Keener 13's legendary program director, Bob Green, describes the secret sauce that made WKNR a success. 

The Keener Philosophy

The Supremes, The Raiders, Ronnie Dove and Rodney the Rodent. Excellent execution, too, by Keyman J. Michael Wilson.

J Michael Wilson - May 1, 1967

Our Keener aircheck of the week features Bob Green from Keener's early days, complete with the earliest CRC jingles. Elvis and a bunch of promos that gives a sense of the fun Keener created in the winter of 1964.

Bob Green on Keener in 1964

In May of 1965, Dick Purtan came to Detroit from WSAI in Cincinnati, Ohio. Getting used to Keener's format and control room took a little doing as we'll hear in this early aircheck, courtesy of Radio's Best Friend, Art Vuolo.

Dick Purtan Comes to Keener - May, 1965

From WKNR's prime, the electric energy of Gary Stevens, complete with the Wolly Burger, a commercial voiced by Jerry Goodwin, Bobby Freeman, The Supremes, Billy J. Kramer and Carole Smith playing Keener Baseball. 

Gary Stevens on Keener - July. 1964

From February of 1969, Jerry Goodwin's swing from mid-day work companion to the knowledgeable host of what would evolve into classic rock.

Jerry Goodwin on WKNR-FM - February, 1969

One of the great mid-day guys of the 60s and Keener's "legal ID" voice. How many times did we hear, "WKNR AM-FM Dearborn, Offices in the Sheraton Cadillac, Detroit."

Ted Clark on Keener in July of 1967

Jim Davis, "Big Jim Edwards" at CKLW, introduces the Flirtations one and only top 40 hit in 1968. "Nothing But a Heartache". 

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here on this auspicious occasion to... get it on!"

The Keener Dream Cruise Weekend

Big Jim Edwards Intros "Nothing But a Heartache:

He's an innovator, an entertainer, a raconteur and one of the pivotal personalities in Detroit Radio during the golden age of Top 40. Robin Seymour has finally written an autobiography. It's required reading for anyone who grew up with the Beatles, Record Hops and Swingin' Time. In this Podcast, we do a deep dive with the renaissance man who helped create the soundtrack of our lives.

The Keener13 Podcast - Robin Seymour

A montage of various Top of the Hour identification announcements at Detroit radio station WKNR.

WKNR Top of the Hour ID Montage

Nineteen before the hour, where life is always Keener!

Welcome Back! To a time when rock and roll meant the Beatles, garage bands and Motown, and a 5000 watt AM station in Dearborn, Michigan transformed Detroit radio. Return with us now to experience again the sights, sounds and culture surrounding Detroit's number one '60s rock-radio phenomenon. Explore Keener13.com and celebrate the legend!

Keener13.com

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