The sounds of NJ
A highlight of the New Jersey Radio Museum will be to showcase the sights and sounds of New Jersey radio from Marconi to today. We sincerely thank the many who have donated these to the museum – from the interested radio stations, jocks, aircheck collectors, and aficionados. We always seek additional materials, no matter how large or how small, to help grow our collection and share with the public. If you have anything, please contact any of the NJRM execs or you can email us directly at njrm@njrm.org. Please note NJRM in the subject. Thank you!
[updated 5/18/2011]
Jay Sorensen interviews Herbert W. Hobler, co-founder of WHWH 1350 Princeton, NJ, and former owner of WPST 97.5 Trenton, NJ.
[12/31/2010]
Our first recording is a collection of clips from the glory days of New Jersey radio. 1932-1994. Enjoy!
The New Jersey Radio Museum 
Lonnie Tucker said
First let me thank you for some of the leg work that we are in the process of gathering. My Name is Lonnie Tucker, Formerly of WNJR Radio, I’ve work in every facet of the business. I was New Jersey Stringer covering North Jersey, and New York Medial an Assistant New Director for WNJR and WVNJ (JOY); my upward spiral included Public Affairs/Production Manager, Assistant PD, Assistant Music Director (eventually Director) on air personality (DJ), (Lonnie T) or T On Your Box. I’ve worked every shift known to man. And the privilege to hosting a 72 hour marathon radio show (when we all got snowed in)hosted many talent shows, MC- rock and roll program, participated in New Jersey and New York Concerts, Symphony Hall, Prospect Park, Branch and Weequahic parks in Essex County. As the Music and Public affairs Program person, I help coordinated community events; Newark’s Beautification; Family Unity Day, Attacks/King Parade, Toys for Tots, and nearly all our radio on site remote broadcasts. and Many other business operations parts. The reason why I’ve mentioned these enjoyable events and career growth opportunities , resulted from a former listener recently stating to me that we (the New Jersey Announcers/DJs ) should record the history of our contribution to all music. Like yourself I have been on a quest for locating and finding those radio pioneering (black/white/Hispanic/ etc.) those guys and gals giants, that has made public and commercial radio that connected to people.
I am honored to know that there is a place where the archives will be kept and safe for many years to come. And I do look forward to more information about your set up. I respectfully thank you for those who has passed on may there names be enshrined for their contributions to our State and The World.
My e-mail address is wellstucker@live .com
Respectfully
Lonnie Tucker, Che, Csw
Rich Phoenix, RMC said
Lonnie, so many thanks for your response. In assembling our archives, we at NJ Radio Museum hoped to be able to gather evidence of stations no longer in existence. This is true of WNJR, of course, and if you are referencing the WVNJ with studios and xmitter in Livingston, that is yet another station of the past. If it is the Oakland, NJ WVNJ, that is fine, too. They are in existence and decidedly on the air, although we have little archival material on them. WNJR is a fascinating case. It played an important role in quelling the riots of the late ’60s/early ’70s and, if my history is accurate, it was NJR’s staffers that coined the term “Soul Brother,” to designate White-owned businesses that had been historically fair to the minority community. To have one single station play such a singular role in highly troubled times when there were countless other radio signals available to serve Newark and its environs, it is a bit of history that deserves much more than a brief footnote; and, perhaps you can help tell the tale. Years later, I was privileged to work with the fabled Charles Green who was part of that remarkable WNJR era. We were colleagues at another missing NJ radio station — WERA in Plainfield.
The Aural/Oral History is a project that’s growing every day. The NJRM has been around for at least 10 years. Its beginnings had many fits and starts; but, we have been fortunate to have highly dedicated volunteers who have built-in museum space in Dover, Morris County; plus we have had highly successful fundraisers in the past that drew crowds and entertained many. These fundraisers also came to fruition with a great deal of volunteer efforts from many individuals. So, we have embarked on the aural/oral history project, since true radio history is best heard. Photos and the printed word are OK, but radio is an aural medium that deserves the utmost respect — to be heard and appreciated in an environment that is as near as possible to the form in which the programming originated. Please keep in touch, Lonnie, as we will eagerly look forward to recording what you have to say about your years in NJ radio! Rock On! Rich Phoenix, RMC – NJRM President
Anonymous said
Rich I’m truly touch by your words and footnote to a past of turbulent times. as I review some 4,000 LP I have and over 2,000 45s, I can’t help recalling great times that was be a part of history. Your mentioning of Charlie Green really do it. besides running the news department and community talk shows at WNJR, Charlie was a people connector. Before me was the late Jocko Maxwell, There were other guys I also enjoyed learning the business from: was Herman Amis, Bill Franklin, Dean Webb, Reggie Wells, John L Frazer, Jeff Dixon, Steele Colony, Jerry Love, Pat the Cat, Clint Miller, George Hudson, Fred Mills, Fred Buggs, Jake Jordan Henry Singleton, Larry Joe Williams, Donnie Simpson,, Carlos De”Jesus, Jose Guzman, Mike Thomas and lets me not forget those sweet talking ladies like: Stella Marrs, Robin Johnson, Sharmaine Foster, Romona Brabham, Cleo Rowe, and of course the show week and daytime hos beside Charlie were: Kitty Taylor, Bernce Bass, Dr. Seymour Charles and the NBN amd MBN feeds on stories around the world Gerald Bentley Ron Pickney Vince Sanders, and a great host of many others,. While our voices in many cases lies in silence, the connection, up=close and personal and caring attitude lives on forever, ask and teen,or young adult that were in the thousand at concerts,, shows, discos, and let not for get the record companies, all of them were top shelf with the A&R representatives like mike Bernardo, Rubin Rodriguez, and others that spent hours bring their Artists products for air-play. As you can imagine the story doesn’t end there ,. I am sure I missed out on a lot of places that allowed us to grace their doorways and halls like; peppermint Lounge, the Lincoln, Leroy’s Name of the Game, 20 Grand Lounge, Perks Silver Edge, Club LaRuge, Tingles, Zanzibar, Club Evergreen, Mr. Wes, Club Company Two, the Budweiser Super-fest, Dupes, Playboy Club (Vernon)cornet, Fullman’s Onion Inn, Cornet, Synonymy Hall, Paradisco,Terrace Ball Room, the Garage, Plato’s Retreat and other public places of gatherings. I must find the photos, and appearances for your archives…and we must talk to develop and sale this story that connected to the communities of New York and Northern New Jersey.
Lonnie T, Still on the BOX
Danny Moore said
Was Clint Miller the deejay who advertised for Celebs Corner? “All you cats and chicks, make it to Celeb’s Corner, that’s Celeb’s Corner at the corner of Broad Street, and in Newark.”
Ce' said
Hey Lonnie,
So great to read your posts and memories. As a young Soul & R’n’B musician in the late 60s, my band, the ElDikes from Westfield, NJ, owed a lot to the support we got from Bill Franklin @ WNJR, plus some other DJs to a lesser extent. Bill was a wonderful mentor and friend.
I was exposed to so much additional outstanding music through WNJR and other “Soul” stations in the NY/NJ and Washington, D.C. areas.
Thanks to all of you who gave so many of us so much, not only in music and culture, but also social awareness.
Ce’
Anonymous said
Ce’ Thanks , we were Blessed and fortunate to have a platform for news, information and our connection to the people including a stage for up-coming artists, bands and individuals who got the opportunity to showcase their talents with the price attached to it.. As one of the few who supported the many, I hope our little contributions continues to bring you more success and continuous professional grow.
Lonnie T
Jim cauterucci said
Hi, this is Jim Cauterucci of The EL-Dikes (bass)… I have been in touch with Chris Smith (organ), Jerry Mann (drums), Frank Cauterucci ( brother& guitar). WNJR helped in to bring the Motown/Soul/R&B to the East Coast in the 60-70’s. We where lucky as a Band to cover those great tunes and bring them live to NJ.Thanks WNJR for those memories! By the way…who ever Ce’ , please contact me. Jim
Eric Van Leuven said
Yes, many thanks for WNJR! Also, hello Jim Cauterucci! Your brother Frank was in my class. I played keyboards in a Westfield band called “The Troupe.” We still get together and perform. I enjoyed the El Dikes. I believe our former drummer (Chuck Mott) drummed for you! And your guitarist (Praesel) is now playing with Bill Martin (formerly “Of the Body”). You still doing any music?
Eric Van Leuven
Randy Parker, CEO said
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Anonymous said
Clarence “B” Booker, lets get together NJ broadcasters tap in your mail addresses. I look forward to calling you soon.
Rich Phoenix said
Clarence “B” – please reach me at 908-769-2910 and at rphoenix@npmail.org – remembering Musico ’79! – Peace & Rock’n’Roll – Rich
Anonymous said
Got several cassette tapes of wmjy Y107 if anyone’s interested.
Anonymous said
Awesome! Please send me a note at njrm@njrm.org, would be thrilled to have them. – John/Web VP/Aircheck guy
Pete Tauriello said
Good to hear the old Tanner Studio Drumtastic Jingle I ordered when I was PD at WERA. I think there were about 10 cuts in all. 3 of the longest years of my career.
Anonymous said
They are a fun jingle package Pete! Sorry for the long years, I’ve had those kind of jobs myself. I’ll bet you know club president Rich Phoenix. I’ll make sure he sees your post. – John/Web VP/Aircheck guy
Pete Tauriello said
Rich is a production genius. I would write all of the station promos, explain to Rich what I wanted and his voice and production skills turned them into radio magic! My first year there we was tremendous. Then ownership wanted to do a “Music of Your Life” type of home produced format. I urged the owner NOT to do this but he would hear nothing. It was disastrous. The owner brought in his son as sales manager and the kid thought he knew everything about programming. Obviously he had his father’s ear and could do no wrong. It was he who had put in his father’s ear that Rich “didn’t fit” and had to go. So, one afternoon, I think just before Christmas, I was ordered to call Rich into a fateful meeting with the GM, the OM and myself. I had a great staff of jocks, but I just couldn’t take the father and son combination any longer and the daily arguments that followed. I left for Shadow Traffic and never looked back. Clearly, it was the right choice..
lancedebock said
It sure was the right choice Pete! I hear you almost every day you still sound great.
lancedebock said
I 2nd Pete’s comments regarding the jingles, I love hearing that old stuff! and I’m honored that someone found an on-air clip from me and included it on the Glory Days audio. Jay your interview with Herb is outstanding!
Anonymous said
Hi Eric, this is Ce’ (Chris Smith) of The El Dikes. I remember your band, The Troupe. Chuck played in the second incarnation of The El Dikes, which included Bruce Braxton, Bill Praesel and myself from the original group. Jim had gone on to college, Frank had also moved on. Aaron and Kirk did not join the new group. Vocalist Brian Jones (also played guitar and bass), bassist Bobby Keetch and a horn section including Rick Herer (trumpet), John Sienkiewicz, (sax), Tom Davis (trumpet), Nick Bayak (trombone), with a few others, for brief periods, joined the later El Dikes group. Mr. Fisher could not continue as band manager, and we were unable to acquire appropriate management. Paul Iovino (ex of the Vibratones) acted as part time advisor for us. Thanks again to WNJR, our radio angel during our band’s life!
Eric Van Leuven said
Thanks SO much for the update, Chris! I only (directly) knew the Cauterucci brothers and, of course Chuck Mott formerly of The Troupe and also in my class at WEstfield High. The El Dikes were completely original at the time. I didn’t know many (any?) other local bands that did soul like you guys, that had a horn section, etc. Too bad you lost your management….I’m sure you guys would have gone even farther…..And that’s Paul Iovino of the Pre-Critters Vibratones?!! Nice!
Anonymous said
did bill franklin pass
Anonymous said
Yes we lost Bill Franklin over 20 years and Herman Amis, both great Black Radio personality that gave so much on and off radio. Sadly when the both passed they were shelter by family members that never inform the community of their demise,Clarence “B”.
Gaius Sims, Sr. said
Gaius Sims asked: When was the date of their passing and is Jesse Carroll (WERA) still alive (see photo of Herman and Jesse pictured together at WERA Plainfield, NJ in 1996…
LINK: https://plus.google.com/u/0/106286061539158198010/posts
jim birtch said
hello when will you sell the cd of jingles airchecks would love a copy thanks jim b in ontario canada
Steven T. Butler said
Bless you Mr. Tucker. A true public servant on and off the mic. Encountering you at University Hospital years ago, I was able to witness the same attention to detail and professionalism you’ve ascribed to every position put your hand to. You’ve encouraged hundreds of thousands in the tri-state area. Thank you.
lancedebock said
And how it was the right choice! I still hear you almost every day Pete, still sound great!
Eric Jackson said
Hi, my name is Eric Jackson. I had been on the air in Boston for 50 years including over 40 years at WGBH. I’m wondering if any has any information on Charlie Green who was at WNJR for years. His is my cousin. I’m sure that he has passed away but I still interested in any information that I can find about him. I believe he lived in VA. after he left WNJR. BTW, my father, Sam Jackson, was the first African American announcer in New England.
Dick Taylor, CRMC/CDMC said
I’m sorry Eric, but I can’t help you. Perhaps Rich Phoenix our NJRM prez can. Good Luck!
Rich Phoenix said
Eric, very pleased to be hearing from you. Charlie Green was an amazing multi-threat talent. I was so very fortunate to work with him at WERA (AM) which was located in Plainfield. After a buyout by WWRL, WERA has been off the air for years. ‘RL bought them and several other adjacent channel AM’s so that they could increase their power (ERA was on 1590; ‘RL is 1600 khz.) From NJ, Charlie next went to a station in Norfolk, VA (possible call letters: WOWI). Again, he was an inestimable talent. I knew him as a newsman, but he was super in any voice assignment he was given. After my time at WERA, I ran a small recording studio for several years, and Charlie came in to do a commercial voice-over as memory serves. He was spectacular as ever, and we sat and shared radio horror stories with one another. He was at WNJR during the riots, and helped to spearhead the peacekeeping in downtown Newark by encouraging listeners with businesses to paint their windows with “Soul Brother,” and other messages to discourage continued violence and looting. He was also a calming influence by providing hyper-local news coverage that told the Newark story with great accuracy as only a truly informed professional could. I remember being a kid and hearing his voice on WNJR, thinking, ‘now that’s a real announcer, a real radio journalist whom you can trust to get the story right.’ As far as precisely when and where he passed, I am guessing that it was in Virginia, possibly in the early/mid-’80s. He is sadly missed by the business and by anyone that was fortunate to work with him or even hear his voice on the radio. I am Rich Phoenix and I serve as NJRM President. My day-job is as the Borough of North Plainfield’s Registered Municipal Clerk. I am operator of our town’s AM emergency radio station, and am also heard internationally via http://www.thealbumzone.com from London, UK. Eric, please keep in touch and thank you for checking in here at njrm.org! – Yours faithfully, Rich Phoenix, RMC
Steve Marovich said
While I never met the man, Charlie Green was the husband of my aunt, Rubi (Arlow) Green. Rubi and Charlie were married in Jersey City in 1956 and remained married for over 50 years until Charlie died in Cleveland, Ohio, on April 9, 2007. Rubi, who I met for the first time in June 2019 when she was 98 years old, passed away on Aug. 6, 2019.
Eric Jackson said
Hi All. Since I posted my original post asking about Charlie Green I have been in touch with a family mailing list. Today I posted Rich Phoenix and Steve Marovich’s comments. One of my family members posted Charlie’s obit and it contains some bio information that I didn’t know. If anyone is interested, here is the link to that obit. https://obits.cleveland.com/obituaries/cleveland/obituary.aspx?n=charles-raymond-green&pid=87171359 Eric Jackson WGBH Boston
Ernest Salerno said
Back in the mid to late 50’s I remember hearing a theme song, I think that would have been on George Hudson’s time slot which went “Here comes Georgie Porgy, Here comes Georgie boy….” Can anyone recall that particular song and if so was it from George Hudson’s program? I heard it every summer at my father’s waste paper shop being played by his two African American employees. I recently was told that it was in fact from Hudson’s show. Can anyone help?
Jennifer Sear-Martin said
I’m trying to locate the radio station my grandmother and aunt used to sing for here in South Jersey. Their last name was Hollenbeck, Margaret and Rebecca (Reba). This would’ve likely been in the 1930s maybe 50s. If they were married by then the last names were Sear and Slotterback. We didn’t know about this until Aunt Reba’s funeral. They’re both deceased now so I can’t get the information from them. Any info would be appreciated.