The word cruisin' doesn't appear in the dictionary, but it's a familiar word to millions of people who did it. CRUISIN' THE FIFTIES AND SIXTIES, is a year-by-year recreation of pop music radio during the years 1955 through 1970.
Each album is not just a collection of the top pop music of a particular year, but a total recreation by a top disk jockey (of that year) doing his original program over a major pop music station. That means actual commercials, promotional jingles, sound effects, newscast simulations and even record hop announcements in addition to the original records themselves.
The disk jockeys who appear on the series were picked after a month of carefully researching a decade's issues of BILLBOARD, including tabulating all disk jockey mentions. The names were then cross checked with audience rating services and longtime radio expert Bill Gavin--all this just to determine with jocks on which stations represented each year most accurately.
CRUISIN' producer Ron Jacobs monitored thousands of feet of tape, travelled over 10,000 miles and rooted through forgotten files and cluttered basements for old commercials, station promos and jingles. He also managed to get clearances for 84 different records, of which 42 are certified million-sellers, and all are from the Top 30 of their respective years.
Once all the material had been collected, weeks were spent in the studio carefully integrating almost 1,000 seperate cues, and timing each year's 'radio program' so it could be mastered for tape in four exactly equal parts. This was done to eliminate any dead space on CRUISIN' cassettes and cartridges, making each 'rebroadcast' as realistic as possible and similar to the 'tracking' effects of records. CRUISIN' was, in fact, originally conceived as a tape project: the first major one in the industry. After all, cruisin' meant cars, and listening to rock stations on the car radio; not until the enormous growth of in-car tape equipment was anyone able to recreate not only the sound of yesterday but the environment where the sound was first heard. Says Jacobs: 'The full impact of such originally American social, technological, artistic and economic influences as rock and roll and Top 40 radio may not be fully realized in this century. But regardless of what time will ultimately be required to allow full historic perspective, there is the obligation to preserve the material so the media itself, not just written reviews and descriptions, will exist for future analysis.
1955
Opening Theme (Rock and Roll) -- Buddy Morrow
I Got a Woman -- Ray Charles
'Jumpin' George Rock and Roll Jubilee
Annie Had a Baby -- Hank Ballard and the Midnighters
Teen Jive Talk
Sincerely -- Moonglows
Melrose Record Shop commercial
Hearts of Stone -- Charms
Acme Home Remodelers commercial
My Babe -- Little Walter
'Oh Yeh'
Earth Angel -- Penguins
KSAN station ID
Maybelline -- Chuck Berry
'Jumpin' George Bar-B-Q Pit jingle (from 1953)
Only You -- Platters
Letter from Korea
Ain't It a Shame -- Fats Domino
30th & San Pedro Furniture Warehouse commercial
Story Untold -- Nutmegs
Rogers Men's Store commercial
Bo Diddley -- Bo Diddley
Columbus Motors (1955 Dodge) commercial
Pledging My Love -- Johnny Ace
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1956
Robin Seymour Theme -- The Four Lads
Roll Over Beethoven -- Chuck Berry
Recommended Record Stores
Eddie My Love -- The Teen Queens
Faygo Root Beer commercial
Why Do Fools Fall In Love -- Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers
Robin Seymour's Original Rock 'n' Roll Review
Tonite Tonite -- The Mello Kings
Dog Pound (remote) announcement
Fever -- Little Willie John
1956 Ford Commercial -- The Four Lads
The Great Pretender -- The Platters (N/L)
WKMH station ID
WKMH sports headlines -- Van Patrick
Tutti Frutti -- Little Richard
Sunday Show Promo
Stranded in the Jungle -- The Cadets
Merchants Green Stamp commercial
Speedo -- The Cadillacs
WKMH jingle
Gee -- The Crows
Budweiser® commercial -- The Crew Cuts
In the Still of the Night -- The Five Satins
Detroit Times commercial
Honky Tonk -- Bill Doggett
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1957
Joe Niagra Theme
Susie Q - Dale Hawkins
Muntz TV Commercial
Happy, Happy Birthday Baby - The Tuneweavers
Gelatin-Plus & Rayco Commercial
School Days - Chuck Berry
WIBG Jingle
A Thousand Miles Away - The Heartbeats
The WIBG Weather Sound
Party Doll - Buddy Knox and the Rhythm Orchids
1957 Ford Commercial
Goodnight Sweetheart - The Spaniels
WIBG Station I.D.
Little Darlin' - The Diamonds
Maternity B.V.M. Hop Announcement
Over The Mountain, Across The Sea - Johnny & Joe
WIBG Calling All Cars
Bony Moronie - Larry Williams
WIBG Community Club Awards Promo
To The Aisle - The Five Satins
WIBG Newstip Promo
Honeycomb - Jimmie Rodgers
1957 Mercury Commercial
Long Lonely Nights - Lee Andrews & The Hearts
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1958
Jack Carney theme
At The Hop -- Danny and The Juniors
WIL Back to School contest
Tequila -- The Champs
1958 Mercury commercial
Book of Love -- Monotones
WIL Summertime jingle
Rock and Roll Music -- Chuck Berry
Pookie Snackenberg Button Bit
Kisses Sweeter Than Wine -- Jimmie Rodgers
WIL College of Musical Knowledge Contest
Short Shorts -- The Royal Teens
WIL Station ID
Chantilly Lace -- The Big Bopper
Gillette commercial
Do You Wanna Dance -- Bobby Freeman
Old Spice commercial
Rockin' Robin -- Bobby Day
WIL jingle
Get A Job -- The Silhouettes
Gary Owens Show plug
Ten Commandments of Love -- Harvey & The Moonglows
1958 Chevrolet commercial
Reber Rouser -- Duane Eddy
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1959
Hunter Hancock Theme
(Baby) Hully Gully - The Olympics
Jordan High School Record Hop
There Is Something On Your Mind - Big Jay McNeely
Since I Don't Have You - The Skyliners
Chuck Berry Bit
Almost Grown - Chuck Berry
Saturday Evening Post Commercial
What A Difference A Day Makes - Dinah Washington
Champion Spark Plug Commercial
Say Man - Bo Diddley
KGFJ Station I.D.
Sixteen Candles - The Crests
Personality - Lloyd Price
Dolphin's of Hollywood Commercial
It's Just A Matter Of Time - Brook Benton
Sea Of Love - Phil Phillips
I Only Have Eyes For You - The Flamingos
Robert Hall Commercial
Kansas City - Wilbert Harrison
Hunter Hancock Theme
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1960
Dick Biondi Theme
You Talk Too Much - Joe Jones
St. Mary's Record Hop Plug
Tears On My Pillow - Little Anthony & The Imperials
WKBW Big Weather
Baby, You Got What It Takes - Brook Benton & Dinah Washington
Wardynski Sausage Commercial
What In The World's Come Over You - Jack Scott
Biondi's Pick of the Week:
Finger Poppin' Time -- Hank Ballard & The Midnighters
Budweiser® commercial
See You In September - The Tempos
WKBW station ID
Alley Oop - The Hollywood Argyles
Gillette Commercial and Jingle
Stay - Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs
Genessee Beer Commercial
Running Bear - Johnny Preston
Elvis Presley Bit
The Big Hurt - Toni Fisher
L & M Commercial
Because They're Young - Duane Eddy)
Norwich High Record Hop 'Thank You'
Fannie Mae - Buster Brown
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1961
Arnie Ginsburg Theme -- The 3D's
Blue Moon -- The Marcels
WMEX Tower of Talent
My True Story -- The Jive Five
Adventure Car Hop commercial
Nadine -- Chuck Berry
WMEX jingle
Wooden Heart -- Joe Dowell
WMEX Mystery City Contest
But I Do -- Clarence 'Frogman' Henry)
1961 Ford Commercial
Beep Beep -- The Playmates
WMEX station ID
Arnie Ginsburg Theme -- Freddie Cannon
Tossin' & Turnin' -- Bobby Lewis
WMEX Teacher of the Day contest
Daddy's Home -- Shep and The Limelights
Pal Mal Rock Commercial -- Mal, The 3D's, and Arnie
Runaway -- Del Shannon
WMEX jingle
Barbara Ann -- The Regents
Fenway DJ promo
Ya Ya -- Lee Dorsey
1961 Pontiac commercial
Hideaway -- Freddie King
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1962
KLIF News Headlines
Peppermint Twist -- Joey Dee & The Starlighters
Soldier Boy -- The Shirelles
KLIF Summer Spectacular
I Need Your Lovin' -- Don Gardner & Dee Dee Ford
This Knight's Bullseye
Hey Baby -- Bruce Channel
KLIF Master Control
Let Me In -- The Sensations
Skyland Chrysler commercial
Johnny Angel -- Shelley Fabares
KLIF station ID
Duke of Earl -- Gene Chandler
You'll Lose a Good Thing -- Barbara Lynn
Gillette commercial
The Wanderer -- Dion
KLIF E.S.P. promo
Goodbye Cruel World -- James Darren
Flying High in the Dallas Sky
Sealed With A Kiss -- Brian Hyland)
KLIF DJ Trading Stamp promo
Locomotion -- Little Eva
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1963
Opening Theme (HAND CLAPPIN' - Red Prysock)
Easier Said Than Done - The Essex
WMCA 'Good Guy' Sweatshirt Winner Announcement
& B.M.R. 'Bell Ringer' intro
Sally Go Round The Roses - The Jaynettes
WMCA 'Good Guys' Song
He's So Fine - The Chiffons
1963 Dodge Commercial
Twist & Shout - The Isley Brothers
Green Acres Promo
Baby It's You - Shirelles
'Name It And Claim It' Winner
It's My Party - Leslie Gore
WMCA Station I.D.
Walk Right In - The Rooftop Singers
Litter Basket public Service Song
Hey Girl - Freddie Scott
B.M.R. Correspondent's Report
Denise - Randy & The Rainbows
WMCA 'That's The Way To Spend Your Day' Song
Mama Didn't Lie - Jan Bradley
1963 Rambler Commercial
Hey Paula - Paul & Paula
'Musical Love Letters' Contest Winners
Louie, Louie - Kingsmen
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1964
Johnny Holliday Theme
Harlem Shuffle - Bob & Earl
Salute to Warrensville Heights High Tigers
Nitty Gritty - Shirley Ellis
Budweiser® Commercial
Dang Me - Roger Miller
WHK Action Central News Promo
Chapel Of Love - The Dixie Cups
1964 Rambler Commercial
Since I Fell For You - Lenny Welch
Kahn's Weiner Commercial
The Girl From Ipanema - Getz/Gilberto
'My Mommy Listens To WHK' Promo
The Shoop Shoop Song (It's In His Kiss) - Betty Everett
Coca-Cola Commercial - The Limelighters
Talk Back Trembling Lips - Johnny Tillotson
WHK Cash Quiz Jackpot Promo
It's All Right - The Impressions
Miss Teenage Cleveland Announcement
Funny - Joe Hinton
American Lamb Council Commercial - Jane Wyatt
Remember (Walkin' In The Sand) - The Shangri-Las
WHK Radio Wonders Basketball Team Announcement
Suspicion - Terry Stafford
WHK Color Channel 14 Jingle
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1965
KHJ I.D. & Robert W. Morgan Jingle
Hang on Sloopy - The McCoys
1965 Rambler Commercial
Wooly Bully - Sam The Sham & The Pharoahs
Thrifty Drug Stores Jingles & Commercial
You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' - The Righteous Brothers
KHJ Magic Key (Boss Mustang) Promo-*
The Birds & The Bees - Jewel Akens
'Mr. Zip' Public Service Announcement
King Of The Road - Roger Miller
KHJ-TV Beatle Special Promo & 'Golden' Jingle
Sweet Little Sixteen - Chuck Berry
'It's 8:30 in Boss Angeles!'
The Name Game - Shirley Ellis
Standard Shoe Stores Commercial
The 'In' Crowd - Ramsey Lewis Trio
'It's Boss' Promo
It Ain't Me Babe - The Turtles
1965 Studebaker Commercial
Downtown - Petula Clark
U.C.L.A. Bruin Football Announcement
Eve of Destruction - Barry McGuire)
'The Outlaws Is Coming' Commercial
Lover's Concerto - The Toys
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1966
Pat O'Day Theme
Devil With A Blue Dress On/Good Golly Miss Molly-
Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels
Boeing 50th Anniversary Salute
Sunny - Bobby Hebb
1966 Plymouth Commercial
Wipeout - The Surfaris
KJR All American Datebook
Soul & Inspiration - The Righteous Brothers
Washington Fryer Commercial
Psychotic Reaction - The Count Five
1966 Continental Commercial
Born A Woman - Sandy Posey
KJR Channel 95 Jingle
KJR Number One Announcement
Hanky Panky - Tommy James & the Shondells
1966 Chrysler Commercial
Walk Away, Renee - The Left Banke
1966 Pacific Northwest Band Championship Announcement
Lil' Red Riding Hood - Sam The Sham & The Pharoahs
Parker's All-City Dance Commercial
See You In September - The Happenings
Jay Jacobs Jingle & Commercial
California Dreaming - The Mamas & The Papas
Seattle Sea Fair Skipper Pin Announcement
Sweet Pea - Tommy Roe
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1967
Dr. Don Rose Theme
Judy In Disguise (With Glasses) - John Fred & His Playboy Band (2:47)
WQXI Hole-In-One Contest Plug
Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie - Jay & The Techniques
1967 Ford Commercial
Happy Together - The Turtles
WQXI Secret Student Announcement
Society's Child - Janis Ian
Morgan Cleaners Commercial
I Think We're Alone Now - Tommy James & the Shondells
Dr. Don's Birthday Book
Gimme Little Sign - Brenton Wood
WQXI Station I.D. & News
(We Ain't Got) Nothin' Yet - The Blues Magoos
WQXI 'Tenna Topper Contest Promo
Snoopy VS. The Red Baron - The Royal Guardsmen
1967 Rambler Commercial
98.6 - Keith
The WQXI Atlantan Of The Day
Little Bit O' Soul - Music Explosion
John Smith Chevrolet Commercial
The Rain, The Park & Other Things - The Cowsills
Falcon Factbook Announcement
Incense And Peppermints - Strawberry Alarm Clock
WQXI 'Good, Good Morning' Jingle
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1968
JOHNNY DARK - WCAO INTRO
MAGIC CARPET RIDE - STEPPENWOLF
60 CALLING PROMO
DOUBLE MINT GUM COMMERCIAL
WCAO PROMO
I WISH IT WOULD RAIN - THE TEMPTATIONS
JACK EDWARDS PROMO
SPOOKY - CLASSIC IV
MAKE IT OR BREAK IT PROMO
WCAO PROMO
CRY LIKE A BABY - BOX TOPS
WEEPER OF THE WEEK
HONEY - BOBBY GOLDSBORO
JOHNNY DARK WCAO
CARLING BLACK LABEL COMMERCIAL
ANGEL OF THE MORNING - MERRILEE RUSH
GIRL WATCHER - THE O'KAYSIONS
GENE CREASY PROMO
WINK SOFT DRINK COMMERCIAL
MIDNIGHT CONFESSION - GRASS ROOTS
LOVE CHILD - THE SUPREMES
I HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE - MARVIN GAYE
JOHNNY DARK WCAO PROMO
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1969
Harv Moore Intro
Lover Please - Clyde McPhatter
Colt Ford Spot
He Will Break Your Heart - The Groovers
Suburban Trust Spot
WPGC Promo Spot
Tequila - The Champs
Working on a Groovy Thing - Fifth Dimension
Hann's Shoes Commercial
Talk to Me - Sunny & The Sunglows
Carling Black Label Commercial
Abraham, Martin & John - Smokey Robinson &
The Miracles
WPGC Promo
Coke Commercial
My Boyfriend's Back - The Angels
Two In A Row Promo
The Israelites - Desmond Dekker & The Aces
Tanya Suntan Lotion Commercial
McDonald's Commercial
Pushin' Too Hard - The Seeds
My Cherie Amour - Stevie Wonder
Harv Moore WPGC Promo
'Good morning, Washington!'
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1970
Kris Erik Stevens -- WLS opening
Spirit in the Sky -- Norman Greenbaum
Sears Record Sale commercial
March of Dimes commercial
Weather/WLS sports
Drowning in the Sea of Love -- Joe Simon
Joe Woods for Cook County Board commercial
WLS promo
Green-Eyed Lady -- Sugar Loaf
WLS promo
Gypsy Woman -- Brian Hyland
Coke commercial
Vehicle -- Ides of March
Pantry Food Mart commercial
WLS More Music promo
One Less Bell to Answer -- The Fifth Dimension
WLS News Special
89 Hour Color TV WLS promo
Rock of Chicago
Don't Let the Green Grass Fool You -- Wilson Pickett
Eastern Airlines commercial
Big Brothers of Chicago public service commercial
WLS Number One Oldie:
Will You Love Me Tomorrow -- The Shirelles
Windy City weather
National Conference of Christians and Jews public service commercial
Carling Black Label commercial
Kris Erik Stevens promo
Pepperidge Farm commercial
Sunshine -- Jonathan Edwards
George W. Dunne political commercial
Celebrate -- Three Dog Night
Chicago Today commercial
New World Coming -- Mama Cass