In 1985, WRQX was one of a number of stations which today are playing in the Adult Contemporary world but then were hot CHR stations. Courtesy of contributor Robyn Watts, we have an original recording now of Celeste Clark, working away part of her four day Christmas Holiday (and probably wishing she was returning gifts with half the city).
Noteables here, for those who listen for the tiny details… There’s a few dead segues, and listen for Wham’s “Last Christmas” – except for the All-Christmas stations, who plays Christmas songs AFTER Christmas day? Listen for some unique Q107 jingles and notice that their commercial production is outstanding… in a day when they still used a reel to reel machine and a razor blade.
It’s short, but a pretty good scope of one of Washington’s great CHR stations of the past!
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Hi,
This was a aircheck of Celeste Clark filling in for midday host Sandy Weaver. Ironically, she would eventually take over full-time when Sandy Weaver left for WAVA in 1988 and would be one of the few holdovers when Q-107 became Mix 107.3 in September, 1990. Sadly, she had passed away in March of 2006 from colon cancer.
Incidentally, the “Last Christmas” song by Wham! was actually a current when this aircheck was recorded. It was originally released as a B-side to “Everything She Wants” in 1984, eventually going to #2 in their native UK. In 1985, it was re-released going to #6 in the UK. In the US, it had missed hitting the Top 40, despite heavy airplay.
In addition to the JAM jingles, at 0:41, check out the Charlie Van Dyke ID (Or “sweeper”, or “segue assister” whichever you prefer…Gods, us radio people use big words don’t we?).
Robyn
Just great to have this recording of my sister’s voice. This is the 2 year anniversary of her death.
Thanks for posting the aircheck of my beautiful baby, Celeste. The boys and I just ran across it and heard it for the first time. It is nice that she lives on in her work and in our hearts.
Jeff, Eric and Chris
For the family of Celeste Clark,
There is a little bit more of her work on Airchexx.com. This link is from a composite of CHR radio in DC from 1990. Celeste Clark is featured in the final clip when she did middays at Q107.
http://airchexx.com/markets/washington/washington-dc-chr-wars-wava-wrqx-wpgc-may-1990
Thank you for the kind words.
Robyn
As one of my favorite female DJ’s of all time it was great to find this aircheck tonight. Q107 was one of the reasons I got into this business and Celeste was a big part of that. I’m grateful tonight for the trip down memory lane (I was 15 at the time of this aircheck). I know Celeste touched a great many of her listeners including me and that is a gift that keeps on giving to this day.
Rich Davis
Operations Manager
Clear Channel Nashville
Program Director
1075 The River