Gary Mitchell

CKLW began using the Drake format in April 1967, but it wasn't the Big Eight at first. CKLW initially branded itself as "Fun Radio 8" or "Radio 8." The "Big Eight" designation began to be used in July 1967, shortly after this aircheck was recorded.

One of the early voices in CKLW's Drake era was Gary Mitchell, who appeared in middays in 1967 and 1968.

Mitchell, whose real name is Barry Silverman, was also at WUBE Cincinnati, WIBG Philadelphia and in Texas at KLVI Beaumont and KUT and KNOW Austin. After 12 years as program director at WABB Mobile, Alabama, he went into private business in 1979 as owner of Soundworks Studios in Mobile.

Here's Gary on February 17, 1968 behind the mic at CKLW. [ Part 1 ] and [ Part 2 ] Again on CKLW July 13, 1967. [ LISTEN ]