By George Katsakis (64.12.103.51 - 64.12.103.51) on Sunday, April 07, 2002 - 06:43 pm:

Lee Alan, stopped in at the Clawson and as always it's good to see an old friend. Lee and I go back to the early 60's and we should be looking forward to his contributions to the Forum. Lee still has his great voice and is very active in the entertainment business along with his advertising agency.

Lee, has a great project that is just getting ready to get into high gear that I think will be a must. The project is a CD titled "Lee Alan Presents...Back in the 60's again. All things exactly as they were....Music, News, Sports and movies. Lee, was kind enough to present me with an issue dated February 2, 1967. It is great and features many songs of Motown greats, live interviews with B. Gordy, Smokey Robinson and others. I think that you will find this a nice compliment with Northern Soul. I don't know how to obtain this but you could ask Lee as he has promised that he will be a contributor to this sight very soon so keep your eyes open.

We also had some fun conversations about Moreys Royal Twist Lounge which Lee launched along with the Royatones. Those were some great times.

Also, we were fortunate to have a visit from Millie and her friend Ms. Schwartz, contributors to the forum. Lee also rememberd them from his radio days so all in all it was a nice evening and I look forward to seeing them at the Clawson on the 6th. of September.

If you have any questions for Lee, I would suggest they get posted here or just start a new subject.

By the way, Lee tells me he has numerous tapes from the 60s featuring interviews, radio ads and I guess just about everything he ever did on the radio. His new project covers all the 60s and not one particular date. Fun stuff.

By Ritchie (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Sunday, April 07, 2002 - 07:50 pm:

George - hi!

I have to say the 60s CD sounds absolutely fascinating (eh, Carl?)

We on this side of the pond had none of this to enjoy, so it's not mere nostalgia on our part - it's a culture that we never experienced. Apart from the short-lived pirate radio radio stations in the sixties, the US-style of broadcasting was never an option for us to enjoy.

So, I could see at least some demand from this side of the water, for sure. Please keep us posted on its progress, and we'll look forward to hearing from Lee too!

By john lester (213.122.203.57 - 213.122.203.57) on Sunday, April 07, 2002 - 07:52 pm:

Gasp!!

Scott Regan all over again......

Was Lee Alan the guy that did an interview thing with the Vandellas.....

I need to give my memory a jog...

By Ian W (213.122.176.140 - 213.122.176.140) on Sunday, April 07, 2002 - 08:57 pm:

These radion deejays seemed to add something to the record! The British deejays on the other hand seemed rather conservative. I can only remember Emperor Rosco making himself heard during the record with an odd interjection!

By Ian W (213.122.176.140 - 213.122.176.140) on Sunday, April 07, 2002 - 08:58 pm:

I don't know! I'm making commercials for soap powder now! It should have read .. ralio!

By Ritchie (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Sunday, April 07, 2002 - 09:04 pm:

Yes, Ian

Somehow, Jimmy Young just wasn't quite as exciting....

By john lester (213.122.201.16 - 213.122.201.16) on Sunday, April 07, 2002 - 10:27 pm:

Emperor Rosko got into my good books the day he played the Contours "Can You Jerk Like Me".

Oh yeah, come on children...

FAB

By Ritchie (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Sunday, April 07, 2002 - 10:42 pm:

From the archives, Mr Michael Pasternak...



The Emperor Rosko

By john lester (213.122.203.225 - 213.122.203.225) on Monday, April 08, 2002 - 08:02 am:

That Vandellas track I was talking about

Set Me Free - Lee Alan and the Vandellas

Martha Reeves has been asked about it, but her memory is a bit foggy on this one.

(Ritchie..love the pic of Rosko - he was a lways a bit esoteric in his soul tastes...real left field..you would not really hear the latest Supremes title, more likely something like Carollyn Crawford....aaah, those were the days!)

By Carl Dixon London (62.31.40.155 - 62.31.40.155) on Monday, April 08, 2002 - 08:19 am:

Correct Ritchie - American radio stuff I love. Rosko was a great presenter. I have three of the original Atlantic release albums he did with all the glitz and jingles on. I bought them because it was different to hear the records in this style, like the Cruisin stuff. I love his outro for Archie Bell & the Drells/Here I go again! When I hear Atlantic stuff I can actually hear Rosko making his comments as the records fades -embedded into my mind from the seventies, when his albums were first released. I loved the big brassy Count Basie backing tracks he used. Compare that with his counterparts on Radio One today! What has happened to the music and what has happened to the great personality radio presenters?

I think the Lee Alan product would certainly be collectable. Especially if interviewing personalities of the time. Any Pams jingles though??? Lee, please call in and say hello. We will have many questions for you. Mine will be 'technical' radio stuff, because I am interested in that too. Idents, jingles, trailers and the music of course. Sport - well, afraid not! But I can take the rough with the smooth!

Cheers

By Bob Olhsson (68.53.120.100 - 68.53.120.100) on Monday, April 08, 2002 - 06:21 pm:

Lee was the top DJ in Detroit for a number of years. Here's a link to an aircheck of Lee in 1965:

http://www.reelradio.com/bg/index.html#lawxyz67

You need to scroll down the page to find him lost among all the keener guys.

By Ian W (213.122.31.80 - 213.122.31.80) on Monday, April 08, 2002 - 10:06 pm:

Nice one guys! How about a Northern Soul deejay trying in a similar vein, rather than just telling you what he/she just played (if even that)! Any takers? I had a dj spot last weekend with only 12 in the audience - and only two of them danced - and one of them was my wife. Still, she wont buy me a scanner!

Ian

By ian W (213.122.31.80 - 213.122.31.80) on Monday, April 08, 2002 - 10:07 pm:

ps. Love the Emperor Rosko pic!

By Ritchie (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Monday, April 08, 2002 - 10:31 pm:

Hi Ian - re the Rosko pic, I'll tell you where it came from... my original copy of a book called "Who's Who In Pop Radio" - published (and bought) in 1966. It lists all the pirate radio stations, and has pics of all the ships (and forts) - and all the deejays. (I was really into the pirates!)

By Lee Alan (152.163.197.69 - 152.163.197.69) on Tuesday, April 09, 2002 - 04:55 pm:

Hello everyone from The Horn. Yes it's true. I stopped at the Clawson to see my old and dear friend George Katsakis. It was a terrific evening and George is still one of the best sax guys in the world. What he says is true! I am releasing 20 volumes of a series entitled: "Back In The 60s Again". George has one of them. When you listen, all things are exactly as they were. The music, news, sports, people, events, commercials, and ....me. Each volume is a specific date in the 60s. All done in the present tense as if it's happening now. Orginal interviews, jingles, phone calls. Stevie when he was 15. His teacher talking about him. Eddie Kendricks, Smokie, Berry, D. Ross & Original Supremes. Hundreds more. Never before released. And we are also releasing my interview with The Beatles done 3 days after the first Sullivan show on the beach at the Deauville Hotel in Miami. Nice to "see" you all again and if you'd like to commuicate I'll watch this site and be happy to answer questions and talk with all. Warmest regards and love.....Lee Alan...from Motown in the 6os

By Joe (152.163.206.178 - 152.163.206.178) on Tuesday, April 09, 2002 - 05:15 pm:

Lee: Great to hear from you. Look what I found.

By ErikT.O. (64.228.108.114 - 64.228.108.114) on Tuesday, April 09, 2002 - 05:31 pm:

Sounds like a terrific project, hope I can find one in Canada..!

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Tuesday, April 09, 2002 - 06:04 pm:

Lee Alan,
It's Ralph from The Sunliners.( keyboards )
It has been a long while Lee. So good to see you here. This is a great group. Stick around. I have some pics of you with the band when we shot the pilot for Swingin' Kind. I'll get them scanned and post them.

By john lester (213.1.134.160 - 213.1.134.160) on Tuesday, April 09, 2002 - 06:57 pm:

Lee

Hello to you from London in the UK.

Please make sure we can get hold of those releases please.

Meanwhile, can you tell me about

Lee Alan and the Vandellas - Set Me Free

Martha Reeves is touring in the UK at the moment...

By Carl Dixon London (62.31.40.155 - 62.31.40.155) on Wednesday, April 10, 2002 - 02:37 pm:

Lee Alan

Welcome! I am just listening to the ReelRadio streaming audio site that Bob posted. It tends to concentrate on the bits between the records, the jingles and such, which I love. So you were one of the GO-GO guys - that is something! Also this stream is dripping with PAMS jingles, the best cuts from the sixties Series 27/The Jet Set - whoopee! Did you know that the female vocal 'pab' heard on many of the 'all male �jingles on these cuts was a true American Indian called Brown Eyes Long knife? She had an amazing voice that cuts through like an instrument. When they re-sing these jingles for oldies stations, they still keep her vocal on the cut - it makes it. This from The WABC/Pams story web page at:

http://musicradio.computer.net/pams.html

Series 27: While the lyrics are all sung by males, the background tracks feature the tremendous voice of Glenni Rutherford. Glenni (a Cherokee Indian) has a voice that can reach amazing highs. Those high sweeping melodic backgrounds heard throughout the package were her voice. Bill used her voice as he would a musical instrument like the piccolo. Her ability to hit these amazing notes is legendary from this package.

Lee - I will certainly buy the product, just keep us posted! I have loads of WXYZ jingles somewhere on a cassette I bought years ago, poor quality though. To hear them in programming and even better, with Motown stuff, it would be great! Why not create a 30 years later montage, looking at high lights and interviewing the stars as they are today!

By Lee Alan (205.188.200.191 - 205.188.200.191) on Friday, April 12, 2002 - 09:51 am:

This is a re-posting from DeAnne's Forum. I thought you all might be interested:
Hello everyone..Hello DeAnne, Steve The Count, and all. I was turned on to this site by George K and am blown away by all of your writings and memories. Visited George at the Clawson last weekend and he told me about September. I'll be there ....listening. Steve, I was touched by your rememberances of my partners on the radio. Don Zee followed me at midnight for all those years...would love to have copies of those airchecks you have. And that picture of Joel. Dear Brother Joel. He and I were first on TV with a New Year's Eve party. It lead to the beginning of Club 1270. Anyone remember? Yes, sadly we lost Joel to bone cancer a few years ago. Dave Prince and I attended his memorial service in Chicago. Went to his home there. Visited with his wife and son Mark who looked just like Joel. DeAnne: Re: "The Swingin' Kind". The show was conceived by me and John Pival, the President of WXYZ-Channel 7. There were three of them. One was the one mentioned. That one took place at Edgewater Park. The second one was downtown at the Michigan Consolidated Gas building with The Supremes and other Mowtown folks. The third was at Metropolitan Beach with Stevie, Lesly Gore, Coasters, Back Porch Majority and others. I have a poster pic of that one. It is also in David Carson's book. Do any of you have the book? The show achieved phenominal ratings and Mr. Pival intended it to be nationally syndicated through ABC's Circle 7 productions; but just as we were about to go national the political forces at the station got to the ABC brass on New York and Mr. Pival was forced out...and thus the show died. John Pival was a great inovator and original thinker. Discovered Soupy and all other live things on Channel 7 in the fifties and 60s. Joel and I were fraternity brothers...thus the "Brother Joel and Brother Lee" thing. Yes, he was all you said. Talented, kind, and all that. I will copy this and put it on the forum site that Goerge K started about me. I'll check in here now and then and would love to talk with you all again. I also have some pics, but don't yet know how topost them here. My personal email is leeallan at aol dot com. Would love to hear from everyone here and there. Love, respect, and memories....Lee Alan..."On The Horn"





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

By Lee Alan (205.188.200.191 - 205.188.200.191) on Friday, April 12, 2002 - 09:56 am:

Joe, John, Ian, Carl and All:

Thanks for your comments and kind words. I have first pics of CD covers and if I can figure out how to post them here I will. Anyone want to walk me through the process? Regards...Lee

By Lee Alan (205.188.200.191 - 205.188.200.191) on Friday, April 12, 2002 - 10:16 am:

Ralph....Great to Hear from you. I remember you and all the Sunliners. I would love to have those pics of us from the pilot of the Swingin' Kind. Maybe you could post them here and email to me at Lee Allan at aol dot com. Regards, Lee

By Lee Alan (205.188.200.191 - 205.188.200.191) on Friday, April 12, 2002 - 10:25 am:

Ian, John & All:

I wrote "Set Me Free" in 1963. It was about The Horn. Took it to Barny Ales who gave to to Popcorn Wyley. It was produced in the Hitsville studios. Martha and the Vandellas were backup singers. Marvin Gaye played my Horn, Stevie was on piano, and Smoke was in there doing something. We only had an hour to do it and...I HAD THE WORST COLD EVER! My voice cracked and I could reach the high notes....but in the end it all worked. I have copies of the song and it is included in the "Back In The 60s Series". Let me know if you'd like more info. Regards, Lee Alan

By Carl Dixon London (195.153.219.170 - 195.153.219.170) on Friday, April 12, 2002 - 12:54 pm:

Lee Alan - you will need to scan the labels fisrt. I am no expert although I managed to post a photograph a while back. There are instructions on the left of this page called 'Get Fancy'. Take a look in there first and see if it makes sense. I have never heard 'Set me Free' - I cannot wait to hear it on your CD's. Was it commercially released?

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Friday, April 12, 2002 - 01:03 pm:

Lee,
As soon as I can get the pics of The Swingin' Kind scanned I will post them and also send them to you. It is great to see you here Lee. I am so sorry to hear about Joel. Both of you guys were special to The Sunliners.

By Ritchie (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Friday, April 12, 2002 - 01:38 pm:

Lee

Hey ...at least three copies sold already on this side of the pond... d'you need a UK distributor? ;o)

By john lester (213.122.204.247 - 213.122.204.247) on Friday, April 12, 2002 - 11:22 pm:

Lee

I see you got a British sense of humour too!!!

HAHAHAHHA

I want to hear that Set Me Free too........how can I?

By Lee Alan (152.163.204.209 - 152.163.204.209) on Saturday, April 13, 2002 - 12:38 am:

By Lee Alan (152.163.204.77 - 152.163.204.77) on Saturday, April 13, 2002 - 02:18 am:

By John Lester (213.1.135.249 - 213.1.135.249) on Saturday, April 13, 2002 - 07:43 am:

Lee Alan

I can't see those images!

Can you also tell me what exactly what the "On The Horn" means please?

By Lee Alan (64.12.105.38 - 64.12.105.38) on Saturday, April 13, 2002 - 01:38 pm:

By john lester (213.122.193.250 - 213.122.193.250) on Saturday, April 13, 2002 - 01:50 pm:

Lee Alan

I am not getting any picture..is it me doing something wrong......

By the count (63.212.151.34 - 63.212.151.34) on Saturday, April 13, 2002 - 02:13 pm:

Hey Lee, maybe your scanner has a cold like the poor little fine toned horn, anyhow the picture you are uploading cannot be bigger than 50kb. You might have to set your resolution on the scanner to a lower setting like 75. Make sure you have the correct hard drive address that you are pulling your picture from (its the browse option)
p.s. did you get the message from yesterday 4/12/02

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Saturday, April 13, 2002 - 02:16 pm:

Lee, I just e-mailed you some different directions for uploading pictures. Take a look, and see if it helps.

By the count (63.212.151.34 - 63.212.151.34) on Saturday, April 13, 2002 - 02:24 pm:

Hi Lee,its Steve The Count,Was really kool to see you and talk to you again at the Clarence Doo Wop show. When you asked the crowd, What was the LEE ALAN fine toned horn made of, that was me who shouted out "ABORDINITE".I have part one of the LEE ALAN CD I made for you, finishing up pt.2 now.When can we get together so I can give you this and have you do our car club annoncement? I will give you the LES ELGART,Zing went the strings and the words we would like you do do, just like the opening you did with the Les Elgart thing,only the words would be a little different,Kontinentals-The Doo-Wop Kruisers,(now they can sing,and see them swing,ooowww-we)well you get the idea. I keep in touch with Tony Micale quite a bit as you know.Our kruise nites start real soon, so I would like to get this done ASAP.Stay tuned as the entertainment continues,and dont you dare turn that car into a couple of tons of deadly weapon.I think your really gonna dig the thing I did with the recording "Its A Gas,by Elfred E.Nueman, I removed all the Burps and dubed in the sounds of THE FINE TONED HORN,along with other LEE ALAN spots.Maybe we can meet at Jamies one nite.I am usually there on SAT.nites and sit in on drums time to time ,let me know.Thanx LEE. Steve The Count.

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Monday, April 15, 2002 - 03:40 am:

Dear Lee, I will look for an e-mail from you. Work is deanne@komp.com. Home is edde@lvcm.com. I hope the directions helped for the photos from that time.

By lee Alan (205.188.199.174 - 205.188.199.174) on Friday, April 19, 2002 - 02:58 pm:

Ritchie: Yes looking for a distributor in UK and Europe. I understand that Motown is still big there?

Count: Thanks for putting together the CD. In addition to our "Back In the 60s Again" series we are going to release many volumes of original shows and collector's things from Detroit in the 50s & 60s. I would be interestted in purchasing any good recordings you may have of my shows. Just let me know when you'd like that intro.

DeAnne: So nice to be hearing from you. I will email to your addresses, but did not receive your special photo downloading instructions. My email is LeeAllan at aol dod com (notice-2 Ls)

All: Terrific site here. Please be in touch.

Memories....and Best Personal Regards...Lee Alan

By the count (64.152.154.87 - 64.152.154.87) on Friday, April 19, 2002 - 08:57 pm:

Hey Lee,did you see that?we have the most fantastic d.j. in thi old town ,Lee Alan on the horn.Dont even think about paying me for these cd's.For what you will be doing for The Kontinentals is a million dollars worth of talent,YOU!!!!,and will call it the cream of the crop till 12:00 oclock. ASAP LEE. I will call you at the Media and we can talk about getting together.Thanx Lee, LOVE---Steve The Count.

By Ritchie (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Friday, April 19, 2002 - 09:15 pm:

Lee

Classic Motown (and vintage 60s Soul) has never gone out of popularity with many folks over here - as witnessed by the CDs that are coming out here - and then being sold as imports in the States. (Kinda like Bob Dylan in reverse - "SENDING it all back home")

Re the distribution question, I was actually joking, but - one of my best friends IS a wholesaler/distributor in "specialist" areas - particularly Soul and Reggae, where he has exclusive UK rights to several small labels. I'll mention it to him when I see him next.

By Millie (63.212.149.2 - 63.212.149.2) on Saturday, April 20, 2002 - 04:35 am:

Hello Lee:
Missed you tonight at the Clawson Inn...George made me play the tambourine with the band! Sorry I missed your call...try again! Hope you got my message about the Dream Cruise and what Bill Stedman said about their product being distributed at the event.

By Glenn (66.73.178.55 - 66.73.178.55) on Sunday, April 21, 2002 - 03:19 am:

About Lee,
To appreciate Lee Alan, you really must have lived through the 60's in Detroit. Lee was the Godfather of DJ's with a tremendous following. I can remember waiting to turn the station to 1270 to hear words and the music of Lee Alan (on the horn). Being a teenager was always a challenge but it was like there was someone there that was your friend and was not only speaking to the entire audience but also just to you. There was a time that he rolled his corvette and was off work for a long recovery. We kept listening to the radio for updates if and when he would return and how he was progressing healthwise.
The following was huge, the respect was great and the times were good. He played records that sometimes no one would play and recognized talent that no one would pay attention to. I still hear him do commercials from time to time on Detroit radio and the voice is just like a friend from the past. You really had to be here in Detroit to understand what an impact he had on this area, what a good role model he was for the young people of the 60's and if you haven't heard "Set Me Free", it is really a song to be heard.
With much respect and appreciation,
Glenn

By john lester (213.122.199.98 - 213.122.199.98) on Sunday, April 21, 2002 - 07:03 am:

Glenn

You got my mouth watering...and i still ain't heard Set Me Free ..with the Vandellas.

By Glenn (66.73.182.112 - 66.73.182.112) on Sunday, April 21, 2002 - 12:47 pm:

ps to Lee,
I do have a 1961 new years eve tape (I believe almost the whole taped show with commercials) with you and Joel Sebastian. If interested please contact me.
Glenn

By lee alan (205.188.196.37 - 205.188.196.37) on Sunday, April 21, 2002 - 09:42 pm:

Glen:

Thank you for the kind words. Some of you and I are old friends. Oh we met somewhere around some radio, some TV tube, some high school dance, some show somewhere. I loved you all then and do now. That is why we are releasing our series: Back In The Sixties Aagain...very soon. I am also very interested in any recordings you may have of me and/or others who were part of the Motown Explosion. We intend to mnemorailize the era
by publishing all the material we can find.

Thanks for all the kind words. I was in love with my audience and can't believe that you all remember.... Lee Alan

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Sunday, April 21, 2002 - 10:52 pm:

Lee,
You were always fun and a pleasure to listen to.

By THE COUNT (166.90.238.187 - 166.90.238.187) on Monday, April 22, 2002 - 12:12 am:

Lee Alan,what the heck do you mean,you can't believe we all remeber you?how can anyone forget Lee Alan on the horn and all the kool things you did on the RADIO and all that you stand for????About the only thing you did that was not kool, and how well I remeber it is crashing your CORVETTE, how I prayed for you to please get better and come out and get in the limbo contest.As you know I have 1000's of records and albums and reel to reel,and I've be making a ton of CD's,and I stick in after about every 5th. song Lee Allen radio spots and all your kool things of the time, so when I'am playing these at work or our kruise nites, people hear this and say"man I remeber Lee Alan" and so many people ask what station I'am listing to,they all remeber AN ALLAN NAMED LEE.And besides with me playing this material all the time,they have no choice but to remeber,and they and we and everyone loves LEE ALAN.

By Bob Olhsson (68.53.120.100 - 68.53.120.100) on Monday, April 22, 2002 - 03:40 am:

Lee, you were a major part of every kid in Detroit's life. Others may have had higher ratings at times but YOU are who most of us remember forty years later because you did personality radio at its very best.

You were also VERY important to the music because you were entertaining enough that we listeners could put up with a few records we didn't care for as individuals in order to share the ones we loved. Today we no longer have personality jocks and if a record has anything at all to say, it can't get on the air for fear the audience will tune out. We in the record business owe you guys everything and wish radio still supported folks having your level of talent. It ain't just nostalgia Lee, you and your generation of jocks did exceptionally great radio that is sorely missed. It was the reason our generation embraced music with a passion the M-TV generation can't even imagine.
Thanks for all of us!

By david, glasgow, scotland (213.96.205.134 - 213.96.205.134) on Monday, April 22, 2002 - 08:22 am:

it is a pleasure to have lee on soulfuldetroit.

can anyone upload a pic of lee from the sixties?

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Monday, April 22, 2002 - 01:06 pm:

David,
I'll finally see my brother tonight. He's been very busy but I'll see if he can scan the pics of Lee at the shooting of the Swingin' Kind show.

By john lester (213.1.130.44 - 213.1.130.44) on Monday, April 22, 2002 - 03:10 pm:

Tell bruvver Russ..we're always happy to hear from him here...

I call him our man who put the beep in "Reflections"....I find that amusing but it's actually meant with a huge amount of sincerity cos it is a special 45 in my life

Get a few stories from him Ralph.......not the ones when you stole the candy though!! HA HA HA!

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Monday, April 22, 2002 - 03:53 pm:

Most of my brother's stories would make the ladies blush John.

By john lester (213.122.202.137 - 213.122.202.137) on Monday, April 22, 2002 - 08:04 pm:

Ralph!!......I don't know WHAT on earth you could possibly mean! arf arf!

I bet your mum had a tough job trying to keep you two under control. I reckon she more than deserved a box of chocolates on her birthday and her greeting card on Mother's day!

(Ralph, why do I tease you soooo-o-o-o-o)

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Tuesday, April 23, 2002 - 01:24 am:

Because I set myself up so well for you John. I'm irresistable.

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Tuesday, April 23, 2002 - 01:27 am:

I forgot to mention John...the first thing my mother wanted to know after she read Peter Rivera's book was who Rosie was.I don't think she bought my story that Rosie was a Catholic missionary with intentions of saving the lost souls of the band....Mum's no dummy.

By john lester (213.1.131.91 - 213.1.131.91) on Tuesday, April 23, 2002 - 05:32 am:

Ralph....

Mum's are never ever dummies when it comes to their sons......but I reckon your mum had to catch on twice as quick what with having to handle TWO little terrors! LOL

By David Carson (67.104.175.114 - 67.104.175.114) on Thursday, April 25, 2002 - 03:42 pm:

Hello,
I just bumped into this wonderful site and was very happy to see that Lee Alan had mentioned my book - thanks Lee! Now I won't feel so self-serving in talking about it.
The book is titled, "Rockin' Down The Dial: The Detroit Sound of Radio from Jack the Bellboy to the Big 8." A history of of pop music radio in the Motor City from the mid '40s to the mid '70s, about the time the consultants took over.
I had great fun putting together a chapter on Lee Alan during his exciting 1962-63 period on WXYZ. (Lee comes back into the story later) I tried to capture it all, his show, promotions, Walled Lake Casino remotes, unique sign-off with Sinatra etc. Thanks for your input Lee. Lots more on Ed McKenzie, Mickey Shorr, Tom Clay, "Frantic Ernie," and of course, Joel Sebastian, always a class act. There are 48 pages of nostalgic photos of Lee, Joel and many many others. The Detroit music scene is used as a back-drop/timeline for the story. They have some reviews and samples at www.amazon.com. I will try and scan a few photos for the site.
Best regards to all.
Dave

By david, glasgow, scotland (62.252.128.5 - 62.252.128.5) on Thursday, April 25, 2002 - 05:37 pm:

Hi Dave

Where can I pick this up in the Detroit area?

It would be nice to have a few pictures for the forum. Hope that WCHB is well represented.

Stay tuned.

By David (67.104.175.114 - 67.104.175.114) on Thursday, April 25, 2002 - 10:04 pm:

"Rockin' Down the Dial" should be available at any Barnes & Noble, Borders, Little Professor location. It has been out for a couple of years, so if not in stock it can be orderd.

As for your second question, yes, WCHB is covered. Joltin' Joe Howard was the first deejay on 'CHB in '56 and I interviewed him for the book along with Larry Dixon, the "Velvet Voice." Also lots on "Frantic Ernie," Martha Jean "The Queen," "Rockin'Robbie D" and others. Hope you enjoy it.

Best, Dave

By M.McLeanTech (64.236.243.243 - 64.236.243.243) on Thursday, April 25, 2002 - 10:25 pm:

Here is a little offering, for the Lee Alan fans, that is off beat:

After slaving away running the Motown engineering department for about six years, I purchased my first home (about 1967.) It was on St. Marys Avenue on the West side of the street, the second house South of Puritan (spelling?).

About a block east of St Marys, on the North side of Puritan was a little beer store. Naturally, little time passed before I started buying beer there on a regular basis.

It turned out that the store was owned and run by Lee Alan's parents. I got to know them quite well, over the course of several years of daily purchases.

They were nice people, and were very proud of their Son: THE HORN!

Cheers,

Mike McLean

By detroit gal (152.163.205.71 - 152.163.205.71) on Friday, April 26, 2002 - 04:57 am:

OK WXYZ, Club 1270 fans ...

I was one of those too young to go to the Walled Lake Casino to see Billy Lee and the Rivieras (Mitch Ryder to y'all in the U.K.) or Jamie Coe and the Gigolos ...and I had to imagine the Gay Haven just from hearing about it on the radio from guys like Lee Alan, Dave Prince, and of course I would spin the dial over to Keener and Scotty Regen.

I can still sing the Roy O'Brien ad that they thankfully brought back a few years ago ("Stay on the right track, to Nine Mile and Mack"), then there's "Sundaaaaaay at Detroit Dragwaaaaaay" ...

And remember, they'd play the instrumental part of Ray Charles' "What'd I Say" to go with the Walled Lake Casino radio ads. Ah, born too late I was, had to experience it all through a radio ...

By Marilyn (67.217.183.242 - 67.217.183.242) on Friday, April 26, 2002 - 04:02 pm:

Lee-
You know,I sure wouldn't mind a photo of you,Joel,&/or Don Zee to complete my book,which goes to press next week. You can always e-mail photos to me. I tried talking to you once a few years ago anout this,but you weren't very receptive. I'm really trying to do my best for the Detroit music business between my book & the museum I'm putting together. My e-mail is mb4music@yahoo.com and my phone # is:517-536-0891.I spent the last 47 years in the music business,mostly in Detroit & New York. I came back here to spend the next 47 years in it too,plus doing these two projects.
Tunefully yours,
Marilyn

By the count (64.152.157.127 - 64.152.157.127) on Saturday, April 27, 2002 - 01:26 am:

Marilyn,did you get the pictures you asked for that we scanned and e mailed to you?if so let me know and how they came out.They sure looked great on this end..I'am amaised at how well these picture I have that are in brown&wite come out on the scanner and print beautiful on hi gloss photo paper. Steve the count

By Marilyn (67.217.183.52 - 67.217.183.52) on Saturday, April 27, 2002 - 08:17 pm:

Count-
Yes,they came out great. Thanx!

By David Flynn (213.1.131.76 - 213.1.131.76) on Wednesday, May 08, 2002 - 06:18 pm:

Coming in very late on this one, I know (having fun in the archives!), but thought I'd add that the label copy for Lee's "Set me free" also states under it's ZTSC number that the "Proceeds for The YMCA Summer Camp Fund in co-operation with WXYZ Radio".

David
-p.s. ZTSC 94422 before you ask!

By acooolcat (61.222.95.58 - 61.222.95.58) on Thursday, May 09, 2002 - 03:42 am:

I've lost track - which label is it on David?
Cheers, Graham

By Ian W (62.6.65.48 - 62.6.65.48) on Friday, May 10, 2002 - 09:33 pm:

I've got the label as 'Summer Camp Fund' from '63. Is that not the label name?

By David Flynn (213.1.132.254 - 213.1.132.254) on Monday, May 13, 2002 - 10:57 am:

It doesn't state a label name at all, and is mostly a plain white label, but as Ian confirmed it does have "Proceeds for The YMCA Summer Camp Fund in co-operation with WXYZ Radio" on it, albeit it small letters under the ZTSC code.

David

By Marilyn (67.217.183.242 - 67.217.183.242) on Tuesday, May 14, 2002 - 03:59 pm:

Dave Carson-
Hi it's Marilyn Bond. Give me a call.517-536-0891.

By Marilyn (67.217.199.84 - 67.217.199.84) on Tuesday, May 21, 2002 - 11:24 pm:

Okay,I'll try again. Lee. I think you & a couple of other WXYZ djs should be mentioned in my book, "The Birth Of The Detroit Sound". I need photos and info. Are you interested? If so,please give me a call. I only have an old number for you. Mine is 517-536-0891.
Marilyn

By Lee Alan (64.12.102.26 - 64.12.102.26) on Saturday, May 25, 2002 - 02:39 pm:

Hello Marilyn:

So sorry that I was not able to get with you regarding your book. I know how much work and dedicatio it takes to complete such a project. I have been involved in recording sessions nearly 24/7 and other long business things. If I can still be of help please email me at LeeAllan at aol and I willimmediately get back to you. Thanks for thinking of me...Lee

By Lee Alan (64.12.102.26 - 64.12.102.26) on Saturday, May 25, 2002 - 02:45 pm:

Steve:

Your intro is complete. It will be committedto CD on Tuesday-May 28. You should be able to pick it up in mid afternoon. Call First just to make sure. Noticed that the CD you made for me included many things from the Back In The 60's Series. Any way to get some of the actual old shows...or parts thereof? Thanks Lee Alan

By thecount (65.56.188.90 - 65.56.188.90) on Saturday, May 25, 2002 - 03:16 pm:

Lee,thanks for completing intro so quick.Cant wait to hear it,I know your very busy with so many projects and important issues,but this is gonna be one of the most exciting things to come my way in years,the "Kontinentals" and all will love it.(Part2wo@part3hree} of the CD's i'am doing for you will have more of the early day's of Lee Alan on the horn.I know you want good quality and a clean sound,but these were taken off the AM dial on a battery recorder back then from wherever I might have been at the time.Thanks again Lee. Hope you do concider being MC for the Reunion on the 6th.? or 8th.? This will be a big event in this old town.See ya soon.Steve "The Count"

By thecount (64.152.152.134 - 64.152.152.134) on Thursday, May 30, 2002 - 02:33 am:

Lee,Thanx again for making the "KONTINENTALS" intro.God,it is great.Listined to it all the way home over and over.The whole club will love it,and really appreciate it.They all send their thanx also.You will soon get to meet them all,great guys and "GREASERS".Let me know when you have the "Back In The 60's Again"ready and we will deffinitaly promote them for you at our Kruise Nites on Mondays at the Wild Buffalo Wings,and will be honered to do what we talked about...Thanx again Lee.I will have PT.2&PT.3,CD done for you soon also. Jackie and I were so surprised we knew each other,small world,but living in a world with you and all our great DET. talent and friends is what makes it a great world. Steve"The Count"

By 65 memories (66.73.211.203 - 66.73.211.203) on Tuesday, June 04, 2002 - 09:17 pm:

Lee...
Let me stress...please let everyone know when the "Back to the '60s" cds are ready for purchase. I taped your old "Back to the '60s" stuff off the radio some years back when you used to present it on Sun. nights on various Oldies Radio stations. I thought then that this would be a sure sell on a cd.

By pogo (208.153.180.132 - 208.153.180.132) on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 03:53 pm:

Lee,
As in the previous post, please let everyone know when the CDs will be available. I have only on of those shows taped from WYUR some years back.Would love to hear all the old stuff.
Tom

By harryweinger (12.110.192.128 - 12.110.192.128) on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 04:41 pm:

also on the radio subject: check out www.keener13.com

By detroit gal (63.85.105.9 - 63.85.105.9) on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 06:32 pm:

Hi Harry ... It's Susan W.

Also check out www.reelradio.com, anybody who hasn't ...I heard airchecks there by Dave Prince, Lee Alan, Scott Regen (an interview with the Supremes), some great Alan Freed, etc.

By RALPH (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 06:43 pm:

THIS THREAD IS CLOSING............ PLEASE CONTINUE ON LEE ALAN ON THE HORN 2.....THIS THREAD IS CLOSED................