One of the great “Hot Hits” ™ formatted CHR stations of the 80s was Mike Joseph’s creation in Baltimore. Today’s “Mix 106.5” got its start as WMAR-FM, an incredibly high-energy hit music station that did, indeed, play all the hits. Rock, Pop, R&B… if it charted, they played it. A true Top 40 in every respect.
Heard in this nine-minute scope are those wonderful Hot Hits ™ jingles, heard elsewhere at WFBL, WTIC-FM, WBBM-FM and WCAU-FM, KITS, along with a few others. Listeners are playing for ‘Baltimore’s Big Bucks’, where the jackpot is never less than $106.00.
Does anyone remember Barry Manilow’s “Read em And Weep”? I forgot this song ever existed!
One thing that stands out on this aircheck is the high audio quality. This one sounds like you’re listening to it for the first time. My only wish is that we could present this unscoped, for, this is a serious time machine – if you remember 1983 the way I do, you’ll be instantly transported to the year that musically, separated 70s guitar rock from 80s (and beyond) pop.
We are treated to a generous dose of local events, frigid weather forecasts and a format with thousands of fans who remember the Hot Hits format on the station known as 106-Hits.
fantastic aircheck! I was living outside of Boston in ’83 and we would drive to Baltimore to visit the in-laws. always enjoyed hearing WMAR-FM as well as 14/WWIN when they were top 40 soul music. the Mike Joseph Hot Hits format was really exciting to listen to and would probably still work in many places today.
The ugly red-headed stepchild of 98CAU up the road. This was a cume machine – who could stand those jingles and the same 30 songs for longer than 40 minutes at a time? WMAR-FM did an admirable job but B104 kicked its butt, and then came the secession of attempts at Top 40 before settling in for a long haul as “Mix.” Remember K106? Yeah, me either. It took Capitol Broadcasting to finally get this station to truly make an impact in Charm City.
I love this air check! I rememember when they changed from b/ez July 1983! Thanks for posting!