Welcome to RadioTapes.com
For more than 20 years, RadioTapes has been dedicated to preserving and showcasing historic airchecks from Minneapolis-St. Paul (MN)-area radio stations, with recordings dating back to 1924. Operated by radio historian Tom Gavaras, the site features content contributed by a network of over 100 collaborators. With more than 2,500 audio recordings, RadioTapes covers a wide variety of formats and significant event—including major news broadcasts.
FEATURED STATIONS: KDWB, KLBB, KQRS, KSTP, WCCO, WDGY, WLOL, WWTC, WYOO (U100), and Unlicensed.
MORE AIRCHECKS: Additional stations and airchecks.
SPORTS AIRCHECKS: Highlights and interviews from Gopher, Twins, Vikings, North Stars, MN Lakers broadcasts and more.
HISTORIC AIRCHECKS: Major local and national news events as heard locally.
VIDEOS: 200+ videos of Twin Cities radio station.
MUSIC SURVEYS: Nearly 1,500 surveys from 1957 to 1988.
Learn more abour RadioTapes by visiting our FAQ page.
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SPECIAL SECTION - INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING: The host of this website, Tom Gavaras, was an active shortwave listener primarily from the 1970s through the 1990s. Radio stations such as the BBC, Radio Moscow, and many others. View the QSL verification cards and letters Tom received from stations in almost 220 broadcast countries.
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WDGY-AM WEEGEE MATINEE FROM 1952
WDGY-AM (1130): Weegee Matinee from 1952 with Dean Sherman and Whitey Evans. Includes music and commercials for Army and Navy Service Supply, Wholesome Julekake, Grossman Chevrolet, and Musterole ointment rub.
KDWB-AM FULL DAY COMPOSITE FROM 1975
BOB LANGE ON WLOL-FM FROM 1983
WLOL-FM (99.5): Bob Lange from 1983. Bob mentions during the aircheck that the station had just learned it was the number one FM station in the Twin Cities. The recording includes commercials from TCF, Big Wheel Rossi, Target, Pizza Hut, and Fun & Fitness Health Club.
WCCO RADIO AND CBS RADIO COVERAGE OF APOLLO 11, 12 & 13
DAN DONOVAN ON K00L 108 FROM 2006
KQQL-FM (107.9): Enjoy a great aircheck featuring legendary Twin Cities radio personality Dan Donovan on KOOL 108 from 2006. This recording includes traffic reports and weather with Chris Shaffer, along with a full slate of commercials that capture the sound of the era.
Spots heard in this aircheck include the Minnesota Lottery, Radiant Research, Car-X, Famous Dave’s, 1-800-Flowers, Oak Ridge Dental, Jim Ramstad for Congress, Toys “R” Us, Rudy Luther Toyota, Panera Bread, Sylvan Learning Center, Clear RX at Target Pharmacy, Jennie-O Turkeys, Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, HealthPartners Clinics, and Lifetime Fitness.
Listen to more airchecks of Dan Donovan on his dedicated page on RadioTapes.
MN VIKINGS VS. NY GIANTS AS HEARD ON WCCO RADIO IN 1964
WCCO RADIO’S COVERAGE OF THE DEATH OF EDWARD R. MURROW IN 1965
WCCO-AM (830) Coverage of the death of Edward R. Murrow on April 27, 1965 presented by Jergen Nash including audio segments, comments from President Johnson, followed by a tribute from Walter Cronkite.
Edward R. Murrow was one of the most influential voices in the history of radio news. Reporting for CBS during the 1930s and 1940s, he became widely known for his calm, authoritative reports from London during World War II, beginning with his signature line, “This… is London.” Murrow became a defining voice of radio journalism through his work with CBS Radio News. During the early years of World War II, he reported from London, bringing Americans vivid, firsthand accounts of the war as it unfolded across Europe.
CBS Radio traces its roots to 1927 with the founding of the network that would become the CBS Radio Network. WCCO joined the CBS Radio Network on December 5, 1928. On May 22, 2026, CBS News Radio is scheduled to air its final newscast and shut down.
A CONVERSATION WITH ROGER ERICKSON AND SHELDON THE PIG
COVERAGE OF THE 1965 MINNESOTA FLOODS AS HEARD ON KSTP-AM
KSTP-AM (1500): The 1965 Minnesota floods were among the worst natural disasters in the state’s history. Listen to award winning coverage as heard on KSTP.
In April 1965, rapid snowmelt, heavy rain, and deeply frozen ground sent enormous volumes of runoff into rivers across the state, pushing the Mississippi River, Minnesota River, and St. Croix River to record levels in many communities. Towns and small cities along these rivers—such as Chaska, Carver, Mankato, North Mankato, and Henderson—suffered severe flooding, forcing evacuations and damaging hundreds of homes and businesses.
COVERAGE OF THE 1991 HALLOWEEN BLIZZARD ON KSTP-AM AND WCCO-AM
WCCO-AM (830) Halloween Blizzard of 1991 coverage during the Boone & Erickson Show with Charlie Boone, Roger Erickson, Eric Eskola, Sid Hartman, Roger Strom, Jerry Peterson, Dean Spratt, Dick Chapman, Karen Filloon and Bruce Hagevik. Includes commercials for Oreck Vacuums, Folgers, and American Standard.
The 1991 Halloween Blizzard was one of the most powerful early-season winter storms ever to strike the Upper Midwest. The storm was especially severe in Minnesota, where the Twin Cities received around 28 inches of snow, making it the largest single storm snowfall in that area’s recorded history. Heavy snow, drifting, and high winds caused widespread travel disruptions, power outages, and school and business closures.
2026 Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame Inductees
Congratulations to the 2026 inductees of the Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
Watch coverage on WCCO-TV and KARE-TV.
The induction ceremony will be held on November 20 at JX Venue in Stillwater. The event is open to the public. For more info, visit the Minnesota Broadcasters Association website.
View previous inductees on the Pavek Museum of Electronic Communication website.
Click on image to enlarge
Additional Media Coverage: WCCO-TV KARE-TV MN Twins WCCO Radio
MINNESOTA TWINS DEFEAT TEXAS RANGERS IN 1987 CLINCHING THE AMERICAN LEAGUE WESTERN DIVISION TITLE AS HEARD ON WCCO
This recording also includes lively postgame clubhouse celebration interviews with Tom Kelly, Jerry Bell, Greg Gagne, Andy MacPhail, Frank Viola, Bert Blyleven, Tim Laudner, Jim Wiesner, Kent Hrbek, Jeff Reardon, Dan Gladden, Rick Stelmaszek, Wayne Terwilliger, Dick Martin, Al Newman, Tom Brunansky, Keith Atherton, Randy Bush, Kirby Puckett, Roy Smalley, Dick Such, Sal Butera, Gene Larkin, Steve Lombardozzi, Gary Gaetti, Rick Renick, Tony Oliva, and Laurel Prieb.
WCCO BOONE & ERICKSON 1986 AIRCHECK
WCCO-AM (830) Charlie Boone and Roger Erickson from June 11, 1986. Show theme open, classic skits (News from Hollywood, Continental Congressional Hearings in 1775, Wheel of Fortune, etc.), weather with Bill Endersen, traffic with Dean Spratt, news with Ray Christensen, AG report with Chuck Lilligren, and news with Bruce Hagevik.
Commercials for Valleyfair, DC Hey Company, Midwest Federal, Herman’s Sports, Bandana Square, Morrie’s Mazda, US Direct West Yellow Pages, Northwest Orient Airlines, Hormel, Nissan, Canterbury Downs, Dan Hagburn Prudential Financial Services, Dayton’s, Drug Emporium, and Mories’s Imports.
STEVE CANNON LIVE BROADCAST FROM FREDDIE'S CAFE ON KSTP-AM IN 1959
The legendary Sir George Albert Shearing, the celebrated British jazz pianist, led one of the most popular jazz groups of his era. Shearing composed more than 300 songs and placed multiple albums on the Billboard charts from the 1950s through the 1990s. A true giant of modern jazz, his unmistakable sound helped define an entire generation of cool.
GOPHERS VS INDIANA HOOSIERS FOOTBALL GAME FROM 1972 AS HEARD ON KSTP-AM
KSTP-AM (1500): Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Indiana Hoosiers football game with Dick Enroth and Murray Warmath broadcast on September 16, 1972. This recording consists of the second half.
Warmath was the Gopher Football coach from 1954-1971. Enroth was a former WCCO announcer who left the station in 1970 to run for congress. After he lost, he moved to AZ as an executive at a real estate firm and commuted to broadcast Gopher games.
FYI ... Three radio stations broadcast Gopher Football games this year including KSTP, WCCO (Ray Christensen and Don Grammer) and WLOL (Roger Buxton and George Svendsen).
JOHN HINES AND CHUCK KNAPP ON WCCO RADIO IN 2008
WCCO RADIO BOONE & ERICKSON HUMEROUS SKIT IMAGINING A LIVE BASEBALL BROADCAST FROM CUBA
WCCO-AM (830): With the start of baseball Spring Training, enjoy a hilarious mid-1960s comedy skit featuring Charlie Boone and Roger Erickson.
The bit imagines a “live” broadcast from Cuba, with Ramos Scott, Jose Hall, and Herbe Carneal calling the action as the Havana Bananas (featuring pitcher Fidel Castro) take on the Bay of Pigs Sweat Backs. It’s classic Twin Cities radio humor at its finest.
KWTN-FM (K-TWIN) AIRCHECK FROM 1979
WLOL-FM AIRCHECK WITH GREG THUNDER FROM 1990
WLOL-FM (99.5): Greg Thunder from October 9, 1990. Includes commercials for Gold’n Plump Chicken, KMSP Channel 9, Filberts Nightclub in Bandana Square, and Kid Fest at St. Paul Center (provided by Todd Fairbanks).
"TABLE FOR TWO" SHOWS THAT AIRED ON KSTP IN 1944
GOPHERS VS WISCONSIN BADGERS FOOTBALL GAME FROM 1964 AS HEARD ON WCCO-AM
WCCO-AM (830): University of Minnesota Golden Gophers vs University of Wisconsin Badgers football game with Ray Scott and Halsey Hall along with Sid Hartman and Paul Giel broadcast on November 21, 1964. Includes commercials.
WLOL-FM AIRCHECK WITH DENNY SCHAFFER FROM 1988
WCCO RADIO SPORTS TRIVIA BOWL WITH DAVE MONA FROM 1987
WCCO-AM (830) - Relive the excitement of the Fourth Annual WCCO Radio Sports Trivia Bowl Championship Round, broadcast live from the Hyatt Regency Hotel on March 19, 1987. Quizmaster Dave Mona and moderator Jim Rogers present the final matchup as the Lakeville Four face off against the Yankee Clippers. The tournament began with 100 four-person teams, all competing for the ultimate bragging rights.
RAY CHRISTENSEN'S LIFE STORY IN HIS OWN WORDS
This recording features Ray Christensen telling his life story in his own words. Released in 1995, it’s the audio version of his Golden Memories autobiography.
In this engaging first-person account, Ray reflects on his remarkable life—from his childhood, to his military service in World War II, including landing on Omaha Beach just four days after D-Day. He also discusses his education at the University of Minnesota and his work as music director at KUOM. Highlights include calling his first Gopher football broadcast in 1951, becoming the iconic voice of Gopher Sports, and much more.
This recording offers a rare and personal glimpse into the life and career of one of Minnesota broadcasting’s most respected voices. With permission from co-author Stu Thornley, RadioTapes is pleased to make this copyrighted 60-minute recording available.
Ray Christensen interview on Gopher Sports Update produced by the MN Broadcasters Association that aired on May 28, 2008. (provided by Matt Nelson)
KQRS RADIO'S FREEFORM ROCK FORMAT FROM 54 YEARS AGO
KQRS-AM/FM (1440 / 92.5) – With Alan Stone and John Fine from 1972 with commercials and news including Earth News.
Commercials: It’s a Beautiful Day at Mankato State College, Sunshine World at the Bronco Bar, Soundtrack Studio at Dayton’s, Schaak Electronics, Lancer, Schell’s Beer, Guthrie Theater, Wax Museum, Down in the Valley, Ear Piercings at Donaldson’s, Marsh Productions, and Cat Stevens’ “Catch a Bull at Four” LP at Target.
Music played (scoped): Quicksilver Girl by Steve Miller Band, Stairway to Heaven and Whole Lotta Love (medley) by Led Zeppelin at the Paris Theatre, Walkin’ Blues by Muddy Waters, Cryin’ Won’t Help You Now and You’re Mean by B.B. King, Time Lonesome by Zephyr, Only You Know and I Know by Dave Mason, Move with Me by Tim Buckley, Roller Derby by Leon Russell, Hey Mama by Climax Blues Band, Mellow Down Easy by The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Under the Falling Sky by Bonnie Raitt, Down in the Flood by Chris Smither, and A Song for Jeffrey by Jethro Tull.
WLOL-FM HOT HITS COUNTDOWN FROM 1983 WITH JAY PHILPOTT
REMEMBERING THE CHALLENGER SPACE SHUTTLE DISASTER
It has been 40 years since the Challenger space shuttle disaster on January 28, 1986—a moment that stunned the nation and the world. Listen to the dramatic breaking news coverage from CBS Radio’s Christopher Glenn on WCCO Radio and ABC Radio on KSTP-AM. LINK
EIGHT WCCO-AM YEAR END SPECIALS FROM 1953-1962
KSTP-AM AIRCHECK FROM 1966 WITH CHARLIE BUSH AND STAN TURNER
KSTP-AM (1500) - Charlie Bush and Stan Turner from November 13, 1966 including a newscast with local and international news. (Stan Turner Archives courtesy of TCMediaNow)
WCCO RADIO COVERAGE OF RECORD COLD & SCHOOL CLOSINGS IN 1996
Thirty years ago in 1996, Minnesota experienced persistent winter conditions, highlighted by heavy snow, major blizzards, and one of the state’s most extreme cold outbreaks. Here is some of the coverage as heard on WCCO Radio:
January 18, 1996: Roger Erickson, the longtime radio king of school closings, announcing school delays and closures with Dave Lee.
February 2, 1996: Mike Lynch reporting live from Tower, MN as the town hits Minnesota’s all-time record low temperature of −60°F, a landmark event in state history. It remains the coldest temperature ever recorded east of the Mississippi River.
KDWB-AM AIRCHECK FROM 1961 WITH PAUL JAY
KDWB-AM (630) - Paul Jay (Jacobson) from January 1, 1961 featuring jingles, news, weather, and sports, plus Jimmie Fidler from Hollywood, and more. (Stan Turner Archives courtesy of TCMediaNow)
MORE WLOL-FM AIRCHECKS WITH HINES & BERGLUND
GOPHERS VS WISCONSIN BADGERS FOOTBALL GAME FROM 1962 AS HEARD ON WCCO-AM
WCCO-AM (830): University of Minnesota Golden Gophers vs University of Wisconsin Badgers football game with Ray Scott and Halsey Hall broadcast on November 24, 1962. (provided by Dale Reed)
Extended audio from the controversal final minutes plus post game interviews with Murray Warmath and Bobby Bell.
The recording features game coverage from the beginning including commercials but ends 11 minutes before the conclusion. However, there is a clip of audio from the controversal final minutes that is included above. Halftime includes Sid Hartman interviewing Kenneth ‘Tug’ Wilson, former Big Ten commissioner; George Daniel Lanphear, Badgers PR director and former player; and Halsey Hall talking with Bernie Bierman, former Gophers head coach.
This was a memorable game in the Paul Bunyan’s Axe rivalry, No. 3 Wisconsin edged No. 5 Minnesota 14–9 at Camp Randall Stadium. The Gophers took an early lead and still led 9-7 late in the fourth quarter, but a controversial 15-yard roughing-the-passer penalty against Minnesota’s Bobby Bell kept alive a Badger drive; Wisconsin scored on a short touchdown with about 1:37 left to clinch the Big Ten title and a Rose Bowl berth.
KSTP-AM 1940 ST. PAUL WINTER CARNIVAL BROADCAST
BREAKING NEWS COVERAGE OF D. B. COOPER'S AIRPLANE HIJACKING IN 1971
WCCO-AM (830): News coverage of D.B. Cooper’s hijacking of a Northwest Orient flight on November 24, 1971.
D. B. Cooper was the alias used by an unidentified man who, while in flight, opened the aircraft’s aft door, deployed the airstair, and parachuted to an uncertain fate over a remote, heavily wooded area of southwest Washington with $200,000 (equivalent to approximately $1.6 million today). Cooper was never found.
Listen to extensive breaking news coverage that aired throughout the night and into the following morning from CBS Radio and WCCO Radio staff, including Steve Edstrom, Franklin Hobbs, Joe McFarlin, Dick Chapman, Bob Thornberg, Roger Erickson, Maynard Speece, and others. Also included are an interview with the Seattle–Tacoma International Airport control center, on-the-scene reports from Reno–Tahoe International Airport, and analysis and speculation.
This recording was digitized from a slow-moving WCCO Radio “logger” tape, so the audio is not studio quality.
WLOL-FM AIRCHECK WITH HINES & BERGLUND FROM 1986
INVITATION TO VISIT RADIO AIRCHECK WEBSITES OPERATED BY CURT LUNDGREN
If you are not already aware, we would like to introduce you to two outstanding aircheck websites operated by Curt Lundgren.
Curt Lundgren says, “I was a compulsive listener to KDWB-AM from its start and taped quite a bit in the 1960s and ’70s. If you cut me, I bled 630 kHz! After graduating from Washburn High School in Minneapolis, I went directly to Brown Institute of Broadcasting in 1966 and then into my career. I consider myself fortunate to have rubbed shoulders with giants such as Howard Viken, Boone & Erickson, Steve Cannon, Joyce Lamont, and other WCCO legends.”
Curt worked at KUXL-AM (Minneapolis) from 1966–1968; WMIN-AM (St. Paul) in 1968; WHEW-FM/WMYR-AM (Fort Myers) from 1970–1972; KYMN-AM (Northfield) from 1972–1975; WCCO-FM (Minneapolis) from 1975–1983; and WCCO-AM (Minneapolis) from 1983–1996. During his career, he also used the on-air names Paul Evans, Evan Curfew (name used when starting out at KUXL), and Curt Lundgren.
Curt adds, “I didn’t want to lose the audio history contained on hundreds of cassettes, many more than fifty years old. Archive.org offered a free and simple online space for preservation. It’s important to perpetuate our radio history here in Minnesota and elsewhere. Others should make the effort and consider contributing to Radio Tapes." MINNESOTA AIRCHECKS
Curt's SECONDARY AIRCHECKS GROUPS on Archive consists of recordings of radio from other markets, television audio of historical interest, and commercials from the era.
RELIVING RADIO PLAY-BY-PLAY OF GOPHER FOOTBALL WINS AGAINST THE MICHIGAN WOLVERINES IN 1934, 1977 AND 1986
WCCO-AM (830): University of Minnesota Gopher football upsets the University of Michigan Wolverines, featuring play-by-play in 1934, 1977, and 1986.
November 3, 1934: The undefeated Minnesota Golden Gophers beat the Michigan Wolverines 34-0 in their Homecoming game at Memorial Stadium in Minneapolis, continuing their dominant season where they won every game, including a major victory against the Wolverines. Play-by-play with Halsey Hall.
October 22, 1977: The Minnesota Gophers upset the No. 1-ranked Michigan Wolverines, 16–0, in Minneapolis, reclaiming the Little Brown Jug. The victory marked Michigan’s first shutout in 112 games and stands as one of the biggest upsets in college football history. Play-by-play by Ray Christensen with Murray Warmath.
November 15, 1986: The Minnesota Gophers defeated the No. 2-ranked, undefeated Michigan Wolverines, 20–17, in Ann Arbor, reclaiming the Little Brown Jug on a last-second field goal by Chip Lohmiller. The win ended Michigan’s national title hopes and marked Minnesota’s first victory over Michigan since 1977. Play-by-play by Ray Christensen with Paul Flatley.
STEVE CANNON TORO MARKETING VIDEO FROM 1961
A 1961 marketing/promotional video for Toro featuring Steve Cannon—who plays a hardware store employee. Click HERE to view the video. Cannon was one of Minnesota radio’s most enduring personalities, with a career spanning more than four decades.
Steve Cannon began his broadcasting career in the early 1950s at smaller Midwest stations before working at Twin Cities outlets including WMIN and WLOL. Cannon gained major prominence at KSTP-AM, where he hosted a successful morning show from the late 1950s through 1971. That year he moved to WCCO-AM, where he became a household name as the host of the late-afternoon talk program The Cannon Mess. Cannon remained on WCCO for 26 years, retiring in 1997, and left behind a legacy of humor, characters, and conversation that made him one of the most recognizable voices in Minnesota broadcasting history. Listen to Steve Cannon airchecks HERE.
WCCO RADIO FULL DAY AIRCHECK FROM 1972
WCCO-AM (830): Here is a rare opportunity to enjoy 24 hours of programming as heard on WCCO-AM on February 24, 1972. CLICK HERE. Listen to WCCO Radio broadcasting legends including Charlie Boone, Roger Erickson, Steve Cannon, Howard Viken, Maynard Speece, Franklin Hobbs, Joyce Lamont, Jergen Nash, and others. Also included is a Minnesota North Stars game with Al Shaver and Steve Cannon, along with reports throughout the day on President Richard Nixon’s historic trip to China.
These recordings were digitized from a very slow-moving “logger” reel-to-reel tape maintained by WCCO. As a result, the audio is not studio quality, but rather resembles what it may have sounded like on a small AM transistor radio. We hope you enjoy this remarkable audio journey back in time. Music has been scoped.
WDGY-AM "STREAMLINE" NEWSCAST FROM 1940
WDGY-AM (1140 *) "Streamline News" with Benedict Hardman from December 6, 1940. Newscast consisted of European war news (Italian base in Albania taken over by Greek army, German airplanes flying over Great Britain, etc.) and local news and weather. WDGY mention and morse code sounder at the end. (Stan Turner Archives courtesy of TCMediaNow).
Note: In 1940, WDGY broadcast on 1140 kHz. The station moved to its longtime home frequency of 1130 kHz in 1941.
WLOL-FM AIRCHECK FROM 1986 WITH PHIL HUSTON INCLUDING GREATEST ROCK-AND-ROLL HITS MONTAGE
MORE ABOUT MONTAGE MANIA FROM JAY PHILPOTT:
WLS started this "art form" in the 70s by airing a recap of the past year's hits every New Year's Eve at midnight, adding another minute or so each year to represent each "old year." I caught onto this trend and was inspired by it in 1975. Here are a couple of versions of the WLS Montage. The first is an actual aircheck of fairly good quality...but so what if there are imperfections in the signal or the recording - that's the way we heard it! WLS MONTAGE (air 1955-1984)
This version is a complete and absolutely faithful stereo rebuild of the original montage, produced by Scott Childers (www.scottchilders.com): WLS STEREO REBUILD
This final version is my production. I began it in 1979 while I was working at KFMX-FM, as a way to commemorate the passing of the 70s decade. For New Year's Eve 1980 leading into 1981, I added the new 1980 segment and retro-expanded the montage to 1964...the beginning of contemporary music with the Beatles Era. When I started at WLOL-FM in the summer of '80, I brought it with me, and we played it every New Year's Eve at midnight, following each year's "Hot Hits Countdown." I also added 1981, 1982 and 1983. Following my late 1984 departure from WLOL-FM, Gregg Swedberg and his staff continued the tradition of adding to and airing the montage through 1990. From that point, I informally kept up with the montage here and there, even though it didn't have a home for a New Year's Eve airing. The last few years of this piece contain montage elements produced by Scott Childers. PHILPOTT'S MONTAGE Large 50 MB file.
MN NORTH STARS KSTP-AM GAME RECAPS WITH AL SHAVER
KSTP-AM (1500) – Three Minnesota North Stars game recaps with Al Shaver and Dan Stoneking. (provided by David Valento)
11/11/1981 - vs. Winnigeg Jets (won 15-2)
11/18/1981 - vs Quebec Nordiques (tied 5-5)
12/12/1981 - vs Chicago Black Hawks (won 6-3)
KDWB-AM AIRCHECK FROM 1965 WITH CHARLEE BROWN
WCCO RADIO BLOOPERS SHOW THAT AIRED IN 1987
WCCO-AM (830) – Paul Stagg and Brad Johnson from August 21, 1987 featuring bloopers previously aired on WCCO Radio, along with additional highlights. (provided by Keith Schad)
Paul Stagg’s career began at KWLM-AM in Willmar, followed by WDAY-AM in Fargo, and then WWTC-AM, WCCO-FM/WLTE-FM, WCCO-AM, and KLBB-AM in the Twin Cities before returning to KWLM to conclude his career.
Brad Johnson’s career included work at WMIN-AM, WTCN-AM, WTCN-AM, KRSI-AM, and WLOL-AM, where he helped pioneer the talk-radio format. He later joined the WCCO Radio sales staff and became one of the station’s top account executives.
Both Paul and Brad were inducted into the Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
WCCO-AM (830) - AUGUST 26, 1966 - 5:00 AM-11:00 PM
RadioTapes is winding back the aircheck time machine. Here is a rare opportunity to enjoy approximately 17 hours of continuous programming as heard on WCCO-AM on August 26, 1966, from 5:00 am to 11:00 pm. You will hear Roger Erickson and Maynard Speece in the morning, Howard Viken filling in on the national Arthur Godfrey Show, Boone and Erickson, MN Vikings vs. the Washington Redskins with Ray Christensen and Paul Giel, MN Twins vs. the Chicago White Sox with Herb Carneal, Ray Scott, Halsey Hall and Sid Hartman. Plus many commercials (including lots of cigarette ads), Jergen Nash Show, an address by President Johnson and much more!
These recordings were digitized off of a very slow moving "logger" reel-to-reel tape kept by 'CCO. As a result, the audio is not studio quality but more like what it would have sounded like listening with a 1960s small pocket AM transistor radio. We hope you enjoy this wonderful audio journey back in time. Music has been scoped.
Here is a LINK to the page with all the hourly airchecks and detailed descriptions.
THE SEARCH FOR THE LOST RADIO PLAY-BY-PLAY TAPE OF MINNESOTA TWIN CESAR TOVAR'S GRAND SUNDAY IN 1968
Star Tribune article written by sports columnist Patrick Reusse about the search for the lost radio play-by-play tape of Minnesota Twin Cesar Tovar's Grand Sunday when he played all nine positions on September 22, 1968. Tom Gavaras, who is featured in the article, is the operator of RadioTapes.
LINK to the Star Tribune article published on August 16, 2022
JPEG of the article (in the event you are unable to access the Star Tribune website)
Edited aircheck - Herb Carneal and Halsey Hall, with play-by-play of Tovar playing all nine position on September 22, 1968 (mp3)
We are always looking for historic airchecks of Twin Cities radio stations. If you enjoy this website, a financial donation would be appreciated (though not required). Donations will be used to help cover website-related expenses, including making more than 2,500 audio files available, maintaining equipment used to digitize airchecks (with more than 1,000 tapes waiting to be digitized), and more. In addition, discussions are ongoing to eventually provide copies of RadioTapes’ extensive archives to local and national broadcast museums and the Library of Congress.
The Following Airchecks Are Featured on the Historic Airchecks Page. Check Them Out!
- WCCO-AM Severe Weather Coverage (1939 to 1991)
- Hubert H. Humphrey Recordings/Airchecks (1946-1978)
- WCCO Radio Civil Defense Announcements (1961)
- Coverage of the Assassination of President John F. Kennedy (1963)
- Coverage of the Assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King (1968)
- Coverage of the Assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy (1968)
- Coverage of the Apollo 1 Tragedy (1967)
- Coverage of the Flights of Apollo 11, 12 & 13 (1969-1970)
- Coverage of the Assassination Attempt on George Wallace (1972)
- Coverage of Watergate and the Fall of President Nixon (1973-1974)
- Coverage of the Vietnam War (1964-(1975)
- Coverage of the Death of John Lennon (1980)
- Coverage of the Shooting of President Ronald Reagan (1981)
- Coverage of the Falklands War (1982)
- Coverage of the Challenger Shuttle Disaster (1986)
- Coverage of the Start of Operation Desert Storm (1991)
- Coverage of 9/11 Attacks (2001) and Death of Osama bin Laden (2011)
- Coverage of 35W Bridge Collapse (2007)
- Coverage of the Death of Michael Jackson (2009)
- Coverage of the Tucson Shootings (2011)
- Coverage of the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami (2011)
- Coverage of the Shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School (2012)
- Boston Marathon Bombings (2013)
- Coverage of the Death of Prince (2016)
- Election Coverage (2016)
- Minnehaha Academy Explosion (2017)
- Coverage of Disappearance and Location of Jayme Closs (2019)
- Election Coverage (2020)
- Storming of the US Capitol (2021)
- Coverage of Minneapolis Annunciation Catholic Church Shooting (2025)