The Time Machine debuted in the overnight period on WNBC in March 1987 and lasted until the end of the New York station in October 1988. Originally, the show was heard just on weeknights from midnight to 5:30 a.m. and was hosted by the very energetic and personable Jay Sorensen. Later, The Time Machine expanded to weekends with personality hosts that included "The Real" Bob James, Dale Parsons, Dan Taylor, Jack Scott, Jim Collins, Lee Chambers and Carol Mason. The music covered the 1955 to 1974 period - with emphasis on 1964-69. Capping the whole presentation was the echo chamber effect and the WABC sound-alike jingles complete with the "chime."

Sorensen's overnight show, especially, was a delight. It featured the live listener call-in contest known as The Record Pig, a sample of which can be heard on this aircheck (Jay gives The Record Pig question on this aircheck but we never do find out the answer). There was also Flashback Playdate, an hourly feature that related the Top Five songs from a day in history capped by the number-one song.

Hear Jay Sorensen on The Time Machine (UNSCOPED) here. 

Hear Jay Sorensen on The Time Machine (SCOPED) here. 

(The Bill Dulmage Collection)

More 1988 airchecks here!

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