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 China Smith 
  • A 1950's television adventure series
  • a professional boxer
  • Thomas Wayne Rorabacher, radio & voice talent, born 1943 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Picture of
China Smith
courtesy of
Jim Hampton.

As China Smith, Rorabacher was heard on Los Angeles radio for 3 decades, on KDAY, KRLA, KROQ, KMET, KLOS, KWST, KMGG, KUTE, KTWV, and KCBS-FM.

Rorabacher first used the name China Smith when Gary Allyn hired him at KCBQ/San Diego.

He was also the host of several long-running syndicated radio shows and specials.

He died of a heart attack on Aug 22, 2005 in Los Angeles.

These are some of the old airchecks he left behind, contributed by Scott Lowe.



G2/5.0 compatible TOP STREAM 32Kbps (10Khz)
PLAYWayne Thomas, WGRD Grand Rapids, MI. February 19, 1970 (05:31)

. . . right down to the bottom of my boogity-boogity shoes, the world's most pampered disc jockey . . .

[Description by Uncle Ricky. This exhibit was contributed by Scott Lowe]

Wayne Thomas demonstrates his "straight" production style and his "jive" DJ performance on this aircheck from WGRD in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Less than 8 months later, he moved to San Diego and KCBQ as China Smith.

Wayne Thomas, WGRD Grand Rapids, February 1970


G2/5.0 compatible TOP STREAM 32Kbps (10Khz)
PLAYChina Smith, KCBQ San Diego, October 1970 (RESTORED) (22:22)
Play Scoped This Exhibit 'SCOPED (06:08)

. . . strangest feeling that I want to run out a build a sand castle . . .

[Description by Uncle Ricky. This exhibit was contributed by Scott Lowe]

It's hardly two quarter-hours long, but it's enough to hear that the newly christened China Smith has found his pace and polished his performance on KCBQ in San Diego.

We wonder if the Hi-Lo contestant enjoyed her Woodstock poster? There are a couple of musical surprises, too. Thanks to Stormy Hunter for help with this restoration.

China Smith, KCBQ San Diego, October 1970


G2/5.0 compatible TOP STREAM 32Kbps (10Khz)
PLAYChina Smith, KING Seattle, WA. 1971 (RESTORED) (01:06:39)
Play Scoped This Exhibit 'SCOPED (10:05)

. . . three dogs tonight, mama . . .

[Description by Uncle Ricky. This exhibit was contributed by Scott Lowe]

Sure sounds like China Smith is introduced as Shana, at least to me it does, but since KING was using the first generation Johnny Mann jingles, I guess it doesn't matter. Still, I've heard the Mann stuff used better, we all have.

This restoration is interesting because the music variety is exciting and the original fidelity was very good. But, there was nothing left of any commercial sets, and there are glaring restorative shortcomings.

But, China is too cool at the Big Eleven with lots of hit rock 'n' roll music.

China Smith, KING Seattle, 1971


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