Rock Radio Scrapbook

AIRCHECK OF THE WEEK
For weeks of September 21-28, 2014
Edition #802

Talent: DAVE SHAFER
Station: CKLW Windsor, Ont.
Date: July 7, 1965
Time: 29:33 (unscoped)
10:52 (scoped)

Dave Shafer was a mainstay at CKLW, working at the station on-and-off for some 30 years. He also had the rare privilege of deejaying on 'CK in both the pre-Big 8 and Big 8 days.

Shafer arrived in Detroit radio in 1961 after previous stops in Dover, Del., and Tucson, Ariz. His first Motown gig was record librarian at WJBK. But by the fall of '61, Shafer was the nighttime jock at WJBK as Jack the Bellboy. His mixture of comedy, drop-ins, voices and on-air friendliness helped make his show a smash hit. He also became known for his fabulous record hops, which featured future superstars Stevie Wonder, theSupremes and Martha and The Vandellas.

By 1964, Shafer was doing afternoon drive at CKLW, part of a lineup that included Bud Davies, Joe Van, Ron Knowles, Tom Shannon and Don Zee. Shafer was gone from CKLW by late 1967-early '68. He returned to the Big 8 as a jock in 1971, eventually taking over mornings before leaving again by 1974.

Shafer later served as program director at WCAR, WOMC, WCZY, as well as CKLW. He moved to Florida in his later years, and died May 7, 2006 of complications from out-patient surgery. He was 73.

Hear Dave Shafer on CKLW from July 7, 1965 (UNSCOPED) here.

Hear Dave Shafer on CKLW from July 7, 1965 (SCOPED) here.

(The Tom Howard Collection)

Talent: FRANK BRODIE
Station: CKLW Windsor, Ont.
Date: September 17, 1969
Time: 29:47 (unscoped)
14:09 (scoped)

What made the Big 8 so special? Rock Radio Scrapbook asked former 'CK jock Frank Brodie...

"People often ask what made the Big 8 great. The definitive answer probably came from Canadian filmmaker Michael McNamara and his Gemini Award winner, 'Radio Revolution: The Rise and Fall of the Big 8", featuring the words and voices of many who were part of an unforgettable ride.

The format was tight but within these confines, personality abounded. The music was drenched with soul; much of it born and bred in the Motor City. CKLW 20/20 News, with its huge voices and superb writing, demanded your attention. The Big 8 Ops were showmen, laying the beginnings of songs over the ends of jingles to hit a post. Contests were exciting and they generated invaluable word of mouth beginning in the summer of 1967.

Anyone who worked at CKLW will never forget the Big 8. The people who listened won't allow it."

Hear Frank Brodie on CKLW from September 17, 1969 (UNSCOPED here.

Hear Frank Brodie on CKLW from September 17, 1969 (SCOPED here.

(The Tom Howard Collection)