September 27 Radio History

William Conrad

In 1920...actor William Conrad was born in Louisville Kentucky. His prolific career as an actor, producer and director spanned five decades on radio, film and television. Known for playing Marshall Matt Dillon in CBS Radio’s Gunsmoke, and many other radio roles, Conrad estimated that he actually played more than 7,500 roles during his lengthy radio career.  On TV he starred in two series, Cannon (1971-76) and Jake & the Fatman (1987-92.) He died Feb. 11, 1994 of heart failure, at age 73.


In 1933..."Waltz Time" debuted on NBC Radio. It remained on the network until 1948.




In 1938...Comedian Bob Hope premieres a new song, "Thanks For The Memory," on his eponymous NBC radio show.

Diana Ross, not MJ

In 1980...The Hot 100..Diana Ross remained on top with "Upside Down", the #1 song for a fourth week.  In many markets, however, Australia's Air Supply's "All Out of Love" was #1.  Queen trailed those two with "Another One Bites the Dust".  George Benson moved up with "Give Me the Night" while Johnny Lee was "Lookin' for Love".

The rest of the Top 10:  Paul Simon's "Late in the Evening", Eddie Rabbitt hopped up with "Drivin' My Life Away", Irene Cara's "Fame" was at #8, Larry Graham remained at 9 with "One In a Million You" and Kenny Loggins reached the Top 10 with "I'm Alright".






In 1985...Howard Stern did last show at WNBC





In 1995...Alison Steele air personality at WNEW FM, WNEW AM, WPIX FM, WXRK died.





In 2004...Legendary rock producer Phil Spector, best known for creating the "Wall Of Sound" on hits like the Ronettes' "Be My Baby" and the Righteous Brothers' "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling," is indicted for the February 2003 murder of actress Lana Clarkson at his estate in Alhambra, CA.


In 2012...Chuck Crane OM at WHTZ, PD at WYNY died.