Rock Radio 50 Years Ago ~ DECEMBER 1974

It’s the Holidays & We’re Rockin’ the Man in the Moon   

So, let’s see what I managed to pull out of the annals of Rock & Roll history … 50 Years Ago this Month … 

DECEMBER 1974 Radio News & Muse ♪ 

December 6^th: The first week of December we’re either thinking about Christmas and Holidays with the family, or the blowout New Year’s Eve party to ring in 1975—or both! On this day, George Harrison (1943-2001) likely anticipated a better reception to the release in the UK of “Ding Dong, Ding Dong." The New Year’s sing-a-long song was released so late in December—in the US on the 23^rd—that if it made the charts, it likely missed New Year’s parties.
       Granted, I made only a cursory search on it and found no US charts in January 1975 with the song listed. The lyrics are said to have taken George several years to create from two lines of verse carved into a stone fireplace of his nineteenth century drawing room. The song’s video is interesting, but curiously weird. I know George wrote better songs. ♪ … Yesterday, today was tomorrow | And tomorrow, today will be yesterday | So ring out the old | Ring in the new | Ding Dong, Ding Dong … ♪     

December 12^th: Although tensions were high and Mick Taylor was obviously frustrated, apparently members of The Rolling Stones were surprised when he left the band after six lucrative years. What better setting to quit than a Holiday party? The sentiment went, “What, is he insane? No one’s ever left the band before!” First time for everything … 

December 31^st: New Year’s Eve is often full of starry-eyed hope and renewed determination for life renewal. That works for bands, too. After several tumultuous years, Fleetwood Mac made a great decision to start out their 1975 New Year with a new sound. Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks joined Fleetwood Mac on this date in 1974. What a fun, Rockin’ New Year’s Eve party that must have been in Fresno, California, that included Rare Earth and Montrose. Were you there?   

On Your Tinny Transistor Radio ♪  
Was anyone spending Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Hawai’i, December 1974? I hear it’s the best month of the year there. Wolfman Jack must have thought so too, as he made the cover of KPOI/Honolulu surveys for December 1974 and January 1975. Nevermind that his shows were syndicated … if you were there, here’s a sample of what you heard on KPOI …

Since I have only one December 1974 Rockin’ radio survey in the BFYP Collection, there’s no point in teasing you—this month’s Featured Radio Survey is, indeed, KPOI/Honolulu, Hawai’i.  

The December 20, 1974 “Records of Hawaii” survey #344, pictures DJ Maxx MahiMahi and Wolfman Jack, which will be followed in January, by survey #346, continuing a fun, vintage image of life 50 Years Ago in Rock & Roll music—Hawaiian style. When he ushers in 1975, Wolfman Jack appears again on the cover, this time, hamming it up in a festive, New Year’s party hat.   

While Wolfman is legendary and stories abound about his antics, Maxx MahiMahi, was also known over a lengthy broadcasting career as … John Yount (given name) aka and maybe best known as Big John Carter, reportedly beginning at KPRI/San Diego in 1966 … and fired after his first day. Hmmmm … undaunted, he hit up a plethora of stations as Don Irwin, Spanky Elliott, and his longest-running, Big John Carter began in KYNO/Fresno (1969). There were more, mostly one-year gigs along the way.   

Likely looking for another new start, we find John at KPOI/Hawai’i “The Poi People” in 1974 as Maxx MahiMahi, but it was short-lived as he returned stateside to Los Angeles’ KHJ, again known as Big John Carter in 1975. By 1986, as Jay Crosby, John was at the helm of Jayman Productions until his death in 2005. 

Now, I know for a fact that KPOI still existed as a pop Rock station through January 1975, as I have a printed vintage radio survey to prove it! There is sketchy-to-no history though, after the ARSA music chart displayed for March 28, 1975 …  

Speaking of surveys, every once in a while, a chart anomaly, thanks to lazy or busy radio station personnel, makes it that much more valuable … KPOI had plenty of room for the full title of the Stylistics’ #2 tune, but left “It” out in this survey’s listing: “Let’s Put All Together.” Gotta love it …

And where were we headed for New Music in January 1975? Look next month for “Get Dancin’” by Disco Tex & the Sex-o-Lettes! Obviously a contender for our Quirky Band Name Award. Can’t wait …

December ‘74 Song of Note ♪

       If November is the month of gratitude, then surely, December is the month of nostalgia … looking back, making wishes, and moving forward. With music a conduit of emotions, it was tough to choose this month’s Song of Note. 
       I was first attracted to The Three Degrees’ “When Will I See You Again”—a question that will likely be asked many times over, around the globe, fifty years after it settled into the #3 spot on “KPOI Records of Hawaii” survey, December 20, 1974. A seemingly simple song of love and angst, it delved deeper with every stanza, as its unique lyrics were composed only of questions. ♪ … Are we in love or just friends? | Is this my beginning | Or is this the end? … ♪    
        As I scanned the December survey, my eye caught site of #9 (down from #6), as another Song of Note contender in “Puka Shells” by Rod Young. Not exactly a Holiday tune, but it is sentimental, and it evoked personal memories, as I happily recall my mother and I stringing puka shell necklaces on her front lawn, to sell to friends and neighbors, in the summer of 1974 … Rod and Hawaiian composer, Lani Kai (George Clarence Dennis James Von Ruckleman Woodd III; phew! That’s a name!), rode the gigantic wave of puka shell popularity and by December, had a hit song. ♪ … I give to you | My puka shells | There is nothing more | I have to offer you | My love, my life | And a string of puka shells … ♪    
       However, I strayed out of the Top Ten and discovered Harry Chapin’s (1942-1981) wistful and reflective tune that every loving, hard-working parent, in every generation, can relate to, especially during the Holidays. Debuting at #30 on KPOI’s survey is tearjerker, “Cat’s in the Cradle.” December 1974’s, BFYP monthly Song of Note. It is no less nostalgic in 2024.
       As often happens, parent/child roles indeed, reverse over the years. Listening to Chapin’s #1 tune-to-be, yesteryear’s children may well identify with its very profound lyrics … Sadly, Chapin died in an auto accident at a youthful, 38 years old; son, Josh, had not yet reached the age of ten … ♪ … But it's sure nice talking to you Dad | And as he hung up the phone it occurred to me | He'd grown up just like me | M’boy was just like me  … ♪    

♪ December ‘74 Quirky Band Names ♪  

While some pockets of the country this month may see three-degree weather, in December 1974, we heard The Three Degrees* lament, “When Will I See You Again,” as we headed once more, toward the New Year. (*Note: Not a secure link, but seems benign.)
      The Philadelphia soul group’s simple, sentimental song struck a chord with radio listeners, and it became their intro tune to the Top Ten, making #3, up from #5, for the 1974 Holidays. Now, it’s listed at #67 on Billboard’s 100 Greatest Girl Group Songs of All Time.
      What’s even more interesting about the trio is … they’ve always been a trio … though more than a dozen women have drifted in and out of their limelight. Beginning with Fayette Pinkney, Shirley Porter and Linda Turner, they’re now headlined by Helen Scott, Valerie Holiday, and Freddi Poole. In early November 2024, several of The Three Degrees (including current three) were feted at WMEL Radio, “Honoring the Legends of Soul And R&B” with a black-tie ceremony. And still, they ask the most poignant of Holiday questions  ♪ … When will I see you again? | When will we share precious moments? … ♪    

 December 2024 Music Events & More ♪    

Tuesday ~ December 31^st: Party on! Hmmmmm, couldn’t find anything fun to promote this month’s events and news, so … since the Holidays and New Year’s Eve is when Rock & Roll is at its shiniest, check out a list of popular hot spots … BFYP is based in SoCal, so this link works for us, but there are parties galore across the country, like Nashville, Tennessee, Orlando, Florida, and Seattle, Washington. Find your party place & see ya next year! 

BFYP Featured Radio Survey ♪♪  
DECEMBER 20, 1974 ~ K-POI’s “Records of Hawaii” music chart takes center stage as our Featured Radio Survey from the “Rock of Honolulu.” Were you relaxing on one of Hawai’i’s balmy isles listening to your tinny transistor radio? Whether you were swinging in the morning sun or listening to Wolfman Jack while staring at the starry sky, you were hearing the future iconic music of the era … 50 Years Ago this Month in Rock & Roll Radio! Where were you that groovy day when your radio played … 

 Let’s Celebrate DECEMBER Holidays 1974 … Rock On!  

BFYP Book 1 (1954-1959) on Amazon
BFYP Book 2 (Swinging ‘60s) on Amazon 
Blast from Your Past Gifts 
Share your Golden Oldies R&R fun on “X”: @BlastFromPastBk

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 LinDee Rochelle is a writer and editor by trade, and author by way of Rock & Roll. Two books (of three planned) are published in her Blast from Your Past^TM series, available on Amazon: Book 1 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The First Five Years 1954-1959^TM (eBook only; coming soon in updated print edition) and Book 2 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The Swinging Sixties^TM (eBook & print). Coming soon-ish … Book 3 – The Psychedelic Seventies!^TM 

Note: FYI – All links in the BFYP site are personally visited, verified, and vetted. Most are linked to commonly accessed sites of reputable note. Occasionally, since I often feature real people and/or singular sources there may be an unsecured link. As with everything cyber-security, use at your own discretion and risk. This site is wholly owned by LinDee Rochelle & sponsored by PenchantForPenning.com^TM. No compensation is received for any mentions of businesses, products, or other commercial interests. *All holiday and special event days are found at Brownielocks.com’s calendar site. Enjoy! 

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Rock Radio 50 Years Ago ~ NOVEMBER 1974

 Oldies Rock Radio Brings You Home Again 

November begins the season of nostalgia, thankfulness and sharing. Whether you live with memories or simply seeking wistful magic of the season, there is no doubt you’ll be treated to a Thanksgiving table full of long-ago lyrics and tunes.

Let me get you started on a musical feast from 50 Years Ago this Month …

NOVEMBER 1974 Radio News & Muse ♪ 

While most of us were prepping for family and feasting, some Rockin’ artists were making news rather than roasting a turkey …

November 2^nd:  Who was there? George Harrison struck out on his own in the first North American concert tour by a Beatles member since their final August 29, 1966, event in San Francisco. The Vancouver show held on this date in 1974 included his new best friend, Ravi Shankar, but few Beatles songs, except those written by George.

November 21^st:  Soul-master, Wilson Pickett, with buddies, O'Kelly and Rudolph Isley (members of The Isley Brothers), just wanted to have a little hunting fun in the country, today in 1974. While visiting the tiny town of Andes, New York, at the western edge of the Catskill Mountains, Pickett was arrested when the local law heard he’d (allegedly) fired a bullet that went right through the artists’ hotel room door. Rumor has it, a tad too much alcohol and hot-blues tempers were involved. Luckily, he was too inebriated to hit anyone.

November 28^th: It was generally no big deal when one popular artist joined another on stage at a boisterous ‘70s concert. Though the former Beatles’ Harrison, had just begun his solo tours, this night turned out to be John Lennon’s final concert appearance, as he joined buddy, Elton John, in New York City’s Madison Square Garden. Happy fans were treated to Lennon’s wildly popular, "Whatever Gets You Through the Night," a soulful, "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds," and the prophetic, "I Saw Her Standing There." ♪ … Picture yourself in a boat on a river | With tangerine trees and marmalade skies … ♪   

On Your Tinny Transistor Radio ♪  
Where were you bein’ thankful November 1974? I found Two dynamic, November Rock Radio surveys in the BFYP Collection to remind us of the 1970s’ wild-and-crazy California lifestyle. OK, fine, it’s still wild-and-crazy, but for all the wrong reasons. Back then, even when life was tough, there was always a bouncy song of hope, and life’s distress could be softened, with a soulful tune ♪ … Don't let life get me down | Gonna take it the way that I found it | I got the music in me … ♪    

So what was happening behind the mic and foremost in the music scene? Here’s a sample of what and who you were listening to …

Part of the crazy California reputation likely stemmed from one unique DJ who set the bar for the next couple of generations in radio and television broadcasting. Using radio show syndication before it was a thing, Wolfman Jack reached more listeners with his offbeat, salacious personality than anyone on the airwaves.

This month, his gravelly voice gave KAFY “The Big 55” in Bakersfield, California, something to talk about and swing with, when the November 28, 1974, survey advertised his live show with local DJ, Mark Daniels. Were you listening?

Moving on down the road to SoCal though, it’s the KOLA 99 November 9, 1974, chart in San Bernardino, California, that really caught my eye for collectability. Though now known as KOLA 99.9 FM, back in the day, history suggests “The POP SOUND of So. California” had a lack of consistent format or even on-air personalities.

Their “Now Sounds Plus Oldies” Top 40 survey also proclaims “Solid Music Uninterrupted.” Locals could/can attest to its reach, boasting a transmission tower height (1,663 ft) reportedly rivaling the Empire State Building (1,454 ft). In a comment on RadioDiscussions.com, “In the 70’s and early 80’s KOLA was ‘Jack’* before anyone even thought of the concept. A ‘single voice’ all day long, they played what they wanted and never took requests!” (*Jack-formatted station.) Since then KOLA streamed through the years, adapting to “Oldies” as the decades changed the term, and currently hosts a full roster of on-air personalities. Rock On!

November Song of Note ♪  
Known for his heartfelt, homespun, acoustic guitar tunes, John Denver gives us the perfect title tune to take us through family-oriented November and Thanksgiving. BFYP’s monthly Song of Note was #2 on KOLA/Bakersfield, California’s chart, to bring us “Back Home Again.”

Denver, a New Year’s Eve baby in 1943, began as Henry John Deutschendorf Jr., in Roswell, New Mexico. His early life in small towns like Roswell and Tucson, Arizona, explains a lot about his fondness for nature and contempt for cities. Through a tumultuous life and tragic death in a solo plane flight accident (1997), his legacy of music and love of nature endures.

Whether it’s real life, fantasy, or in spirit with family, friends, or fond memories, enjoy your Holiday “Back Home Again” ♪ … Sometimes this old farm feels like a long-lost friend | Yes 'n' hey, it's good to be back home again … ♪   

November’s Quirky Band Names ♪ 

It’s an age-old conundrum. Sometimes it takes a while to create just the right name for a new baby, a book title, a website domain, or … a band. Such was the case for our November Quirky Band Name Award honoree!

B.T. Express hailed from Brooklyn, New York, and the funk/disco sound they wanted to present to the world was the easy part. The mix of artists and soulful I.D. took a little longer. Reports tell us the inkling of something new splintered from early 1970’s King Davis House Rockers, which soon turned into the Madison Street Express. Still seeking just the right identity, they tried on Brothers Trucking, before finally settling on B.T. Express.

Their first hit, "Do It ('Til You're Satisfied)," confidently climbed the charts to #5, boosted by listeners at KOLA/San Bernardino, California. ♪ … Ooh, go on and do it, do it | Do it 'til you're satisfied | (Whatever it is) … ♪    

NOVEMBER 2024 Music Events & More ♪     

Humble November gives gratitude a home … just like Rock & Roll did for vinyl records about 70 years ago. While the king of music media for many years, there were a few decades when CDs threatened to squash vinyl records forever. Then it was discovered, vinyl still rules quality of sound.

Back in 2007 United Record Pressing, LLC, was floundering and its future vague. The historical vinyl record manufacturing plant had its ups and downs from the beginning of vinyl records, then hit the CD brick wall. Along came Mark Michaels, looking for a small company to settle into. In the beginning, now CEO & Chairman, he didn’t know what an important, endearing, and fun venture he’d stumbled into. But to quote Mr. Michaels’ fave lyric: “Without love in the dream it will never come true.” (Help On The Way, Grateful Dead).

If you haven’t seen it yet, a recent Associated Press article tells us the United Record Pressing story, and touted vinyl records’ endurance and new growth … “In 2023, U.S. revenues from vinyl records grew 10% to $1.4 billion, the 17th-straight year of growth, according to the Recording Industry Association of America. Records accounted for 71% of revenues from non-digital music formats, and for the second time since 1987, vinyl outpaced CDs in total sold.” (October 29, 2024, Vinyl thrives at United Record Pressing as the nation’s oldest record maker plays a familiar tune.) Thank you. Now celebrate …

Wednesday ~ November 27^th: Put on your dancin’ shoes, it’s National Jukebox Day! We don’t know who established this day, but I love it! And if you click the link, you’ll find out who I think should become its sponsor, as he truly loves and restores vintage Jukeboxes. (And no, I don’t know John Papa, and have had no contact nor promotional payment from him.)

Though National Jukebox Day is a timely, nostalgic celebration the day before Thanksgiving, why not just keep the Oldies comin’ through the weekend. There’s bound to be some Rockin’ tune in your musical mix that will resonate with your Holiday spirit and nostalgic mood. Don’t have an Oldies playlist? No worries. AccuRadio is a fave of mine, with all the new and classic songs you love … (No, they don’t pay me to say that either. Sigh.)

Thursday ~ November 28^th: Much to the chagrin of the poor turkey, it’s Thanksgiving Day! Always an excellent Holiday for old tunes and sentimental memories. Oh … and great food! Over the years, I’ve sporadically spent this day alone, away from family. That didn’t stop me from cooking myself a turkey with all the trimmings, while I reminisced over past years of happy gatherings. And music is a big part of the memories. Enjoy.

BFYP Featured Radio Survey ♪♪

NOVEMBER 9, 1974 ~ KOLA/San Bernardino, California. Unique about this survey, are tunes listed from #31 to #40 on their “Top 40” are “Bubbling Under” and on their way up, or never make it to the solid Top 30. And who remembers Dr. Demento?! He was the late-night entertainment in San Bernardino. That’s the ‘70s … “mad music and crazy comedy.” … 50 Years Ago this Month in Rock & Roll Radio! Where were you that groovy day when your radio played … 

Let’s Celebrate a Fun, Grateful Thanksgiving NOVEMBER 1974 … Rock On!  

BFYP Book 1 (1954-1959) on Amazon         
BFYP Book 2 (Swinging ‘60s) on Amazon 
Blast from Your Past Gifts 
Share your Golden Oldies R&R fun on “X”/Twitter: @BlastFromPastBk 

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LinDee Rochelle is a writer and editor by trade, and author by way of Rock & Roll. Two books (of three planned) are published in her Blast from Your Past^TM series, available on Amazon: Book 1 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The First Five Years 1954-1959^TM (eBook only; coming soon in updated print edition) and Book 2 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The Swinging Sixties^TM (eBook & print). Coming soon-ish … Book 3 – The Psychedelic Seventies!^TM 

Note: FYI – All links in the BFYP site are personally visited, verified, and vetted. Most are linked to commonly accessed sites of reputable note. Occasionally, since I often feature real people and/or singular sources there may be an unsecured link. As with everything cyber-security, use at your own discretion and risk. This site is wholly owned by LinDee Rochelle & sponsored by PenchantForPenning.com^TM. No compensation is received for any mentions of businesses, products, or other commercial interests. *All holiday and special event days are found at Brownielocks.com’s calendar site. Enjoy! 

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