Dick Summer & the Nightlite Show on WBZ Radio 103 Boston | August, 1964
July 21, 2006 
74 Comments
Now, from the 50kw Boston blowtorch reaching 38 states, Dick Summer’s legendary night show on mid-60s WBZ!
The history of WBZ is a long, storied one reaching back to the beginnings of commercial broadcasting. Only the second licensed station in the US (although not in it’s inevitable form), WBZ was generally a pop station, first in the golden age of radio (pop in the respect that it ran the popular programs and music of the day, having been a part of the NBC ‘Red’ network in the 40s), and later, as Boston’s second top 40 station, lasting until 1966.
Smack in the middle of WBZ’s top 40 era was Dick Summer. He ruled the nighttime airwaves in Boston and all up and down the eastern seaboard until the station shifted to nighttime talk in the late 60s. Summer’s ‘Nightlife’ show was a mix of music and mystique, as you’ll hear in this aircheck. There were, of course, the top hits of the day with a generous dose of ‘oldies’ from the 50s and earlier in the 60s decade, but Summer adds in some strange radio dramas and talks about men from Mars… the stuff that certainly would fit today’s “Coast to Coast AM with George Noory” ((C) Premier Radio Networks).
Strangely enough, there are no snappy WBZ jingles, few commercials and one frequent PSA about Systic Fibrosis. This show, at least on this tape, is very much just Dick Summer and a stack of records. Fun and interesting listening for those who remember the early to mid-60s.
Thanks to Matt @ BigAppleAirchecks who sent this in over a year ago and we’re just now getting around to posting this. Thanks again, Matt.
I vividly remember Dick Summer in early 60′s Indianapolis. I was 12 in 1962, when I started listening to him on WISH radio. His show became my nightly must. I remember his signature sign off song, Summertime.
I was so sad when, in January of ’63, he announced that he was leaving for Boston and would be on WBZ. Not long after, and to my heart-pounding delight, I discovered that I could get WBZ quite clearly at night. Those were, indeed, the days!
I remember Dick and the Nightlife Show from 1964-67 when I was stationed at New Hampshire Satellite Tracking Station in New Boston, N.H. I was an AP and worked security from 12-8 AM. I had to listen on a little transistor radio, but the show helped keep me awake. That and a lot of crappy coffee.
I remember Dick well. I also remember about his super hero the Venus Flytrap. I learned the one hen, two ducks from then.
I remember Dick Summer late at night. He was the main proponent of the “Boston sound” with Ultimate Spinich and Orpheus.
When I heard of Dave Maynard’s passing,it brought back so many wonderful memories of the 60′s back in Boston. Dick Summers!!Falling asleep with the radio under my pillow repeating,:on hen, two ducks, …..
Your post gave me a smile and brought back similar fond memories of Dick’s mellow voice and the NightLife “Password.” Some 50 years later, it is still committed to memory.
Thank you, Richard! There would have been no Orpheus without you!
Tonight I saw Tom Rush. Seeing him in concert always makes me think of the first time I heard his voice. In the middle of the night on the Dick Summer Nightlife show. I hated high School, and as a way of denying that I was gonna have to go, I often stayed up all night listening. Loved it so much! One night, he talked about a young (16) songwriter from Canada and he was going to play a cover of one of her songs. The song was Joni Mitchell’s Urge For Going. Tom started with that unique intro-so compelling. I ran and got my sister and we were enthralled. Started a life-long love of this man’s work!! I think I got a lot of my ‘foundational’ music taste from Dick Summer and that wonderful radio show. Thanks, Dick!!!!!
I still remember a book cover that I got from a department store in the 60s. On it were: Carl DeSuze, Dave Maynard, Jay Dunne, Jefferson Kaye, Bruce Bradley, Bob Kennedy, and Dick Summer. That was the entire WBZ roundup in those days.
Dick Summer, WBZ, Joni Mitchell, Tom Rush, Ian and Silvia, Buffy ST Marie, Dick’s Poetry (I still have 2 of his books!). His show saved me from complete misery in my high school years…yes, the transistor radio under the pillow.
I first heard Dick Summer on BZ when I was in college at the University of New Hampshire in the fall of 1964. He was my companion as I studied late into the night. In fact, he inspired me to get into radio at the student radio station and in 1965 I got a part time job at a local commercial station in the next town over(a 5000 watt station) and worked in radio for the next five years on weekends and summers. I have to also admit I copied some of Dick’s routines at times (sorry Dick). He will always be part of those days for me. A special time! And of course, he’s still out there on TV doing a commercial for a big national law firm. When I first heard it I knew immediately who it was. Thanks for the memories Dick!