The Herman Griffith Show, AFRTS 1970 #11 (54:56)

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[Description by Uncle Ricky for contributor Pete Battistini]

Herman Griffith undoubtedly recorded dozens, if not hundreds of these Herman Griffith Shows for The American Forces Radio & Television Service. The programs were distributed on vinyl. Griffith was hired specifically to broaden the appeal of the AFRTS. His show first appeared in the late '60's. The three programs contributed to REELRADIO appear to have been produced in early 1970. We found one reference to Griffith working at KGFJ in Los Angeles.

If you have never heard "the Soul Philosopher", you're in for a treat. It's rock and soul for the young and old, the brave and the bold. Griffith mixes R&B, Jazz, Gospel, and even some "crossover" hits with Astrological Soulcasts. Program #11 features Soulcasts for those born between March 21 and April 19, April 20 and May 20, June 22 and July 21, and there's even a generic Soulcast without a specified date. There's also one State Flag description from the States Of The Flag feature, and a PSA for hunters that warns against shooting your buddy in the backside.

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The Herman Griffith Show, AFRTS 1970 #12 (55:00)

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[Description by Uncle Ricky for contributor Pete Battistini]

It's a bit of a mystery as to how these programs were scheduled, because Disc #12 of The Herman Griffith Show has what appears to be two closing sides for The American Forces Radio & Television Service.

But Mr. Griffith is featured with his Astrological Soulcast and States Of The Flag features. North Carolina is the State behind the star, and there are two poems.

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The Herman Griffith Show, AFRTS 1970 #14 (53:06)

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[Description by Uncle Ricky for contributor Pete Battistini]

Program #14 of The Herman Griffith Show for The American Forces Radio & Television Service offers more of the inimitable Mr. Griffith, and his Astrological Soulcasts. The States Of The Flag segments feature Vermont and Kentucky. And, there's a Poem, a poem without an author, but one of America's best-loved poems.

What's difficult to figure out here is the uneven board work. Sometimes, Herman steps on vocals, as if he is unfamiliar with the records he is playing. The songs seem strung together, and he doesn't have any control of when they start. The program does give the impression it was recorded "live", no re-takes, but there are drop-ins, and that requires some coordination. We don't think Herman was running his own board for these shows, do we? After all, this was government work...

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