Thursday, August 28, 2008

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #589


PHOTO INDEX: THE FAMOUS WARM COVERAGE MAP DEMONSTRATING THE POWER OF THOSE 5,000 WATTS AND HARRY WEST HOLDING A RECORD INDICATIVE OF ONE OF WARM'S STRENGTHS, ITS MUSIC MIX.

IT'S THE MUSIC!!!!

There is much debate as to what should be considered the first rock & roll record. Bill Haley’s "Rock Around the Clock" (1955) became the first rock and roll song to top Billboard magazine's main sales and airplay charts, and opened the door worldwide for this new wave of popular culture. Rolling Stone magazine argued in this century that "That's All Right (Mama)" from 1954, Elvis Presley's first single for Sun Records in Memphis, was the first rock and roll record. But, at the same time, Big Joe Turner’s "Shake, Rattle & Roll", later covered by Haley, was already at the top of the Billboard R&B charts.
As we mentioned before, Joe Dobbs' WICK Radio played some of the earliest rock and roll in the Wilkes Barre Scranton area before WARM. But when WARM signed on the air with rock and roll in 1958, this is some of the music the station showcased. “At the Hop” by Danny and the Juniors, “Twilight Time” by the Platters”, “April Love” by Pat Boone, “Little Star” by the Elegants, “Volare” by Domenico Modugno, “It’s All In the Game” by Tommy Edwards, “Sugartime” by the Mcguire Sisters, “Catch A Falling Star” by Perry Como and “Tequila” by the Champs were songs constantly heard on WARM during 1958. Perhaps the acceptance of this station across all age groups happened (notwithstanding the WARM news commitment) happened because Rock and Roll was just invading the pop culture of music. With rock and roll were the vestiges of the pop music of the 50s. The doowop of the Elegants was a perfect tonic for the smooth, lush sounds of the Platters. The early success of WARM as well as rock and roll was that the music with the beat also was palatable to the moms and dads who gave a listen to this new sound in town, WARM Radio. Perhaps no two songs typified the contrasts of music more than the Diamonds “Little Darlin’” (released in 1957) and Tommy Edwards’ “It’s All In the Game” from 1958. This music provided the bridge in styles, and WARM Radio gave people of all ages the vehicle for those great songs that became the building block for not only the Mighty 590, but for rock and roll itself.




13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good song selection. Are we going to be treated to Yonk's greatest hits?

Anonymous said...

A few thoughts...

Considering that the Leichtensteiner Polka was on Billboard's Hot 100 in 1958, it sure was an eclectic year. The McGuire Sisters, Pat Boone, Perry Como? They all had hits that year. Amazing.

Without looking it up, I think Jimmy Dorsey had a hit or two in only a short couple years before that.

That WARM pioneered the "new sound" hereabouts is undeniable, but it is likewise true that WARM abandoned what had made it great by the early to mid 70s. Their music policy is among the lingering mysteries of the late 20th century. Most of us who did time there will attest to that.

Hey, I worked there for seven years and still was never sure of the following; just exactly who were the original Sensational Seven? Seems to me that if all who claimed membership in that exclusive club were actually original members, it would have been more like the Sensational Seventeen(at least). So, names, who's got names. And while we're at it, how about dates to go along with the names, dates of when they came and when they went. Thanks!

Still lovin' it, Dave.

Sweeney

Vince Sweeney said...

I'm determined, Dave, to see this project go wheels up and fly, or at least do all I can to help it do so.

Driving home from the shelter this afternoon I started thinking about how promotion-minded WARM was and, seemingly out of nowhere, green bagels came to mind.

Green bagels and WARM were synonymous for what was likely close to ten years.

Green bagels, the WARM Cookbook, WARM coffee mugs, WARM Top 40 Lists(of which I believe you have at least a few), so many things that just screamed The Mighty 590.

For now, I'm just sowing seeds and hoping they sprout. One last seed for now, The Turkey Trot!

David Yonki said...

IN RESPONSE
Green bagels, the WARM Cookbook, WARM coffee mugs, WARM Top 40 Lists(of which I believe you have at least a few), so many things that just screamed The Mighty 590.
THANKS FOR THE INPUT. YOU'RE GOING TO LOVE ONE OF OUR MIGHTY MEMORIES IN A FEW DAYS. NOT TELLING THOUGH. AS FOR THE CONTESTS, I'M ACCUMULATING INFO ON THOSE THINGS TOO.
ANY VISUALS ANYONE HAS THERE WILL HELP. I HAVE A LOT OF STUFF I'VE SAVED PERSONALLY BUT CAN ALWAYS USE MORE. AND THE BEAUTY OF THE E MAIL MACHINE IS THAT YOU CAN JUST SEND THEM AND NOT PART WITH THEM. THANKS FOR YOUR INPUT.

David Yonki said...

FOR WHATEVER REASON, THE COMMENTS ARE NOT COMING UP ON #590, SO I'VE MOVED THEM HERE.

11 comments:
Joe Leonardi said...
Hi Dave,

Just bookmarked the site. What a great idea.

Joe

August 27, 2008 7:49 AM
Anonymous said...
Hi yonk.Bob Hafner jr here from your sales days at ward.From one oldies fan to another a job well done.I'm sure the sensational 7 years will live on forever now.

August 27, 2008 8:46 AM
Anonymous said...
Where in the world is The Woody Guy?

He still has FANS in NEPA!

August 27, 2008 12:49 PM
Kevin Jordan said...
A great idea done by the best person possible for the job. Congratulations Dave and good luck. I am really looking forward to this

August 27, 2008 5:06 PM
Vince Sweeney said...
This post has been removed by the author.
August 27, 2008 5:12 PM
Vince Sweeney said...
Hiya Dave!

I love it, old boy, think it's a right fine idea. I've long believed a WARM Tribute Site was way overdue, but also realized it can be one hell of a daunting task, very time consuming. To you I say, thanks for taking the leap.

For now, a quick story. Many years ago Tim Karlson and I had some idle time while working at WARM. For whatever reason, we started making a list of those whose names we could remember who'd worked at WARM before us, as well as with us. The list was staggering. If only I had that list now, or could recall half of it.

Here's hoping hundreds open their minds and share the memories, good and bad.

Abundant luck upon you, in all things, Dave. Count on me for a story or three as time goes on here.

As to Woody - I hear he's in Florida and very low profile, which is completely uncharacteristic of the man. Then again, all of us who spent years trying to stand out reach a point when all we want to do is blend in.

Hey, is a hot enough for you?

August 27, 2008 5:18 PM
Anonymous said...
This is fabulous! Is there any way we can find and include sound checks on this site?

Great memories ...

August 28, 2008 6:58 AM
David Yonki said...
IN RESPONSE
Is there any way we can find and include sound checks on this site?
WHEN WE WERE RESEARCHING HOW TO DO THIS, WE FOUND TO OUR DISMAY THAT WE CAN'T POST AUDIO STREAMING DUE TO THE SHEER NUMBER OF BLOG/SITES. VIDEOS, YES, AUDIO NO. THAT SAID, WE'RE WORKING ON WHAT THE I.T. PEOPLE CALL A WORKAROUND. STAY TUNED.

August 28, 2008 7:20 AM
Anonymous said...
Does Joey Shaver know about this blog? I understand he has TONS of WARM memorabilia.

It would be wonderful to see it all again!

August 28, 2008 10:48 AM
Anonymous said...
Let's not forget about Bobby Day. I'm SURE he's got a TON of stuff in that basement of his.

Great idea Yonk!!!! I miss the way it USED to be!

Keep up the great work.

August 29, 2008 8:25 AM
Anonymous said...
Bobby lent most of his stuff to someone when they were producing WARMLand Remembered. Unless things changed, he never got said stuff back. He's not happy.

August 29, 2008 4:45 PM
Post a Comment

David Yonki said...

IN RESPONSE
August 29, 2008 8:25 AM
Anonymous said...
Bobby lent most of his stuff to someone when they were producing WARMLand Remembered. Unless things changed, he never got said stuff back. He's not happy.
APPARENTLY BOBBY DID GET ALL OF HIS STUFF BACK AND IF HE IS UNHAPPY ABOUT SOMETHING, THIS ISSUE ISN'T IT.
FROM BILL KELLY WHO TRACKED THIS DOWN:
I first spoke to Richard Briggs who agreed that we had returned
everything, and then I called Bobby Day at WBRE and spoke to him. He said
that he did get everything back and does not know why this person would
have written that he did not and that he was not happy. I would suggest
going back on the site you pulled the note from and write one stating the
above. Let me know if you want me to do more. Thanks, K
DONE, CORRECTED, HOPE THIS PUTS THIS ISSUE TO BED.

Anonymous said...

Anyone not familiar with WARM in its heyday will read Vince's post "Hey, is it hot enough for you?" and have no idea what it refers to. Savvy fans will remember the line as a portion of one of the station's many excellently contrived self-promotion spots. Oh, for the young ones among us, the answer to the question was: "It's only WARM for me"!

Woodsman said...

David...Your doing a GREAT job...I'm still trying to find a few more things to send you. Give me some time..I'm old. BTW..Hope your health is high on the charts.

Tom

Anonymous said...

Good post and this fill someone in on helped me alot in my college assignement. Thank you seeking your information.

David Baray said...



FOR WHATEVER REASON, THE COMMENTS ARE NOT COMING UP ON #590, SO I'VE MOVED THEM HERE. 11 comments: Joe Leonardi said... Hi Dave, Just bookmarked the site. What a great idea. Joe August 27, 2008 7:49 AM Anonymous said... Hi yonk.Bob Hafner jr here from your sales days at ward.From one oldies fan to another a job well done.I'm sure the sensational 7 years will live on forever now. August 27, 2008 8:46 AM Anonymous said... Where in the world is The Woody Guy? He still has FANS in NEPA! August 27, 2008 12:49 PM Kevin Jordan said... A great idea done by the best person possible for the job. Congratulations Dave and good luck. I am really looking forward to this August 27, 2008 5:06 PM Vince Sweeney said... This post has been removed by the author. August 27, 2008 5:12 PM Vince Sweeney said... Hiya Dave! I love it, old boy, think it's a right fine idea. I've long believed a WARM Tribute Site was way overdue, but also realized it can be one hell of a daunting task, very time consuming. To you I say, thanks for taking the leap. For now, a quick story. Many years ago Tim Karlson and I had some idle time while working at WARM. For whatever reason, we started making a list of those whose names we could remember who'd worked at WARM before us, as well as with us. The list was staggering. If only I had that list now, or could recall half of it. Here's hoping hundreds open their minds and share the memories, good and bad. Abundant luck upon you, in all things, Dave. Count on me for a story or three as time goes on here. As to Woody - I hear he's in Florida and very low profile, which is completely uncharacteristic of the man. Then again, all of us who spent years trying to stand out reach a point when all we want to do is blend in. Hey, is a hot enough for you? August 27, 2008 5:18 PM Anonymous said... This is fabulous! Is there any way we can find and include sound checks on this site? Great memories ... August 28, 2008 6:58 AM David Yonki said... IN RESPONSE Is there any way we can find and include sound checks on this site? WHEN WE WERE RESEARCHING HOW TO DO THIS, WE FOUND TO OUR DISMAY THAT WE CAN'T POST AUDIO STREAMING DUE TO THE SHEER NUMBER OF BLOG/SITES. VIDEOS, YES, AUDIO NO. THAT SAID, WE'RE WORKING ON WHAT THE I.T. PEOPLE CALL A WORKAROUND. STAY TUNED. August 28, 2008 7:20 AM Anonymous said... Does Joey Shaver know about this blog? I understand he has TONS of WARM memorabilia. It would be wonderful to see it all again! August 28, 2008 10:48 AM Anonymous said... Let's not forget about Bobby Day. I'm SURE he's got a TON of stuff in that basement of his. Great idea Yonk!!!! I miss the way it USED to be! Keep up the great work. August 29, 2008 8:25 AM Anonymous said... Bobby lent most of his stuff to someone when they were producing WARMLand Remembered. Unless things changed, he never got said stuff back. He's not happy. August 29, 2008 4:45 PM Post a Comment

Anonymous said...

There are usually not many websites with information like this man!
Bookmarked!

Feel free to surf to my web blog :: having trouble getting pregnant at 40

yanmaneee said...

yeezy sneakers
ultra boost
air max
birkin bag
nike air vapormax
balenciaga shoes
fila shoes
moncler
air jordan shoes
yeezy wave runner 700

Anonymous said...

hermes bag outlet
yeezy boost 350
kyrie 7
off white hoodie outlet
palm angels
goyard bag
russell westbrook shoes
curry shoes
golden goose
bapesta