Welcome to RadioTapes.com
For more than 20 years, RadioTapes has been dedicated to preserving and showcasing historic airchecks from Minneapolis-St. Paul (MN)-area radio stations, with recordings dating back to 1924. Operated by radio historian Tom Gavaras, the site features content contributed by a network of over 100 collaborators. With more than 2,500 audio recordings, RadioTapes covers a wide variety of formats and significant event—including major news broadcasts.
FEATURED STATIONS: KDWB, KLBB, KQRS, KSTP, WCCO, WDGY, WLOL, WWTC, WYOO (U100), and Unlicensed.
AIRCHECKS +: More stations and airchecks to enjoy.
SPORTS AIRCHECKS: Highlights and interviews from Gopher, Twins, Vikings, MN North Stars, MN Lakers broadcasts and more.
SPECIAL POSTINGS: Major news events as heard locally including tornado and severe weather, JFK and RFK assassinations, 35W bridge collapse, Apollo flights, Watergate and more.
VIDEOS: 200 videos of Twin Cities radio station.
MUSIC SURVEYS: Nearly 1,500 surveys from 1957 to 1988.
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NEW SECTION: The host of this website, Tom Gavaras, was an active shortwave listener primarily from the 1970s through the 1990s. He tuned in to radio stations such as the BBC, Radio Moscow, and many others. You can view the QSL verification cards and letters he received from stations in more than 210 broadcast countries.
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REMEMBERING JOHN LENNON
John Lennon died 45 years ago, on December 8, 1980. Listen to breaking news reports and tributes that aired on WCCO-AM/CBS Radio, KQRS-FM/NBC Radio The Source, WWTC-AM/Mutual Radio, WCCO-FM, KDWB-FM, KSTP-FM, WLOL-FM, and KCLD-FM. Also included is audio of how the news was announced on ABC Television’s Monday Night Football and during NBC Television’s The Tonight Show. CLICK HERE.
REMEMBERING PEARL HARBOR ATTACKS AS HEARD ON WCCO RADIO IN 1941
Pearl Harbor National Memorial: LINK.
WDGY-AM "STREAMLINE" NEWSCAST FROM 1940
WDGY-AM (1140 *) "Streamline News" with Benedict Hardman from December 6, 1940. Newscast consisted of European war news (Italian base in Albania taken over by Greek army, German airplanes flying over Great Britain, etc.) and local news and weather. WDGY mention and morse code sounder at the end. (Stan Turner Archives courtesy of TCMediaNow).
Note: In 1940, WDGY broadcast on 1140 kHz. The station moved to its longtime home frequency of 1130 kHz in 1941.
WLOL-FM AIRCHECK FROM 1986 WITH PHIL HUSTON INCLUDING GREATEST ROCK-AND-ROLL HITS MONTAGE
MORE ABOUT MONTAGE MANIA FROM JAY PHILPOTT:
WLS started this "art form" in the 70s by airing a recap of the past year's hits every New Year's Eve at midnight, adding another minute or so each year to represent each "old year." I caught onto this trend and was inspired by it in 1975. Here are a couple of versions of the WLS Montage. The first is an actual aircheck of fairly good quality...but so what if there are imperfections in the signal or the recording - that's the way we heard it! WLS MONTAGE (air 1955-1984)
This version is a complete and absolutely faithful stereo rebuild of the original montage, produced by Scott Childers (www.scottchilders.com): WLS STEREO REBUILD
This final version is my production. I began it in 1979 while I was working at KFMX-FM, as a way to commemorate the passing of the 70s decade. For New Year's Eve 1980 leading into 1981, I added the new 1980 segment and retro-expanded the montage to 1964...the beginning of contemporary music with the Beatles Era. When I started at WLOL-FM in the summer of '80, I brought it with me, and we played it every New Year's Eve at midnight, following each year's "Hot Hits Countdown." I also added 1981, 1982 and 1983. Following my late 1984 departure from WLOL-FM, Gregg Swedberg and his staff continued the tradition of adding to and airing the montage through 1990. From that point, I informally kept up with the montage here and there, even though it didn't have a home for a New Year's Eve airing. The last few years of this piece contain montage elements produced by Scott Childers. PHILPOTT'S MONTAGE Large 50 MB file.
MN NORTH STARS KSTP-AM GAME RECAPS WITH AL SHAVER
KSTP-AM (1500) – Three Minnesota North Stars game recaps with Al Shaver and Dan Stoneking. (provided by David Valento)
11/11/1981 - vs. Winnigeg Jets (won 15-2)
11/18/1981 - vs Quebec Nordiques (tied 5-5)
12/12/1981 - vs Chicago Black Hawks (won 6-3)
KDWB-AM AIRCHECK FROM 1965 WITH CHARLEE BROWN
WCCO RADIO BLOOPERS SHOW THAT AIRED IN 1987
WCCO-AM (830) – Paul Stagg and Brad Johnson from August of 1987 featuring bloopers previously aired on WCCO Radio, along with additional highlights. (provided by Keith Schad)
Paul Stagg’s career began at KWLM-AM in Willmar, followed by WDAY-AM in Fargo, and then WWTC-AM, WCCO-FM/WLTE-FM, WCCO-AM, and KLBB-AM in the Twin Cities before returning to KWLM to conclude his career.
Brad Johnson’s career included work at WMIN-AM, WTCN-AM, WTCN-AM, KRSI-AM, and WLOL-AM, where he helped pioneer the talk-radio format. He later joined the WCCO Radio sales staff and became one of the station’s top account executives.
Both Paul and Brad were inducted into the Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
KDWB-AM AIRCHECK FROM 1961 WITH HAL MURRAY
WCCO RADIO LIVE BROADCAST FROM THE PAVEK MUSEUM IN 1988 WITH MINNESOTA BROADCASTING LEGENDS
The program, hosted by Jim Rogers, features interviews with Minnesota broadcasting legends from WCCO Radio, WDGY Radio, KSTP Radio, and more.
Links below are to profile pages/materials of those who appeared in the broadcast: Johnny Canton, Bob DeHaven, Paul Hedberg, Rolf Hertsgaard, Leigh Kamman, Rodger Kent, Joyce Lamont, Jergen Nash, Stanley Mack, Jim Ramsburg, Jimmy Valentine, and the museum’s namesake, Joe Pavek. (provided by Keith Schad)
Learn more about the Pavek Museum of Electronic Communication at PavekMuseum.org
KDWB-AM AIRCHECK FROM 1960 WITH PAUL JAY
BREAKING NEWS COVERAGE OF THE 1989 SAN FRANCISCO / OAKLAND AREA EARTHQUAKE
WCCO-AM (830): WCCO and CBS Radio breaking-news coverage of the San Francisco–Oakland (Loma Prieta) earthquake on October 17, 1989, which occurred just before the start of Game 3 of the World Series at Candlestick Park in San Francisco. The shock was responsible for 63 deaths and 3,757 injuries. The coverage includes WCCO’s Jim Rogers, Steve Cannon, John Gordon, Ted Robinson, and Dean Spratt, along with phone calls and reports from CBS Radio newscasters and reporters. #1 #2 #3 #4. (provided by Keith Schad)
KDWB-AM AIRCHECK FROM 1965 WITH DON DUCHENE AND STAN TURNER
RAY CHRISTENSEN INTERVIEW ON WCCO RADIO IN 1993
WCCO-AM (830): Ray Christensen interviewed about his Golden Memories book by Dave Lee and Ruth Koscielak on November 7, 1993. Ray's co-writer, Stew Thornley, was also in the studio. Ray served as the play-by-play announcer for the Minnesota Golden Gophers sports teams from 1951 to 2001 and worked for WCCO-AM beginning in 1963. The recording includes a news update with Telly Mamayek and listener calls. - (Provided by Keith Schad)
KSTP-AM "THE MUSIC STATION" AIRCHECKS FROM 1977/1978
WWTC-AM BUDDY HOLLY SPECIAL FROM 1981 WITH ARNE FOGEL
WWTC-AM (1280 - The Golden Rock) Buddy Holly Special hosted by Arne Fogel that aired in February 1981 (Provided by Family of Raymond and Muriel Harrington)
Includes commercials for the WWTC Valentine's Day Record Hop at the Leamington Hotel, Senior T's Restaurant, Nautilus Waterbeds, Ford, Spray & Wash, Quaker State Motor Oil, and Avis.
WCCO RADIO JOE McFARLIN FROM EARLY 1970s
REMEMBERING STAN TURNER
KLBB-AM (1220) Stan Turner on Flashback Twin Cities with Tom Oszman on Dec. 1, 2012.
KLBB-AM (1220) Roger Erickson (WCCO Radio's Boone and Erickson) daughter, Tracy Anderson, appears on the Stan Turner Show on Nov 1, 2017.
KLBB-AM (1220) - Stan Turner's final Wolf Brewing All Request Show broadcast on March 30, 2018 #1 #2 #3 #4
More than 100 airchecks of Stan Turner's Show on KLBB-AM - LINK
Stan Turner - MN Broadcasters Hall of Fame - LINK
TV Coverage of Stan Turner on KLBB-AM in 2018 on KSTP-TV and KARE-TV.
Stan Turner passed away on September 21 at age 81. His career in broadcasting goes back to 1965, when he joined the news department at KDWB-AM. He moved to KSTP Radio News in 1966, but rejoined KDWB as news director a year later. He returned to Hubbard Broadcasting in 1968, taking a job as government reporter for KSTP-TV followed by positions as associate news director, weekend anchor, news director, and then weekday co-anchor. In 1989 Stan helped launch the CONUS / All News Channel. Afterwards, he worked at MNN Radio Network and hosted a program on KLBB Radio.
TV Report of Stan Turner's Passing (KSTP-TV)
BREAKING NEWS COVERAGE OF THE ANNUNCIATION CATHOLIC CHURCH SHOOTING
WDGY-AM 2015 SPECIAL ON THE BEATLES 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THEIR ONLY MN CONCERT
On August 21, 1965, The Beatles performed their only concert in Minnesota at Metropolitan Stadium. In 2015, WDGY-AM aired a special program hosted by Dennis Mitchell (Breakfast with The Beatles), featuring an extensive recording of The Beatles' press conference as heard on WDGY hosted by Johnny Dollar, a recreation of the songs performed, interview with an unhappy police inspector, and more. Listen to the program HERE. (Provided by Jacob Hammond)
Cedric Adams
GEORGE WENDT INTERVIEW ON KQRS IN 2004
George Wendt passed away on May 20, 2025. He was best known for playing Norm Peterson on the NBC sitcom Cheers from 1982 to 1993, which earned him six consecutive nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
KQRS-FM (92.5) George Wendt interview on the KQ Morning Show on January 8, 2004 (provided by Tom Oszman of TCMediaNow)
TWIN CITIES TORNADO OUTBREAK COVERAGE FROM MAY 1965
Sixty years ago, on May 6, 1965, was one of the worst tornado outbreaks in Minnesota history. Six tornadoes affected six counties around the Twin Cities with 13 fatalities, more than 500 injured, and $51 million in damage. Listen to five hours of continuous coverage as heard on WCCO Radio. Plus another six hours of WCCO’s coverage the day after including helicopter reports. WCCO won multiple awards for their coverage including the Society of Professional Journalists Award, the Dupont Award, and the Peabody Award. It's the only time that feat has ever been accomplished. CLICK HERE.
REMEMBERING HAL HOOVER
Hal Hoover passed away on April 8, 2025, just four days short of his 74th birthday. A native of Minneapolis, Hal began his career at KDAN. From there, he worked at several stations, including KTOE in Mankato, KSTT in the Quad Cities, WQXI-FM in Atlanta, and numerous Twin Cities stations: KQRS, WDGY, KDWB-FM (Stereo 101), and KJJO (Hot Rockin' 104). He also worked at WHMH in St. Cloud, and KTCO and B-105 in Duluth, both country stations.
After leaving radio, Hal pursued his passion for all things automotive and worked in that industry for a time before retiring about nine years ago. All airchecks courtesy of Jay Philpott.
WQXI-FM Sean Kelly (Hal Hoover) 1976
KQRS-FM Hal Hoover 4-27-1978
KQRS-FM Hal Hoover 2-23-1979
KQRS-FM Hal Hoover DXed in La 7-17-1980
KQRS-FM Hal Hoover November 1980
WDGY-AM Hal Hoover June 1981
KDWB-FM Stereo 101 Hal Hoover 1st show August 1981
KQRS-FM Hal Hoover October 1985
KJJO-FM Crankin' Cross and Hoover
KARE-TV Report on KJJO-FM and Hal Hoover 1988
KQRS-FM Hal Hoover - Classic Jock ID #1 2018
KQRS-FM Hal Hoover - Classic Jock ID #2 2018
MINNESOTA VIKINGS PLAY-BY-PLAY FROM 1969 WITH RAY CHRISTENSEN
WCCO-AM (830) Minnesota Vikings vs. Los Angeles Rams in a Western Conference Championship game at Metropolitan Stadium on December 27. 1969 with Ray Christensen and Paul Giel. The aircheck includes the entire second half starting when the Rams were leading 17 to 7 with the Vikings responding to win 23 to 20.
REMEMBERING PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER
Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, passed away on December 29, 2024. The following are airchecks that President Carter appeared in on WCCO-AM (830).
Boone & Erickson skit: "The Carter Family" - 1976.
Carter appears at Farmfest - September 15, 1976.
Carter wins Presidential Election - November 3, 1976.
Carter Inauguration coverage - January 20, 1977.
Carter appears on the Boone & Erickson Show - April 26, 1985.
Carter appears with Gil (Roger Erickson) & Fin (Dave Lee) - January 12, 1994.
Carter appears on the Ruth Koscielak Show - January 12, 1994.
MINNESOTA NORTH STAR GAME BROADCAST FROM 1972 WITH AL SHAVER AND STEVE CANNON
WCCO-AM (830) - Minnesota North Stars vs Montreal Canadians - February 24, 1972 with Al Shaver and Steve Cannon. Part 1 - Part 2
The aircheck features the entire game broadcast includes Fan in the Stands with Steve Cannon and Al Shaver, Sid Hartman with North Stars coach Jack Gordon, news headlines with Joe McFarlin (President Nixon was in China at this time), and post-game. Includes commercials for Lancer, Schick, Ski-Doo, Bob's Produce Ranch, Bridgman's, Midwest Federal, Minnesota Blue Cross/Blue Shield/MII, Western Airlines, White Bear Dodge, Grain Belt Beer, Dodge, and Cloverleaf Milk.
This game was digitized off of a very slow moving "logger" reel-to-reel tape kept by 'CCO. As a result, the audio is not studio quality, but more like what it would have sounded like listening with a 1960s small pocket AM transistor radio.
TIM RUSSELL ON WCCO-FM IN 1974
WCCO-FM (102.9) Tim Russell on March 2, 1974.
Aircheck includes the station's sign-on, some of Tim's voice impersonations including Richard Nixon, John Wayne, and Howard Cosell. Plus UPI newscasts and local news with Rick Olson - this was the day before maximum speed limit was reduced nationally to 55 mph due to an oil embargo. Watergate was also in the news.
Commercials included the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Morrie's Imports, Ridgedale Mazda, and Northwestern Bell.
WCCO-AM (830) - AUGUST 26, 1966 - 5:00 AM-11:00 PM
RadioTapes is winding back the aircheck time machine. Here is a rare opportunity to enjoy approximately 17 hours of continuous programming as heard on WCCO-AM on August 26, 1966, from 5:00 am to 11:00 pm. You will hear Roger Erickson and Maynard Speece in the morning, Howard Viken filling in on the national Arthur Godfrey Show, Boone and Erickson, MN Vikings vs. the Washington Redskins with Ray Christensen and Paul Giel, MN Twins vs. the Chicago White Sox with Herb Carneal, Ray Scott, Halsey Hall and Sid Hartman. Plus many commercials (including lots of cigarette ads), Jergen Nash Show, an address by President Johnson and much more!
These recordings were digitized off of a very slow moving "logger" reel-to-reel tape kept by 'CCO. As a result, the audio is not studio quality but more like what it would have sounded like listening with a 1960s small pocket AM transistor radio. We hope you enjoy this wonderful audio journey back in time. Music has been scoped.
Here is a LINK to the page with all the hourly airchecks and detailed descriptions.
THE SEARCH FOR THE LOST RADIO PLAY-BY-PLAY TAPE OF MINNESOTA TWIN CESAR TOVAR'S GRAND SUNDAY IN 1968
Star Tribune article written by sports columnist Patrick Reusse about the search for the lost radio play-by-play tape of Minnesota Twin Cesar Tovar's Grand Sunday when he played all nine positions on September 22, 1968. Tom Gavaras, who is featured in the article, is the operator of RadioTapes.
LINK to the Star Tribune article published on August 16, 2022
JPEG of the article (in the event you are unable to access the Star Tribune website)
Edited aircheck - Herb Carneal and Halsey Hall, with play-by-play of Tovar playing all nine position on September 22, 1968 (mp3)
We are always looking for historic airchecks of Twin Cities radio stations. If you enjoy this website, a financial donation would be appreciated (though not required). Donations will be used to help cover website-related expenses, including making more than 2,500 audio files available, maintaining equipment used to digitize airchecks (with more than 1,000 tapes waiting to be digitized), and more. In addition, discussions are ongoing to eventually provide copies of RadioTapes’ extensive archives to local and national broadcast museums and the Library of Congress.
The Following Airchecks Are Featured on the Special Postings Page. Check Them Out!
- WCCO-AM Severe Weather Coverage (1939 to 1991)
- Hubert H. Humphrey Recordings/Airchecks (1946-1978)
- WCCO Radio Civil Defense Announcements (1961)
- Coverage of the Assassination of President John F. Kennedy (1963)
- Coverage of the Assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King (1968)
- Coverage of the Assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy (1968)
- Coverage of the Apollo 1 Tragedy (1967)
- Coverage of the Flights of Apollo 11, 12 & 13 (1969-1970)
- Coverage of the Assassination Attempt on George Wallace (1972)
- Coverage of Watergate and the Fall of President Nixon (1973-1974)
- Coverage of the Vietnam War (1964-(1975)
- Coverage of the Death of John Lennon (1980)
- Coverage of the Shooting of President Ronald Reagan (1981)
- Coverage of the Falklands War (1982)
- Coverage of the Challenger Shuttle Disaster (1986)
- Coverage of the Start of Operation Desert Storm (1991)
- Coverage of 9/11 Attacks (2001) and Death of Osama bin Laden (2011)
- Coverage of 35W Bridge Collapse (2007)
- Coverage of the Death of Michael Jackson (2009)
- Coverage of the Tucson Shootings (2011)
- Coverage of the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami (2011)
- Coverage of the Shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School (2012)
- Boston Marathon Bombings (2013)
- Coverage of the Death of Prince (2016)
- Election Coverage (2016)
- Minnehaha Academy Explosion (2017)
- Coverage of Disappearance and Location of Jayme Closs (2019)
- Election Coverage (2020)
- Storming of the US Capitol (2021)
- Coverage of Minneapolis Annunciation Catholic Church Shooting (2025)