A 34 year old recording of some Sergio Dean as well as some Frankie Crocker on WBLS!
As we join forces with the good people at the Hip Hop Radio Archive we are adding a new listening platform in an attempt to ‘Build up historical NYC recordings’ that we hope will remain on the web for alot longer than cowboy companies like Soundcloud etc. We’ve always wanted our listeners to be able to stream our remastered shows via Mixcloud, as well as downloading them onto their own devices, and now via the Internet Archive, you can…
This tape was, as you can see from the recording memorandum [who knew they would be so handy 30 years later ?!!!] was recorded and generously donated by an ex-colleague [the coolest IT support specialist on the planet and all round good soul, Keren A]. As she holidayed with her family in Cambria Heights in Queens NY, she pressed record on 2 nights, this is a composite of both shows. HUGE propers to Keren, much love as always !
Just like Grace Jones’ The Apple Stretching, this is a beautiful snapshot of early morning early 80s New York, this time, from 1983. This may be randomrapradio and there may only be one Rap tune on this tape, but the recording is about much more than just one track. It’s an illustration to younger generations, of how things used to be, a lesson in radio history, as well as bein’ a throwback to simpler times for the older listeners. The tape opens with an ad for a Tower Records album signing; the LP, Speaking In Tongues, the band; Talking Heads [We dig these sentimental shards of sound just as much as the music here at RRR]. 
As well as classic music from Rufus n Chaka Khan, Stephanie Mills, Madonna and the Mary Jane Girls, as well as a ‘new artist’, Anita Baker. There are ads for the Budweiser Super-Fest @ Madison Square Garden, with Rick James & the Mary Jane Girls. Sergio announces a competition for the ‘Studio 54 Dance the Last Day of Summer Party’ featuring Madonna, the West St Mob, Kurtis Blow and intriguingly, ‘the breakers’. Frankie follows after the My Idol ID where plays All Night Long and does a bit about Lionel Richie getting stoned. He talks about Lionels’ ‘Bob Marley bag’ and the fact that there is ‘alotta smoke in the room’. Again, a bizarro but beautiful document of the time.
Some of the most enjoyable elements of this tape are the mic-breaks; containing the ‘cosmic forecast’ [star-signs] and random bits like the flowers and colors for the day [rose and mahogany]. All very odd, but strangely and retrospectively beautiful in a quirky vintage broadcasting sense. In a motivational moment, Sergio advises the listeners to start their day with a ‘helpful attitude’. ‘Dont be afraid to walk up to someone and say, can I help? I’ll help you carry those packages. You might get smacked in the mouth but ya gotta try’ !!
SERGIO DEAN
Talking Heads – Tower Records 4th & Broadway Instore ad
Mic Break w/ Sergio
Lovebug Starski – You Gotta Believe
Mic Break w/ Sergio – Helpful Attitude
Fever – Beat Of The Night
Mic Break w/ Sergio – Helpful Attitude
Ads:
La Yoghurt
Ask your Pharmacist
Eastside gynaecology
Crazy Eddies [Atari/ Texas Instruments]
Mic Break w/ Frankie
Rufus & Chaka Khan – Aint Nobody
Mic Break w/ Sergio – Jamaica Dance Theatre/ Studio 54 Competition Madonna West St Mob Kurtis Blow & the ‘Breakers”
Ads:
Lustrasilk Right On Curl Activator
Ask your Pharmacist
Mighty Diamonds & Monyaka Show
Ron Carlow Cosmetics
WBLS Walk a Mile Fundraiser
===
FRANKIE CROCKER
Frankie ‘My Idol’ ID
Mic Break w/ Frankie
Lionel Richie – All Night Long
Mic Break w/ Frankie [‘Lionel, havin a good time’]
Stephanie Mills – Pilot Error
WBLS – The Godfather Part 3 Prank bit
Mic Break w/ Frankie
Latoya Jackson – Bet ya Gonna Need my Lovin
Mic Break w/ Frankie – Budweiser Super-Fest
Ads & News:
Archers skin-tone cream
Lighten Up
Budweiser Super-Fest @ MSG [Rick James/ Mary Jane Girls/ Mtume/ O-Jays]
Kentucky Fried Children
News Update
Mic Break w/ Frankie
Lew Kirton – Talk To Me
Anita Baker – Squeeze Me
Mic Break w/ Frankie [Coming up, live mixing from Sergio Munzabai & Timmy Regisford]
Starpoint – It’s So Delicious
Mic Break w/ Frankie
Ads:
Michelob
Unknown
Mary Jane Girls – All Night Long
I Listen to WBLS Promo
Madonna – Holiday
Mic Break w/ Frankie
Ads:
Miss Cool Hair Products
Mic Break w/ Frankie
Western Airlines
Talking Heads – Tower Records 4th & Broadway Instore ad
Pan American Airlines
Approved by the NY State Education Dept
Mic Break w/ Frankie – [Mets vs Cardinals result]
One Way – Shine On Me
RANDOM RAP RADIO 