Rock Radio Scrapbook

AIRCHECK OF THE WEEK
For week of March 22, 2009
Weekly issue #522

Talent: JACK ARMSTRONG
Station: WNTC Potsdam, N.Y.
Date: April, 1970
Time: 4:33

Never wait.

That was the lesson we learned in March, 2008 following the death of Top 40 radio superstar Jack Armstrong. You see, on the 21st of that month we were wondering what Armstrong had to say about his one-off appearance at WNTC Potsdam, N.Y., in April, 1970. We were going to e-mail him about it, but decided to do it later.

Well, there was no later. On March 24 we and many others learned of the passing of Armstrong at his home in High Point, N.C. Like many we were saddened but also regretful that we had not contacted him about WNTC and more of his other radio experiences over the years. After all, he was always quick to respond to our queries in the past.

WNTC was the campus station at State University College in Potsdam. In April, 1970, Armstrong was in Denver doing evenings at KTLK. At the invitation of Jon Wolfert (later of PAMS and JAM Creative Productions), Armstrong agreed to tape a show for WNTC (yes, a college radio station!) doing so one night after finishing one of his KTLK programs. You can hear the result below.

Hear Jack Armstrong on WNTC here.

(Scrapbook archives)

More 1970 airchecks here!

Talent: GORD ROBSON
Station: CHED Edmonton
Date: April 5, 1988
Time: 13:20

"He loved radio, beer and women. In that order." - Rob Christie

From his teen years to an age when many think of retirement, Gord Robson was on the radio.

Born September 9, 1951 in Lethbridge, Alta., Gordon S. Robison started his jocking career right out of high school at CKXL Calgary in 1968. For the next four decades, Robson (his name is spelled Robison on some radio station charts) worked at many of Canada's leading hit music stations, including CFOX Montreal, CKGL Vancouver, CHED, CHQT, CKNG-FM and CKRA-FM Edmonton, CHAB Moose Jaw, Sask., and CFRV (The River) Lethbridge, Alta. He was a personality jock, and a good one.

Robson died March 21, 2008 at his home in Edmonton, just a week after being let go from his final gig at CHQT. Robson, who had serious health issues late in life, was 56.

Shortly after Robson's passing, fellow announcer and Rob Christie wrote this wonderful tribute to his long-time friend:

"A lifelong friend of mine passed away, unexpectedly, on Good Friday. His name was Gord Robson. If you grew up in Edmonton in the 70's and you listened to 630 CHED, as half the city did, you'll recognize his name as a member of the legendary on-air lineup in that station's Top 40 days. It was an era when radio personalities were larger than life.

Gord's 40-year career took him across Canada. I first met him at CFOX, Montreal's fabled Top 40 Station, in the early 70's. He loved radio, beer, and women. In that order. We hit it off immediately. And, we made a deal. He would teach me everything he knew about voicing commercials (he was one of the best) and I would teach him how to bridge the communication gap with French-Canadian girls. I have to admit he was a quicker study than I was. Our destinies would be intertwined from then on.

In the early days of my career, when U-Haul was on my speed dial, it was Gord Robson who helped me land a job at CKXL in his hometown of Calgary. When he left CHED on a 3-month backpacking honeymoon through Europe with his new wife Audrey, he recommended that I succeed him in the evening slot following Bob McCord. In the early 90's, it was Gord who suggested I submit a tape to the International Radio Festival of New York. Our morning crew would go on to win a Gold Medal at that competition. A true friend is someone who believes in you more than you believe in yourself. In an industry where success is often greeted with envy and jealousy, Gord was that rare individual who actually delighted in his friends' accomplishments.

Our careers took different paths, but we remained in touch through the decades. I've always thought Gord was too nice a guy for this business and its cruel, cold-blooded side. Ironically, he was happiest when he was on the air, most recently at 880 COOL, Edmonton. But, with his health failing badly, even that was becoming a chore.

My wife Diane & I had Gord and mutual friend Seanna Collins over for dinner a month ago. Gord was only 56 years old, but time and battling addiction had taken their toll. He looked much older than his years. Still, we had a wonderful night, laughing at the pictures Seanna had brought over, recalling the Golden Years at 630 CHED and other famed stations which Gord had graced with his trademark smooth delivery. His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of the many young broadcasters he mentored along the way, and who crack the mike and remember,“ Gord Robson taught me that...”

I can count on the fingers of one hand the genuine friends I have made in broadcasting and Gord Robson was at the top of that list. You'll always be in my heart old friend. And, for the selflessness that was a hallmark of your character, the kindness you were always quick to show, and your unwavering loyalty, a heartfelt thank you. It was an honour to call you my friend. See you in the big studio in the sky."

Thanks, Rob, for giving us permission to use that!

Enjoy Gord Robson on CHED here.

More 1988 airchecks here!

(Courtesy Ted Wendland, radiowest.ca)

Be sure to visit radiowest.ca, an excellent radio site hosted by Ted Wendland. Airchecks, jingles, photos, logos, history and forums,  radiowest.ca has it all. Rock Radio Scrapbook says thanks Ted for sharing this aircheck.

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