WWRL 1600 New York - Gary Byrd - 1979 - Radio Aircheck
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- Опубликовано: 9 фев 2025
- WWRL 1600 New York - Gary Byrd - 1979
Courtesy: Rob Frankel
Through the 1960s, 70s, and into the 1980s, New York’s 1600 WWRL was the AM R&B leader. With a fast pace, slick jingles, & hip on air personalities, the station sizzled.
Some of the jocks who worked st WWRL include, Bobby Jay, Frankie Crocker, Don “Early” Allen, Jeffery Troy, Jerry Bledsoe, Hank Spann, & the voice heard on this aircheck, Gary Byrd.
Gary is one of the longest running radio personalities in New York.
Gary Byrd started his radio career in the 1960s in Buffalo.
By 1969, he landed a night gig at WWRL, becoming the youngest radio personality to work in New York City. Gary was still a teenager!
He spent many years on air at WWRL, hosting the show he called, “The Gary Byrd Experience,” or the GBE.
The GBE innovative all-night format became extremely popular.
Eventually, Gary moved the “GBE“ over to WLIB, where it evolved into an issue oriented talk show.
As of 2020, Gary is STILL on the air at two different radio stations. The “GBE“ is on 107.5 WBLS, making it one of New York’s longest running radio shows. He also hosts The GBE 2.0 on WBAI New York.
Gary, today know as Imhotep Gary Byrd, recently celebrated 50 years on the radio in New York.
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After over 40 years working on the radio, I have recorded lots of radio airchecks, and many from my friends as well.
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I was 15 in 1979, and there was no internet then, so I didn't know who WWRL was until close to the mid 80s when I got to hear old airchecks of the station and the jocks. I did know who Frankie Crocker was, but that was all. I like how Gary promoted AM Radio as "Progressive AM in the City". I was thinking he was promoting or referring to the AM Band. I know there was heavy competition back then from 107.5 WBLS, and by the late 70s and 80s, everyone was going to FM for music. AM was soon to go to News/Talk. I grew up to the majority of those songs played and I went on playing them as oldies when I got in the radio business. The only song I didn't know was "Morning Star" from Seawind. I guess because it's more towards Smoove Urban Jazz. I did go find the song on RUclips to check out and listen in digital online stereo. I loved it! Thanks for posting and sharing.😎📻
Believe it or not, Gary Byrd is still on New York radio. Today he’s on WBLS. I believe he may be the second longest running radio personality in NYC after Cousin Brucie on WABC.
This reminds me of all the good times I had in Brooklyn, Jersey City, the times growing up was special for me. Man thank you so much
You’re welcome!
Memories of NYC am radio, with Buffalo's own Imhotep Gary Byrd, his contributions are numerous, which are continuing to this day! Hotep and Sankofa!
Hi Music Lovers!! Does anybody here know Mark Olds? He was manager of WWRL & WRVR. I would love to hear from anyone who knew all of the 'RL DJs that I listened to. I'd especially love to hear from anyone who worked with my Dad. Are any of the DJs from 'RL still alive? I miss my Dad. He was an honorable man. He used to say, "Nobody can ever say that wasn't a fair boss." He knew he was a white man running two stations that featured awesome black musicians. He knew that blacks should be running the two stations but he had a family to support so he accepted the job and put his heart into it. My Dad was a radio exec who loved every genre of music. I grew up listening to the best music. If anybody knows anyone who knew my Dad, I'd love to hear from them.
I remember your dad! He was the General Manager when I was hired!
WWRL FOR EVER
GBE!!!! Thank you Ellis
This is awesome. I listened to Gary growing up. Wonderful to hear he is still doing his thing. Thank you so much for this channel. I subscribed.
Gary is still rocking Aug 22 2022
Classy smooth voice 👍👍
I love bro gary
Mr. Rob Frankel is such a gem!! What lovely airchecks!!
Man what a posting
This Aircheck is just SPECTACULAR!!!!!!!!!! WOWWW!!!! Soooo good
Hi Ellis, You forgot someone, “Darcel.” I was the first female DJ on the air full time at WWRL. I came from KGFJ in LA where Gary & Don recommended me to PD Bob Law! I was a part of what we called the “Buffalo Brigade!” I too started on WUFO in Buffalo as did Gary, Gerry, Don , Frankie and myself. Gary mentioned the show, “Serenade for the City.” That became my show! They brought me from LA in Nov 1978. In LA I did a syndicated show called “Darcel in Hollywood” which aired in 150 markets (interviewing Black celebrities)! It was estimated that my show reached 75% of the total Black radio listening audience in America! If you’re interested I have an aircheck called “Darcel Coast to Coast” featuring WWRL & KGFJ. I went on to work for WNYC & WBLS in NYC as Dr. Darcel (Columbia U. glad 1994)! Returned to radio & did a year long stint at home in Buffalo on Power 96.5 FM, WUFO, local morning show announcer in 2021.
Blessings!
@@LovelyNYC7 Hi Darcel! Thanks for the background. I posted a short WWRL aircheck of yours from around 1982, a few years ago. I’d love to archive any of your audio you’d like to share! If it’s digital, you can send it to me at ellis@feasterfamily.com or send it through WeTransfer.com
So good to hear from you!
I like this 👌 I am a new subscriber blessings and good will from New York City.
It sounds like by this time they were trying to sound like they were on FM, calling themselves "New York's Progressive AM", and there was no sign of the jingles and reverb they were famous for a few years earlier. Unless only Gary's show was like that, I can't recall.
After hearing a tape of me I was asked to do a show. When we met and PD turned me down as it he had no clue I was Caucasian. Thanks for Alan Freed who was the pioneer of integrated radio and television music formats
I believe Chuck Leonard did a brief stint on WWRL before being hired by WABC.
Yes.He was there in 1977..He did Sunday Afternoon also.
I remember Serenade For The City .Saturday Nights.Poetic Stories followed by Ballads that related to it.
Awesome ! 🎯💯👌🏿
Mr. Ellis... I suggest you start writing Blogs! Your Knowledge about Radios all over the Country and over is Immense!!
Many People, including me, could benefit from your knowledge!! :D
Maybe one day!
I have a old WWRL t-shirt. 😂
hey Ellis great video do you know an archive where you can listen to all the episodes from 82 to 87
Only what you can find here on You Tube
is this station still operating?
WWRL is still on the air. Today it runs the Black Information News Network
Hank span
I have a old WWRL t-shirt. 😂