I received lots of great emails over the past few weeks, so let’s get right to them!
“I’ve been listening to Brad ‘Martini’ Chambers’ ‘Two Martini Lunch.’ Hard to believe he’s kept it alive for almost 19 years!” — Joe B
Absolutely. For the uninitiated, Chambers was the man behind the music when KLAC (570 AM) and later XETRA (690 AM) played what might be called modern adult standards on what he called “Fabulous 570” and “Fabulous 690,” respectively, more than two decades ago. The stations were commercially successful, but unfortunately owned or operated by Clear Channel/iHeart, which didn’t see the value of the format.
What made the stations different from most standards stations was an emphasis on finding new music as well as trying to attract a younger audience with a classy, yet modern on-air presentation.
Instead of giving up, Chambers took his format online, available on all the apps and smart speakers as well as at MartiniInTheMorning.com. The front page of the website explains it well:
“Frank Sinatra to Michael Buble … from Ella Fitzgerald to Diana Krall … from Bobby Darin to Steve Tyrell … Dean Martin, Renee Olstead, Billie Holiday and so many more … it’s Contemporary Cool … it’s Classic Cool … For over 18 years, MartiniInTheMorning.com has been the online home of the coolest, swingin’est, most romantic songs on the radio …. and the people who love those songs.”
On Sept. 29th, the “station” is having a party at the Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood to celebrate the 19th Anniversary of Martini in the Morning … as well as the 31st anniversary of Chamber’s 39th birthday. Tickets start at $57 with fees; more information can be found on the MITM website.
“I enjoyed your column in today’s Star-News regarding Dr. Demento’s retirement from radio. But while naming many of the doctor’s songs that he played, you did not mention ‘I’m Looking Over My Dead Dog Rover.’ Did you omit it for a reason? Surely you remember it, right?” — Linda Smith
I wrote to Linda, explaining that I had not remembered until she mentioned it, and it made me laugh to remember it! To which she responded,
“Good! We love pets, but my spouse made a point of memorizing that song … and when he sings it for people, most are horrified. I guess a lot of people just don’t get sick humor! Sad.”
Truly sad. But that’s what makes us so special and …. demented.
“I listened to Rick Dees in the Morning on KIIS from Anaheim from 1974ish until he went off the air. It was my morning, headed to school, university, and work background radio. Your dates seem ’80s-centric. I know my high school friends were listening in 1976 and 1977.”
“I can still sing the ‘Rick Dees in the Morning’ – tell us what time it is? And tell us what the climate is?’ jingles! Thanks from Fort Collins, Colorado (but still reading articles on the OC Register).” — Debbie Nance
At my age and with my memory, one could normally easily challenge details, but on this one I am absolutely sure: Dees arrived in Los Angles in 1979 to work at KHJ (930 AM); he left KHJ after the ill-fated switch to country, and arrived at KIIS-FM (102.7) in 1981. Prior to KHJ, he was on WHBQ/Memphis.
I am wondering you are thinking of Charlie Tuna, who was the top-rated morning man for many years on KHJ, Ten Q (KTNQ, 1020 AM) and even KKDJ, which later became KIIS. Regardless, I, too, remember the jingles! Candid phones! Calls to his agent! He had a great show! Thank you!
Richard Wagoner is a San Pedro freelance columnist covering radio in Southern California. Email rwagoner@socalradiowaves.com