On October 24th Radio Ink magazine highlights great programmers for the year 2011. We believe this was an appropriate time to throw everyone a curve ball because, as you all know, behind every great programmer is a talent trying to drive that person NUTS. Managing ratings-producing revenue-generating talent is an art, a science and an oxy-moron all rolled up into one.
There are times when the talent manages the PD and that's OK as long as the revenue piles up at the GM's door. Other times PD's can't handle the pressure and decide talent has gone too far. How many times was Rush fired? How many times was Howard Stern fired? Imus is still getting fired. Back in the 1960's the airwaves was littered with great jocks. It was a completely different era, radio station brands were built around names and personalities. Now, not so much.
With the help of the legendary Lee Abrams we've compiled (actually he did the compiling) a list of the greatest DJ's of the 1960's. After all, you'd be hard-pressed to find too many other people that know so much about these great jocks and the music they played than Lee (that is still standing vertical and breathing anyway). We're asking you, the radio public, to rank these legendary voices and help us crown a champion. The rankings will be posted on October 24th, the release date of our best PD issue.
Abrams says this is a TOP 40 List. "I think you need to separate lists for MOR, R&B, Country etc....Guys like Gary Owens, Herb Kent and others were powerful voices on their formats, but it seems odd to lump them in with Top 40." Abrams also said he avoided some names that cross into other decades. Murray the K is more 50s rooted and a Bobby Ocean more 70s, so they were not included on the 60's list. A common thread is that EACH of these guys were COMPLETELY original. Each totally different."
Here we go (NOT IN ORDER)
(Pictured) The Real Don Steele:
Epitomized the balance of razor sharp mechanics and an undeniable character that spearhead KHJ into being THE Soundtrack of mid 60's LA.
Dan Ingram:
Other than a "Keem-O-Sabe" bit, simply a DJ's DJ. Clean, efficient, warm and believable. Based on his numbers, listeners agreeed
Art Roberts:
Under rated. He nailed the homey Midwest vibe. Introduced a myriad of "trademark" features that made him THE voice of Chicago Nights
Larry Lujack:
Introduced a cocky, arrogant approach that listeners ate up, differentiated him and created a whole new league of on air swagger.
(Pictured) Rick Shaw (WQAM): There's never been a greater master of real time production. Working the Mac Kenzie machine like a conductor. Sheer AM Rock n Roll audio mayhem.
Jack Gayle:
One of the early "Funny guys" on AM Top 40. Clever, down home and timeless.
Jack Armstrong:
There were Screamers, but Jack took it to an art form with otherworldly timing and non stop intensity that rattled the air.
Dick Biondi:
A self described nutcase that was a rebel as much as he was a DJ. Listeners knew that and loved it.
Management not so much
Dr. Don Rose:
Lovable, funny, consistent. Defined "pro"
(Pictured) Cousin Brucie:
To New York radio what Mantle was to New York Baseball.
Rank them in order of 1-10 and send your list to edryan@radioink.com
Write-ins are welcome but Lee's is the judge and jury on any of your suggestions.
Post your comments here about our list.
or E-Mail your complaints to Lee Abrams HERE
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