Part 2 of the Geoff Edwards show on KMPC. More classic commercials, in a laid-back MOR format which includes lots of phone calls for a Disneyland contest.
To listen, click the BIG BLUE BUTTON below.
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KMPC made a long and lasting impression on the radio landscape of Los Angeles. Today, the station airs a Korean-language format. Essentially, it’s irrelevant to the city of L.A. But it was once one of the very top stations in the city!
Interestingly enough, we haven’t received too many recordings like this. This was made by someone putting a table microphone in front of a radio speaker. You can hear talking in a few places, and some strange banging noises about mid-way through. Despite this, the quality of this aircheck is quite good and the extra outside noise doesn’t detract from the overall sound of KMPC through a radio speaker.
I found while listening with my better half editing this that the best part of this aircheck has to be the old commercials. You’ll find yourself singing along to the Beneficial Finance (toot toot!) spot. Many more are quite familiar, staples of radio airplay in the late 70s. Second, the KMPC jingles were unlike most other radio stations at the time. KMPC had its own unique ‘song’, as it were. The only other station I can think of which had such unique jingles, but of a different type, was WNEW-AM in New York.
Like part one, this runs 1.5-2% slow.
KMPC’s lineup at this time was remarkable. Dick Whittinghill in mornings since 1949, Geoff in 9-12 since 1968, Wink noon-3 since 1971, Gary Owens 3-6 since 1963, Roger Caroll 6-10 since 1959. Sonny Melendrez 10pm-2am (with the station in different shifts since 1972) and Clark Race 2-6 am (with the station in different shifts since 1973)….and Robert W. Morgan doing weekends and fill-ins.
Within 2 years of this aircheck, the station would go talk and Morgan (who replaced Whittinghill in August, 1979) would be the only survivor.
I hadn’t noticed the speed issue. My cassette machine is properly calibrated but perhaps the recorder the tape was made with ran a bit fast, which would make playback a tad slow in a properly calibrated machine.
I was very impressed with Geoff Edwards and not being from the West Coast, I was unaware of his broadcasting history. My wife, who started out not knowing much of anything about airchecks or any radio personalities outside of Connecticut, was very impressed with Mr. Edwards. I always figure, if she likes it, it’s gotta be good 🙂 Thanks for the corrections, as always.
Thanks for this!!! I’m so ready to go back to the mic.
Geoff, that would be the best thing to happen to radio in a long, long time.
Steve, Your airchecks are usually perfect when it comes to speed. This clearly was dubbed on a fast machine. Happens a lot in trading. Probably 20% of the old airchecks I get need speed correction.
And now I’m going to correct myself. Clark Race had left by this point. Sonny Melendrez did 2-6 AM and Dave Hull (KRLA, KFI, KGBS)was doing 10PM-2AM.
Dave joined in late ’77. Robert W. Morgan in mid 1975.
So, are you going to fix the speed problem?
Well now at some point I will. Got a lot of site work on my plate. I’m sure you can see the big picture, right?
RIP, Mr. Edwards. Thanks for being a friend and an inspiration.
When I moved to L.A. in 1977 I was amazed to find heroes of mine like Geoff Edwards, Wink Martindale, and Gary Owns pulling airshifts just like regulars guys. I came to love Sonny Melendez on the overnight show. KMPC was a great station in the best oeverall market in the country at the time. KABC had a flawless line-up KMET and K-Earth were great FM rockers. And then there was, for a short time 10Q, which was a thrill ride that could not last!
0:34: “I want to watch it, but I have a headache.” LMFAO!