The greatest Boston, MA, radio personalities of the 1960s and 1970s

The amazing sounds that came out of a tiny Zenith transistor radio during the 1960s and 1970s

by Eric H., lifelong New England native (article posted on 10/3/07)

No high-tech, high expense, high-profile audio system today could ever have captured the rich sounds that came out of a $19 pocket-sized Zenith AM-FM transistor radio with an ugly orange facade during the 1960s and 1970s.

The results had nothing to do with the technical proficiency of the audio company's product, but rather what came out of the radio: passionate, livewire, one-of-a-kind disc jockeys playing music that sounded great. Many childhood seasons in the sun with my beloved radio led to a one-of- a-kind love affair with some of the greatest formatted radio stations in the history of this medium -- back when my hair was short, of course. We learned about the great Chicago Fire from Paper Lace's "The Night Chicago Died; war heroism in "Billy Don't be a Hero" by Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods (although the girl "threw the letter away"); the way we felt in June with "School's Out" by Alice Cooper; and what we thought was an intro to urology in "Yellow River." The music was fun and the disc jockeys made it that much more fun. It sounded like most announcers were having a great time rather than fitting into a generic, demographic, it-sounds-the-same-in-every-city radio show. Whether it was big-city DJ Joel Cash on WRKO Boston or the less talented types like "Supersonic Sid Tufts" on WCAV-FM in Brockton, MA, the passion for exciting was almost always there

Whether we were being driven by my Mom in our phony wood-paneled Mercury Marquis station wagon to Marshalls for end-of the summer school preparation or enjoying a classic summer day at Silver Lake State Park in Hollis, NH, the radio was always there providing instant memories that still reside in my heart and mind today.

Some of the greatest Boston radio personalities of the 1960s and 1970s include:

Dale Dorman, WRKO-- Dale Dorman led the way with his wacky, fast-talking, improvisational, out-of-control-but-in-control morning radio show. Not blessed with the greatest radio voice, Dorman made the most of his talents, courtesy of a gift of verbal dexterity and the ability to tell jokes and provide energy to a waking-up time. It didn't matter if Dorman was reading an advertisement, talking over the beginning or end of a song, or just having general loose bowels of the mouth, he was always on his game as an amazingly consistent entertainer. Carolyn Murdoch with the news, short, punchy jingles and concise, tuneful top radio songs helped make the Dale Dorman show the best-remembered example of classic AM top 40 radio in Boston. He's still good, as evidenced at his current stint as the morning host at Oldies 103.3 in Boston.

Dave Maynard, WBZ -- Dave Maynard had no need to scream to be listened to. He seemed like the favorite uncle at the family barbecue -- a funny, but in-control guy who had lots to say, but also was loved for his ability to listen. He had tremendous interaction with his co-workers and listeners -- paving the way for latter disc jockeys like Joe Martelle (see below). Playing the best of middle of the road music, Dave Maynard was a staple of WBZ radio

Jess Cain, WHDH -- Jess Cain brought a more laid-back yet humorous and almost theatrical angle to local morning radio. Consistently witty, but never laugh-out-loud funny, Cain brought myriad information and entertainment to morning radio for many years. Perhaps the most prepared out of all the 1970s radio personalities, each Jess Cain show could have stood on its own as a great performance. He made Boston morning radio classy, informative, entertaining and unique. It's hard to find, today, a morning radio talk show host who could conduct a show with such stellar efficiency while not sacrificing any broadcasting passion and heart. Cain also proved that you don't have to resort to gutter humor to get the listeners' attention.

Editor's note: Jess Cain died on Feb. 14, 2008, at 81.  I want to thank Jess for the 33 years of radio excellence at WHDH. Although I didn't personally know Mr. Cain, there are some tears coming out now, I guess, in tribute to all the happiness he brought me during the true radio days. He brought a lot of joy to the airwaves, to our childhood, and to the art and science of informing and entertaining through the magic of radio.  I did know fellow legendary Boston radio personality Norm Nathan (see below) and it just seems sad to me that he and other truly talented people like Mr. Cain are no longer with us.  We are, in fact, now their age when they brought us radio joy, so I guess time does indeed fly by and we have to enjoy each moment in life as a blessing.  Our sympathies go out to his family.  Jess was truly one of the great ones in Boston radio, and is instant "hall of famer" in my book.

EH, VisitingNewEngland.com

Frank Kingston Smith, WHDH Sounding like Dick Van Dyke talking through an echo chamber, the spirited Frank Kingston Smith was livewire all the way, but perhaps most so at his late afternoon stint at WHDH. The perfect drive-home host, Frank Kingston Smith kept things interesting with his original and scripted joke book anecdotes and a gift at making a transition to a newscast, commercial or traffic report interesting. Even if he wasn't that interesting, at times, that deep, resonant voice could have kept our attention.

Norm Nathan, WHDH Perhaps the warmest personality on the radio in a sometimes not-so-warm, self-centered era, Norm Nathan was relaxed, conversational, sincere, generous, and blessed with a great "Jewish" sense of humor and an encyclopedic knowledge of jazz music. A friend of our family, we knew Norm as one of the nicest people around, someone who always seemed liked an instant friend -- even though we didn't see him often. I remember one time in his latter years at a family meal at the China Blossom in North Andover, MA, where he just lit up the room with his warmth. There wasn't a more sincere guy; what you heard on the radio is what he was in person.

Harry Nelson, WRKO -- Nelson had an intense, unique, fast-talking voice sounding voice as if he hadn't been to the bathroom in a month. He also helped create the WRKO sound as one of the most identifiable personalities on the station. Harry Nelson was known in every elementary and junior high school playground for his glib, almost out-of-control personality. He was also known by many parents as an enabler to music they just didn't understand. We knew better; Nelson was one of our radio idols.

Joe Martelle, WVBF and WROR -- The ultimate "good guy," Martelle first brightened up our afternoons on WROR and then as part of the "Joe and Andy Show." Always presenting a sincere, positive presentation, Martelle had the resonant voice and one-of-kind personality to standout in an era when disc jockeys began to sound generic. Without a doubt, Martelle had the best interaction with his audience -- equally appealing to 20-something types and little old ladies who could stomach the rock in roll in between Martelle's unforgettable personality.

Jim Sands, WHDH -- The "Famous Jim Sands" had one of those made-for-radio voices -- resonant, driving and steady. He had a terrific oldies show on Saturday night for many years and as a fill-in weekday announcer sounded better than the regular radio show hosts. You could always identify Sands' voice, unlike much of the generic any-city announcers of today. That distinctive voice, an obvious love for his craft, an unassuming sense of humor and an innate sense of what made radio terrific resulted in one of the all-time great Boston radio personalities.

Stay tuned for more great 1960s and 1970s Boston radio personalities!