STEREO TOP STREAM 64Kbps (14 Khz)
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STEREO TOP STREAM 64Kbps (14 Khz)
[Description by Larry Ware] Harry Harrison, New York's beloved Morning Mayor, began his radio career in the early 1950's in Chicago, IL as a volunteer at FM educational station WBEZ. In 1953 he obtained a temporary eight-month position at 50,000 watt WCFL as a summer replacement before winding his way to my hometown, Peoria, IL.
Last fall, after hearing Harry's intriguing account of his radio career and the path that led him to the New York market, I asked if I could conduct a telephone interview with him for REELRADIO. To my surprise, he agreed. Over the course of three recording sessions between November and December, 2004 Harry recounted the path of his radio career, along with some insights into his personal life. With the generous help of fellow aircheck collectors, I was able to assemble the supporting audio material that is heard throughout the interview. But the bulk of the roll-ins came from Harry's own personal collection. Over the course of 6 months this interview was produced and digitally edited in my basement "studio." With the exception of a Gentner (hybrid, used to record the phone interview) all the other equipment used was consumer grade electronics, a 20-year old Radio Shack microphone, and two eight-year-old PowerMac computers. My wife, Hope Ware, who has had extensive production experience at WPEO radio, advised me in quality issues throughout the production and editing process. She was a tremendous help. One of the most interesting surprises that came out of this project was establishing contact with one of Harry's co-workers from WPEO, Bob Moore. He was their news director from 1958 to 1960. Bob very graciously agreed to voice the opening of this interview for me (on his own personal cassette recorder). A WIRL engineer originally captured Bob Moore's voice from WPEO back in Oct. 1959. This engineer was checking their competitor's sign-on and sign-off times
For most of the roll-ins I tried to stay true to the content and the time period with only one notable exception. The WPEO jingles that appear throughout are from the 1960 PAMS Series 14, incorporated just after Harry left the station.
It is my hope that you will enjoy this rare glimpse into Harry Harrison's life and radio career. It was my desire to not only capture Harry's story but some of his wonderful humor, personality, and warmth as well. I count it a great privilege and joy to have worked with such a fine gentleman as Mr. Harrison. He was so patient and understanding to work with throughout this project.
I'd like to extend a heartfelt thanks to radio's best friend, Harry Harrison, for graciously sharing his life with all of us.
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