Sunbeam Oldies on Sunrise Internet Radio
Grease music is here on Sunbeam Oldies
New feature: Radio Station Demo 45 Throw Outs
Remembering Richard Chamberlain RIP
+LETS ASK PILOT A QUESTION ABOUT EARLY RADIO STATIONS


Teenage Idols and groups of Yesterday
Danny and the Juniors were a doo-wop and rock-and-roll vocal group formed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1955. The original members included Danny Rapp, Dave White, Frank Maffei, and Joe Terranova1. They gained fame with their 1957 hit "At the Hop," which became a number-one single on the Billboard pop and R&B charts. Their follow-up song, "Rock and Roll Is Here to Stay," also became a hit1. The group continued to release music and perform, but their later singles didn't achieve the same level of success.
You're absolutely right! Danny and the Juniors, despite their success with iconic singles like "At the Hop" and "Rock and Roll Is Here to Stay," never released a full studio album during their career. Their music mostly came out as singles, which was quite common for many rock-and-roll and doo-wop artists in the 1950s. Back then, the focus was often on individual hit songs rather than albums.
Sophia's Favorite Playlist
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"(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" by The Rolling Stones
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"Help!" by The Beatles
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"My Girl" by The Temptations
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"Yesterday" by The Beatles
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"You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" by The Righteous Brothers
What happened on this day in music history from the book Eight Days a Week by Ron Smith Heights Publishing Co. On The Week in March 14-20
March 31, 1956 — Elvis' first smash hit, "Heartbreak Hotel," debuts. It reaches not only #1 pop but also #3 R&B, the first of his 35 R&B chart appearances, making him the most successful white R&B performer.
April 1, 1984 — Marvin Gaye is shot to death the day before his 45th birthday by his minister father, Marvin Gay, Sr., in their Los Angeles home. Investigation reveals that the son had beaten his father, who ends up serving five years probation for voluntary manslaughter.
April 2, 1964 — The Beach Boys record their first #1 hit, "I Get Around." They also fire manager Murry Wilson, the father of three group members, including leader Brian Wilson who feels his dad is hindering their progress with unwelcome critiques at their recording sessions.
April 3, 1959 — The British Broadcasting Corporation lives up to its nickname "Auntie" by banning the Coasters' "Charlie Brown" because of its reference to spitballs. It lifts the ban two weeks later.
2020 - Bill Withers
American soul singer Bill Withers died from heart complications aged 81. His hits include 'Just The Two Of Us', 'Lovely Day' and 'Use Me'. On 'Lovely Day', he set the record for the longest sustained note on a US chart hit, holding a high E for 18 seconds. His ballad 'Ain't No Sunshine', earned him his first Grammy award.
TEEN IDOLS 50's thru 70's



I came across this radio jingle from the 60's , do you have any history on this jingle.
. Certain records were played according to artist, companies and distributors?
Radio jingles from the 1960s have a fascinating history. One of the most influential companies in this field was PAMS (Production Advertising Merchandising Service), founded by Bill Meeks in 1951. PAMS created and syndicated jingles for radio stations across the United States. These jingles were designed to enhance the station's identity and make it more memorable to listeners1.
In the 1960s, radio stations used jingles not only to promote their own brand but also to highlight specific artists, companies, and distributors. These jingles were often catchy and reflected the musical trends of the time, making them memorable and effective in capturing the audience's attention2.
The process of creating these jingles involved recording a demo with generic lyrics, which stations could then customize with their own call letters and slogans. This allowed for a wide distribution of jingles tailored to different markets while maintaining a consistent sound1.
If you're interested in hearing some classic radio jingles from the 1960s, you can check out this YouTube video for a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
The Payola scandal was a significant issue in the music industry during the 1950s and 1960s. It involved record companies paying radio stations and DJs to play specific songs without disclosing these payments, which was illegal. The scandal led to congressional hearings and stricter regulations on radio broadcasting.
While radio jingles from the 1960s were a separate aspect of the radio industry, the Payola scandal did impact the overall trust and practices within the industry. The jingles themselves were typically created and distributed by companies like PAMS to promote radio stations and their programming, rather than being directly tied to the Payola practice
Vintage Radio Station Photo

April British POP Month
British pop of the 1960s, often called the "British Invasion," was a groundbreaking musical era that introduced the world to iconic bands and artists. This period was characterized by the fusion of rock and roll, rhythm and blues, and skiffle, creating a unique and influential sound. Bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, The Who, and The Hollies became global sensations and redefined popular music.
This era wasn't just about the music—it was a cultural revolution. British pop of the '60s played a huge role in influencing fashion, art, and social attitudes. From the catchy harmonies of The Beatles' early songs to the rebellious edge of The Rolling Stones, this movement captured the spirit of the time.
Billy J. Kramer, born William Howard Ashton, is an English pop singer who rose to fame during the 1960s as part of the British Invasion. Managed by Brian Epstein, who also managed The Beatles, Kramer achieved success with his backing band, The Dakotas. He is known for performing several Lennon-McCartney compositions, such as "Bad to Me" and "Do You Want to Know a Secret," which were not recorded by The Beatles2.
Kramer and The Dakotas had multiple chart-topping hits, including "Little Children," and they gained popularity in both the UK and the US. His career continued beyond the beat boom, and he remains active in music, performing and recording to this day2.
The Story Behind the Song
What was the first real Rock N Roll record.
The origin of rock 'n' roll is a hotly debated topic, but many historians credit "Rocket 88", recorded by Jackie Brenston and His Delta Cats in 1951, as the first rock 'n' roll record. The song was produced by the legendary Sam Phillips—the founder of Sun Records—and featured Ike Turner’s band.
It blended rhythm and blues with the driving energy that would come to define rock 'n' roll. While earlier records contributed to the genre's formation, "Rocket 88" is often seen as the one that solidified the sound.
Yes, Jackie Brenston's "Rocket 88," recorded in 1951, predates DJ Alan Freed's coining of the term "rock 'n' roll." Freed, a Cleveland-based radio personality, is credited with popularizing the phrase in the early 1950s to describe the music he was playing on his radio show, blending rhythm and blues with a new, youthful energy.
While Freed gave the genre its name and helped bring it into mainstream culture, the roots of rock 'n' roll, as shown by songs like "Rocket 88," were already forming in the rhythm and blues scene. This makes the history of rock 'n' roll a fascinating mix of cultural influences and innovations!
Celebrating Birthdays
1939 - Rudolph Isley
Rudolph Isley, from American group The Isley Brothers who first came to prominence in 1959 with their fourth single, 'Shout', and then the 1962 hit 'Twist and Shout'. The Isley Brothers also scored the hits 'This Old Heart Of Mine', 'Summer Breeze' and 'Harvest for the World'. Sixteen of their albums charted in the Top 40. He died from an apparent heart attack at his home on 11 October 2023, at the age of 84.
1951 - Henry Gross
American singer-song writer Henry Gross, best known as a member of Sha Na Na and for his hit song, ‘Shannon’. He was the youngest person, at age 18, to play on the main stage at the Woodstock Festival in 1969.
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.Radio Station 45 demo throw outs
This group of six will soon be airing on Sunrise Oldies.
1. Fi-Tones Foolish Dreams Atlas
2. Electric Hand Band- Electric Blue -Certron
3. Mike Easton & Cherokee - Get Me Some Help - Chart
4. The American Dream - I Ain't Searchin' - Ampex Records
5. Earth Quake - I Get The Sweetest Feeling- A & M
6. The Touchables Scalaroonie Roulette
Remembering Richard Chamberlain RIP

Richard Chamberlain, known for his acting prowess, also had a notable musical career. During his time as the star of the TV series Dr. Kildare (1961–1966), he showcased his singing talent. He released several romantic ballads, including the theme song Three Stars Will Shine Tonight, which became a hit. Chamberlain's musical endeavors extended to Broadway, where he performed in productions like My Fair Lady and The Sound of Music. His velvety voice and stage presence made him a versatile performer in both acting and music.
Jukebox Generation Plug In and Light Up
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I just want to sincerely say Greetings from Minnesota. God bless you guys.