Rock Radio Scrapbook

AIRCHECK OF THE WEEK
For week of March 17, 2013
Edition #724

Talent: JACK ARMSTRONG
Station: WKBW Buffalo, N.Y.
Date: November, 1971
Times: Various

Rarely do all the elements that made Top 40 radio so memorable come together as they do on this aircheck.

First, there's the jock. Jack Armstrong is without question one of the best Top 40 jocks of all time - some would say THE best (they'd get no arguments from us.) By the time he arrived at 'KB in 1971, Armstrong had already appeared on several Top 40 giants, including WKYC, WMEX, WIXY, CHUM and WPOP. And there were plenty more to come. But we believe Jack shone brightest at 'KB - the combination of energy and enthusiasm he displayed there is without peer.

As for the station, 'KB's consistently epitomized the excellence that was Top 40 radio from its launch as FutureSonic Radio in 1958, to its end as a locally-programmed music station in 1988. 'KB might have at its very best during the Jeff Kaye years, from 1966 to 1973, and this aircheck shows why.

The jingles are fabulous (how about those Pop-Tops!), the music outstanding, the presentation tight and bright ... need we say more? If you're wondering why some of us love classic Top 40 radio so much, just listen.

Enjoy Part One of Jack Armstrong on 'KB (unscoped) here. (59:42)

Enjoy Part One of Jack Armstrong on 'KB (scoped) here. (14:01)

Enjoy Part Two of Jack Armstrong on 'KB (unscoped) here. (41:13)

Enjoy Part Two of Jack Armstrong on 'KB (scoped) here. (10:05)

(The Don Shuttleworth Collection)

More 1971 airchecks here!