REELRADIO: Ron Jacobs CRUISIN' GENUINE VINYL

On this page, you'll learn why:
the re-released CRUISIN' on CD is NOT the CRUISIN' on LP
— and more.

Question: From: Many People With The Same Question
My Cruisin' Tape/LP is lost, worn out, etc. Can I get a replacement on CD?

No. Do NOT buy the re-issued CDs. Look for original LPs, only. Buy the LP and burn it to CD. ORIGINAL and AUTHENTIC CRUISIN' albums produced by me for Watermark's INCREASE RECORDS, distributed by GRT, were released on vinyl albums, 8-track and cassette. The butcher who bought the rights in the 1980s blatantly replaced any records he could not clear. When I discovered that was his intent, I sent him back my advance check for $10,000 — a lot of money when gas was under a buck a gallon.

For the record, the original clearances were handled by GRT VP Tom Bonetti. He operated from a list I submitted to him. Our first meeting about the project was held at Watermark's funky, second-story setup on La Cienega, in West L. A. In attendance was the son of one of the legendary Chess brothers, who founded the label of that name. GRT had acquired the rights to their Incredible catalog.

Those songs were the nucleus of titles we obtained, headlined by the immortal Chuck Berry. He has outlived all but three of the CRUISIN' deejays — and is still playing (always COD from the promoters) at the age of 81. My favorite memory of Berry was sitting with him and fellow KPOI-boys in George's Inn, next to the old Honolulu Civic Auditorium in 1957. A big hurricane caused the show to be cancelled. The three of us sat there, drinking beverages, and discussing to what extent the storm was an "Act of God". This would determine how much he would be paid for not playing that night.

Question: From: Cris Sunday, August 31, 2008 at 05:19:42
I know that I'm taking exception with the great Ron Jacobs, but wouldn't that 1957 Mercury spot,
which was clearly was cut to INTRODUCE the 1957 line most likely have seen most of its flights in the fall of 1956?

Tell "Cris" that the great Ron Jacobs sez:

1 - Car dealer, perhaps even more so in that NYC suburb of Philly, had to sell old "new" inventory. But, if you have a 1958 Mercury commercial, you should make your own album. If so, say Aloha, from me, to the great Joe Niagara in Top 40 Heaven.

2 - The point of the CRUISIN' series is to document how lame the 50s were, in many respects. Radio was always "one beat behind," anyway. I'm sure WIBG used those big band jingles into the actual SIXTIES. (When I was in Dallas, mucking around in jingle company archives I heard some "Top 40" stuff with accordions, clarinets and other oddball instruments).

Question: From: Those who question accuracy
This didn't happen then, or that didn't happen then, and it just wasn't that way at that time!

I NEVER "PASSED THEM OFF" AS AIRCHECKS FOR CHRISSAKE.

I have seen movies of "1950s" radio studios, with mics made 15 YEARS LATER.

A big series, which shall remain unnamed, paid me $2500 to tell them what a studio should look like for their establishing and ending scenes... Then they went and did it half-ass. I pocketed the money ... and laughed MY ass off!

They don't call them "Trade Secrets" for nothin'.

Anyone can DUB A TAPE OFF THE AIR. Everyone should know WHAT went into the six months it took to PRODUCE the CRUISIN' series. They are my "babies."