CHUM Radio Celebrates 50 Yrs. Of Rock With DJ Reunion

Normally when you turn on the radio, you hear a lot about the future – the coming weather, the newest releases from your favourite artist, what’s going on in the news. But what’s happening at one Toronto radio station this week isn’t focused so much on what’s coming but what’s already gone. And it’s a blast from the past never before attempted on local airwaves.

Those who grew up with 1050 CHUM during its height as a rock station will probably remember the AM powerhouse as not only a ratings topper but a trendsetter. CHUM became one of the most famous stations in the world after owner Allan Waters made the bold decision to turn it into Canada’s first Top 40 radio station on May 27th, 1957. (It’s since become a Canadian broadcasting empire that includes Citytv and Citynews.ca).

It’s hard to believe that youth-oriented format could be 50 years old, but next weekend the station nearly every baby boomer grew up listening to celebrates that half century milestone, with an open house and a huge party at Nathan Phillips Square.

But getting there, as they say, is half the fun. So the station that still plays the same hit records it did back then is marking this remarkable anniversary with a long forgotten and long awaited homage to its own past – a disc jockey reunion. CHUM remembers that in the old days, many of its on-air personalities were as legendary as the artists they played. Names like “Jungle” Jay Nelson, Bob McAdorey and Wolfman Jack all graced the station’s airwaves at one time or another. Now those long departed voices are being heard again, as the Rock of Ages plays back many of their vintage performances in a one time only six-hour block of time all this week.

Some – like the Ferris-wheel riding record setter Mike Cooper or former DJ-turned-sportscaster Jim Van Horne – will be on live doing one more show for old time’s sake. Others, who have since passed away, will be heard on tape, including the recently departed John Majhor and Tom Rivers.

See the complete schedule here.

Bob Laine, one of the CHUM originals who first turned on the mic in 1958, will contribute his own memories here later.  It’s all a prelude to the station’s big bash next Saturday, which culminates in a free concert at City Hall, starring a host of famous artists, including Gordon Lightfoot.  And it’s a trip down memory lane – or should that be Laine? – you won’t hear anywhere else. Which seems only appropriate. Because it’s where you heard them all the first time.