LaRita Shelby 1995

 

LaRita still keeps it happening.  Take a look at her filmography. We were lucky enough to have her doing a show for us.  This is another one of George's recordings.

 

At her website, http://www.laritashelby.com there are some wonderful videos (buy the cd!).

 

LaRita Shelby 1995

The Tex Williams Show 1955

So I get a bundle of the Tex Williams Show from 1955.  Really nice music but there wasn't such a thing.  So what are these?  Apparently in 1955 "Town Hall Party" ran on NBC radio with parts of it televised on KTTV-TV in Los Angeles which were kinescoped for AFRTS.

You may have heard Commander Cody and his Planet Airmen sing "Smoke That Cigarette".  The original was by Tex Williams.  Before leading his own group, Tex was the singer for Spade Cooley

The Tex Williams Show 1955

Jubilee 1948

It's Christmas 1948.  Bud Widdom with some amazing talent, it's Jubilee!!!

Jubilee 1948

AFRS Keflavik - Karl Phillips 1971

Karl Phillips sent some great pictures of the Reykjavik Iceland Station in the early 1970s.  His story is on this page.

Mark Lazer, Karl Phillips and Tom Hughes

Command Performance Christmas 1942

 

Command Performance was an amazing thing.  All of the biggest stars made themselves available for the troops.  It didn't matter which network or studio.  It was the biggest stars and it was all for he troops.  This is the big Christmas show from the first year of the network.  Merry Christmas!

Command Performance Christmas 1942

AFVN Gerry Elliott 1973

Gerry Elliott, Alexis Wright, SGM Young at SCN c 1982

Gerry Elliott almost got me to stay in the Army.  In the early 1980s SCN in Panama was controlled by the 193rd Infantry Brigade.  No big problem by itself but the command had made it clear that we weren't going to be promoted.  Okay, I won't do the boards.  I was a E-4 with well over 3 years in grade.  That's life.  In 1983 Gerry and SGM Bob Young conspired to get me to go to the boards after the Army Broadcasting Service took over.  Young and Elliott were on that board, it wasn't too brutal and I did well.  Wherever you are Gerry, thanks.

Let's see what was going on in Saigon in 1973.  Here's Gerry with sports.

AFVN Gerry Elliott Sports

AFRS Adak

Michael Brown sent a ton of airchecks of his work at AFRS Adak, Alaska

Yes, Adak, Alaska, (halfway out the Aleutian chain), has a radio station.  Two of them actually,  The AM station on 890 kHz (yep WLS) and an automated  FM.

I was in the Navy and was a CTM-2 when I arrived on Adak, June 1970.  I  left 1 year, 22 hours and 15 minutes later (plane landing to plane takeoff).

My main job had nothing to do with radio, but since I had an interest in being a DJ, I managed to get a weekend shift in the late night hours on Sunday, for 1.5 hours.  I eventually got moved to Sat afternoons for 2 hours and then expanded to 3 hrs.  I have tapes of pretty much all of my shows, which I've recently transferred to WAV files on the computer.

While there, the staff of the station did a radio series called Ptarmigan Tim.

At my last tour of duty, which was Edzell, Scotland, I did four DeeJay gigs at the EM club near the end of 1973. Did some private party deejaying for a few years after getting out.

During the hey-day of Doctor Who on PBS, I did pledge drives answering phone banks and a few times did on camera pledge drives.

Otherwise, I got into electronics as well as computers; self taught Unix system adminstration long before Microcrap came along. So, I am one of those computer geeks and my house has the computers to show for it.

 

AFRS Adak - Michael Brown May 29, 1971 Last show

USMC Birthday

 

237th birthday of the Corps.  Here's how the network celebrated it 60 years ago.

 

AFRS They Turned the Tide - 1st Marine Division

Veterans Day

Today is Veterans Day in the United States.  Originally the holiday was Armistice Day, to commemorate the end of WWI.  In 1968 AFN produced some powerful radio for the 50th anniversary.

AFN 50th Anniversary of WWI

AFN Halloween 1970

 

 

Spooky spooky.  Robert Barker sent along the first part of another great aircheck:

This is the first 30 minute segment of four of the AFN Monster Rally which aired on Saturday night, 31 October 1970, over AFN Europe network.

 

AFN Halloween 1970

AFN Halloween 1970 part two

AFN Halloween 1952 at Frankenstein's castle

1963 Halloween in K-Town

 

Carl Balduf, Roy Johnson, Chuck Droege, Hans Huber, Don Shipman, Ted Pasco and Kurt Loch in the 1963 AFN Kaiserslatern production of:

There's Nobody There

 

I didn't explain this as well as I should have, it links to an external website.  After a longish (depends on your connection speed) it automatically plays the show.  He doesn't make it available for download and I'll respect that.

Barbara Randolph 1971

Barbara Randolph c 1962

 

Barbara Randolph brought a lot of rock to AFRTS. Detroit born Randolph was born in 1942 eventually adopted by actress Lillian Randolph with a singing career that included a stint at Motown. Her movie roles included Guess Who'd Coming to Dinner.

 

In the late 60s, she joined our network

 

Barbara Randolph 1971

Archive find: Johnny Carson

Johnny Carson

 

In the jumble of ETs and kines that were returned to AFRTS.  Some previously unknown early clips.  Apparently 5 minute filler programs from kinescope.  Somewhere there's a storage facility that must look a lot like the end of Raiders Of The Lost Ark.

 

Due to the expense of preserving videotape, NBC saved next to nothing prior to 1972.

 

Stars and Stripes has details.

Happy Birthday Air Force 1948

So when is the USAF birthday?  In 1948 AFRS said it was the 41st anniversary...

Peace Is The Lady With Wings - 1948

AFN Berlin 1970 - Henry Michaels

Robert Barker shares more memories of 1970 in Berlin:

AFN building Berlin 1945-79

Here is Specialist Henry Michaels hosting his AFN-Berlin morning Wake-Up Easy program from 26 Oct 70. It is apparent that Henry was still waking up at the beginning of his program for he misreads his time-check several times. Preceeding Michaels program you will hear a "Project Partnership" (the German word for tank is "panzier") promo, AFN Europe Morning sign on with the the songs of our armed forces, station frequencies, the National anthem, six hrs European time check, news with Jan Wood, USO Mail Call promo, Hymns from Home and NATO promo. Henry's program begins at 15:30 into the segment. Enjoy. Robert

AFN Berlin 1970 - Henry Michaels

Your comments!

It's really great when you comment on any post here.  There's been some confusion about how to do it.  At the bottom of every post they'll be something similiar to 0 comments if you click that, it takes you to a page where you can enter comments.  When you're done, press the "publish" button.

 

A while back the spammers started hitting the page so I have to manually approve everything. Everything that isn't spam gets approved.  If you were with the network or a listener and have a business/book/promotion, it isn't spam.  I'd like to see it.  After approval it's posted. 

 

Thom

 

The Wall of AFN Worldwide

The Defense Media Activity Headquarters in Maryland is in a new building and creating a historical wall that will include all AFN facilities worldwide. They have quite a few historical pics.  Some of the best I think are the ones we have in our personal files. It would be great if you could make a contribution to this effort. Just send your photos with the date, location, event and who's in the picture to:
 craig.j.dixson@afn.dma.mil

 

Anything you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Updates, facebook and email

If you're on "facebook" the fastest way to get updates is to look up afrtsarchive.blogspot.com and "like it".  Also every week or two I send out an email.  To get on the list, drop me a note at afrts@live.com.

Small World 1964

Small World was similar to NBC radio's Monitor.  Some light music, comedy, features.  It's the program where Chris Noel got her start.  This is from 1964.  Who is the host???

Small World 1964

Ted Herring believes the host George Church.

Bob Hope - Clark AB 1987

This was the first Bob Hope USO Show in the Pacific Theater since the Vietnam era and Bob Hope's last show in the Pacific Theater. Bob Hope's first USO Show was at California’s March Field on May 6, 1941. Wherever Bob Hope went, from the deserts of North Africa to Alaska to the jungles of Southeast Asia, he represented home. And, for an hour or so, troops were home with an old friend and comrade.

His USO shows included singers, dancers, comedians, actors and actresses, and led the way for celebrities to commit to giving their time and talent to troops and families around the world.

Hope entertained until December 1990, when he brought laughter and Christmas cheer to troops participating in Operation Desert Shield in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain on his final USO tour. In 1997, the USO successfully worked with Congress to designate Bob Hope the first honorary veteran of the U.S. armed forces.

Bob Larson got a chance of a lifetime to own and produce "The Bob Hope USO Show" on December 21, 1987 at Clark Air Base in the Republic of the Philippines. This was the first USO Show to be held in the Pacific Theater since the Vietnam Era and Bob Hope's last USO Show in the Pacific.

From the Philippines, Bob Hope is joined by guests Lee Greenwood, Barbara Eden, Connie Stevens and her daughters Joely Fisher and Tricia Leigh Fisher with the Superbowl Dancers and Miss USA Michelle Royer. Also appearing is the United States Navy Pacific Fleet Band.

Highlights: Lee Greenwood performs his song "God Bless the U.S.A." and "Silent Night".

The show was produced using 7 cameras on site at Clark Air Base's "Challenger Field". It was recorded on 3/4" U-Matic Broadcast Video Tape and in 2001 those videos were converted to DVD masters.

Bob Larson tried to make a go of getting this out a couple of years ago.  Hopefully we'll eventually get the change to see it. 

AFN Berlin 1970 - The Robert Barker Collection

Robert is sending in some more great sound. In 1970 he was stationed in Berlin and had a high quality reel-to-reel recorder. He save the tapes and has been sharing them with us. Here is The Stateside Sound Survey hosted by Army Sgt Jim Collinson from 12 Nov 70.

AFN Stateside Sound Survey - November 1970

AFN Stateside Sound Survey - November 1970 part 2

More Jim Collinson

Ed Autry is on the air

Former AFKNer Ed Autry checks in:

 

A 100,000 watt radio station in Carrollton, Missouri, KMZU, has a little program they air three times on Sunday, called "Voices of Veterans". 

I thought you might find this interesting.

Ed Autry interviewed on "Voices of Veterans" on KMZU
http://www.kmzu.com/tsgt-ed-autry-of-norborne/

 

 

 

 

Goodbye Starship

In the mid 90s Jim Johnson started afrts.homestead.com.  Last month it ended. 

His website was one of the first places where we could get together.  At first it was a message board and grew into a website.

When the late Bob Stoffel started the AFN group at yahoo, Jim  took the message board down and offered a link to the yahoo group.

Other than at reunion time the hitcount went down.  The hosting company raised their rates and Jim decided to not continue.

Thanks for all you've done Jim.

Tony Booth - now

Former AFKNr Tony Booth is celebrating 50 years in radio

Tony rocks Richmond with the greatest hits of forever.

Read his story:

Click here

Hopefully we'll be hearing more from the AFKN years soon!

FEN Okinawa - Ask What You Can Do 1981

Randy at AFKN

Randy Ashurst sent this along.  "Okinawa 79-83 was my 6th AFRT tour and I started on the morning show there as I had long been on the air in the service by then. In Nov81 the marine running radio said we had to do a special broadcast each holiday coming up. Next one was Veteran's Day and no takers so he went alphabetically. Me. so I  did a half hr show that was super. It won best in the Pacific, then best in air force then DOD with a Thomas Jefferson award for special broadcast.

FEN Okinawa "Ask What You Can Do"

AFKN Ed Autry 1986

Lately there's been a lot of AFKN coming in.  Good thing.  Here's a 1986 visit with Ed Autry.

 usually did the afternoon show called 'Rollin' Home, but this aircheck was done during a week when I was 'sitting in' for Air Force Sergeant Tim Johnson, who happened to be sick that week. So, this aircheck is from the morning drive-time show called 'Morning Watch'.

AFKN Ed Autry 1986

AFKN in the 70s - Brian Hartzell collection

Brian's trying to identify these pictures. 

Gary Thieman

Don Novak

Randy Ashurst, who we'll be hearing from soon.

Personal Album 1945 Dick Haymes

Dick Haymes did a lot of shows for AFRS.  This just came in.  Personal Album was a series where the singing stars shared some songs with the troops. 

Personal Album - Dick Haymes 1945

Larry Scott's Gold Country 1972

Larry Scott celebrates the history of country music on "Gold Country"

Larry Scott's Gold Country

AFN Nightside - Craig Miller speaks with Van Morrison

Van Morrison

The stars sure came out for AFN in the 70s.  Today Craig Miller speaks with Van Morrison in 1974

AFN Nightside - 1974

AFN Streaming live

The good news is that AFN is streaming over the internet, like the English and the Canadians.  The bad news is that you can't hear it in the United States (like the English and the Canadians).  But it is a good start.

Live AFN radio stream


This was updated with information about how to listen now, no matter where you are:


Click here








AFKN Pete Pittman photos

This is the first picture of the hill I've ever seen without Ed Master's car out front

Another view of Yongsan

Munsan

Tongduchhon

1973 at Radio Comet (Osan), Pete's behind the counter.

AFN Weekend World 1970 guest Heidi Bruehl

The stars came out on AFNs Weekend World.  Neil Fontaine spoke with Heidi Bruehl.  She was a big star in Europe, staring with a Eurovision win.  Heidi Bruehl biography .  Many thanks to Robert Barker for sharing this. 

AFN Weekend World 11/29/70

The Weekend World of Comedy, with The Old DJ Philosopher

Weekend World of Comedy - "The Old DJ Philosopher"

I miss the MISC library, comedy, spoken word and production items

AFN Pete Pittman and the Four Tops

Pete Pittman at AFKN

So once again I'm in envy of the AFN Germany guys.  When I was in Korea, I don't remember any big name talent visiting.  In the early 80s in Panama the only gringo stars that played were Roberta Flack, the New Supremes (starring nobody I ever heard of) and the Platters.  Hollywood Brown did stop by, but he only joined the group in 1967.  In Germany, the stars came out.

Pete Pittman stared this.  Pete had done tours in Korea, Alaska, Germany and at the network headquarters.  In another place here, Pete interviews Pat Boone.

AFN Today - 1982 Pete Pittman with the Four Tops

70th Birthday

May 26, 1942- The War Department established the Armed Forces Radio Service (AFRS).  70 years of history.  Thanks to everyone.

LaRita Shelby

LaRita guested on the "Mother Love Radio Show" this week.

Motherlove-052512

More about the show click here.

When I was at AFKN

I started in Yongsan in the newsroom.  If any story mentioned Korea, it had to be cleared by the 8th Army/UN Command PAO.  Send the story over, wait a few weeks and maybe it can be read... or just don't run it in the first place.  Compare that to this 1979 aircheck when President Park Chung Hee was assasinated.

AFKN 1979 Park Chung Hee shot and killed.

AFTN The Old Woodsman

I don't know what this is, but it ran on the Thailand network in 1974.  It may have been a local production.  After Chickenman a lot of stations and syndicators tried their hand at short comedy features.  I get a kick out of it.  Any idea who did it or where it originated?  Thanks Ken!

The Old Woodsman 1974

AFVN Reunion

 

AFVN'ers -- rub elbow with the famous from the past!
Join in festivities!

Refresh acquaintances!

Here is a link to the reunion website with details as of 13 May -- http://www.carmabiz.com/

and a link to the "Look Who's Coming" list is here -- http://www.carmabiz.com/Memphis.html

It's a ways out timewise -- but please send an email to RMorecook@Yahoo.com if you think you are coming --

You can say "Fer Sure" if only a thousand camels would keep you away, or "Tentative" if you really want to come but just don't know yet.

Your indication of interest is VERY important at this time, since your interest may cause others to say, "Gee, if he or she is coming then I sure want to be there, too."

Best wishes
Bob Morecook, AFVN 72-73
[assisting Ken Kalish]

AFN Weekend World 1970 guest Jerry Naylor

There still is a little weekend left, it's time for "Weekend World" From Robert Barker's collection it's a November 1970 visit.  Charles Collier has rockabilly legend Jerry Naylor as his guest.  Jerry was the voice of the Crickets after we lost Buddy Holly.   In 1958 Jerry was one of ours at AFN Stuttgart and he talks a little about those years.

Jerry Lee Lewis with Jerry Naylor

AFN Weekend World November 1970

No over the air TV in Korea

AFN Korea has ceased over the air television broadcasting effective March 1, 2012.  It's possible to watch programming "downtown" but now requires a satellite decoder.  Largely it's the same story, manpower and programming restrictions.  An era has passed.

Stars and Stripes has details.

Command Performance 1944

An era we won't see again.  All Hollywood talent, the biggest recording stars.  Everyone had to perform for the troops.  Command Performance was the biggie.

The New Faces Show:

The first tune is, "The Trolley Song." The program features nineteen-year-old Jo Stafford, eighteen-year-old Gloria De Haven, thirteen-year-old Lois Butler. Cass Daley sings a very clever parody. Spencer Tracy (m. c.), The Pied Pipers, Jo Stafford, Gloria De Haven, Johnny Mercer, Lois Butler, Cass Daley, Ken Carpenter (announcer), June Hutton.

Command Performance 133

Communications pioneer retires after 51 years

Melvin Russell, acting director of  the Defense Media Activity and visionary of the American Forces Radio and Television Service, has retired after 51 years of military and civilian service.

Russell pioneered the expansion of AFRTS from a single-channel, over-the-air system into the multi-channel, satellite-delivered network that now reaches millions of viewers in 177 countries.

Russell came a long way from his days as an Army signal officer in Vietnam listening to sounds of home on the American Forces Network. He made the Army's first conversion from black-and-white to color television at Fort Benning, Ga. He assisted the British Army in setting up its first TV production facility and even helped CNN get off the ground

Johnston Island?

Jeremy sent along an interesting picture

"I was going through some photos I got off Ebay awhile ago and found the attached photo of George Ingham and another Airman doing a radio show.

The locale is a tropical island but I can't figure out which Island it might be some of the photos were of Johnston Island so there's a strong possibility that's where the station was especially is there was a radio station there. I've attached a high resolution scan."

Only thing I can tell for sure is that some of the ETs are sleeved in the early 1960s sleeves, but those were around forever (We had boxes of them in Panama in the early 1980s.

Do you know where that studio was?

Jeremy

LaRita Shelby update

Jazzy Rita has a Lifetime movie coming up.  Film is called "Survival".  Details when they are available.

Goodbye Dave Rabbitt

I just received work that "Dave Rabbitt" passed away in January.  Dave was a pirate broadcaster for 21 days in Saigon during 1971.

Here's the story

During the war, Dave had "Radio First Termer", here's the story and airchecks:

Radio First Termer Homepage

                                                    

AFN Mark White Around Berlin 1970

Mark White was America to Berlin.  A 30 year run anywhere is an amazing run.  Today the spotlight is on Charles Asnavour

This is the first part of Robert Barker's collection.  He was assigned to the hospital, had a reel to reel and made (and saved) some great tapes!

Specialist Barker's Story

AFN Around Berlin 1970 Mark White