Thanks to Ray Randolph for aircheck restoration and duplication. The Real Don Steele Biography The Real Don Steele Gallery RDS re: RDS

 
TOP STREAM 16.2 Kbps (8Khz)
The Real Don Steele, KIMA Yakima, March 12 1961 (31:37)

. . . And now, as a public service, so that you may better converse with your teenage son or daughter, another definition from Don's Dictionary . . .

This aircheck is many worlds away from KHJ and what The Real Don Steele would ultimately achieve, but it is a treasure for all it offers. It's a countdown show - not unlike those you might have heard in New York or Los Angeles in 1961, but it was in Yakima, Washington - and there was a Countdown Club, too, and lucky numbers. It was March, 1961. He wasn't called "The Real Don Steele", but that's who was on the air. It's even the "end of the mo for the countdown show" at the conclusion of this telescoped hour.

Up front, NBC Monitor News reports that barbers are learning the new JFK cuts; It's Countdown Stage 1 and the Top Ten plus extras are featured. Later and Mickey Mouse are wacko-words requiring a Don definition.

Here, the KIMA Ace-in-the-hole is Theme from Dixie by Duane Eddy, and Riot in Cell Block 9 is an Exciting Extra. There's also a salute to a Swingin' Mom. RDS does a bit over Apache by Jorgen Ingmann. There are lots of jingles that don't fit the format, a missing cat report, a swap shop promo - but Steele takes these all in stride. In fact, he talks back to a PSA and questions a station promo for bowlers.

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The Real Don Steele, KOIL Omaha, Nebraska, Fall 1962 (22:40)

. . . And by golly, when I grow up, I wanna be, just like it says in that ad, a Mad Daddy making all that fame and much bread . . .

This was apparently intended as an audition aircheck for a blind box ad. (Steele moved to KXLY in Spokane the following March.) It begins with The Real Don Steele "recording... on my own little recorder, in my own little home", followed by an aircheck from Mighty 1290 - KOIL, Omaha Nebraska, in the Fall of 1962.

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The Real Don Steele, KISN Portland OR, 1964 (14:52)

. . . doing the impossible, everything we play we give away . . .

The Real Don Steele is heard on "Spectacular KISN" and everything is Name It and Claim It!. Lots of great production! Enjoy the "as exciting as bubbling champagne" promo and a generous offering of wonderful PAMS jingles, too.

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TOP STREAM 20.7Kbps (10Khz)
The Real Don Steele, KISN Portland OR, July 1964 (1:02:28)

. . . Relax at the wheel, with the Real Don Steele . . .

It's the Emperor Real Don Steele The First on KISN, Portland, in July of 1964. Excerpts of this aircheck were featured in The Real Don Steele Remembered, but this is the original - unscoped - over an hour of The One and Only Real Don Steele.

This one came right off the console at KISN. You'll be reminded just how gritty music from 45's could sound in '64, and just how many spot announcements it took to pay the bills. And imagine - saluting a community leader by announcing his home address! It was a different time and place, for sure. This is a remarkable recording, presented in 10Khz G2.

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The Real Don Steele, KEWB, Oakland CA., August 1964 (22:07)

. . . nothin' but the Boss sounds on ninety-wonderful . . . Sunday, August 16, 1964 - 3 days prior to The Beatles appearance at the Cow Palace in San Francisco (August 19, 1964) and The Real Don Steele was there! KEWB (the Crowell-Collier sister to KFWB in Los Angeles) was also home to Robert W. Morgan. Morgan and Steele became major long-term ingredients of an all-new KHJ the following Spring. Also featured: PAMS jingles, an early spot for Shakey's Pizza (founded in nearby Sacramento), and multiple references to "Boss" (a harbinger of things to come?). Return to the Repository

KEWB photo shoot, 1964

TOP STREAM 32.1Kbps (13 Khz)
The Real Don Steele, KHJ Los Angeles, February 25, 1967 (45:56)

. . . for the Delgado Love Troopers out there . . .

It's a Million Dollar Weekend, and, except for two songs, this 45 minutes of The Real Don Steele Saturday show is unscoped for your boss listening enjoyment.

Contributed to The Real Don Steele Collection on digital audio tape (DAT), the fidelity of this studio recording should satisfy all thrillseekers, along with Steele's rollicking reference to Griffith Park, carefully hidden in the first few seconds of a spot for Compoz. And isn't it nice that the new Assistant Buyer deserves a promotion, now that she depends on a drug to control her simple nervous tension?

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TOP STREAM 32.1Kbps (16 Khz)
The Real Don Steele, KHJ Los Angeles, February 27, 1967 (1:03:17)

. . . at this very moment in our beloved Boss basin . . .

It's February 27, 1967 and it's JetSet time with The Real Don Steele and 93 KHJ! (You'll probably want a pair of Monkee Boots to wear to your dream destination with the Boss Jock of your choice!)

Recorded at the KHJ studios, the excellent fidelity and classic Boss formatics demonstrated here are the perfect showcase for The One and Only Real Don Steele.

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KHJ Boss 30, May 3, 1967. Thanks to Don Jennett.

TOP STREAM 32.0Kbps (16 Khz)
The Real Don Steele, KHJ Los Angeles, May 3, 1967 (1:01:20)

. . . Roto-Rooter Tumwater! Electric Roto-Rooter Tumwater Fun Machine - Delgado! TUMWATER! . . .

Another amazing gift from the personal collection of The Real Don Steele, this aircheck from KHJ on May 3, 1967 features promos for the KHJ Birthday Firebird, the prize in KHJ's 2nd Birthday Contest.

This nostalgic treasure boasts very good fidelity and Lesley Gore with a classic spot for Coca-Cola (at 21:06). Newsman Marv Howard leads with a traffic accident story - the driver was on LSD! (at 37:51)

There are several surprises in this 61 minutes recorded from approximately 5PM until a bit after 6. The last few minutes feature Humble Harve two titles into the new Boss 30 countdown.

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 TOP STREAM 32.0Kbps (14 Khz)
The Real Don Steele, KHJ Los Angeles, July 3, 1967 (58:49)

. . . Hello, Holiday hippies! . . .

All-American RDS at KISN

Amplitude-modulated teens in Southern California undoubtedly believed KHJ was as "cool" as it could get at the time, and to prove it, this aircheck features some of the most unusual music yet on a KHJ aircheck, including a forgotten Boss Hitbound by Tom Northcott, an obscure near-miss by Seeds and a never-charted selection by The Monkees, plus a few other genuine surprises.

In the grand tradition of Top 40, KHJ offered something for the whole family. The kids were off to the Fantasy Fair at the Magic Meadow and their folks could could win an acre of ranch land in Apple Valley and a new Ford Ranchero in the Johnny Appleseed promotion.

This treasure from Monday, July 3, 1967 is unscoped for the first 30 minutes. Some material is 'scoped in the second 30 minutes.

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 TOP STREAM 32.0Kbps (16 Khz)
The Real Don Steele, KHJ Los Angeles, February 9, 1968 (54:19)

. . . and Conrad Hilton . . .

It's a Fractious Friday on a Million Dollar Weekend from Boss Radio in February, 1968, and YOU are there! There are still tickets available for The Jimi Hendrix Experience at the Anaheim Convention Center, David Rose and his Orchestra are Golden and it's KHJ Grand Prix time. This aircheck begins at approximately 4:50 PM and continues until 5:59, minus about 16 minutes that were missing from the original tape.

Fortunately, it does include lots of the The Real Don Steele and a trademark Fractious Friday signoff.

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 up to 10Khz (20.7 Kbps)
The Real Don Steele, KHJ Los Angeles, March 2, 1968 (24:44)

. . . your golden East Indian fun cookie . . .

From Saturday, March 2, 1968: It's a Million Dollar Weekend with The Real Don Steele!

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 up to 10Khz (44 Kbps)
The Real Don Steele, KHJ Los Angeles, March 15, 1968 (01:05:58)

This Exhibit 'scoped (15:54) 

Any aircheck of The Real Don Steele is a treat, but this one zips right along because even the commercial content was 'scoped! All the Boss 30 faves have been restored to the original 'scoped recording.

It's another Fractious Friday, but some of the musical selections seem targeted to older females! Maybe it was just the rotation, or maybe there was an effort to court some of the women who left KFWB, who abandoned their music format just a week before.

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 up to 10Khz (20.7 Kbps)
The Real Don Steele, KHJ Los Angeles, March 28, 1968 3-4PM (1:02:40)

This Exhibit 'scoped (23:25) 

La-La-La-La - you know what it means, and so does The Real Don Steele in this restored hour from Thursday, March 28, 1968. Four Boss Hitbounds in this hour - all of 'em mostly forgotten and never Top Ten, at that. No matter, RDS does a bang-up job on those creme sandwich cookies, and why is it so much fun to hear him say creme sandwich cookies and Nuts and Nutmeats?

Awesome spots, too - I want that Mustang, and what about the Suzuki jingle in which nothing rhymes? It's an absolutely elegant piece of production, as is the Oscar Meyer jingle and the GM Mark of Excellence spot at the end of the hour.

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 up to 10Khz (32 Kbps)
The Real Don Steele, KHJ Los Angeles, March 28, 1968 4-5PM (48:48)

This Exhibit 'scoped (14:23) 

You know The Real Don Steele is in the show business capital of the world when he opens this 4PM hour with a spot for a microphone! This is the second restored hour from Thursday, March 28, 1968.

Still, there's ten minutes missing from this hour - best guess: a long afternoon drive newscast. Twice in this hour, where original content was unavailable, Johnny Mann jingles filled the gap.

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 up to 10Khz (20.7 Kbps)
The Real Don Steele, KHJ Los Angeles, March 29, 1968 (57:10)

. . . Don't touch me - I'm red hot! . . .

It's a "Fractious Friday" and this aircheck of The Real Don Steele from 3 to 6PM on March 29, 1968 is a Boss delight (especially at 20.7 Kbps G2!) This one was taped in the KHJ studios and the technical quality is superb. You'll hear a rare Big 93 jingle, a plethora of 1960's beer spots, Dino, Desi & Billy (for RC Cola), and a teaser promo for the Quicksilver jackpot - "the biggest cash prize ever". And despite the incredible energy expended by Steele in the first two hours, he tops himself in the 5PM hour.

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 TOP STREAM 32Kbps (14.5 Khz)
The Real Don Steele, KHJ Los Angeles, May 18, 1968 (01:01:01)

. . . Ray Charles, for the Frances Faye underground out there . . .

This partially 'scoped aircheck of 93/KHJ was recorded on a "Scintillating Saturday", May 18, 1968, from approximately 2:23 until 5:05 PM, and it's a media buff's delight, featuring a grab-bag of commercial memorabilia.

It's obviously time to get a tan in Boss Angeles, with Johnson's Baby Oil, QT by Coppertone, Sea & Ski, and an invitation from Dan Ingram to join The Tannables. Enjoy a cold Country Club Malt Liquor, Olympia, Burgie, Hamm's or Budweiser later at Marine World, Lyon's Dragstrip or Irwindale Raceway; He'll be wearing Numero Uno cologne and she will have used Mini-Mist on her hair. They're driving a Pontiac purchased from her Sugar Daddy - er, Pontiac Dealer. The car sure looks good, is that Turtle Wax or Rally Wax?

So UnCurl and enjoy this Heaven Scent hi-fi flashback hosted by The Real Don Steele!

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 TOP STREAM 32Kbps (10 Khz)
The Real Don Steele, KHJ Los Angeles, May 25, 1968 Pt.1 (restored) (01:01:42)

This Exhibit 'SCOPED (18:29)

Music has been restored to this 'scoped studio aircheck from the Saturday following the exhibit above. This is the first hour, Part One of the entire show from May 25, 1968, which eventually will be completely restored.

The Real Don Steele and his board operator were exceptionally tight on this late Spring afternoon. Listen as the KHJ logo is "laid-over" a few record intros for a perfect blend!

Lots of great advertising, too, many terrific jingles, but those with an interest in political history will agree that the genuine treasure in this hour is a spot for the upcoming presidential primary featuring Robert F. Kennedy.

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 TOP STREAM 32Kbps (10 Khz)
The Real Don Steele, KHJ Los Angeles, May 25, 1968 Pt.2 (restored) (01:01:26)

This Exhibit 'SCOPED (18:06)

This is the second hour, Part Two of the show above, from May 25, 1968. Part 3 is on deck for the week of April 1, 2013, in observance of The Real Don Steele's birthday.

Note how many of the commercial announcements reflect an idyllic Southern California lifestyle — tanning products, automobile fuels and accessories, beer — apple and the real stuff!

In addition to some lesser-known KHJ HitBounds, we are also treated to a couple of classic R&B Goldens. One segue was lost, so it was patched with a jingle. (That may have been what was there, after all.)

Thanks to STORMY HUNTER for help with the music!

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 TOP STREAM 32Kbps (10 Khz)
The Real Don Steele, KHJ Los Angeles, May 25, 1968 Pt.3 (restored) (36:10)

This Exhibit 'SCOPED (18:06)

This is the third and final part of our archive from May 25, 1968, as promised for the week of April 1, 2013, in observance of The Real Don Steele's birthday. His response to one of the few recorded KHJ technical errors is truly classic! "it's just a theory", he says.

And here we are, streaming an incomplete record of his last hour on May 25th, 1968. And why? Someone left the recorder running for one song, and the tape ran out. But there's another remarkable political advertisement for Robert Kennedy.

Special thanks to Ray Randolph for his help with that last song, and so much of The Real Don Steele Collection.

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 TOP STREAM 32Kbps (14.5 Khz)
The Real Don Steele, KHJ Los Angeles, June 14, 1968 (51:18)

. . . Terence is now stamped! . . .

This creatively 'scoped recording of The Real Don Steele includes nearly all of Steele's Fractious Friday show for KHJ from June 14, 1968. (There are some short gaps, and we don't know why most of Stoned Soul Picnic survived, and the rest didn't.) Once again, we are privileged to have this very high-fidelity recording, presumably off the KHJ air chain. (Note the infrequent cue burn!) This exhibit plays really well and is a true joy from beginning to end.

Jim Lawrence is heard opening and closing the news. Tiny Tim is featured three times with custom tracks, and very hip for 1968 — listen to the jingle layover at 44:08! And listen to the outstanding voices featured on spots for Mojave, Turtle Wax, Number Uno, Hamms, Anacin, Revlon and Schlitz! (If all these guys were talking at the same time, there would surely be an earthquake.) You won't forget The Mothers of Invention at the Anaheim Convention! Robert W. Morgan voices a promo with Graduation Congratulations (followed by Graduation Day) and Steele quips his way through Peggy Scott & Jo Jo Benson ("I can't go into it, it's an item") and the "dirty guitar player" on Yester Love. The aircheck concludes with Real Don's traditional Fractious Friday Rap. What a great taste of a 1968 Southern California summer! Our thanks again to Shaune Steele.

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 TOP STREAM 32Kbps (14.5 Khz)
The Real Don Steele, KHJ Los Angeles, June 15, 1968 (44:35)

. . . The Real Don Steele Show, High on Radio . . .

With this 'scoped exhibit, and the previous exhibit, we have the rare opportunity to hear The Real Don Steele during a peak year of KHJ on two consecutive days. He plays some of the same music and spots he played the day before, but otherwise, it's a whole new show! This ability to be consistently fresh while tied to the rigors and repetition of format is something only the very best radio entertainers - like The Real Don Steele - can do.

This is also a Saturday show, but the only clue is the lack of news in PM drive. And, like so many of the great exhibits in this collection, the fidelity is very, very good.

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 TOP STREAM 32Kbps (10 Khz)
The Real Don Steele, KHJ Los Angeles, June 27, 1968 (RESTORED) (01:24:28)

This Exhibit 'SCOPED (30:02)

UNSCOPED

'SCOPED

The Real Don Steele saved a lot of airchecks from 1968, and this one, like so many others, presents a master showman doing what he loved best.

We learn that Tiny Tim loves to shop, and when he sings "The Real Don Steele, we can call in and win. We're also treated to two new arrangements for the STP motor oil treatment jingle. All the commercials and promos are complete! KHJ's ratings must have been gigantic at this time, because nearly every spot is a top-drawer, first-class national advertiser selling beer, soft drinks, tanning lotion or something for your hair.

The excellent 'scoped version is courtesy of Ray Randolph, and Thank You to Stormy Hunter for his help with a really obscure Not-So-Boss Hitbound.

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The Real Don Steele, KHJ Los Angeles, July 4 1968 (02:07:14)

. . . Bang Bang! . . .

This Exhibit 'SCOPED (42:09)

The Real Don Steele has his sparklers ON for July 4th, 1968 — Independence Day with some musical surprises via restored music from a smartly edited 'scoped recording. Some of the commercial sets have been edited, there are no newscasts, and in the few spaces where we don't know what happened, REELRADIO filled with a jingle and got back to the music. There are small revisions, but the 'scoped version includes exactly what was provided by official RDS archivist Ray Randolph. Thank You, Ray!

July 4, 1968 was a THURSDAY, just like the debut week for this exhibit in July, 2013! What goes around comes around and this mega-exhibit, clocking in at just over two hours restored, is a wonderful memory of a Holiday afternoon in Boss Angeles.

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 TOP STREAM 32Kbps (12 Khz)
The Real Don Steele, KHJ Los Angeles, September 1968 (01:08:13)

. . . There it is, Ladies and Gentlemen, our famous Midol Sting In the Logo Trick - without the aid of a net . . .

This exhibit of The Real Don Steele on KHJ/Los Angeles, from September, 1968, defies common descriptions and it is, as always, uncommonly entertaining.

Where some songs were 'scoped, they have been restored. The first seven songs are unscoped, then some 'scoped and unscoped-restored, and the finale includes three unscoped songs from the original aircheck. Overall, this recording covers most of the 3PM hour and some of the 4PM hour of Don's PM drive show that day.

The contest d'jour is KHJ Safe Cracker, and even the losers get tickets to the upcoming KHJ Jimi Hendrix concert! These warm and wonderful airchecks of RDS on KHJ always have some classic promos, voiced here by Robert W. Morgan. There's a vast variety of musical genres - standard behavior for true Top 40. Many of the commercial announcements demonstrate the finest production techniques, jingles, performances and copy of the time.

And our personable host for all this excellence is the one and only Real Don Steele. Don't miss his spot for Thrifty Mart, and the intro for the Turtles. (around 39-42 minutes in.) Put that in your scooby and smoke it!

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 TOP STREAM 32Kbps (10 Khz)

The Real Don Steele, KHJ Los Angeles, December 26, 1968 Pt.1 (56:51)

. . . Did he come to town all over us? You better believe it! I scored! . . .

This Exhibit 'SCOPED (12:30)

As are almost all of the exhbits in this collection, this is a KHJ studio recording. The great 'scoped version of this exhibit was provided by official RDS archivist Ray Randolph. Thank You, Ray! The full-length version is the first half of a two-part exhibit, with music restoration by Uncle Ricky.

It's the day after Christmas, and with only one reference to his holiday activities, Steele is straight-ahead on format, tight, funny and perfect as always. And there's a promo for the Big 93 of 1968, voiced by Robert W. Morgan.

It also should be noted here that this is the first exhibit on the site processed with our new (as of December 2013) Orban Optimod PC-1101. I'm sure The Real Don Steele would be excited by their patented psycho-acoustic limiter.

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 TOP STREAM 32Kbps (10 Khz)

The Real Don Steele, KHJ Los Angeles, December 26, 1968 Pt.2 (51:05)

. . . don't tell my mother, please . . .

This Exhibit 'SCOPED (11:57)

Just like Part One, this is a KHJ studio recording, and the really smooth 'scoped version was provided by official RDS archivist Ray Randolph. Thank You, Ray, with an extra Thanks! for help with the music restoration.

What do we know and believe?

Happy Holidays! The complete restored exhibit is available on our continuous stream the week of December 7, 2014.

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 TOP STREAM 44.1Kbps (20 Khz)
The Real Don Steele, KHJ Los Angeles, April 2, 1969 (01:02:30)

The Real Don Steele on the April 23, 1969 KHJ Boss Thirty (Click to see the inside!)

The Real Don Steele is heard on Boss Radio KHJ in Los Angeles the day after his 33rd birthday (April 2, 1969). Real Don refers to his birthday party the night before, and he delivers a typically polished Boss performance.

KHJ Memory Bank is the current promotion. Classic commercials include a mid-year Chevrolet Camaro and Tanya Hawaiian Tanning Lotion. This is the entire 3-4 PM hour from that date. It's also another sparkling clear recording direct from the KHJ air monitor, presented here at 44.1Kbps (with response to 20Khz for broadband listeners.)

The remarkable clarity of this recording makes it quite easy to slip back to the City of Angels, 1969, and spend a carefree hour with The Real Don Steele, enjoy!

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 TOP STREAM 44Kbps (11.5 Khz)
The Real Don Steele, KHJ Los Angeles, June 30, 1969 (31:53)

. . . I missed ya, didya miss me? . . .

Recorded one month after Boss Radio Boss Ron Jacobs announced his resignation, this unscoped half-hour of The Real Don Steele on KHJ has quite a few surprises. Only two of the nine reportable musical performances broke top 10 nationally, though several did quite a bit better on KHJ's Boss 30. (REELRADIO pays music licensing and performance fees.)

Steele and his buddy Robert W. Morgan had walked out of KHJ several weeks prior to this aircheck, demanding a salary increase to $50,000 (each). This Monday, June 30, 1969 was Steele's first day back on the air after the walkout failed to dent the KHJ ratings. You'll also note some major adjustments to the KHJ formatics, like the live self-introduction at the top of the hour. And what in the world is that short little stinger after the half hour ID jingle?

You'll enjoy the supposedly enlightened political correctness of 1969, when an "equal opportunity employer" like PSA could advertise for 'single women, 5'1" to 5'9", 105 to 135 pounds'! There's also a classic Disneyland jingle and several other goodies. Once again, thanks to the generosity of Shaune Steele, we are privileged to share a fantastic escape to Boss Angeles, and another unforgettable performance by The Real Don Steele.

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 TOP STREAM 32Kbps (10 Khz)
The Real Don Steele, KHJ Los Angeles, July 21, 1969 Part One (01:01:32)

This Exhibit 'SCOPED (14:35)

UNSCOPED

'SCOPED

The "rum-pum" jingles are back, (the stinger is gone) and The Real Don Steele makes Monday mellifluous in Part One of this studio aircheck from July 21, 1969. The music has been restored for your enjoyment. The excellent 'scoped presentation of this aircheck was created by official KHJ historian Ray Randolph. The original recording came from the private collection of The Real Don Steele.

Showin' no mercy, baby! Everything except Real Don himself got a little trim in this one, so only a few of the commercial announcements are complete. This exhibit covers 3PM until a few minutes after 4PM, so there was no news.

16 ounces of Coca-Cola? No problem, just get a Bonus Bottle. There are a couple of musical surprises, and some wonderful 1969 standards, too. It's a particularly enjoyable hour for those who came of age in the magic Summer of 1969.

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 TOP STREAM 32Kbps (10 Khz)
The Real Don Steele, KHJ Los Angeles, July 21, 1969 Part Two (59:31)

This Exhibit 'SCOPED (12:42)

UNSCOPED

'SCOPED

Part Two of The Real Don Steele from Monday, July 21, 1969 features more of the always energetic Mr. Steele, with music restored for the full historic experience. The 'scoped presentation of this aircheck was created by official KHJ historian Ray Randolph. The original recording came from the private collection of The Real Don Steele, and was recorded in the KHJ studios.

A portion of a few recorded commercials were saved, but most of the commercial sets were 'scoped, too. One small piece was missing (probably around a newscast) so an authentic Drake Series 1 Johnny Mann jingle was used to fill. Thanks also to Stormy Hunter for musical assistance.

Steele gets hung up on fungi while doing a commercial for flea and tick spray, reminding us that he was the most fun guy of all!

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 TOP STREAM 32Kbps (16 Khz)
The Real Don Steele, KHJ Los Angeles, January 8, 1970 (01:00:53)

This Exhibit 'SCOPED (15:08)

. . . I know how to take care of your ba-da-ba . . .

19 musical performances have been restored to this edited, 'scoped aircheck of The Real Don Steele on KHJ from January 8, 1970. Careful listeners will note that the original, 'scoped version includes a bit more of the program than what is featured on the restoration.

The inventive editing features selected segments of Don's 3-6 PM show. Steele's engaging presentation, a wonderful variety of music and assorted samples of spots and formatics all make this a delightful listen!

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 TOP STREAM 32Kbps (16 Khz)
The Real Don Steele, KHJ Los Angeles, March 21, 1970 (01:04:51)

This Exhibit 'SCOPED (23:16)

. . . the trombone player makes me go crazy . . .

Somehow, even after his quest for adventure on a Fractious Friday night in the Neon Fun Jungle, The Real Don Steele got it together for a late morning Saturday shift at The Big 93, on March 21, 1970. Perhaps being shoulder to shoulder with all those thrill-seekers the night before had taken its toll; The Real Don sounds just a bit subdued in this daypart.

The KHJ music mix on this Solid Gold Weekend is also enjoyable. Here's a genuine hi-fi hour of the reel 70's show (complete with 16 hits by the original artists!) and the man we now know and believe was Mr. Saturday Late Morning — at least once! J. Paul Huddleston is also heard with KHJ news.

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 TOP STREAM 44.1Kbps (20 Khz)
The Real Don Steele, KHJ Los Angeles, June 17, 1970 (01:00:30)

. . . You got it, you may use it, at five oh one oh clock . . .

The Real Don Steele from the March 3, 1971 KHJ Boss Thirty

There's much to hear on this sample of post-Ron Jacobs KHJ, which is mostly unscoped. Oldies include Del Shannon's Runaway and Jackie Wilson's I'll Be Satisfied (what a GREAT record!) There are also some "what was THAT?" musical surprises, like Wilson Pickett doing Sugar Sugar and Clarence Carter with I Can't Leave Your Love Alone. The orchestration for the Schlitz spot nearly overpowers the bold rum-pum KHJ logos, and the Lettermen-styled jingle for Arrid Extra Dry is a grand example of the first-rate radio production of the era. Is that Lou Rawls singing for Burgie beer?

Don't be fooled, this is the REEL "Seventies Show"! Again, our thanks to Shaune Steele and Ray Randolph for allowing us to share this magical hour from Real Don's personal collection.

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 TOP STREAM 32Kbps (10 Khz)
The Real Don Steele, KHJ Los Angeles, June 1970 (56:47)

This Exhibit 'SCOPED (16:21)

UNSCOPED

'SCOPED

. . . I got your boom shock-a-locka . . .

We are not certain of the date of this RESTORED recording from the estate of The Real Don Steele, but it was contributed as "June, 1970", and we suspect it was early June, before the June 17th aircheck included above. The 'scoped version is the original, not an edited version of the restored version, which is available on AC#012 for the week of September 28, 2014.

Nothing seems to be happening promotionally, so Steele is carrying the format. Jingle placement is different, and there's more about that in the comments for the June 17, 1970 aircheck. There are a few musical surprises, but on this treasure, The Real Don Steele is tight, bright and excited about Summer!

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 TOP STREAM 20.7Kbps (14.5Khz)
The Real Don Steele, KHJ Contestants, July 1970 (13:02)

. . . just as LOUD as you can, OK? . . .

Here's a rare and privileged opportunity to hear what went on "behind the scenes" at KHJ. The Real Don Steele is featured on air, and on the telephone, prompting winners to be stars on 93/KHJ in Los Angeles. Was $50 above or below Union scale at the time? We have edited addresses, phone numbers and music out of this exhibit.

Some great period spots, too — Casey Kasem for Fender and lush arrangements for deodorant soap. You only go around once in life, and you gotta grab for all the gusto you can, right? Note that RDS declines to put the first winner on the air, because her level was too low. And the last winner on this exhibit, Mike of Norwalk, was eleven then. We hope he's happy and healthy with the posting of this exhibit in 2006. He would be a youthful 47.

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 TOP STREAM 20.7Kbps (14.5Khz)
The Real Don Steele: Four Fractious Fridays (2:52)

. . . what I say, Frances Faye, Marvin Gaye . . .

The Real Don Steele's Fractious Friday Signoffs on KHJ were legendary in Boss Angeles, and served as official notice that the weekend was underway.

Here's a quartet of rapid-fire Fractious Friday farewells, including a reference to a bon voyage party for Chicago-bound Robert W. Morgan.

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 TOP STREAM 32.0Kbps (20Khz)
KHJ: A Mann And His Logos (:48)

. . . The Real Don Steele! . . .

This cut from the very special KHJ 25th Reunion CD is a montage of Johnny Mann jock logos. The fidelity is very good. Our thanks to The Real Don Steele Collection for sharing with the Repository. We can all enjoy this fabulous musical honor roll of first generation Boss Jocks in classic Mann style.

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 TOP STREAM 44Kbps (20Khz)
KHJ Electrical Transcriptions And Tape Recordings: 1965-1969 (30:40)

. . . Portions of the day's programming are reproduced by means of electrical transcriptions or tape recordings . . .

This is also from the KHJ 25th Reunion CD (1990), and it's a fabulous and magical composite of KHJ Boss Radio promos from 1965 through 1969. All the promos were written by the original Boss Radio Boss, Ron Jacobs, and produced by audio wizard Bill Mouzis, "back in the day." Keep in mind that this exceptional production was created on equipment that would be considered primitive today.

Classic promos are blended with Johnny Mann logos and the end result is a vibrant picture of the golden era of Boss Radio. Promotions, contests and original ideas follow one after another, demonstrating the incredible energy and creativity that was part of the first generation of this legendary radio station and format. And the Sixties celebrities you'll hear aren't confined to Boss Jocks: George Harrison, Adam West, Burt Ward, Mama Cass, Tiny Tim and Leonard Nimoy are included, too.

Our thanks to Boss Historian Ray Randolph and The Real Don Steele Collection for this sample of the KHJ Silver Anniversary, presented in observance of the 40th Birthday of Boss on April 27, 2005.

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 TOP STREAM 32.0Kbps (16Khz)
The Real Don Steele, KTNQ Los Angeles, January 10 1977 (1:16:21)

. . . Ten Q for listening . . .

The Real Don Steele KTNQ 1977

Boyd R. Britton is heard briefly with news and Rich Brother Robbin's opening set concludes the aircheck

This is the first of several full-length TenQ airchecks to be featured from The Real Don Steele Collection. TenQ led the last stand of true variety-based Top 40 on AM radio.

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 TOP STREAM 32.0Kbps (10Khz)
The Real Don Steele, KTNQ Los Angeles, March 11, 1977 (53:37)

. . . Heart Me Off, Kenny . . .

This may be the best recorded RDS Fractious Friday signoff ever! Short on time? LISTEN TO THIS — three minutes to remember.

This is an accurate reproduction of the aircheck. KTNQ routinely ignored the record manufacturer's recommended playback speed.

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The Real Don Steele, KTNQ Los Angeles, March 18, 1977 (53:16)

. . . this is especially for the pupils, I believe are dilated, at the McKees school in Pico Rivera . . .

It's a Fractious Friday and The Real Don Steele has a hot date! This is almost all of the last hour of his show on Friday, March 18, 1977.

Not sure how much of Boyd R. Britton was cut (if any at all), but only about 10 seconds is featured here. There's also a "Weekend TV" (sports) gag, starring Cleat Dumpster. Lots of promos for WAM (Walkin' Around Money) and several spots for long-gone Southern California electronics retailers. Once again, Rich Brother Robbin's opening set concludes this aircheck.

This is an accurate reproduction of the aircheck. KTNQ routinely ignored the record manufacturer's recommended playback speed.

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 TOP STREAM 32.0Kbps (10Khz)
The Real Don Steele, KTNQ Los Angeles, May 16, 1977 (01:16:46)

This Exhibit 'SCOPED (13:08)

. . . to serve the public interest as a public trustee . . .

As if the screaming and screeching of dozens of teen-age winners wasn't enough high-frequency high-energy, The Real Don Steele becomes the Real Don SQUEAL about halfway through this one, where we suspect a headphone malfunction occurred. What's funny is that Steele enjoys it, actually pausing a bit to savor the feedback between sentences. Indeed, he must have had steel(e) eardrums!

TEN-Q was loud, and unfortunately, this recording was a little too loud. The distortion is part of the original recording. This aircheck also includes something you don't hear very often anymore: The mandatory license renewal announcement. Back then, stations had to renew their licenses every three years.

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 TOP STREAM 32.0Kbps (16Khz) DEBUT: JANUARY 12, 2003
The Real Don Steele, KTNQ Los Angeles, June 2 1977
(1:17:55)

 TOP STREAM 32.0Kbps (16Khz) DEBUT: MAY 23, 2004
The Real Don Steele, KTNQ Los Angeles, June 2 1977, Part Two
(1:18:23)

. . . Kiki! I said Kiki, Man - it's alright, it's only a theory . . .

From June 2, 1977: The Real Don Steele is featured in another hyper-hour (plus 17 minutes) of KTNQ/The New Ten Q on June 2, 1977. We introduced this exhibit on January 12, 2003.

And UPDATED with Part Two on May 23, 2004, another hour and 18 minutes from the same day. It does not get any more Real — or Reel — than this!

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 TOP STREAM 32.0Kbps (16Khz)
The Real Don Steele, KTNQ Los Angeles, July 5 1977 (1:18:39)

. . . Remember to be a broadcaster, you needn't have a low voice, just a pleasant one . . .

Hey, we all know TenQ played the records fast, so we'll have no further discussion on that issue (really, we won't! Thanks.) Otherwise, this jumbo sampling of The Real Don Steele from Tuesday, July 5, 1977, is packed with treats.

Mixed in with the hits, you'll Garland Jeffreys and some other near-misses. You will also enjoy several 10Q Jock Cups promos (at 04:13, 22:28 and 43:50), and an ad for the comeback performance of 2001 in Cinerama (at 53:42). For the finale, following a sub-woofing spot for Levis at 01:16:40, The Real Don wraps it up in a "pleasant" falsetto.

This is a wonderful memoir of a Southern California Summer, circa 1977, and the one and only Real Don Steele.

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 TOP STREAM 44.1Kbps (20Khz)
The Real Don Steele, Robert W. Morgan, KRTH Dash for Cash 1995 (8:41)

. . . You're not blown away yet? . . .

[Description by Shaune Steele]

Here is The Real Don Steele and Robert W. Morgan together on KRTH in May of 1995. (The RWM Bossography has a tiny bit of it.)

K-EARTH was doing a contest called "Dash For Cash" in which the winner's prize was to run into a bank vault and haul out as much money as he/she could in the allotted time. It was done at a bank during morning drive. Morgan held down the fort from the studio and Steele was emceeing the event at the bank. The contestant was a woman with all the enthusiasm of an ice cube! Steele tries his best (as only he can) to get her wound up, and Morgan gets a charge out of the effort!

To hear RDS and RWM carry out an on-air promotion reminds us all how it should be done! And this was not 1965 -- IT WAS 1995! They were awesome.

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 TOP STREAM 64 Kbps (12Khz)
The Real Don Steele and Freddy Snakeskin, KROQ Los Angeles (5:07)

. . . Number Uleven! . . .

[Description by Uncle Ricky]

Freddy Snakeskin contributed this recording. At the time, The Real Don Steele was working at KRLA, and Freddy was on KROQ (The Rock Of The Eighties).

One day in the 80-something era, Freddy had decided to play Don's record on his show, and he wanted Don's comments. Freddy connected with RDS via phone and attempted to get his comments about Cecil, The Unwanted French Fry.

This clip ends with a snip of Steele on KRLA. Classic!

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Click Here For A Full-Length Real Don Steele TV Show Video In Color!