Rock Radio Scrapbook

Airchecks: 1981

Talent: NORMAN B. interviews NIKI SULLIVAN (Original Cricket)
Station: CING-FM (FM 108) Burlington, Ont.
Date: February, 1981
Time: 18:45

Original Cricket Niki Sullivan

Norman B. was a people person, which may explain why he was such a great interviewer. Artists opened up to him, offering details of their life and career with a depth not often seen. It helped that Norman - the long-time program director of Burlington, Ont.-oldies station CING-FM (FM 108) - knew his interview subjects inside and out. And he loved and cherished the subject matter: rock 'n' roll.

Norman interviewed former Crickets rhythm guitarist Niki Sullivan just prior to the 22nd anniversary of Buddy Holly's death in 1959. The interview aired on FM 108 in February, 1981.

Hear Norm's interview with Niki Sullivan here.

(The Gary Heighington Collection)

(NOTE: Niki M. "Nick" Sullivan died of a heart attack April 6, 2004 at his home in Sugar Creek, Mo. The native of Southgate, Calif., played on 27 of the 32 songs Buddy Holly recorded and is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.)

NORMAN B. REMEMBERED

Long-time FM 108 program director Norman B. passed away in the early morning hours of January 19, 1997. As the 10th anniversary approached, we asked those who worked with Norm or listened to him to offer their special recollections. They are quite touching and personal and you can read them below. Alumni recollections are first followed - lastly - by one from a listener...
 

J.B. (JULIUS BROWN) ... Ask anyone at FM 108 about Norm and me and no doubt, they'll relate the Double Shot story. Perhaps it's now bigger than life but here's what really happened.

I played Double Shot by the Swinging Medallions, pretty well every night I was on the air. OK, maybe even 2 or 3 times as well. Then, one night as Norm was vacating the air chair and I was getting ready to start my show, he told me not to play that song. So I put it aside. Not having anything cued up, I opened the mike and started talking, grabbing the first song I could put my hands on ... you guessed it ... Double Shot. Norm went ballistic … right in master control! Eventually Norm and I laughed about that incident but I'll always remember that you can't be too careful.

On a more positive note, I'll always remember and respect his invaluable knowledge of oldies and his countless interviews with the stars. He had ‘em all, and if he didn’t they weren’t worth having. Norm will be missed not only by FM 108 staff and listeners but also by the many artists he held as close friends.

Save us a spot in Rock ‘n’ Roll Heaven, Norm!
 

TEDD COLBEAR ... I was Norm's ''newsguy'' at FM 108 in 1979.

Besides being a walking ''oldies'' encyclopedia, Norm had an uncanny ability to crack me up on-air...without even trying ! ! !

A couple of incidents come to mind.

Anyone who knew Norm knows that he was a bit unorganized during his show ... he always seemed like he was scrambling to find a record or music bit. I had just started reading my newscast and happened to spot Norm walking in front of my newsbooth with a t-a-l-l stack of carts, like about 2 1/2 feet tall. All of a sudden he stumbles and the carts go flying ... bouncing off the windows and walls. Needless to say, I lost it!

Another day as I was sitting in the newsbooth with about a minute to go to airtime, Norm spilled his coffee all over the turntable while the record was playing (what's a CD? ... we used real records back then!) Everything was fine ... for about 10 seconds ... and then static and a real nasty shhhhhhhhhhhhhh sound erupted. Needless to say, I'm in hysterics at this point and THAT's when Norm hits the news ID. Take it away Tedd !

I was only at FM108 for about a year but had an absolute blast and it was all thanks to Norman B.

He was a diamond in the rough, but a diamond nevertheless!
 

MIKE ELLSWORTH ...  "Do what you want - and dig what you do - cause that's what life is all about"... Norman B.

(And I never forgot it Norm...thanks.)
 

RUSS HORTON ... Russ sent us a special audio tribute to Norm. You can hear it here.
 

PETER JAYCOCK ... Norman B was more than a boss of mine, he was a friend and patient educator when it came to the Gold and Great music. I could never have found such understanding of the 50's and 60's music from a book, Norm brought it to life with his passion, his enjoyment and his willingness to share the enthusiasm and excitement he felt for the performers of the early Rock and Roll era. Dating back to when they referred to him as Norman "TM" Blakely (Too Much!) he was immersed in the greatness of a music revolution he, more than others, realized was changing the world. Both in the station, and at places like Lulu's in Kitchener over a cold beer, I had a ball learning from him and hanging with him as he inspired me to be a better radio personality. Norm, you were always "ready".
 

TERRY O'REILLY ... I was the Copy Chief (army of one) at FM 108 in 1982-83. That's where I met Norman. A couple of things stand out in my mind:

1/ The proverbial cigarette.

2/ I loved to watch him work on air. The way he wore his headphones at the same crazy angle every shift. The energy of his show. The crazy Ed Sullivan-like plate-spinning act of watching him cue records, pull records, pull carts, go live then do it all over again, all while lighting a smoke.

3/ How much he hated me watching him work on-air. The first couple of times, I stood there transfixed. Just watching silently, while Norman did his one-man juggling act. Each time he seemed to get a little more irritated as the time passed. Then about the third shift, he just yelled out "stop watching me!!" I was mortified. But I couldn't take my eyes off him.

4/ The way he never, ever held a grudge. After that show, he came into my office, very evenly, and apologized for
yelling, and said he didn't like anyone watching him on air. I said, I get it. But there's something about the way you work. A week later, he invited me in to the studio to watch him. And I did many times after that.

Another time, I had a student dub a tape with that night's "Beatle Trivia" show on it. The host, Steve Mortenson, who found all voice-over chores a pain in the ass, always gave me the same voice-level check: "F*** you, one, two, three. F*** you, one, two, three." Student spins tape to first syllable he hears, which is "F..." and dubs tape, puts it into studio. Rockin' Robin plays tape, and, well, you can guess what happened. I was sitting at home listening to the show that night. My face drained, and I sat in my easy chair the rest of the night, in the dark, rocking like a Rhesus monkey, lit only by the red glow of my cigarette. Next morning, there was a three-page memo, stapled shut, waiting ominously on my desk from Norman. It stated, in no uncertain terms, how profanity on the air was unacceptable and how it risked the station license. To say I never wanted that to happen again is, well, an understatement. When I saw him later that morning, he asked if I read the memo, then said "understand?" To which I nodded till I was dizzy, and it was never mentioned again. That was Norman's way.

When I think back, he was the best boss I ever had, because he could inspire, reprimand and still be respected and loved beyond all reason by his staff. How many bosses can you say that about?
 

MARK PANOPOULOS ... Now that there's a TV show called "Whistler", it reminds me of the time one of our program suppliers hooked up a deal with "Whistler Mountain" for ski reports to be aired mornings on FM 108. (Olympic ski champion) Nancy Greene called from her resort at midnight, with the time change here in Ontario it was 3 a.m. One particular night our reel to reel machines weren't working properly. I had to ask for Nancy Greene to phone back at a later time. Our program director Norman B would be filling in and maybe he could figure out something.

Nancy agreed to this arrangement and phoned back at 6 a.m. which would be 3 a.m. back in B.C. I gave Norman the heads up on the situation and  he agreed that it would be difficult to get the report on air with the recorder broken down. Back then we wouldn't dream of phoning our engineer, he was one of these workers that worked a few stations at one time but of course we could only use him when it was an emergency.

When Nancy Greene phoned, Norman had just started the show. I couldn't believe my eyes as I watched Norm bring up the the pot and put Nancy on live. Norman always recorded his shows on his portable. Somehow we got through it and after the 7 a.m. news, Norman then cued up the cassette, did the intro and held his portable to the live microphone. In radio you do whatever you can to make sure that paying feature airs. Hats off to Norman, my boss and long-time friend'.
 

ROCKIN' ROBIN ... I remember the day Norm started at 108 and we became good friends immediately. I'm not just saying this because he's gone but we got together socially many times away from the station. When I lived in the country in Campbellville, Norm loved to visit and check out the flowers and trees because he worked as a florist for years and I had lots of wild plants at my place ... he would spend hours walking around the forest. The neat thing about Norm was although he was a little eccentric now and then and maybe not in the best of moods sometimes, he would always look at me when I arrived at the station and give me a warm smile with "How you doing man?"

On his other side in the entertainment business this guy was soooo well respected in the oldies circles. These oldies stars whenever they were performing in the Toronto-Niagara area would always get in touch with him for interviews, his name was well known in the industry for a guy who really knew his stuff and they would go out their way to meet him...They would often say to him "How in the world did you know that". I know I spent some time with him interviewing Roy Orbison, Dean Torrence and they would be amazed. Freddie Cannon couldn't get over his knowledge of rock and roll.

I have some great photo's of Norm in his relaxed mode. He loved his music and the people who made it possible. When we M.C'd shows at Lulu's he would introduce his favourite serious type acts like Jerry Lee and Chuck Berry, Ray Charles etc. and wanted me to introduce the fun acts like Jan and Dean, The British Invasion, Donnie and Marie, you know acts like that. It worked out very well for both of us.

A very special thing happened to me a couple of years ago on my way to AM 740 to do my show. There was a huge traffic jam right out front of the old 108 building and at that VERY moment I was listening to one of
Norm's tapes. I looked over at the second window where our studio was and listening to Norm's show at the same time ... and it was absolutely so moving ... I really miss him a lot and think of him quite often.

BURT THOMBS ... I remember finishing my Friday night oldies show in 1978 at McMaster University's CFMU when the host of the following show said that there was someone in the waiting room wanting to see me. It was Norman B, who stuck his arm out and said "let's go get a coffee". While there, he told me that he had been listening to my show for several months and wanted to know if I would be interested in doing a show at FM 108. He then said to meet him the following day and we'd have a meeting with Bill Evanov. The rest, as they say, is history.

Norm was my mentor, having stars call me on the phone or stop by the studio for an interview. He knew how much I loved this music and made sure I got the most out of the experience. He would take me backstage at many of the performances and introduce me to the people that I had long been a fan of. Frequently, when we'd be walking backstage, the stars would stick their head out of the door and recognize Norm immediately. They all knew and loved him because they realized how knowledgeable he was about their life and their career. He didn't ask the usual questions, he'd jump right in with a personal story that most people didn't know and they'd respond accordingly. He really knew his stuff and the performers realized that they weren't just talking to a run-of-the-mill fan.

A couple of years ago I had a chance to speak with Bobby Vee again. He said he remembered meeting me with Norm and he was aware that Norm had passed away and told me how he used to look forward to performing in this area, knowing that he'd be speaking to Norm afterwards. Fats Domino would also grant frequent rare interviews with Norm. I remember answering the phone and on the other end were people like Fats, Jimmy Clanton, Don Everly, Jimmy Rogers and so many more asking for Norm. He was truly a legend. After his passing, I wrote a letter to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland asking them to consider Norm for their Announcer section, telling them of Norm's relationship with the people that they feature, his popularity among listeners in all of the cities in which he has worked. They didn't respond. Of course, they also didn't respond to Nevin Grant's request to have them consider Paul Anka for their museum.

I remember in the early days of Norm's radio career, while working at CKFH in Toronto, he received a call from a listener wanting to meet him for a coffee. The fellow was telling Norm of how he influenced his interest in music and inspired him to pursue a career in the industry. The caller was Paul Shaffer, later of the David Letterman Show.

My last memory of Norm was when my wife and I met him in a store in St. Catharines, many years after I left FM 108. Norm said how much he missed the good old days and that he was planning a reunion to get the "old gang" back together again. A couple of weeks later, he died. He accomplished his last objective to get the "old gang" back together again, at his funeral.

I will carry my memories of Norm close to my heart for an eternity. He shaped the way I view life and my love for the music that seems to be disappearing. Norm also taught me how valuable each and every friend is, and is instrumental in the many friends that I still treasure from the "old gang".


VERONICA YOUNG ... Words are a poor medium to express how one feels about a man like him, but I will try. I had the pleasure of working and spending some special times with Norman. His knowledge of music was legendary to his fans, friends, family and co-workers.

He touched my life in so many ways. He made me feel like "one of the boys," inspite of being in the minority. (There weren't many women in radio in those days.) I recall playing name that tune with him on many an occasion and would be thrilled to see his smile of approval when I knew the right answer. Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers... wow you knew who Frankie Lymon is????

Well I sure did Norman... which brings me to the last time I saw Norman in the Press box at Lulu's. He was interviewing one of the Teenager's (as in Frankie Lymon) He was in his eliment, I never saw him so happy. In fact I took a picture of him that night for posterity and his words still ring in my ears. Now that was an interview, sure was Norman. Save a place of me wherever you are. Imagine all the great stars of radio that you have interviewed. God speed, Norman, see you in the Music section. We all miss you. "to know You Is to Love You....


And a listener recalls Norman B....

CHRIS MAYBERRY ... Never met Norman, but I thought his shows were great and extremely informative.

I remember one time driving into the city (to Kops Kollectables, believe it or not, a place Norman helped me discover via his radio spots) and I heard Norman show on recording goofs and other studio outtakes. (Like John Phillips jumping the verbal gun on "I Saw Her Again Last Night", Bobby Lewis doing the same on "Tossin' and Turnin', a frustrated Little Richard failing to lay it down properly in the studio, and an angry Chuck Berry lashing out at his piano player for playing the wrong song). The fact that I remember this show so vividly is a tribute to Norman B.'s style and research. His shows weren't just entertainment - you LEARNED something at the same time.
 

We contacted every former FM 108er on our e-mail list for this tribute. If you would like to leave a comment in tribute to Norm, please e-mail us here. Thanks to everyone who contributed.

Talent: LARRY NORTON
Station: WGRQ Buffalo, N.Y.
Date: April 8, 1981
Time: 8:09

(Logo courtesy Bill Dulmage)

Stunts and contests were a mainstay of Top 40 broadcasting, with stay-awake marathons among the most popular. Peter Tripp did a 206-hour marathon for WMGM in 1958 (supposedly it affected his health in the long term). But in 1981, Larry "Snortin'" Norton - then the midday jock at Buffalo's 97 Rock WGRF) - set out to stay on the air for 484 consecutive hours. Under the rules set by the Guiness Book of World Records, Norton could take a five-minute break every hour, or save up those breaks and take a two-hour rest every day. That's what he did, sleeping from 2-4 a.m. and broadcasting for 22 consecutive hours for 20 straight days. When it was over, Norton got a well-deserved trip to the Virgin Islands and yes, some sleep.

To hear how Larry Norton's marathon ended, click here.

(Scrapbook archives)

Talent: JOHN MAJHOR
Station: CHUM Toronto
Date: April, 1981
Time: 8:37

Whether behind the mike, in the lens of a TV camera or in cyberspace, John Majhor was always on the cutting edge of the electronic media.

The San Bernadino, Calif., native first came to the attention of Toronto radio fans in 1975, as a deejay at 1050 CHUM. For the better part of 11 years, Majhor enjoyed killer ratings with his energetic show at Canada's legendary Top 40 station.

In 1983, Majhor broke new ground in television with "Video Singles", a daily 4 p.m. music video show that pre-dated Much Music and earned an astounding 23 rating. That led to another popular video show, "Toronto Rocks" on CITY-TV.

After a stop in the much-desired CHUM morning show in 1985-86, Majhor headed west for a groundbreaking talk and country music show at KLAC Los Angeles. That was followed by gigs on the widely-syndicated After Hours TV show and a role as anchor and producer on the newly-launched E! Television. Then it was back to radio as a deejay at KCBS-FM alongside legends such as Charlie Tuna and the Real Don Steele.

In 1990, Majhor returned to Toronto for the morning show at CJEZ-FM followed by a talk show at CFRB and two-year run as host of the popular Lunch Television at CITY-TV.  He was also the promo voice for 680 News from 1993 to 1999.

After a year at Q101 in Santa Fe, N.M. (1999-2000), Majhor co-created and programmed Quickradio.com, a streaming Internet radio station.

Majhor died of cancer January 23, 2007. He was 53.

Rock Radio Scrapbook presents John Majhor on CHUM here.

(Scrapbook archives)

Subject: JIM BRADY
Station: CFTR Toronto
Date: August 12, 1981 (last show)
Time: 15:39

Jim Brady's 1981 move from CFTR to CJCL was big news at the time

(Description and graphic courtesy Dale Johnson)

Jim Brady was CFTR's morning man from 1973 to 1981. Brady in the Morning eventually overtook the legendary Jay Nelson at CHUM.

Brady left CFTR briefly in 1978 for a stint at KOPA Phoenix, returning two months later. His final show at CFTR the second time around was on Wednesday, August 12, 1981.

Brady left for CJCL Metro 1430, the former CKFH, where he was morning man and program director. After a brief stay there, Brady had stints in Calgary and Winnipeg before returning to the Toronto market at country station CFGM. Brady later worked in Los Angeles and Ford Worth, Texas. His career began in his hometown of Toledo, Ohio in 1964, and included a stop at CKLW Windsor/Detroit in 1968. He retired from radio in June, 2008 after returning to Toledo at WRQN-FM.

We have Jim Brady's final CFTR show (the second time around). You'll also hear the voices of newscaster Mike Robbins and deejay George Hamberger, who came on each day at 10:00 a.m., right after Brady signed off with "come get me mother, I'm through!"

Hear Jim Brady's final CFTR show (the second time around) here.

(The Dale Johnson Collection)

Subject: DADDY COOL
Station: CFNY Brampton, Ont.
Date: Winter 1981-1982
Time: 6:00

To borrow from the title of the Poni-Tail's 1958 hit, Dave Booth was born too late.

In the early '80s, Booth brought a style to Toronto radio that literally had not been heard in a generation. He played 1950s and '60s blues and did it in a style that seemed straight out the '50s. He called himself Daddy Cool, the "Daddio of the Radio", and he was ever so cool, ya dig!

Booth got his start in radio when he agreed to do janitorial work at a Kitchener radio station in exchange for a late-night on-air shift. During his long career in music, he has assembled a collection of over 10,000 vinyl records and another 135,000 on his computer. He has been promotional manager for groups like "Battered Wives" and "Bob Segarini" and has managed "Bop Cats" and the "Stray Cats". Booth has also done a series of R&B compilations called "Blowing the Fuse", which won a best vintage release of the year award in Germany.

Had Booth been born 30 years earlier, he would have been a 1950's legend. As it is, he became a 1980's (and beyond) legend. As of 2009, he was doing a weekly blues show on WhiStle radio (CIWS) in Stouffville, Ont.

Enjoy Daddy Cool here.

(The Tim Sykes Collection)

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