Disc jockeys like Arnie "Woo Woo" Ginsburg, John H. Garabedian, Larry Justice, Bud Ballou, Tom Allen, King Arthur Knight, Ron Robin, Dick Summer, Bill Lawrence, Gary DeGraide, Jerry Gordon and Mel Miller collectively comprised a distinct, dedicated and dazzling sound that embodied the very best of top 40 radio. On WMEX, they were known as "The Good Guys," and that they were!
Wow, those names... now that was that a Hall of Fame-caliber DJ lineup! Especially Ginsburg and Garabedian who gained national attention for helping pioneer the art and science of this wonderful radio format -- and Summer who gained fame as a long-time radio personality in New York City, N.Y.
This is when DJs sounded like DJs. This is when if a song sounded good, radio stations like WMEX played it. The jingles, sound effects, jokes, the echoey sound and, in general, a work of love from those who loved to work presented an eternally remembered, respected and revered radio format. It didn't matter if the AM dial produced static and other forms of bad reception -- the top 40 format was more than well received by hundreds of thousands in the Boston area and in other major markets.
Too bad this fabulous format is gone. Oh wait... aircheck... no, it isn't! WMEX returned to the airwaves a few years ago as a top 40 station on its original 1510 AM frequency and has recreated the sound so authentically that it is capable of giving overwhelmingly warm memories and meaningful goosebumps to the retro listener.
As a gift from the radio Gods, Larry Justice is part of the current day lineup. Larry is in his 80s but hasn't lost a step, sounding as good as ever in his "Halls of Justice" radio show. The twinkle in his voice, the upbeat, positive delivery, his ability to interact so well with other station personalities and an uncanny, inuitive knack of leading his voice into and out of a song played is the stuff that radio legends are made of.
The current day WMEX lineup doesn't end there, however, with seasoned pros like Paul Perry (really and truly, the prototype of a classic radio personality with a golden voice), Jeff Lawrence and Jimmy Jay bringing their established excellence, radio and music knowledge, and passion to the airwaves. Ben Rabinovitz is more a newcomer compared to his on-air co-workers but definitely has the voice and personality that would have fit in perfectly at the old WMEX. Here's hoping Ben and other relative newcomers like him can pave the way for a return to future radio greatness here and across the USA!
Back to Mr. Justice: His presence on the airwaves brings back personal memories that inexplicably, somehow resurface to the forefront of the mind after all these years. Exhibit A example: I remember my mom and dad driving us into Boston on a snowy winter's day just before Christmas. My dad, a huge model train afficiado, rushed into Eric Fuchs model trains shop to pick up some accessories. While waiting, we listened to WMEX on the car radio in our Mercury Marquis station wagon with the phony wood paneling. We heard the beginning of The Carpenter's Merry Christmas Darling, which, on its own, was enough to warm the heart and soul. What a great song, to this very day! Larry Justice, however, made the song that much better, however, by somehow capturing the spirit of the season and that classic Christmas composition in his voice leading up to the first words conveyed in Ms. Carpenter's wonderfully expressive voice. It was like his voice became part of the song -- part of the overall experience at that moment and proof that a skilled disc jockey's voice can be as lyrical as a song. To me, that moment defined and inspired my love for local radio.
Now all that might seem like nothing within the pop culture side of our lives that are constantly fed with glitz, bombast and a promise of the next big thing. After all those years, however, trends, gimmicks and other contrived marketing plans fade as much as a radio station signing off for the night. But those moments mean everything as the simple things in life somehow always return to the center stage of our hearts and souls. The old WMEX had that affect on me and the new "old" version in the same way -- only the latter is wonderfully broadcast in the given moment.
Ultimatey, our past memories and the joy of living in the moment fortify our blessed presence on earth. The memories can never be taken away. We can take comfort and meaning in the moment as an expression of peace, tranquility, grace, gratitude and enthusiasm for the soul.
Thank you, WMEX, for giving us the best of both worlds with your notable past and greatly enjoyed current presence on the airwaves. I am most grateful!
I remember a DJ Cousin Duffy for a short time in the late 1960s was also quite good and "cool"
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