The Ballad Of The Long Island Railroad Gene Klavan
Ballad Of The Long Island Railroad – Gene Klavan (1:11)
Gene Klavan’s “Ballad Of The Long Island Railroad” was first published here in 2013.
-ECB-
All posts by Marianne Palmer
Memorial Day
This poem, by Valerie Ward, is a call from the past, whispering the duty of peace into the present, urging us to live in a way that makes their sacrifices a foundation for a better tomorrow. Remembering the sacrifice with a depth of gratitude and solemnity-honoring those who laid down their lives.
…The common soldier, in his silent grave,
Speaks through the ages, his story we keep.
His sacrifice, a nation’s soul to save,
In our hearts’ vault, where memories sleep deep.
Our words, a bridge from past to present tense,
A tapestry of valor, pain, and grace.
Through verse, we offer homage, reverence,
To those who rest in time’s eternal embrace.
So let our sonnets soar, our stories weave,
In honor of the ones who rest, we grieve…
Columbia University Anti-War Demonstrations
Columbia University students taking over the campus in pro-Palestinian demonstrations regarding Gaza reminds me of another time on the same campus 56 years ago.
In 1968 students again took over the campus—that time actually barricading themselves in buildings—even taking over the President’s office—to protest American involvement in the Vietnam War.
Print and broadcast reporters had been on the scene for a couple of days. I had just returned from vacation in my first year working for WNEW Radio News. No sooner had I entered my apartment in Forest Hills than the phone rang. It was the desk. “Get over to Columbia U. —the students have taken over the buildings”. So, late at night, I raced to the campus and, sure enough, some students had taken over President Grayson Kirk’s office and several other buildings. The NYPD was outside the gates.
About 1:30AM I was inside when a guy I knew named Jacques Nevard slammed me against a building. Jacques was the DCPI (Deputy Commissioner for Public Information). He was trying to protect me for, seconds later, a phalanx of cops swarmed through the gates and across the campus, grabbing and sometimes beating students and working to clear out those buildings.
The next day student protest leader Mark Rudd held a news conference. I and other radio, TV and print reporters were there. (picture—I’m second from right—note the WNEW flag).
Jacques is gone now, but I won’t forget that night I reported for WNEW News on an Ivy League campus—especially since, just six years before, I had graduated from Cornell and had gone to get my Masters in Broadcast Journalism from Medill at Northwestern in Chicago. The experience that night taught me stuff I’d never learned in the classroom.
Mike Eisgrau
< Image courtesy of the archives of Bill Diehl>
Speaking of Reunions
2011 WNEW 1130 reunion at Trattoria Dopo Teatro in Manhattan. It was a wonderful night, full of blessed memories of when we were all much younger. <Submitted by Andy Fisher>
From the archives of Andy Fisher
Front row: Mike Eisgrau, Mike Prelee, Arlene Prelee, Teresa Cambridge-Rice, Barbara Bohannon, Lorry Diehl, Naomi Stein, Marlene Sanders, Ed Brown, Jean Brown
Second row: Alan Walden, Mike Forrest, Ray Rice, Bill Diehl
Third row: Maria Forrest, Barbara Wasser, Mrs. Wasser, Al Wasser
Fourth row: Phyllis Carr, Dick Carr, John Bohannon, Mike Stein, Andy Fisher, Mort Crim, Renee Crim, Sam Hall
Trattoria Dopo Teatro -Since Closed-
125 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036
Google Photo
WNEW mini Reunion
A Reunion among friends is always heartfelt when celebrated with friends of 50 years. This fine group recently dined together in NYC.
Pictured: Back row Ed Brown, son of Edward Brown. Center: Bill and Lorrie Diehl. Front: Jean Brown, wife of Edward Brown, Mike and Naomi Stein.
Those ’70s Ad Campaigns
It was circa 1974. Over the previous two years, I had worked as Promotion Manager for fledgling UHF TV stations in Boston and San Francisco. My job was to promote re-runs of old TV series and movies. I wanted to work at a radio or TV station that broadcast live content.
I moved to NYC without a job and interviewed at a number of stations. John V.B. Sullivan was instrumental in hiring me.
I was 26 years old, and enthralled by the caliber of the staff, both the deejays, and the news reporters. (But, the music they were playing was NOT geared to my demographic.)
I still remember the ad campaign I created for the Gene Klavan morning show, which was starting to get stiff competition from WNBC’s Don Imus. It was geared to attract a younger demo that was commuting to Manhattan for their jobs.
The print ads and billboards carried the double entendre headline,
“Klavan Gets You Off in the Morning”
Which was clarified by a big photo of guys in suits getting “off to work” (as if on a race track).
Sincerely,
Stuart Zuckerman
PS- after leaving WNEW, I moved to the ad sales side of the business, and mid-career switched to PBS, getting sponsors for national programs.
A Sad Anniversary
No matter how many years have passed, there is no forgetting George Engle! Here was a first-rate radio news broadcaster who loved the day-in, day-out grind because he never considered it just a job! After all, it was his life and he did it so damn well!
Initially in the Navy then in Michigan, Cleveland, and New York, at WNEW and ABC Radio News. George died 29 years ago today in 1995 at age 64. Much too soon for a great family man and gregarious broadcaster who knew how to make people laugh and with his skilled writing make them cry.
Those of us who worked with George were indeed privileged. His longtime friend and colleague Alan Walden remembers George’s stentorian tones saying “Right Rocky” as though he were that animated character Bullwinkle. On the other hand, when I worked with George at ABC Radio News his pet phrase for telling people to “screw off” was “blow it out your bloomer!”
That was George, a man and a broadcaster who made his words count!!
<Article contributed by Bob Gibson>
WNEW Star Power
Here is an amazing photo of some heavy hitters, gathered around the WNEW microphone.
Louis Prima, Dinah Shore, unidentified woman, Perry Como, Eddie Fisher, Grace Kelly, Ross Martin and Paul Winchel
Image courtesy of the archives of Bill Diehl
—–
Eddie Fisher also photographed in uniform during the Korean War with Edward Brown, circa 1951-1954.
Image courtesy of the archives of Edward Brown
Feb 13, 1934 WNEW AM
FIRST BREATH OF LIFE FOR WNEW AM
Edward Brown
Feb 13, 1970
WNEW
When this newscast began about eight minutes ago, it marked an anniversary of some note. It was at 7pm, February 13, thirty-six years ago tonight, that President Franklin D. Roosevelt pressed a gold key in the White House, which transmitted an electronic impulse to New York City, which activated a broadcast transmitter and put WNEW on the air for the first time.
Thirty-six years is a long time. A lot of things said. A lot of music heard. Many careers beginning here or spending some time here. It would be interesting to be able to hear a recording of that first day’s broadcast. But in those days it was all-live. So the only memories that can be recalled are those carried around in the mind.
I do know that that night’s programming included an organ recital and a dramatic skit featuring Kay Reed who remains with WNEW to this day, as do a number of people who were here for those very first minutes.
For the people who have worked here or who have grown up with WNEW, memories vary. Some can remember when Frank Sinatra and Dinah Shore sang here and when programs like “The Make Believe Ball Room” and the “Milkman’s Matinee” were brand new and set a style which became the standard of the industry. And you’ll forgive me if I contend that WNEW remains the standard.
As for myself, it’s really quite odd sitting here and for the moment making the only noise coming out of radios dialed to 1130. Years ago, when I first started as a newsman and was working at small suburban stations, the thought of working here one day was so paramount for me that once in a while I’d give my boss a coronary by inadvertently giving WNEW’s call letter on his radio station.
As William B. Williams points out from time to time, it isn’t all caviar and bright lights. But there is something about being able to meet every day with people you cannot see and rarely meet but, in a way, get to know very well, sharing current events and old memories and trying to stay young together.
Happy Birthday, Bill Diehl
Thank you Bob Gibson for your contribution-
BILL DIEHL
He’s no slouch
And he’s never a bore,
My friend Bill Diehl
Is suddenly 84!
It’s been quite a ride
For this ABC Radio Entertainment maven,
Covering special events
And recalling the stars after leaving their safe havens!
If nothing else
He carries many a name,
Primarily “Mister Media”
Since broadcasting’s his game!
In his time, he’s clocked some astounding numbers:
Sixty-nine years in broadcasting with 53 at ABC,
It’s been a breathtaking experience
With tons of natural sound and lots for Bill to see!
Once all is said
And done,
Mr. Diehl remains convinced in leaving WNEW
He chose the radio company that’s still number-one!
With every good wish for all your fun-filled days,
Bob
(Wednesday, January 24, 2024)