David Critchfield on his 50th birthday, 2001.

When this Collection went online (March 3, 2002), we didn't know that David Critchfield had passed away in December 2001. He contributed this material to REELRADIO in June, 2001, and wrote about his aircheck collecting hobby at that time.

"It was a major life changing event being turned on to rock 'n' roll radio at summer camp on Orcas Island of the San Juan Islands, Washington, in August 1962 and especially being influenced by CFUN/Vancouver but also by the other top 40 legend in this area at the time, KJR/Seattle. From then on I probably listened to radio at least 8 hours a day. Later added to my listening were CKLG and KOL. Now four of my lottery numbers are 7-9-13-14 (for CKLG, KJR, KOL and CFUN). So far I haven't come through with them.

Majored in Communications Radio/TV at the University of Washington, Seattle. Work in radio only got as far as KCMU (at the time), the 10 watt giant serving the U-district and maybe part of Ballard (Seattle neighborhood) if the wind blew right. Went to work for the phone company instead due to interest in better job security. That applied when it was the Bell System. Now telecom is every bit as competitive as radio.

Avid aircheck collector, moving to higher fidelity and unscoped circa 1985. Taped a lot in the 60s but didn't let the tape run and regret only having lo-fi taping equipment then as the 60s certainly remains my favorite era. One personal favorite: Dale Dorman, especially when he was still at KFRC/San Francisco.

Very interested in tapesponding with aircheck collectors around the world, especially from the UK, Australia and New Zealand in addition to the U.S. and Canada. Also very much in to collecting studio quality jingles

For radio related, one big highlight for me is the day in September 1976 that Dr. Don Rose graciously gave me a full tour of KFRC when it was still at 415 Bush Street. Much like a pilgrim visiting Mecca!"

FROM UNCLE RICKY: Visitors (see COMMENT) have suggested this recording is a re-creation of a 1963 Radio Luxembourg broadcast. To our knowledge, this was unknown by the contributor. We are publishing his description as originally submitted.

[Description by David Critchfield]

The source for this exhibit was Russ Horton, who says this was from the original master tape! This remains a well preserved piece of history. When listening to Radio Luxembourg from just about anywhere in Europe, it faded in and out terribly due to its "208" frequency, so it is fabulous to hear it so clearly from that era.

Canadian-born David had an incredibly early introduction to the world of broadcasting — he first stood before a microphone when he was eight years old! Born on August 23, 1929, David pursued this ambition further when at high school in Calgary. When he left school he became a full-time staff announcer on CFAC, Calgary's top radio station. David graduated with two degrees, in Political Economy and Commerce. David was foreign correspondent in Paris for Station CFAC, and traveled extensively throughout Europe. In 1955 a vacancy arose at Radio Luxembourg for a summer replacement DJ, and so successful was David during his three-year stint that he was asked to stay on permanently. Today he is a freelance, but does the major part of his work for Luxembourg including some enormously popular record shows.