A native of Rochester, New York, Bob Green was simply one of radio's platter-spinning stars in the 1960's. Speaking of Rochester, that's where Green got his first big break in 1958. After starting in Geneva, New York, Bob went to WSAY. By '61, Bob found himself at WKMH in the Motor City. In 1962, he moved south to the Sunshine state for a gig at WQAM.
Working at WKNR.In just 9 months at 56 'QAM, Bob Green took his audience share from 9% to a 24% of the entire listening audience and was recognized as the city's top radio personality. Then, it was on to WKNR (Keener 13) in Detroit. Bob picks up the story from there. "Todd Storz and WQAM were of course, at the very start of the tradition of "top 40", and WKNR was basically a transplant of WQAM to the Motor City in 1963.
Bob spinning the turntable at WKNR on December 20, 1965. [ LISTEN ]
Bob tells callers that they are contest winners. The Beatles have just released Rubber Soul. Do you want some tickets to The Dave Clark Show? Lucky License plate contest and more. (14:32)
When Bob went to Detroit he soon brought up Jerry Goodwin from WQAM. Jerry and Bob then proceeded to bring up Ted Clark from QAM and then we all worked at getting "Rock Robbins" up from their competition, WFUN. He then became known as "Scott Regen".
"What would you like to hear?" 1966By the time the first year was up, Bob and the gang were sporting 30's! All this with a signal at 1310 on the AM dial, with a nighttime pattern that didn't cover the east side of Detroit. The station was a 24 hour cartoon, much fun production and a great staff. Everyone was also in the right place at the right time, riding in on the wings of both Motown and the Beatles popularity.
Detroit Free Press news on Bob's trip abroad.Bob on November 13, 1966 playing “international hits” exclusively on WKNR. [ LISTEN ] (33:37)
Heard are foreign versions of Black Is Black, Norwegian Wood, One Day You'll Search For Me, One, Two, Three, and more. Included is a brief newscast and various commercials.
Bob on the air again at WKNR on February 25, 1970. [ LISTEN ] (13:58)
WKNR: November 1963Bob worked with other legends at WKNR, including long-time Detroit fave Robin Seymour and future WMCA 'Good Guy' Gary Stevens. In 1972, Green moved to KULF in Houston. A year later, he founded Bob Green Productions, a company offering commercial audio production to agencies and corporations throughout the land.
Over 30 years later, Bob still operated the firm in Houston. When you listen to a Bob Green aircheck, the true essence of top 40 comes through. A tight board, quick quips, enthusiasm, and the ability to 'weave' in and out of jingles, spots, and tunes. That's the hallmark of a radio pro. Bob Green had it in spades.
Over 30 years later, Bob still operated the firm in Houston. When you listen to a Bob Green aircheck, the true essence of top 40 comes through. A tight board, quick quips, enthusiasm, and the ability to 'weave' in and out of jingles, spots, and tunes. That's the hallmark of a radio pro. Bob Green had it in spades.
This is three incredible hours of the Bob Green Show on March 30, 1970. [ LISTEN ] (3:00:22)
Bob is in Miami working at WQAM in 1962. [ LISTEN ] (9:03) Bob is playing records at WKNR on December 4, 1965. [ LISTEN ] (14:28) Bob at Keener in 1966. [ LISTEN ] (4:24) Bob at Keener on February 13, 1967 when The Monkees' Davy Jones calls in to the show. [ LISTEN ] (6:16)
Saying goodbye to Davy Jones and more from February 13, 1967. [ LISTEN ] (9:29), and here's Bob when he was working at WXYZ on April 2, 1972. [ LISTEN ] (9:01)
Some materials found on this page were originally published by the following: Rock Radio Scrapbook, Motor City Radio Flashbacks.
