcast by KHJ between 8 and 9PM on February 21, 1969. Our host is Robert W. Morgan.
This original KHJ Hour features the Folk Music that was part of the variety (not diversity) of mass-appeal Top 40 formats. Many Top 40 hits were Folk hits, first. There’s a lot of original American music in this hour, featuring performers like The Weavers, Woody Guthrie, The Kingston Trio, The Highwaymen, and more.
Marv Howard is included along with Danny Baxter and an extended KHJ 20/20 NEWS segment.
Recorded off the air on reel tape by contributor Don Kent, this program defined all the “music documentary” programs that followed. This was the first “Rockumentary”, produced by Program Director Ron Jacobs. Following the unprecedented success of this legendary broadcast, Jacobs left KHJ later that year. RKO made the show available to the other stations in their group, narrated by station-specific talent. When RKO was done with it, Drake-Chenault offered a re-recorded version in syndication three times between 1972 and 1982. An edited version (no jingle) of the last release, narrated by Bill Drake, was still in syndication as of 2006.
The morse code REELRADIO “copymark” included (thrice) in this exhibit is a reminder that duplication and distribution for trade or sale is illegal and inappropriate. Do not copy, do not trade, do not sell.
[Description by Uncle Ricky from notes by contributor Don Kent]
This is Hour Eight of the First and Original History Of Rock And Roll, as broadcast by KHJ between 7 and 8PM on February 21, 1969. Our host is Robert W. Morgan. Charlie Tuna is heard in the commercial breaks as the “announcer on duty”. How long was his shift that day?
Recorded off the air on reel tape by contributor Don Kent, this program defined all the “music documentary” programs that followed. This hour was particularly noisy, so the “skips” you will hear are actually removed explosions of AM noise and static.
This was the first “Rockumentary”, produced by KHJ Program Director Ron Jacobs. Following the unprecedented success of this legendary broadcast, Jacobs left KHJ later that year. RKO made the show available to the other stations in their group, narrated by station-specific talent. When RKO was done with it, Drake-Chenault offered a re-recorded version in syndication three times between 1972 and 1982. An edited version (no jingle) of the last release, narrated by Bill Drake, was still in syndication as of 2006.
This original KHJ Hour pays tribute to the country music that influenced rock ‘n’ roll. Top 40 wasn’t Rock ‘n’ Roll, as much as some wanted it to be. Many “Top 40” hits were Country hits, first. There is an early recording of little Phil and Don singing gospel music with the Everly family, and comments from the late Buddy Holly and other early music stars named “Buddy”. Did you ever consider that Ferlin Husky, Eddie Cochrane, Brenda Lee and Bobbie Gentry were all related, musically?
There is also another delightful example of those first-class KHJ advertisers, with an exceptionally stylish spot for Continental Airlines (the proud bird with the golden tail) and The Real Don Steele for that Raceway in Orange County.
The morse code REELRADIO “copymark” included (once) in this exhibit is a reminder that duplication and distribution for trade or sale is illegal and inappropriate. Tell your friends who want to hear this recording to subscribe to REELRADIO and support our organization.
[Description by Uncle Ricky from notes by contributor Don Kent]
This is Hour Seven of the First and Original History Of Rock And Roll, as broadcast by KHJ between 6 and 7PM on February 21, 1969. Our host is Robert W. Morgan. Charlie Tuna is heard throughout as the “announcer on duty”.
Recorded off the air on reel tape by contributor Don Kent, this program defined all the “music documentary” programs that followed. It was the first, produced by KHJ Program Director Ron Jacobs. Following the unprecedented success of this legendary broadcast, Jacobs left KHJ later that year. RKO made the show available to the other stations in their group, narrated by station-specific talent. When RKO was done with it, Drake-Chenault offered a re-recorded version in syndication three times between 1972 and 1982. An edited version (no jingle) of the last release, narrated by Bill Drake, was still in syndication as of 2006.
This original KHJ Hour focuses on the first rock ‘n’ roll superstar, Elvis Presley. Included are comments from Elvis, and comments about Elvis from music legends Carl Perkins, Fats Domino (who admits he couldn’t understand the words on Elvis’ first record), Little Richard, Bill Haley and Bones Howe.
This aircheck also includes a delightful sample of first-class KHJ advertisers, beginning with the opening spot for Continental Airlines (the proud bird with the golden tail), the Neil Diamond (sound-alike or the real-thing?) jingle for Buick (wouldn’t you really rather?) and Wiki Wiki Dollars for Chevron. Morgan also offers a list of the “Elvis Products” being merchandised at the peak of Presley’s popularity.
The morse code REELRADIO “copymark” included in this exhibit is a reminder that duplication and distribution for trade or sale is illegal and inappropriate. Tell your friends who want to hear this recording to subscribe to REELRADIO and support our organization.
[Description by Uncle Ricky from notes by contributor Don Kent]
This is Hour Six of the First and Original History Of Rock And Roll, as broadcast by KHJ between 5 and 6PM on February 21, 1969. Our host is Robert W. Morgan. Charlie Tuna is heard in the opening break.
This original KHJ Hour introduces “rockabilly” and is an exceptional primer on the roots of what became known as “rock and roll”, especially in Memphis. Included: Silver Yodelin’ Bill Haley, Carl Perkins, Sam Phillips, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, and an introduction to the next hour, all about Elvis Presley.
And the aircheck itself is massive for memories. The Marv Howard 20/20 news (around 43 minutes in) includes Ronald Reagan commenting on problems at UC Berkeley, Art Kevin reporting on the Clay Shaw trial in New Orleans, and Bill Brown reporting on the Sirhan Sirhan trial in Los Angeles. We even get a spot for local Ford dealers from Gene Weed.
Recorded off the air on reel tape by contributor Don Kent, this program defined all the “music documentary” programs that followed. It was the first, produced by KHJ Program Director Ron Jacobs. Following the unprecedented success of this legendary broadcast, Jacobs left KHJ later that year. RKO made the show available to the other stations in their group, narrated by station-specific talent. When RKO was done with it, Drake-Chenault offered a re-recorded version in syndication three times between 1972 and 1982. An edited version (no jingle) of the last release, narrated by Bill Drake, was still in syndication as of 2006.
The morse code REELRADIO “copymark” included in this exhibit is a reminder that duplication and distribution for trade or sale is illegal and inappropriate. Tell your friends who want to hear this recording to subscribe to REELRADIO and support our organization.
[Description by Uncle Ricky from notes by contributor Don Kent]
This is the fifth hour of the First and Original History Of Rock And Roll, as broadcast by KHJ between 4 and 5PM on February 21, 1969. Our host is Robert W. Morgan. Charlie Tuna is heard in the breaks with live voiceovers and tags.
Recorded off the air on reel tape by contributor Don Kent, this program defined all the “music documentary” programs that followed. It was the first, produced by KHJ Program Director Ron Jacobs.Following the unprecedented success of this legendary broadcast, Jacobs left KHJ later that year. RKO made the show available to the other stations in their group, narrated by station-specific talent. When RKO was done with it, Drake-Chenault offered a re-recorded version in syndication three times between 1972 and 1982.
This original KHJ Hour opens with the focus on Motown artists, including Martha & The Vandellas, and it closes the first R&B segment of the rockumentary. Also featured: classic R&B artists like Aretha Franklin and Otis Redding, and some examples of how soul music of the 60’s influenced rock ‘n’ roll.
The morse code REELRADIO “copymark” included in this exhibit is a reminder that duplication and distribution by trade or sale is illegal and inappropriate.
[Description by Uncle Ricky from notes by contributor Don Kent]
And now, Ladies and Gentlemen: Hour Four of the First and Original History Of Rock And Roll hosted by Robert W. Morgan, the Ultimate Narrator for the debut presentation of the first Radio Rockumentary.
Originally broadcast from 3PM-4PM on February 21, 1969, and recorded by contributor Don Kent, this program defined all the programs that followed. It was the first, produced by Ron Jacobs, The original Boss Radio Boss. Following the unprecedented success of this legendary broadcast, Jacobs left KHJ later that year.
This original KHJ Hour focuses on early R&B and the emergence of 60’s girl groups. Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton is heard with the original version of Hound Dog, and interviews with the immensely successful songwriting and production team of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller are featured. Seminal R&B superstars Little Richard and William “Smokey” Robinson are also included.
[Description by Uncle Ricky from notes by contributor Don Kent]
Here’s Hour Three of the First and Original History Of Rock And Roll hosted by Robert W. Morgan, the Ultimate Narrator for the debut presentation of what is arguably the greatest Special Feature of the Top 40 era, and the first Radio Rockumentary.
Originally broadcast from 2PM-3PM on February 21, 1969, and recorded by contributor Don Kent, this program defined all the programs that followed. It was the first, conceived and produced by Ron Jacobs, The original Boss Radio Boss. Following the unprecedented success of this legendary broadcast, Jacobs left KHJ later that year.
This original KHJ Hour includes a full ten minute 20-20 newscast (about 40 minutes in) with KHJ newslegend J. Paul Huddleston. News is preceded by a nifty instrumental bed that could be trimmed as needed for real-time adjustments. Indeed, the original broadcast was designed for KHJ, and only later revised into syndicated hours.