2024 “CD Showcase” – Holiday
WRMN 1410 AM, ELGIN IL
Show Information
After the 11/16/2024 show, the next-to-last of the regular 2024 broadcasts, I left the studio devastated. I thought I would NOT be able to host a Holiday Edition on my hometown radio station as I wanted, similar to the 4-hour WRMN afternoon broadcasts 12/24/2009, Christmas Eve 2010 & Christmas Eve 2011. That next week had highlights (celebrating Nephew’s 16th birthday & the return of my repaired laptop), but I was in a funk.
I even missed that week’s Wednesday Elgin Area Chamber Referral Network luncheon, of which I am a member. When I emailed the group my radio show was ending, I received a swift reply from Bob Schmitt. Several discussions ensued with Bob & Mark of WRMN, culminating in breaking news I announced 11/22/2024 on the CD Showcase Facebook page.
My excitement to continue on the airwaves every Saturday, for special Holiday Editions of my radio show history, is beyond words; my gratitude towards Bob Schmitt of Remix Market Chicago & Junkluggers Chicago NW is overflowing. The show information from each LIVE broadcast is below. I appreciate you joining me on this musical journey “…because a song remembers when.”
SPONSORS
REMIX MARKET CHICAGO
website
Facebook page
JUNKLUGGERS CHICAGO NW
Facebook page
website
Please contact me to discuss opportunities.
CONTACT & INFO
Email: cort@cdshowcase.com
Text: 847 337 9897
09/14-11/23 playlists-info:
2024 “CD Showcase”
01/04-01/18 playlists-info:
2025 “CD Showcase”
Radio Show Information History
QUICK LINKS
EVENTS pages
CD Showcase
CD Consulting Service
Old Cars, Strong Hearts
FACEBOOK
PAGE: CD Showcase
news: 11/22/2024 – through Dec
announcement: 11/25-6/2024
event: 11/28/2024
post-invite: 11/29-30/2024
event: 11/30/2024
news: 12/04/2024 Tent City fire
announcement: 12/05/2024
event: 12/07/2024
announcement: 12/13/2024
event: 12/14/2024
announcement: 12/20/2024
holiday memory: 12/21/2024
LIVE: 12/21/2024
event: 12/21/2024
post: 12/26/2024
LIVE: 12/28/2024
event: 12/28/2024
WINNERS
Win a $5 Downtown Elgin IL Neighborhood Association Gift Certificate, like:
Chris F, Elgin-E Dundee IL
AJ, Eagle River WI-Cary IL
QUOTES ABOUT THE SHOW
“Good to hear your voice again! If radio was always like this, I’d be listening to the radio all the time.”
— Brian R, Georgia
“I love what you play, most of what I’m hearing isn’t mainstream radio. I’m always puzzled why most stations play 1 or 2 songs of a particular artist over & over, when they have so many good songs that are skipped over?”
— Michael H, New Mexico
“I really enjoyed the show! The variety of music was endless, and your enthusiasm is great to hear. I’ll be sure to tune in again.”
— Jill, Bartlett IL
“Really enjoy hearing the background on the musicians. Man — ‘Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer’ totally reminds me of Christmas in Indiana & Illinois when I was younger!”
— Michelle W, Colorado Springs CO
“That last one [Alabama’s “Christmas In Dixie”] triggered a bit of nostalgia for me. It was one of my parents’ favorite Christmas songs to play in our house every year when I was growing up.”
— Brendan L, Cary IL
“When you played ‘Run, Run Rudolph’, my granddaughter started dancing. She said ‘This is Run Run Rudolph’! I asked her: ‘How do you know that?’ She said: ‘Papa, I’m 3 and a half!’ LOL. Thanks, Cort.”
— Steve & Missy, Hartford OH
“That was awesome & really made my day! You rock, Cort!”
—Ryan Parsons, Allen Park MI
“You are doing a fantastic job & we are thankful to have tuned in for your show tonight!”
—Deanna C (Ryan’s fiance), MI
“‘Morning Has Broken’, one of my favorites! Enjoying the Christmas music!”
—L Chris F, Elgin-E Dundee IL
“Definitely listening again for sure. I’ve been telling everyone I know about your show.”
— AJ, Eagle River WI-Cary IL
“Dude! You’re making me feel old with these songs. Sadly, I remember when most of them were released.”
— Dave W, New York
“I grew up on radio & disc jockeys … & grew up in Chicago land. Your show really brought me back to that time.”
— Scott W, Michigan
“The music takes me back to a different place & time for sure.”
— Anthony H (Limey), Illinois
“A song remembers when is a great line & very true. Listening on the app. Good to hear you back on the air.”
— Chip, Michigan
11/28/2024 PLAYLIST
SPECIAL EDITION
show information:
28 artists … songs … details
{SHOUT OUTS as spoken}
sponsors:
Remix Market Chicago
Junkluggers Chicago NW
4p-5p US central
{MENTIONED: Happy Thanksgiving & hello Elgin & beyond! WELCOME to a special edition of CD SHOWCASE, sponsored by The Junkluggers Chicago NW & Remix Market Chicago! I am THRILLED to broadcast LIVE from my hometown radio station this afternoon & am honored you’ve chosen to spend part of your Thanksgiving Day with me. I hope the songs you hear in the next 2 hours spark memories for you because a song remembers when.
Today’s broadcast is an extension of the HOLIDAY editions of CD SHOWCASE that will also air LIVE on WRMN, 5 straight Saturdays, 11/30 through 12/28, 7p-9p US central. For all of these shows, I will play more than just holiday tunes … to provide a radio experience unlike any other with variety galore.
Quick reminder: SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY is THIS weekend. Be sure to “shop small”. Also, check out the OC,SH NETWORK members on oldcarsstronghearts.com. Mom’n’Pop businesses are so important for so many reasons.
Speaking of mom’n’pop places, a HUGE thank you to Junkluggers Chicago NW & Remix Market Chicago for sponsoring today’s CD SHOWCASE & all 5 Saturday night HOLIDAY edition broadcasts. While BOTH businesses are local to the Elgin area, located on Airport Rd [yes, an aiport used to be at that location], both are part of national brands, available in various locations across the United States. Of the 2 local versions, tho, YOU can utilize Remix Market Chicago wherever you are. Check out their website … remixmarketchicago.com … to see some of the awesome items they have for sale, available to be shipped, perfect for unique giving. Those of you in the Elgin area, be sure to go visit them. They are located just north of I-90 off IL RT 31. At the intersection where the BP gas station, Alexander’s Restaurant & the Holiday Inn form a triangle, turn as if going to the hotel. Go past there & Junkluggers & Remix Market Chicago will be on your right. Longtime Elgin residents may remember the location as the Wonder Bread store, a destination place before destination places became a thing, next to what used to be the Cracker Barrel restaurant.
2 last things to note before we start the music…
…visit the CD SHOWCASE website to see show info, contact info (email or text me), quick links, events pages (next hour, will mention some events in the upcoming week), possible tickets (working with other minor league baseball teams for the 2025 season), Downtown Neighborhood Association gift certificate winners (with more to give away), quotes about the show & playlists.
…a new feature of the Saturday night broadcasts is the Double Play Of The Day. We will have that in today’s 2nd hour, featuring the Eagles. Since holiday music is part of today’s show, I bet you can guess 1 of the 2 songs….}
{& now, that all said, most of which I will probably repeat, it is time to drive along this magical music journey to spark memories because a song remembers when.}
{We begin this special Thanksgiving Day Holiday CD SHOWCASE with a song I actually played a couple Saturdays ago. BUT, it is the song I played to begin EACH Holiday Edition CD SHOWCASE I hosted LIVE 4 hours on Christmas EVE afternoon in 2009, 2010 & 2011, on this very radio station. So, let’s dive in….}
1 Stephen Curtis Chapman … “Dive” … 2001
[segue “dive”]
2 Mannheim Steamroller … “Deck The Halls”
{& we’re off on this special CD SHOWCASE Holiday Edition! Thank YOU for spending part of your Thanksgiving Day with me!}
{Ben & his whole family in N Carolina are having turkey & listening in….}
{I usually do not create a playlist before I am on the air; I like to let the mood lead me to play different artists & songs. Today, tho, is a bit different. I didn’t pre-determine the order of songs (well, except the 1st), but I did take time this week to select certain entries for this special broadcast. Such is the case with this song….}
3 Oak Ridge Boys … “Thank God For Kids” … 11/20/1982, 16 weeks, #3 – 2 weeks (has since become a holiday staple)
[segue “summer 69”]
4 Della Reese … “Walk With You” … theme for TV’s ‘Touched By An Angel’
{Ben’s cousin, Max, is also listening from N Carolina.}
{Denny Gibson from Cincinnati OH is listening in today from Buckhorn State Park in Kentucky; Denny has written several books about his road tripping adventures & I am in some of those books!}
{Small Business Saturday, website, Double Play Of The Day next hour featuring the Eagles.}
5 The Judds … “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout The Good Old Days) … 02/15/1986, 20 weeks, #1 (Country Song AND Country Vocal Duo Grammys)
[segue “wheels”]
6 Robert Downey Jr … “River” … from TV’s ‘Ally McBeal’ holiday episode
{This song has been relevant in my life a few different times.}
{Ben’s brother-in-law, Brett, also listening in from N Carolina}
{Paul in Elgin}
{Anthony-Limey tuned in from Dakota IL, soon to be moving}
{college buddy Kevin Bryant is a part of this still-active Jackson TN group}
7 The Jukes … “Good Ol’ A Cappella”
[segue “bring to life”]
8 Williams Brothers … “The Holiday Season”
{Another song I chose, appropriate for Thanksgiving Day….}
9 Ronnie Milsap … “What A Difference You’ve Made In My Life” … 11/19/1977, 16 weeks, #1
[segue “don’t wait”]
10 Dean Martin … “Baby It’s Cold Outside”
{When I arrived at my sister’s earlier today for the Thanksgiving meal, I quipped that, in this area at least, God had apparently forgotten to pay the electric & gas bills, referencing the cloudy & cold day….}
11 Amy Grant … “That’s What Love Is For”
[segue “haven’t heard from you”]
12 David Seville & The Chipmunks … “All I Want For Christmas (Is My 2 Front Teeth)”
{Sister, brother-in-law, Nephew & The 2 Nieces & my Mom are all listening in Carpentersville IL}
{Back in the day, I was a soap opera watcher, particularly ‘Another World’. Rachel Cory, portrayed mostly by Victoria Wyndham, was born into poverty but married into money via Mackenzie Cory. When Mack died (the actor died in real life), Rachel lacked a love interest. But then, the show’s writers started hinting at a possible relationship between Rachel & the town’s evil character, Carl Hutchins, portrayed by Charles Keating. Carl was the type of character you LOVED to HATE … I’m sure you know the type. Anyway, initial reaction to this potential “couple” was not favorable. But, as the storyline developed, it became clear Carl HAD INDEED changed … & the 2 became the show’s next “power couple”. That pairing led to a CD, named “Couplets”. This is a quick entry from that album.}
13 Victoria Wyndham & Charles Keating … “2 Little Who’s” … written by e.e. cummings
[3 minute break]
5p-6p US central
14 The Browns … “The 3 Bells” … 08/03/1959, 19 weeks, #1 – 10 weeks (#1 for 4 weeks on pop charts)
[segue “Route 66”]
15 Alabama … “A Candle In The Window”
{MENTIONED from EVENTS page:
ADVISE EVENT(S) TO MENTION
11/29, 7:30p, Valley Model RR Club Open Session, S Elgin IL
11/29, 7:30p, StingRays at Coopers, Winfield IL
11/29-30, Turkey Derby, Wall Stadium Speedway, NJ
11/30, SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
11/30, 9a, Illinois Route 66 Local
11/30, 11a, Relics & Rods at American Legion, Lake Havasu City AZ
11/30, 5:20p, International Friendly soccer, US at England, London England
11/30, 7p-9p US central, CD SHOWCASE
11/30, 9p, Postmodern Jukebox, New Buffalo MI
11/30, 9:30p, Milwaukee’s Addiction at Paulie’s Pub & Eatery, W Allis WI
11/30-12/01, Kane County Flea Market, St Charles IL
12/01, 7a, Jim Hinckley’s America Coffee w/Jim podcast, Kingman AZ
12/01, 9a, Great Midwest Train Show, Wheaton IL
12/01, 11a, JUNKLUGGERS-REMIX MARKET WAREHOUSE SALE, Elgin IL
12/01, 12p, Valley Model RR Open Family, S Elgin IL
12/02, 6p, N IL Street Rod Assoc monthly meeting, Carpentersville IL
12/02, 6:30p, Poetry Writers Workshop, Elgin IL
12/02, 7:30p, virtual ACHD meet, Chicago IL
12/03, GIVING TUESDAY
12/03, 5p, Kids Eat Free at Docs Just Off 66, Girard IL
12/03, 6p, Slot Car Night In America, Wisconsin
12/04, 12p, EAC Referral Network lunch, Elgin IL
12/04, 5p, ACHA midwest CHD virtual, Chicago IL
12/04 new edition of Orange Peel Gazette, Dekalb IL}
{DOUBLE PLAY OF THE DAY}
16 Eagles … “Peaceful Easy Feeling”
[segue “smack dab”]
17 Eagles … “Please Come Home For Christmas”
{Closing out today’s DOUBLE PLAY OF THE DAY, a holiday favorite from a favorite group….}
18 Ferlin Husky … “Wings Of A Dove” … 09/05/1960, 36 weeks, #1 – 10 weeks (#12 pop charts)
[segue “broken arrow”]
19 Philharmonic Orchestra, Handbells … “Carol Of The Bells”
{I played bells a number of years ago & particularly LOVE this song.}
{Carly, Ben’s sister-in-law, listening in N Carolina, also loves that song!}
{I generally loved TV’s ‘Nashville’, but some parts were aggravating. For instance, this next song was performed on the series by Deacon (portrayed by Charles Esten) & Rayna James’ 2 daughters (played by Lennon & Maisey). They performed it in tribute after the death of Rayne, the show’s queen of country music. The song was said to be one of Rayna’s early hits, but Rayna (portrayed by Connie Britton) never sang it on the show or on any of the CDs.}
20 Deacon & Rayna’s 2 daughters … “Sanctuary”
[segue “haven’t heard from you”]
21 Nat King Cole … “The Christmas Song”
{Playlists will be available on the website.}
{Regular listeners, Steve & Missy, have been understandably busy today but are now tuned in from their daughter’s home in Poland OH.}
{Katrina & son Miles are listening in Virginia; I visited them during 1 of my road trips, believe in 2010.}
22 Merle Haggard … “If We Make It Through December” … 10/27/1973, 17 weeks, #1 – 4 weeks
[segue “Route 66”]
23 Barry Gordon … “Nuttin’ For Christmas”
{Huge thanks to sponsors The Junkluggers Chicago NW & Remix Market Chicago … on Airport Rd in Elgin … monthly Warehouse Sale is THIS Sunday, December 1 … they will ship to YOU, so even tho they are local, you can utilize them!}
24 Colin Raye … “What If Jesus Comes Back Like That” … 11/25/1995, 22 weeks, #21
[segue “summer 69”]
25 Nicolette Larson … “Christmas Is A Time For Giving”
{Fun Fact about me: I play (or played, in High School & College) the cello; this next song is 1 of my favorites.}
26 Heart Of Cello, cellist Emanuel Gruber … “The Flight Of The Bumble Bee”
[segue “wheels”]
27 Stephen Bishop … “Let It Snow”
{Thank you for spending part of your Thanksgiving Day with me; be sure to check out the CD SHOWCASE website!}
{Closing out this special episode of CD SHOWCASE … because a song remembers when … with the song I ended ALL of my Saturday evening college radio shows….}
28 Andy & Terry Murray … “Treasures For The Road”
11/30/2024 PLAYLIST
HOLIDAY EDITION
show information:
28 artists … songs … details
{SHOUT OUTS as spoken}
sponsors:
Remix Market Chicago
Junkluggers Chicago NW
7p-8p US central
{MENTIONED: Hello Elgin & Beyond! WELCOME to the 1st of 5 CD SHOWCASE – Holiday Edition LIVE broadcasts. Thank you for spending part of your Small Business Saturday with me. I hope the songs you hear in the next 2 hours spark memories for you. Why? Because a song remembers when!
If you missed the special Thanksgiving Day broadcast, the playlist & some of what I said is now on the website….
In these next 5 Saturday broadcasts, I will play more than just holiday tunes … to provide a radio experience unlike any other with variety galore. Yes, you will hear “holiday staples”, but you will also hear holiday tunes & versions of holiday favorites new to you … as well as some surprises along the way….
A huge thank you to Junkluggers Chicago NW & Remix Market Chicago for sponsoring all 5 Saturday night HOLIDAY edition broadcasts. BOTH businesses are local to the Elgin area, located at 425 Airport Rd in Elgin (yes, an airport used to be along that road), & both are part of national brands, available in various locations across the United States. Of the 2 local versions, tho, YOU can utilize Remix Market Chicago wherever you are. Check out their website to see some of the awesome items they have for sale, available to be shipped, perfect for unique giving. Those of you in the Elgin area, be sure to go visit them, particularly tomorrow for their Warehouse sale, starting at 11a. They are located just north of I-90 off IL RT 31. At the intersection where the BP gas station, Alexander’s Restaurant & The Holiday Inn form a triangle, turn as if you are going to the hotel. Go past there & Junkluggers-Remix will be on your right. Longtime Elgin area residents may remember the location as the Wonder Bread store, a destination place before destination places became a thing, next to the former Cracker Barrel.
Also check out the OC,SH NETWORK members oldcarsstronghearts.com….
Tonight’s Double Play Of The Day, in the 2nd hour, will feature unique holiday tunes from Anne Murray.
NOW, time to drive along this magical music journey to spark memories because a song remembers when.}
{We begin tonight with a holiday tune I have not heard on the radio in quite some time, if ever, but I have a hunch most of you will know it, especially if you remember a certain 1979 holiday special, a favorite of mine….}
1 John Denver & The Muppets … “Christas Is Coming”
[segue “dive”]
2 Juice Newton … “Christmas Needs Love To Be Christmas”
{Born Judith Kay Cohen, 02/18/1952, she went on to notch many hits on both the country & pop charts, including “Angel Of The Morning”, “Queen Of Hearts”, “The Sweetest Thing” & my favorite, “Old Flame”….}
{Thrilled to be broadcasting LIVE on my hometown radio station.}
{AJ, 1 of the 2 gift certificate winners, is listening in from Eagle River WI.}
{Michael, fellow Cubs & automotive fan, is listening in from New Mexico}
{I mentioned at the top of the show I’ll spin more than just holiday tunes. Such is the case with this next song, one that tells the tale of missing yourself as a kid, something I’m betting we all can relate to in some way during the holiday season. I relate in several ways, including missing the holiday open houses we hosted as a family….}
3 Billy Dean … “Billy The Kid” … 05/23/1992, 20 weeks, #4
[segue “don’t wait”]
4 Jim Croce … “It Doesn’t Have To Be That Way”
5 Roger Whittaker … “The Little Drummer Boy”
[segue “Route 66”]
6 Julie Andrews … “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”
{The holiday season has officially begun & is off & running.}
{Regular listeners, Steve & Missy from Hartford OH, are tuned in & listening tonight.}
{Born 08/10/1928 in Plainview TX, this artist died at the age of 81, 06/13/2010.}
7 Jimmy Dean … “It Came Upon The Midnight Clear”
[segue “summer 69”]
8 John Mellencamp … “Peaceful World”
{I promised surprises along the way! Be honest … when’s the last time you heard that song on the radio?}
{Broadcasting LIVE from downtown Elgin on my hometown radio station, along US 20, which stretches from MA to OR.}
{My Mom right here in Elgin is listening.}
9 The Gatlins … “Little Drummer Boy”
[segue “wheels”]
10 The Beach Boys … “Little Saint Nick”
{Anthony, better known as Limey, is listening in from Dakota IL.}
{A pair of unique holiday tunes from Anne Murray will be the Double Play Of The Day in the 2nd hour.}
{When is the last time you’ve heard THIS artist on the radio?}
11 Lena Horne … “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!”
[segue “bring to life”]
12 Judy Collins … “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”
{When’s the last time you’ve heard her on the radio as well?}
{My sister Joy & her family are listening in from Carpentersville IL.}
{I promised some surprises & non-holiday tunes; here is another….}
13 Lennon Stella (‘Maddie Conrad’) … “Saved” … from TV’s “Nashville” (Maddie was the daughter of the “queen of country music”, Rayna James, portrayed by Connie Britton)
[segue “haven’t heard from you”]
14 David Seville & The Chipmunks … “Wonderful Day”
{Elgin IL Downtown Neighborhood Association gift certificates to give.}
{Please tell others about the radio show; I’d love to earn new listeners.}
{Born 04/22/1936 in Delight AR, this artist had such hits as “Still Within The Sound Of My Voice” & “Rhinestone Cowboy”….}
15 Glen Campbell … “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”
[segue “broken arrow”]
16 Ella Fitzgerald … “Sleigh Ride”
8p-9p US central
[3 minute break]
{DOUBLE PLAY OF THE DAY}
17 Anne Murray … “This Season Will Never Grow Old”
[segue “smack dab”]
18 Anne Murray … “Christmas Wishes”
{Wrapping up the Double Play Of The Day … born 06/20/1945 in Springhill, Nova Scotia, Canada, she was a High School gym teacher for a year after college & then went onto have many hits, including “You Needed Me”, “Daydream Believer”, “A Little Good News” & “Time Don’t Run Out On Me”. I’m guessing those 2 songs from Anne Murray might be new to you.}
{MENTIONED from EVENTS page:
ADVISE EVENT(S) TO MENTION
continuing, Auto Show, Los Angeles CA
11/30, 9:30p, Milwaukee’s Addiction, W Allis WI
12/01, MUSEUM STORE SUNDAY
12/01, 7a, Jim Hinckley’s America live podcast, Kingman AZ
12/01, 9a, Great Midwest Train Show, Wheaton IL
12/01, 11a, JUNKLUGGERS-REMIX MARKET WAREHOUSE SALE, Elgin IL
12/01, 12p, Valley Model RR open family, S Elgin IL
12/02, 6p, N IL SRA monthly meeting, Carpentersville IL
12/02, 6:30p, Poetry Writers Workshop, Elgin IL
12/02, 7:30p, ACHD virtual meet, Chicago IL
12/03, GIVING TUESDAY
12/03, 5p, Kids Eat Free, Girard IL
12/03, 6p, Slot Car Night In America, Wisconsin
12/04, 12p, EAC Networking, Elgin IL
12/04, 5p, ACHA midwest virtual, Illinois
12/04, new edition of Orange Peel Gazette, Dekalb IL
12/05, 10a, Thriving In Nature, HHNC, Elgin IL
12/05, 7p, Writers On The Fox (book available online), Elgin IL
12/06, 5p, First Friday, Bloomington IL
12/06-07, Great Train Show, Salt Lake City UT
12/06-08, Christmas in Carlinville IL
12/07, LETTER WRITING DAY
12/07, 9a, Christmas On The Blvd, Lakeview SC
12/07, 9a, MiRPA Coffee & Cars, Cary IL
12/07, 9a, Recycling, Aurora IL
12/07, 11a, Relics & Rods at American Legion, Lake Havasu City AZ
12/07, 6p, Jingle & Mingle, Cuba MO
12/07, 7p-9p, CD SHOWCASE ON WRMN
12/07-08, 8a, Breakfast With Santa at Lambs Farm, Libertyville IL
12/07-08, 10a, Greenberg’s Train & Toy Show, Timonium MD
12/07-08, 10a, Rustic Fox Kris Kringle Market, N Aurora IL
12/08, 12p, Toys For Tots, Huntley IL
12/08, 4p, New Vintage Strings Holiday Special, St Charles IL
12/08, 6p, Cello Fury at THON benefit, Beaver PA}
19 Air Supply … “Winter Wonderland”
[segue “Route 66”]
20 The Road Crew … “The Railroad Is Coming To Town”
{Not exactly Santa Claus Is Coming To Town … from their ‘Songs From The Mother Rd’ album, with a quote from Marty Stuart: “Songs From The Mother Road is the perfect soundtrack for traveling along the great route that defines America. Woody writes and The Road Crew performs with a passion that comes from deep down within their hearts. They also play with a love for ‘That ol’ 66′ that only comes from having known her. This is good listening.”}
{Speaking of Route 66, this next artist was born 07/08/1961 along Route 66 in Clinton OK. His chart hits include “Should’ve Been A Cowboy” & “Wish I Didn’t Know Now.” He died earlier this year, 02/05/2024.}
21 Toby Keith … “Go Tell It On The Mountain”
[segue “dive”]
22 Bobby Helms … “Jingle Bell Rock”
{Will you please tell others about CD SHOWCASE? I’d love to earn new listeners!}
23 Vonda Shepard … “This Christmas” … from TV’s ‘Ally McBeal’ holiday episode
[segue “wheels”]
24 Madonna … “Frozen”
{Another surprise along the way of these holiday editions, sponsored by The Junkluggers Chicago NW & Remix Market Chicago. Plenty more surprises … holiday, country & otherwise … like John Mellencamp’s “Peaceful World” I played earlier … every Saturday in December: 7, 14, 21, 28, 7p-9p US central, right here on WRMN 1410 AM, my hometown radio station.}
{Born 03/18/1938 in Sledge MS, this artist had major league tryouts with the NY Mets & California (now LA) Angels, but he went onto have hits like “Kiss An Angel Good Morning”, “I’ll Be Leaving Alone”, “Missing You”, “I Don’t Think She’s In Love Anymore”, “Every Heart Should Have One” & my favorite “Shouldn’t It Be Easier Than This?”….}
25 Charley Pride … “Christmas Without Mary”
[segue “summer 69”]
26 Dolly Parton … “Hard Candy Christmas” … 11/06/1982, 17 weeks, #8
{We go from a tune you probably hadn’t heard from Charley Pride, to a song I’m pretty sure you not only know, but sang along with, right?}
{I am having so much fun hosting this show! Can you tell?}
27 Gordon Lightfoot … “Song For A Winter’s Night”
{Plenty more surprises … holiday, country & otherwise … every Saturday night in December. Tell others, please; would be awesome to earn new listeners! Meanwhile, up next on WRMN, is Bill Cody, from Nashville TN’s WSM 650 AM, country’s flagship station featuring the Grand Ole Opry.}
{Closing out this episode of CD SHOWCASE … because a song remembers when….}
28 Philharmonic Orchestra with handbell choir … “O Christmas Tree”
12/07/2024 PLAYLIST
HOLIDAY EDITION
show information:
28 artists … songs … details
{SHOUT OUTS as spoken}
sponsors:
Remix Market Chicago
Junkluggers Chicago NW
7p-8p US central
{MENTIONED: Hello Elgin & beyond! WELCOME to the 2nd of 5 CD SHOWCASE Holiday Edition LIVE broadcasts on WRMN, my hometown radio station in Elgin IL, along historic US 20 (spans from MA to OR). Thank you for spending part of your Saturday with me. I hope the songs you hear in the next 2 hours spark memories for you … because a song remembers when. Please spread the word about my radio show … tell your family & friends … post about it. I’d love to earn new listeners & be able to secure sponsors to continue broadcasting next month & into 2025.
The playlist & some of what I said is now on the website for last Saturday’s broadcast, & the special Thanksgiving Day LIVE broadcast….
Like last week, I’ll play more than just holiday tunes tonight, providing a radio experience unlike any other with variety galore. You will hear “holiday staples”, but you will also hear holiday tunes & versions of holiday favorites new to you … along with some surprises along the way, some of which will come from “new to me” CDs I bought at the Junkluggers-Remix Market Chicago monthly Warehouse Sale last Sunday.
Speaking of, a huge thank you to Junkluggers Chicago NW & Remix Market Chicago for sponsoring all 5 Saturday night HOLIDAY editions. BOTH businesses are local, located at 425 Airport Rd in Elgin (yes, an airport used to be along that road), & both are part of national brands, available in various locations across the United States. Of the 2 local versions, YOU can utilize Remix Market Chicago wherever you are. Check out their website … remixmarketchicago.com … to see some of the awesome items they have for sale, available to be shipped, perfect for unique giving. Those of you in the Elgin area, be sure to go visit them. They are located just north of I-90 off IL RT 31. At the intersection where the BP gas station, Alexander’s Restaurant & the Holiday Inn form a triangle, turn as if you are going to the hotel. Go past there & Junkluggers will be on your right. Longtime Elgin area residents may remember the location as the Wonder Bread store, a destination place before destination places became a thing, next to what used to be the Cracker Barrel.
Also be sure to check out the OC,SH NETWORK members on oldcarsstronghearts.com.
Tonight’s Double Play Of The Day, in the 2nd hour of the show, will feature Hall & Oats, including a unique Holiday tune.
NOW, time to drive along this magical music journey to spark memories because a song remembers when.}
{We begin tonight with a song from 1 of those new-to-me CDs….}
1 Burl Ives … “Christmas Can’t Be Far Away”
[segue “dive”]
2 Wild Rose … “Star Of Bethlehem”
{Band formed in Nashville TN: Pamela Gadd, Wanda Vick, Pam Perry, Kathy Mac, Nancy Prout (formerly married to Brian Prout of Diamond Rio). They only had 3 releases, only 1 of which reached the Top 20, 1989’s “Breaking New Ground” (#15).}
{Another new-to-me CD I bought at last Sunday’s Junkluggers-Remix Market Chicago monthly warehouse sale….}
3 Louis Armstrong … “Cool Yule”
[segue “Route 66”]
4 Leon Everette … “Every Time I Hear Blue Christmas”
{Another song I bet you haven’t heard…. Born in Aiken SC, 06/21/1948, he never had a #1, but his Top 10 hits include “Giving Up Easy”, “Hurricane” & the one I remember most because it is on a compilation record (yes, vinyl) I have, “Midnight Rodeo”.}
{Regular listeners Steve & Missy in OH are listening from their daughter’s house where they are doing a little babysitting tonight.}
{Some artists you’ll hear more than once during these HOLIDAY edition CD SHOWCASE broadcasts … some of the songs will be repeated by different artists. One of those ARTISTS you’ll hear multiple times, thanks to a new-to-me CD from last Sunday’s monthly Junkluggers-Remix Market Warehouse Sale, with a “holiday staple” is….}
5 Perry Como … “Home For The Holidays”
[segue “summer 69”]
6 Deborah Allen … “Rockin’ Little Christmas”
{Born Deborah Lynn Thumond in Memphis TN, 09/30/1953, she went onto have hits such as “Baby I Lied”, “I’ve Been Wrong Before” & “I Hurt For You”, but I’m betting you hadn’t heard that unique Christmas song she just sang for us.}
{hometown radio station, you’re listening on the 1410 AM dial or online or via the WRMN app you downloaded to your favorite mobile device.}
{Melissa from Illinois is listening tonight; she requested “Little Drummer Boy” which we will hear a bit later….}
{Right now, tho, another entry from a new-to-me CD from last Sunday’s Junkluggers-Remix Market Chicago Warehouse Sale….}
7 Amsterdam Symphony Orchestra (Peter Stern, Conductor) … “Dance Of The Toy Flutes” (from “The Nutcracker Suite”)
[segue “don’t wait”]
8 Kim Carnes … “Run, Run Rudolph”
{Born 07/20/1945 in Los Angeles CA, she had a great crossover hit with Kenny Rogers … “Don’t Fall In Love With A Dreamer”.}
9 Lionel Hampton … “Boogie Woogie Santa Claus”
[segue “wheels”]
10 Christopher Cross … “The Best Christmas”
{Coming up, the Double Play Of The Day, featuring a pair of Hall & Oats songs, 1 of which is a unique holiday tune. Check out the website. Also in the 2nd hour, EVENTS this week & a request: “Little Drummer Boy”}
{Steve’s granddaughter is listening with him … Malena, I think I pronounced that correctly.}
{Next artist is another we will hear multiple times these HOLIDAY editions, from their 1979 holiday special….}
11 John Denver & The Muppets … “Little Saint Nick”
[segue “bring to life”]
12 Cat Stevens … “Morning Has Broken”
{I promised some surprises along the way, I think that qualifies. No relation to me or my family, tho. Played it for Mom, from a new-to-me CD from last Sunday’s Junkluggers-Remix Market Chicago Warehouse sale.}
{Remember, you can email OR text me, just like Chris in NJ just did. Her kids & husband race at Wall Stadium in NJ, as Schwarz Racing.}
13 Willard Scott … “The Night Before Christmas”
[segue “haven’t heard from you”]
14 Williams Brothers … “White Christmas”
{Born 02/04/1962 in Long Beach NJ, he had hits like “A Better Man”, “A Bad Goodbye” (with Wynonna) & “Like The Rain”. Tonight, tho, we hear a unique holiday tune from him….}
15 Clint Black … “Til Santa’s Gone”
8p-9p US central
{After the break, the Double Play Of The Day featuring Hall & Oats, events coming up this week, & the requested “Little Drummer Boy”.}
[3 minute break]
{Remember, use from anywhere: remixmarketchicago.com!}
{Dave from NY & the Monte Hunters is listening in now….}
{DOUBLE PLAY OF THE DAY}
16 Hall & Oats … “Everyday Will Be Like A Holiday”
[segue “smack dab”]
17 Hall & Oats … “So Close Yet So Far Away”
{Wrapping up the Double Play Of The Day, a non-holiday tune, to be sure, but I think it fits … since we are so-close-yet-so-far-away from the upcoming Holiday….}
{MENTIONED from EVENTS page:
ADVISE EVENT(S) TO MENTION
continuing, Christmas in Carlinville IL along Rt 66
TODAY is LETTER WRITING DAY, so you still have some time to celebrate & write a letter to someone….
also continuing tomorrow: Breakfast With Santa at Lambs Farm in LIbertyville IL, Greenberg’s Train & Toy Show in Timonium MD & Rustic Fox’s Kris Kringle Market in N Aurora IL
12/08, my Dad’s birthday
12/08, 7a, Coffee w/Jim live podcast, Kingman AZ
12/08, 12p, Valley Model RR open family, S Elgin IL
12/08, 12p, Toys For Tots, Huntley IL
12/08, 4p, New Vintage Strings Holiday, St Charles IL
12/08, 6p, Cello Fury, Beaver PA
Mon-Thurs, MLB winter meetings, Dallas TX (cue the “Dallas” theme)
12/10, 5p, Docs’ Kids Eat Free, Girard IL
12/10, 6p, Slot Car Night In America, Wisconsin
12/10, 7:30p, Radio Club Monthly, Telford PA
12/10, 8p, careers in Heart Failure, Maryland
12/11, 1p, StingRays at Jingle Jangle, Northlake IL
12/11, 4p, Fox Valley Hands Of Hope For The Holidays, Geneva IL
12/11, 4:30p, AL Post 57 spaghetti dinner, Elgin IL
12/12, 12:30p, StingRays at Holiday Gala, Elmhurst IL
12/12, 6:30p, Investigating Voice Over, Nashville TN
12/12, 6:30p, zoom Hope For The Holidays, Illinois
Thursday-Saturday, Christmas On The Farm, Route 66, Claremore OK
12/13, 5p, Bingo, Elburn IL
12/13, 7p, WC Bulls Artist Hat Series, Hoffman Estates IL
12/13, 7:30p, Valley Model RR open session, S Elgin IL
12/14, 8a, Flea-Artisan Market, St Charles IL
12/14, 8a, Cars & Coffee, Carlsbad NM
12/14, 9a, Palmetto Cruisers For Kids, Florence SC
12/14, 10a, NW Record Show, Schaumburg IL
12/14, 11a, Relics & Rods at American Legion, Lake Havasu City AZ
12/14, 7p-9p, CD SHOWCASE ON WRMN
12/14, 7:30p, Elvis Christmas, Joliet IL
12/14-15…
…Breakfast With Santa, Lambs Farm, Libertyville IL
…Rustic Fox Kris Kringle Market, Carol Stream IL
…Great Train Show, Pleasanton CA
12/15, 7a, JHA live podcast, Kingman AZ
12/15, 12p, VMRR open family, S Elgin IL
12/15, 7p, Strum-Along, Ukulele Station America-Oregon Music Garage, Oregon IL
{Chris Flores is listening in from Elgin-E Dundee IL}
{& now, we get to Melissa’s request. The artist was born 02/13/1919 in Fordtown TN; died of liver failure 10/17/1991. He also played cousin Ernie in 3 “I Love Lucy” TV show episodes. But, you will remember him from his hit song, “16 Tons”.}
18 Tennessee Ernie Ford … “Little Drummer Boy”
[segue “broken arrow”]
19 Philharmonic Orchestra handbells … “Deck The Halls”
{Please tell others about the show, email – text – post on social media. Broadcasting LIVE from Elgin IL, along historic US 20.}
{Born Jill Byrem, 10/13/1046, in Bloomsburg PA, she had hits like “16th Avenue” & “Black Coffee”….}
20 Lacy J Dalton … “Silver Bells”
[segue “wheels”]
21 David Seville & The Chipmunks … “O Christmas Tree”
{I mentioned earlier, today is LETTER WRITING DAY, so this next song is quite appropriate for tonight’s broadcast. The artist was born Jesse Keith Whitley, 07/01/1965, in Sandy Hook KY.}
22 Keith Whitley … “A Christmas Letter”
[segue “Route 66”]
23 Vonda Shepard … “The Man With The Bag” … from TV’s “Ally McBeal” holiday episode & soundtrack
{Love broadcasting from my hometown radio station, along historic US 20! Please tell others about my show & email or text me, especially if you’d like a Downtown Neighborhood Association Gift Certificate! The 2 winners so far, Chris in E Dundee IL & AJ in Cary IL, are both tuned in tonight!}
{This artist was born 04/30/1933 in Abbott TX & had many hits, including my favorite “On The Road Again”….}
24 Willie Nelson … “Pretty Paper”
[segue “summer 69”]
25 Dean Martin … “Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer”
{Some of you may’ve seen the 50th anniversary presentation of the TV special of the same name last night.}
{Born Thelma Louise Mandrell, 07/13/1954, in Corpus Christi TX, she is Barbara Mandrell’s sister, & had a tune called “Some Girls Have All The Luck”, a nod to Rod Stewart’s “Some Guys Have All The Luck”….}
26 Louise Mandrell … “I’ve Got What You Want For Christmas”
[segue “dive”]
27 The McCarters … “A Baby Just Like You”
{That’ll about wrap it up tonight, tho I do have 1 more song to play. PLENTY more surprises … holiday, country & otherwise … the next 3 Saturday nights this December … because a song remembers when. Please invite others to join us; I’d love to earn new listeners. If you love classic country music, stay tuned to WRMN. Bill Cody, from Nashville TN’s WSM 650 AM, country’s flagship station featuring the Grand Ole Opry, is up next, hosting Pure American Country….}
{We end tonight with another new-to-me CD….}
28 Jazz … “Greensleeves”
[only a portion played due to time.]
12/14/2024 PLAYLIST
HOLIDAY EDITION
show information:
23+ artists … songs … details
{SHOUT OUTS as spoken}
sponsors:
Remix Market Chicago
Junkluggers Chicago NW
7p-8p US central
{MENTIONED: Hello Elgin & beyond! WELCOME to the 3rd of 5 CD SHOWCASE Holiday Edition LIVE broadcasts on WRMN, my hometown radio station in Elgin IL, along historic US 20 (spans from MA to OR). I am your host, Cort Stevens. Thank you for spending part of your Saturday with me. I hope the songs you hear in the next 2 hours spark memories for you … because a song remembers when. Right now, please invite your family & friends to join us … post on social media about this radio show … help me earn new listeners & be able to secure sponsors to continue broadcasting next month & into 2025.
The playlists & some of what I said during the Thanksgiving Day broadcast, as well as the 1st 2 Saturday HOLIDAY edition broadcasts, are now on the website….
I aim to provide a radio experience unlike any other. You will hear “holiday staples” with surprises along the way, including holiday tunes & version of holiday favorites new to you. To that end, I did something this past week I generally do not do … create a playlist … well, sorta. I reviewed all of my holiday CDs & write down what songs I definitely want to play. This means you will hear a wide variety of artists, including some unique holiday tunes &, of course, those “holiday staples”.
HUGE thank you to Junkluggers Chicago NW & Remix Market Chicago for sponsoring all 5 Saturday night HOLIDAY editions. BOTH businesses are local, located at 425 Airport Rd in Elgin (yes, an airport used to be along that road), & both are part of national brands, available in various locations across the United States. Of the 2 local versions, YOU can utilize Remix Market Chicago. Check out their website … remixmarketchicago.com … to see some of the awesome items they have for sale, available to be shipped, perfect for unique giving. Do you live in the greater Elgin area? Then, visit them in person! They are located just north of I-90 off IL RT 31. At the intersection where the BP gas station, Alexander’s Restaurant & the Holiday Inn form a triangle, turn as if you are going to the hotel. Go past there & Junkluggers will be on your right. Longtime Elgin area residents may remember the location as the Wonder Bread store, a destination place before destination places became a thing, next to what used to be the Cracker Barrel.
Also be sure to check out the OC,SH NETWORK members on oldcarsstronghearts.com.
Tonight’s Double Play Of The Day, in the 2nd hour of the show, will feature The Judds & a pair of unique holiday tunes.
NOW, time to drive along this magical music journey to spark memories because a song remembers when.}
{We begin tonight with an artist known for hits like “When You’re Hot You’re Hot”, “Lord Mr Ford”, “East Bound & Down” & “She Got The Goldmine”. I’m talking, of course, of Jerry Reed. He was born 03/20/1937 in Atlanta GA & died 09/01/2008 of emphysema….}
1 Jerry Reed … “Christmas Time’s A Coming”
[segue “dive”]
2 Jim Ed Brown & Helen Cornelius … “Fall Softly Snow”
{They won the CMA Vocal Duo award in 1977 thanks to their duet “I Don’t Want To Have To Marry You”, which spent 2 weeks at #1 after debuting 07/04/1976. Jim Ed Brown was born 04/01/1934 in Sparkman AR; Helen was born Helen Johnson 12/06/1941 in Monroe City MO. That same year, 1976, that is, she released “Saying Hello, Saying I Love You, Saying Goodbye”, which reached #2 on the country charts. This holiday duet is a hint of things to come, particularly for the 12/28 broadcast, for which I’ve a few non-holiday DUETS to play for you that night to spark memories because a song remembers when.}
{Bunch of shoutouts to start:
Mark M, central IL
Brian R, Georgia
Michelle W, Colorado Springs CO
regular listeners Steve & Missy, Hartford OH
Anthony – Limey, Dakota IL
Denny Gibson, Cincinatti OH … check out his books; I’m in some
Joy & family, including her mother-in-law, Jean, who is listening during an intense game of Old Maid}
{for Mom, listening right here in Elgin IL on 1410 AM}
3 The Letterman … “What Can I Give You This Christmas”
[segue “wheels”]
4 Deanna Carter … “Carol Of The Bells”
{Born 01/04/1966 in Nashville TN, her hits include “Strawberry Wine” which won CMA’s Single AND Song Of The Year, “We Danced Anyway” & “How Do I Get There”}
{Born 10/10/1958 in Seminole TX, she appeared in film, including the movie ‘Hard Country’ & TV’s “Monarch”, which might best be described as a mix of TV’s “Empire” & “Nashville”. “Monarch” starred Trace Adkins & Susan Sarandon. Tucker’s hits include “What’s Your Mama’s Name”, “Lizzie & The Rain Man”, “San Antonio Stroll”, “I’ll Come Back As Another Woman” & “Soon”. 1 of my favorite versions of this holiday classic….}
5 Tanya Tucker … “What Child Is This?”
[segue “bring to life”]
6 Roger Whittaker … “The Holly & The Ivy”
{POWER OUTAGE:
At the end of Whittaker’s song, the block in downtown Elgin in which WRMN’s studio is located went completely dark for a few minutes, knocking me off the air completely. When it came back on, the computer that houses the segues I use between songs did not reboot. The power flickered a couple more times before I was finally able to continue. Since the computer remained off, I improvised the segues & did not capture what all I said in between songs, but most times it was something like “You are listening to a special HOLIDAY edition of “CD SHOWCASE” right here on WRMN, my hometown radio station in Elgin IL, along historic US 20.”}
{Alrighty, let’s try this yet again, shall we!? I’ll continue with this about the song we heard before the power outage knocked me off the air:
Born 03/22/1936 in Nairobi, Kenya, of British parents in Africa, that was Roger Whittaker with 1 of those “holiday staples” I promised. In the country genre, he was a vague 1-hit wonder … meaning, he only released 1 song to the country charts, but it didn’t do well. Released 12/17/1983, the song spent 4 weeks on the charts, peaking at #91: “I Love You Because”.}
{Steve’s granddaughter, Malena, is once again listening tonight.}
{I would be remiss if I didn’t mention all of my sister’s family tuned in: brother-in-law Eric, Nephew James, Niece Jennalyn & Niece Jillian.}
{Ben, a cousin in NC, is also listening.}
{Born 01/08/1935 in Tupelo MS, he died of heart failure 08/16/1977. I’m betting with that last detail, you already know who is up next. Known as “The King Of Rock & Roll”, Elvis Presley had so many crossover hits, I would’ve thought it would’ve shown people that ‘silo-ing’ music into genres doesn’t always work & isn’t always needed, which is why I love mixing it up on this show … because a song remembers when … no matter the genre.}
7 Elvis Presley … “Santa Bring My Back Back To Me”
[segue spoken live]
8 Steve Wariner … “Noel, Noel”
{Born 12/25/1954 in Noblesvile IN, he was a bassist with Dottie West, 1971-74 & became a Grand Ole Opry member in 1996. The GOO, by the way, airs on the flagship country music station, Nashville TN’s WSM 650 AM, which currently features DJ Bill Cody, who hosts the show on after mine right here on WRMN: Pure American Country. Wariner’s hits include “All Roads Lead To You”, “Some Fools Never Learn”, “Life’s Highway”, “The Weekend”, “Where Did I Go Wrong” & “Holes In The Floor Of Heaven”.}
{Born 09/12/1931 in Saratoga TX, he is known as the “Possum” & was married to Tammy Wynette, 1969-75. His hits include “White Lightning”, “She Thinks I Still Care”, “The Race Is On”, “He Stopped Loving Her Today”, “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes”, “The One I Loved Back Then (Corvette Song)” & duets with Tammy like “Golden Ring”}
9 George Jones … “Jingle Bells”
[segue spoken live]
10 Commodores … “Do You Hear What I Hear?”
{Doubly appropriate given the downtown Elgin power outage earlier tonight which knocked out the computer that has the segues I usually play between songs.}
{Brendan is listening in from Cary IL tonight. His special request is coming up a bit later.}
{This band formed in Fort Payne AL & had so many hits, including “Tennessee River”, “Old Flame”, “Mountain Music”, “The Closer You Get”, “Roll On 18 Wheeler”, “40 Hour Week”, “Song Of The South” [which, Fun Fact, was the 1st song I ever played on the radio during my sophomore year of college on my original radio show, what I called “The Saturday Evening Mostly Country Music Show”, 7p-10p, in N Manchester IN, on WBKE, which the E stands for Mike Emrick, who you may know from national NHL broadcasts], “I’m In A Hurry” & “Angels Among Us”. Perhaps that list of hits is making it obvious why I want to secure sponsors so I can keep hosting this show into 2025 … so many songs to share with you to spark memories because a song remembers when.}
11 Alabama … “Christmas In Dixie”
[segue spoken live]
12 Barry Manilow … “Because It’s Christmas”
{I promised some surprises….}
8p-9p US central
{Since the computer was out due to the downtown Elgin IL power outage at the start of the show, I didn’t have the usual 3-minute break, so I re-iterated most of my remarks at the start of the broadcast, ending with a sneak peak at Double Plays Of The Day set for 12/21 & 12/28.}
{Jay & Beth are listening in Dieterich IL, where my 1981 Monte Carlo SC is.}
{DOUBLE PLAY OF THE DAY}
{While I absolutely love playing familiar favorites to spark memories because a song remembers when, I also enjoy playing songs new to you to provide a greater variety. Such is the case with tonight’s DPOTD. The artists are familiar to most everyone … mother-daughter duo, Naomi Judd & Wynonna Judd, from Ashland KY. Naomi, the mother, was born 01/11/1946, as Diane Ellen Judd. Daughter Wynonna was born 05/30/1964. 20 years later, the pair won CMA’s Horizon Award in 1984 & several CMAs after that. Their hits include “Have Mercy”, “Grandpa” (which I played Thanksgiving Day), “Mama He’s Crazy”, “Why Not Me” & the timeless “Love Can Build A Bridge”. These songs, however, may be new to you, particularly the 2nd entry….}
13 … The Judds … “Light Of The Stable”
[segue spoken live, a version of ‘smack dab’]
14 … The Judds … “Who Is The Babe?”
{Wrapping up tonight’s Double Play Of The Day…. Oh, by the way, if you aren’t familiar with this duo, you may be familiar with their relative, actress Ashley Judd, Naomi’s daughter & Wynonna’s half-sister.}
{Looking ahead, the Double Play Of The Day next Saturday, 12/21, will feature holiday favorites from Bing Crosby. Then, 12/28, the pair of songs will be provided by The Beach Boys, including a holiday tune.}
{Kinda weird without the radio station computer to play the segues for ya….}
{Before we get into the events tonight, a couple shout outs to people listening, despite the earlier power outage:
Chris Flores in E Dundee IL
Jennifer Stevens M, cousin in Pennsylvania, request for the Oak Ridge Boys for her a bit later}
{MENTIONED from EVENTS page:
ADVISE EVENT(S) TO MENTION
12/15, 9a, Lambs Farm Breakfast w/Santa, Libertyville IL
12/15, 7p, Ukulele Station America Strum-Along, Oregon IL
12/16, 6p, Fox Valley Hands Of Hope Sound Healing, Geneva IL
12/17, 6p, Slot Car Night In America, Wisconsin
12/18, 12p, Chamber Referral Network lunch, Elgin IL
12/18, 1p, Hawthorne Hill Nature Center Yoga, Elgin IL
12/18, new Orange Peel Gazette issue
12/19, 6p, ETCC Small Business Study Hall Holiday, Elgin IL
12/19, 8p, ACHA virtual support group, Illinois
12/19-21, Christmas On The Farm, Claremore OK
12/20, 4p, New Vintage Strings at Riverlands, St Charles IL
12/20, 7:30p, Cello Fury Holiday Show, Oakmont PA
12/21, 7p-9p, CD SHOWCASE ON WRMN
12/21-22, Train & Toy Show, Chantilly VA
12/22, 7a, Jim Hinckley’s America live podcast, Kingman AZ
12/22, 12p, Valley Model RR open family, S Elgin IL
12/24, EGGNOG DAY}
{Born in Aiken SC 09/14/1959 (roughly 11 years & 3 months AFTER Leon Everette, who I played last Saturday, was born in that same city), this artist began performing in 1981 in Athens GA, the same year he survived a motorcycle accident. He later survived brain surgery in 1994, just as his 1990s career was starting. His hits include “Your Love Amazes Me” & “Standing On The Edge Of Goodbye”. He released this Christmas classic as a single to the country charts twice: the 1st time, 01/06/1996 (Epiphany), spending 2 weeks on the charts, peaking at #55; the 2nd, 01/10/1998, reached #63, just 1 week notched.}
15 John Berry … “O Holy Night”
[segue spoken live]
16 Steel Drums … “Good King Wenceslas”
{for my cousin Ben, listening in NC}
{Born 09/08/1945 in Lares Puerto Rico, blind since birth. He won the Best New Artist Grammy in 1968 & had just 1 country release, 1983’s “Let’s Find Each Other Tonight”, which peaked at #64}
17 Jose Feliciano … “Feliz Navidad”
[segue spoken live]
18 Thurl Ravenscroft … “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch”
{1 of my favorites!}
{I neglected to mention earlier the reason that steel drum band song was played for Ben: he played steel drums “back in the day”.}
{Dave from Monte Hunters in NY, who came to see me in 2012}
{Jill from Bartlett IL}
{for cousin Jennifer in PA}
{This band formed in Oak Ridge TN. All of the members had previously sung in various gospel groups. Their only CMA award came in 1978, the Vocal Group Of The Year. Their hits include “I’ll Be True To You”, “Come On In” (both tunes of the same name), “Heart Of Mine”, “Elvira”, “Fancy Free”, “American Made”, “This Crazy Love”, “Gonna Take A Lot Of River”, “Beyond Those Years” & “Lucky Moon”. This is why I love hosting & sure hope to get sponsors to continue in 2025 … so many songs to share with y’all to spark memories because a song remembers when….}
19 Oak Ridge Boys … “The Most Inconvenient Christmas”
[segue spoken live]
20 Earl Thomas Conley … “Blue Christmas”
{Born 10/17/1941 in W Portsmouth OH, he worked in a steel mill in Huntsville AL in the 1970s. His hits include “Fire & Smoke”, “Somewhere Between Right & Wrong”, “Your Love’s On The Line”, “Don’t Make It Easy For Me”, “Angel In Disguise”, “Honor Bound”, “Love Don’t Care”, “That Was A Close One”, “What I’d Say” … another example of the number of songs available that explains why I love & want to keep hosting this show to spark memories because a song remembers when.}
{So thrilled with all of the texts, emails & posts … please keep it up! I love earning new listeners. Please also check out the CD Showcase website & Facebook page.}
{Jessica and Mark are listening from central IL.}
{Requested by Brendan, Cary IL}
{This song, 1 of my favorites, too, is by the husband-wife team of Elmo Shropshire & Patsy Trigg. They divorced in 1985. This song, however, was originally recorded in 1978 & released in 1979. It has since inspired a TV special, 1st aired 24 years ago, in 2000, currently airs on The CW, originally on The WB. This duet is also a hint of things to come: for the 12/28 broadcast, I’ve a few non-holiday duets to play to spark memories because a song remembers when.}
21 Elmo & Patsy … “Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer”
[segue spoken live]
22 Charlie Rich … “God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman”
{Might help to cue the correct song: I played George Jones’ “Jingle Bells” the 1st hour! Anyway, born 12/14/1932 in Colt AR, he died of an acute blood clot, 07/25/1995. Known as “The Silver Fox”, his hits include “Behind Closed Doors”, “The Most Beautiful Girl” & “Rollin’ With The Flow”.}
{I know Niece Jennalyn, listening right now, loves a certain holiday song entitled “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by a certain female artist. However, I don’t have that holiday standard. I do, however, have another song by the same name. Originally released to the country charts in 1989, but it didn’t notch. Then re-released 5 straight years, 12/1993 to 12/1997, never reaching the country Top 40, but inching closer to that mark each time. Re-releaed 1 last time, December 1999, this song finally cracked that Top 40, peaking at #31 in early 2000.}
23 Vince Vance & The Valiants … “All I Want For Christmas Is You”
{So, this is about the time where I tell you plenty more surprises … holiday, country & otherwise … are coming in the next 2 December Saturday nights because a song remembers when. But, I’m not sure if the computer will take over as it usually does since the screen is not on. So, please invite others to join us … would love to earn new listeners & secure sponsors to continue….. oh, there it is. Playing a little bit of an instrumental as we wind down to the top of the hour … good night & talk to you next week!}
24 “The Coventry Carol” (only ~30 seconds)
12/21/2024 PLAYLIST
HOLIDAY EDITION
show information:
27 artists … songs … details
{SHOUT OUTS as spoken}
sponsors:
Remix Market Chicago
Junkluggers Chicago NW
7p-8p US central
{MENTIONED: Hello Elgin & beyond! WELCOME to the 4th of 5 CD SHOWCASE Holiday Edition LIVE broadcasts on WRMN, my hometown radio station in Elgin IL, along historic US 20 (spans from MA to OR). I am your host, Cort Stevens. Thank you for spending part of your Saturday … this Winter Solstice … with me. I hope the songs you hear in the next 2 hours spark memories for you … because a song remembers when.
Right now, please invite your family & friends to join us … post on social media about this radio show … visit & interact on CD SHOWCASE’s Facebook page. I’d absolutely LOVE to earn new listeners & be able to secure sponsors to continue broadcasting next month & into 2025. Speaking of … not supposed to say anything, so I won’t, except to tell you to be here next Saturday night because I MAY have a special, big announcement….
Now, if you were listening last week, you may remember the power outage in downtown Elgin that knocked me off the air for a bit. With any luck, we won’t have a repeat performance of the blackout, which I’m told was a transformer issue. Due to that interruption last Ssaturday, this week, I DID sorta make a playlist for tonight, to ensure I was able to spin the songs on my “must play” list.
Speaking of playlists … those & my remarks during the Thanksgiving Day broadcast, as well as the 1st 3 Saturday HOLIDAY edition broadcasts, are all on the website….
As the quotes on the website attest, I aim to provide a radio experience unlike any other with a wide variety of artists & songs. You will hear “Holiday staples”, plus tunes & versions of holiday favorites new to you.
HUGE thank you to Junkluggers Chicago NW & Remix Market Chicago for sponsoring all 5 Saturday night HOLIDAY editions. BOTH businesses are local, located at 425 Airport Rd in Elgin (yes, an airport used to be along that road), & both are part of national brands, available in various locations across the United States. Of the 2 local versions, YOU can utilize Remix Market Chicago. Check out their website … remixmarketchicago.com … to see some of the awesome items they have for sale, available to be shipped, perfect for unique giving. Do you live in the greater Elgin area? Then, visit them in person! They are located just north of I-90 off IL RT 31. At the intersection where the BP gas station, Alexander’s Restaurant & the Holiday Inn form a triangle, turn as if you are going to the hotel. Go past there & Junkluggers will be on your right. Longtime Elgin area residents may remember the location as the Wonder Bread store, a destination place before destination places became a thing, next to what used to be the Cracker Barrel.
Also be sure to check out the OC,SH NETWORK members on oldcarsstronghearts.com.
Tonight’s Double Play Of The Day, in the 2nd hour, will feature Bing Crosby & a pair of holiday classics.
NOW, time to drive along this magical music journey to spark memories because a song remembers when.}
{Speaking of driving, Dinah Shore kicks off the festivities tonight. Some of you are probably going, “Dinah who?”, while others are already singing that jingle … you know the one … “See the USA, in your….” I’ll let you finish that. Tonight, tho, Dinah sings about how we need a little Christmas now….}
1 Dinah Shore … “We Need A Little Christmas”
[segue “dive”]
2 Steven Curtis Chapman … “Christmas Is All In The Heart”
{You may’ve noticed the “dive” segue between those 1st 2 songs. That song “Dive”, from 2001, is performed by SCC & is the song I played to start each of the 4-hour Christmas Eve afternoon live broadcasts in 2009, 2010 & 2011, right here on WRMN. I also played it to begin this year’s special Thanksgiving Day show.}
{About social media posts … if I don’t respond with a “thank you” or interact, I am NOT ignoring you. I’ve been having some issues, NOT receiving notifications. So, if you post about CD SHOWCASE or reply to something & I don’t interact or acknowledge it at all, PLEASE tell me.}
{Kathryn, listening in from Australia; I know her from my Route 66 circles
Ryan Parsons, Allen Park MI; he has requested “Linus & Lucy”, which we will hear a little later tonight
Matt Evans, McHenry IL
Brendan, Cary IL
Anthony-Limey, Dakota IL}
{Up next is a brother-sister due from New Haven CT. Richard was born 10/15/1946; Karen was born 03/02/1950 & died of heart failure due to anorexia nervosa, 02/04/1983. They won the Best New Artist Grammy in 1970 & had 1 hit on the country charts … 1978’s “Sweet Sweet Smile” … which peaked at #8 [reached #44, pop charts]. Better known as The Carpenters….}
3 The Carpenters … “Merry Christmas Darling”
[segue “WRMN’s Mark B”]
4 Marty Robbins … “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”
{Born Martin David Robinson, 09/26/1925, Glendale AZ … he died of heart failure, 12/08/1982. His hits include “Singing The Blues”, “A White Sport Coat”, “El Paso” & my favorite … “Some Memories Just Won’t Die”}
{Mom, Elgin IL
Joy & Eric, sister & brother-in-law, Carpentersville IL
Todd Riley, Indiana
Denny Gibson, Cincinnati Ohio … check out his books on Amazon, some of which I’m in for his road trips along historic US 20 & the Lincoln Highway, among others}
5 Frank Sinatra … “White Christmas”
[segue “Route 66”]
6 Brenda Lee … “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree”
{Born Brenda Mae Tarpley, 12/11/1944, Lithonia GA … known as “Little Miss Dynamite”. This song was originally released in 1958, but didn’t notch on the pop charts until its re-release in 1960, when it peaked at #14. It claimed the top spot of the Billboard Hot 100 just last year, 2023, when a music video, featuring Lee, Trisha Yearwood & fellow original teenage country star Tanya Tucker, was released.}
{Michelle Wine, Colorado Springs CO
Rowena-Callie, Kentucky, from my MC circles; have a special Eddy Raven holiday song coming up for her later….
Katrina, Virginia, from my heart circles}
7 Paul McCartney & The Wings … “Wonderful Christmastime”
[segue “wheels”]
8 Tammy Wynette … “Away In A Manger”
{Born Virginia Wynette Pugh, 05/05/1942, Itawamba County MS; died of a blood clot, 04/06/1998. Married to George Jones, 1969-75, & her hits include “D I V O R C E” & “Stand By Your Man”, as well as duets with Jones like “2 Story House”}
{regular listener Steve, Harford OH
Scott W, Michigan
Ben & family, now driving through Indiana
Rosanne & Don (Brendan’s parents), Missouri}
9 Tony Bennett … “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”
[segue “bring to life”]
10 Harry Belafonte … “Mary’s Boy Child”
{Michael Hayes, NM … car buddy
Tammy Whitenack, Indiana … college friend}
{Born William Edwin Bruce, 12/29/1940, Keiser AR, he portrayed Tom Guthie in TV’s “Bret Maverick”, for which he sang the theme & starred alongside James Garner, who’d just ended his run as Jim Rockford in “The Rockford Files”….}
11 Ed Bruce … “Christmas Started With A Child”
[segue “Route 66”]
12 Suzy Bogguss … “The 1st Noel”
{Born Susan Kay Bogguss, 12/30/1956, Aledo IL, she won CMA’s Horizon Award in 1982. Her hits include “Aces”, “Letting Go”, “Drive South”, “Just Like The Weather” & “Hey Cinderella”. Mom, Dad & I saw her holiday concert a few years ago at the Blizzard Theater at Elgin Community College. It was awesome to see her & get to chat with her a little bit afterward.}
{I am so pumped to be broadcasting LIVE from my hometown radio station! Will you please remember to tell others about this show?}
{Born Edwin Garvin Futch, 08/19/1944, Lafayette LA, his hits include “I Got Mexico”, “Sometimes A Lady”, “Right Hand Man”, “I’m Gonna Get You” & “Joe Knows How To Live”. During the regular CD SHOWCASE broadcasts earlier this year, Rowena (also known as Callie) from KY, emailed me this quote after hearing an Eddy Raven song: “OMG, you’re playing Eddy Raven! I was going to request ‘I’m Gonna Get You’ next week. My best friend in HS loved that song & he introduced me to it, & that song got me into country music at that time.” Talk about sparking memories because a song remembers when….}
13 Eddy Raven … “Santa Claus Is Coming For Christmas, Why Can’t You?”
[segue “broken arrow”]
[segue “don’t wait”]
14 John Denver & The Muppets … “The Christmas Wish” … from the 1979 holiday special
8p-9p US central
{Coming up after the break: Double Play Of The Day with Bing Crosby, events this week & later, a request for Ryan Parsons, “Linus & Lucy”….}
[3 minute break]
{DOUBLE PLAY OF THE DAY}
{The artist for tonight probably needs no introduction. So, let’s hear a pair of holiday classics sung by Bing Crosby, then I’ll tell you a bit about him…}
15 Bing Crosby … “Do You Hear What I Hear?”
[segue “smack dab”]
16 Bing Crosby … “Oh Holy Night”
{Wrapping up tonight’s Double Play Of The Day…. He was born Harry Lillis Crosby Jr in Tacoma WA, 05/03/1903. He died in Spain, 10/14/1977 … just 2 months after Elvis Presley. Over his storied career, Bing became 1 of the 1st global cultural icons. While it seems like we mainly hear his voice during the holidays now, he actually recorded over 1,600 songs & made over 70 feature films. He is also a member of the National Association Of Broadcasters Hall Of Fame in the radio division.}
{Looking ahead to the DPOTD next Saturday, 12/28, the 2 songs will be provided by The Beach Boys, including a holiday favorite….}
{Michael B, Oklahoma City OK}
{MENTIONED from EVENTS page:
ADVISE EVENT(S) TO MENTION
12/22, 11a, model car show, Strats, Villa Park IL
12/22, 12p, Valley Model RR open family, S Elgin IL
12/24, EGGNOG DAY
12/24, Christmas Eve 2010-2011 playlists
12/24, WATCH a holiday greeting
12/26, THANK YOU NOTE DAY
12/26, 7p, A Christmas Carol, Chicago IL
12/27, 7:30p, Valley Model RR, S Elgin IL
12/28, CARD PLAYING DAY
12/28, 8a, Cars & Coffee, Carlsbad NM
12/28, 10a, SW Record Show, LaGrange IL
12/28, 11a, Relics & Rods at American Legion, Lake Havasu City AZ
12/28, 7p-9p, CD SHOWCASE ON WRMN
12/28-29, Train & Toy Show, Hampton VA
12/29, 7a, Jim Hinckley’s America livestream podcast, Kingman AZ
12/30, YL Essential Oil Orders Due
12/30, 11a, NYE Eve, Joliet IL
12/31, NEW YEAR’S EVE
12/31, 1p, 1st Night, Springfield IL
12/31, 8p, NYE party, American Legion Post 57, Elgin IL
12/31, 9p, Cello Fury, Cooksburgh PA
12/31, 9p, Stingrays at Manhattans, Carol Stream IL
12/31, 11:30p, UNIVERSAL HOUR OF PEACE}
{Trisha Yearwood, who sings the theme of this radio show … “The Song Remembers When” … was born 09/19/1964 (also my birthdate, but a different year) in Monticello GA. She married Garth Brooks 12/20/2005. Vince Gill was born 04/12/1957, Norman OK, & originally married Janis Oliver of the Sweethearts Of The Rodeo, 1980-1997. He then married Amy Grant, 03/10/2000. My favorite song of his is his 1st Top 5 tune, 1987’s “Cinderella”. This holiday duet is a hint of things to come next Saturday night because, for the 12/28 broadcast, I have a few non-holiday DUETS selected to play for you that just might spark memories because a song remembers when….}
17 Trisha Yearwood & Vince Gill … “An Angel Gets Its Wings”
[segue “haven’t heard from you”]
18 Garth Brooks … “Silent Night”
{Born Troyal Garth Brooks, 02/07/1962, Luba OK, he attended Oklahoma State University on a track scholarship. He also later recorded as Chris Gaines. He married Trisha Yearwood 12/10/2005 & was 1 of a few artists who won the CMA Horizon Award (he did so in 1990) & still had an amazing career, with hits like “If Tomorrow Never Comes”, “Friends In Low Places”, “The Thunder Rolls”, “What She’s Doing Now”, “Learning To Live Again”, “The Beaches Of Cheyenne”, “More Than A Memory” (which, by the way, debuted at #1, released 09/15/2007, spending 20 weeks on the charts, only 1 of those at #1). Brooks’ version of this holiday classic is 1 of my favorites because it mentions 1987, the year my original best friend, Josh Lehman, died of an asthma attack 12/27. Thinking of many people tonight … Dad, Dan (closest friend ever), Lorraine, cousin Luan Wine & many many others….}
19 Andy Williams … “Joy To The World”
[segue “summer 69”]
20 Kathy Mattea … “Mary Did You Know?”
{Born 06/21/1959, S Charleston WV, she was discovered in 1983 while working as a waitress in my favorite city, Nashville TN. Her hits include “Love At The 5 & Dime”, “18 Wheels & A Dozen Roses”, “Untold Stories”, “Life As We Knew It”, “She Came From Fort Worth” & “Walking Away A Winner”. My favorite version of this holiday tune, tho, is what I believe to be the original, a duet by Kenny Rogers & Wynonna.}
{Can’t have a holiday special without this orchestra, can you!?}
21 Trans-Siberian Orchestra … “Christmas Eve, Sarajevo”
[segue “WRMN’s Mark B”]
22 Ronnie Milsap … “It’s Christmas”
{Born 01/16/1943, Robbinsville NC, blind since birth. He played session keyboards for Elvis Presley in 1969. His hits include “Pure Love”, “Let’s Take The Long Way Around The World”, “Why Don’t You Spend The Night”, “Smokey Mountain Rain”, “I Wouldn’t Have Missed It For The World”, “Any Day Now” [which inspired the TV series of the same name, starring ‘Designing Women’ & ‘Young Sheldon’ alum Annie Potts & current ‘The Equalizer’ actress Lorraine Toussant], “Inside”, “Stranger In My House”, “Still Losing You”, “Prisoner Of The Highway”…. You see why I love hosting this show, right? So many songs to share with you to spark those memories because a song remembers when!}
{For Ryan Parsons, listening in Allen Park MI}
23 Vince Guaraldi Trio … “Linus & Lucy”
[segue “don’t wait”]
24 Eddy Arnold … “Winter Wonderland”
{Born Richard Edward Arnold, 05/15/1918, Henderson TN, he died 05/08/2008. From 1934-39, he hosted a radio show on WMPS, Memphis TN. Later, he hosted his own TV show, 1952-56. Known as “The Tennessee Plowboy”, he joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1943. The GOO, by the way, airs on the flagship country music station, Nashville TN’s WSM 650 AM, which currently features DJ Bill Cody, who hosts the show that comes on after mine right here on WRMN, “Pure American Country”. Arnold won the CMA Entertainer Of The Year in 1967.}
25 Andrew Gold … “On Christmas Eve”
[segue “wheels”]
[segue “bring to life”]
26 Jane Krakowski … “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” … from TV’s ‘Ally McBeal’ holiday episode
{Niece Jennalyn & Niece Jillian are now listening, home from ‘Saturday Night Live’, not the TV show, but a program for kids}
{Plenty more surprises … holiday, country & otherwise … next Saturday night, the last of December 2024 & the last Saturday night of the year … because a song remembers when. PLEASE invite others to join us; I’d love to earn new listeners & secure sponsors to continue into 2025!}
{We close out tonight with a favorite of mine….}
27 Handbell Choir … “Carol Of The Bells”
12/28/2024 PLAYLIST
HOLIDAY EDITION
show information:
24 artists … songs … details
{SHOUT OUTS as spoken}
sponsors:
Remix Market Chicago
Junkluggers Chicago NW
7p-8p US central
{MENTIONED: Hello Elgin & beyond! WELCOME to the last of 5 straight CD SHOWCASE Holiday Edition LIVE broadcasts on WRMN, my hometown radio station in Elgin IL, along historic US 20 (spans from MA to OR). I am your host, Cort Stevens. Thank you for spending part of your Saturday with me. I hope the songs you hear in the next 2 hours spark memories for you … because a song remembers when.
I strive to provide a radio experience unlike any other, with a wide variety of artists & songs. Tonight, you will hear a handful of holiday favorites, special non-holiday tunes, including several select duets, & possibly some surprises along the way. The evening will start & end with a holiday classic. A hint for that last song: it’s what I used to close out the 4-hour Christmas Eve afternoon broadcasts, right here on WRMN, in 2009, 2010 & 2011 … & yes, it is on the website playlists for those shows….
Amongst all that, you’ll hear a holiday classic from Johnny Cash & a Belinda Carlisle Top 10 hit sometime in the 1st hour, & in tonight’s 2nd hour, you’ll hear the Double Play Of The Day, featuring 2 songs from The Beach Boys (including a holiday favorite) & a year-end nostalgic tune from Sylvia.
So, please invite your family & friends to join us on this magical drive down memory lane. Post on social media about this radio show … visit & interact with CD SHOWCASE’s Facebook page. I’d love to earn new listeners & be able to secure sponsors to continue broadcasting into 2025.
Speaking of the new year, I have a special announcement about this very radio show … which I will share when we review events coming up this week in the 2nd hour….
HUGE thank you to Junkluggers Chicago NW & Remix Market Chicago for sponsoring all 5 Saturday night HOLIDAY editions. Located at 425 Airport Rd in Elgin (yes, an airport used to be along that road), both are part of national brands. BUT … YOU can utilize Remix Market Chicago wherever you are. Check out their website … remixmarketchicago.com … to see some of the unique items they have for sale, available to be shipped. Do you live in the greater Elgin area? Then, visit them in person! They are just north of I-90 off IL RT 31.
Also be sure to check out the OC,SH NETWORK members on oldcarsstronghearts.com.
NOW, time to drive along this magical music journey to spark memories because a song remembers when.}
{Christmas was this past Wednesday, so we begin with a holiday classic. Did you know the 12 days of Christmas start AFTER Christmas & run through Epiphany? Tis true! To celebrate that, tonight’s experience begins with the holiday tune “12 Days Of Christmas” as performed in a 1979 holiday special by John Denver & The Muppets….}
1 John Denver & The Muppets … “We Wish You A Merry Christmas”
{…I suppose it would help to have the correct song cued…. So, NOW, we will hear “12 Days Of Christmas”….}
2 John Denver & The Muppets … “12 Days Of Christmas”
[segue “dive”]
3 Dave Dudley … “6 Days On The Road” … 06/01/1963, 21 weeks, #2 – 2 weeks (#32 pop charts)
{Catch that “day” theme? 12 days of Christmas followed by 6 days on the road…! Born David Pedruska, 05/03/1928, Spencer WI, he died of a heart attack 12/22/2003. Known as the pioneer of “truck driving” songs, Dave Dudley DJd at several radio stations: WTWT, Wausau WI … KBOK, Waterloo IA … KCHA, Charles City ID … KEVE, Minneapolis MN.}
{Joy, Eric, Nephew James, Niece Jennalyn & Niece Jillian (who I’m told says “yea! Uncle Cort”) are listening while eating a late dinner….
Anthony, better known as Limey, Dakota IL
Ryan Parsons & his fiance Deanna, Michigan
Todd Riley, Decatur IN
Michael Hayes & his daughter are listening in NM; they tell me they hadn’t heard the John Denver & The Muppets version of “12 Days of Christmas” all season}
{From another new-to-me CD I bought at last month’s Junkluggers-Remix Market Chicago warehouse sale … I mentioned surprises, so tell me … when’s the last time you’ve heard this one on the radio?}
4 Belinda Carlisle … “Circle In The Sand”
[segue “WRMN’s Mark B”]
5 Shawn Mullins … “Lullaby”
{My favorite city is Nashville TN, with the Nashville-Big Sandy-Jackson TN triangle being my favorite corridor, so it’s probably no surprise that my favorite line in that song is “It’s kinda like Nashville, with a tan”}
{Mark McCullough, central IL … who saw a certain 1973 Monte Carlo a week or so ago, Rich Henry’s. Rich owned the Ra66it Ranch in Staunton IL, along Route 66. He died this past August, before I could see his 1973 MC out & about. I’d seen it originally in 2009 during my Route 66 road trip. At that time, it was still in a barn-garage & covered in dust, but Rich told me he’d bought the triple black beauty brand new. Then, in early 2022, he told me it was finally on the road … but our schedules never matched so I could see it again.
Ben & Carrie & Eleanor & Leo are listening while driving through WV, ~2 hours from home; I’ve a Phil Collins tune to play for Ben later.}
{This next song is 1 of those special duets I mentioned at the top of the show. I told you some history on Earl Thomas Conley during the 12/14/2024 broadcast, when I played his version of “Blue Christmas”, so I’ll spare you those details. For this tune, he teamed up with the founding member of the Pointer Sisters, Anita Marie Pointer, who died just 2 years ago, 12/31/2022, having been born 01/23/1948 in Oakland CA. This song debuted as the 1st single & title track of ETC’s 6th studio album. Since it peaked at #2, it stopped a string of 4 straight chart toppers for ETC. Had this song claimed the coveted top spot, it would’ve been the 5th chart topper in an eventual string of 12 straight #1s, since ETC notched 7 straight chart toppers after this song, from late 1986 to early 1989.}
6 Earl Thomas Conley & Anita Pointer … “Too Many Times” … 08/02/1986, 20 weeks, #2
[segue “bring to life”]
7 New Order … “True Faith”
{I mentioned some surprises along the way. Michael Hayes tells me he loves that song & hasn’t heard it in forever. It’s important to me: it was my original best friend’s favorite song at the time of his death & was played during his memorial service. He died 12/27/1987 of an asthma attack….}
{Regular listeners Steve & Missy, Hartford OH}
{Born 02/26/1932, Kingsland AR; died of diabetes, 09/12/2003. He married June Carter, March 1968. Father of Rosanne Cash; stepfather of Carlene Carter. Legendary artist w/MANY hits.}
8 Johnny Cash … “I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day”
[segue “WRMN’s Mark B”]
9 Luce … “Good Day”
{When I decided to play this next song, a duet by Reba McEntire & Carole King, tonight, I planned to “pair” it with a favorite of mine by Ronnie Milsap & Mike Reid … “Old Folks”. I was 99% sure I had that song on CD. Imagine my surprise when I discovered I only have it on vinyl record, namely Milsap’s “Heart & Soul” album, 1 of ~30 vinyl records I own & would love to be able to play for you.
Reba was born 03/28/1955 in Oklahoma. In the early 2000s, she starred in the sitcom “Reba”, followed that up with “Malibu Country”. Then, she appeared in 1 season of “Big Sky”, & now headlines “Happy’s Place”. She has won numerous CMA awards along the way with hits like “Can’t Even Get The Blues”, “Why Do We Want What We Know We Can’t Have”, “Whoever’s In New England”, “For My Broken Heart”, “Is There Life Out There”, “Why Haven’t I Heard From You” (featured in 1 of the segues I use on this show), “& Still”, “What Do You Say” … & so many others … which is why I love hosting CD SHOWCASE to play all sorts of songs … because a song remembers when.
Carole was born Carole King Klein 02/09/1942 in New York & is 1 of the most successful songwriters in American history, having penned or co-written 118 songs appearing on the Billboard Hot 100, plus 61 more songs that charted in the UK. Her 1971 “Tapestry” album is 1 of the best selling records of all time … including #1 smashes “It’s Too Late” & “I Feel The Earth Move”.
Here, the pair team up for a duet….}
10 Reba McEntire & Carole King … “Everyday People”
[segue “wheels”]
11 Better Than Ezra … “Extra Ordinary”
{Surprise! When’s the last time you’ve heard THAT song?}
{Denny Gibson is tuned in tonight … check out his books on Amazon … I’m in a few of them, notably for his Lincoln Highway & US 20 road trips….}
12 Deacon Claybourne (Charles Esteen), Maddie & Daphne Conrad (Lennon & Maisy Stella, respectively) … “A Life That’s Good” … from TV’s “Nashville”
[segue “WRMN’s Mark B”]
13 Louis Armstrong … “What A Wonderful World”
{We went from a song probably new to you to a song you undoubtedly know & maybe even sang along, from a new-to-me CD I bought at last month’s Junkluggers-Remix Market Chicago warehouse sale.}
{After the break, the Double Play Of The Day with the Beach Boys, events coming up this week (including a special announcement), then more surprises including duets from Kenny Rogers & Dottie West plus David Frizzell & Shelly West, along with a Phil Collins song for my cousin Ben….}
8p-9p US central
[3 minute break]
{You’re listening to the last of 5 straight CD SHOWCASE Holiday Edition LIVE broadcasts on WRMN, my hometown radio station in Elgin IL, along historic US 20 (MA to OR). I am your host, Cort Stevens. Thank you for spending part of your Saturday with me. I hope the songs you are hearing spark memories for you … because a song remembers when.
I strive to provide a radio experience unlike any other, with a wide variety of artists & songs, so please invite your family & friends to join us on this magical drive down memory lane. Post on social media about this radio show … visit & interact on CD SHOWCASE’s Facebook page. I want to earn new listeners & be able to secure sponsors to continue broadcasting deep into 2025.
Remember to check out the CD SHOWCASE website, as well as the OC,SH NETWORK members on oldcarsstronghearts.com….}
{DOUBLE PLAY OF THE DAY}
{The artist probably needs no introduction. From Hawthorne CA, the surf-rock band won the Lifetime Achievement Grammy in 2001. The 1st song is one of their classics, from a new-to-me CD I bought at last month’s Junkluggers-Remix Market Chicago warehouse sale}
14 The Beach Boys … “Good Vibrations”
[segue “smack dab”]
15 The Beach Boys … “Frosty The Snowman”
{Wrapping up tonight’s DPOTD, a holiday favorite….}
{Jay & Beth, Dieterich IL … friends since 1997, my 1981 MC SC is at their place currently….
Chris Flores, E Dundee IL … 1 of the 2 winners of the DNA gift certificates, of which I still have more to give away}
{MENTIONED from EVENTS page:
ADVISE EVENT(S) TO MENTION
12/28, CARD PLAYING DAY … so if you haven’t played cards yet today, you still have time!
12/29, 7a, Jim Hinckley’s America presents Coffee w/Jim live podcast, Kingman AZ
12/29, 12p, Valley Model RR open family, S Elgin IL
12/30, orders due for Essential Oils, IL
12/30, 11a, New Year’s Eve Eve, Joliet IL
12/30, 2p, A Christmas Carol, Chicago
12/31, 8p, AL Post 57 New Year’s Eve party, Elgin IL
12/31, 9p, Cello Fury at Gateway Lodge, Cooksburg PA
12/31, 9p, Stingrays at Manhattan’s, Carol Stream IL
12/31, 11:30p, UNIVERSAL HOUR OF PEACE
01/01, RING A BELL DAY
01/03-05, Cornhole Shootout, Myrtle Beach SC
01/03, VoiceOver Xtra, MoJoe Friday, Nashville TN
01/03, Donley Auctions podcast, IL
01/03, 1p, American Road Magazine Road Trip Talk, Bellevue WA
01/03, 7:30p, VMRR operating session, S Elgin IL
01/04, TRIVIA DAY
01/04, 9a, Coffee & Cars, Cary IL
01/04, 9a, Electronics & more Recycling, Aurora IL
01/04, 10:30a, Holiday Bird Count at Hawthorne Hill Nature Center, Elgin IL
01/04, 11a, Relics & Rods at American Legion, Lake Havasu City AZ
01/04, BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: 7p-9p CD SHOWCASE ON WRMN
01/04, 8:30p, Milwaukee’s Addiction at Tipsy Turle, Muskego WI
01/04-05, Greenberg’s Train & Toy Show, Monroeville PA
01/05-05, Rustic Fox After Christmas Sale, Carol Stream IL
01/04-05, Great Train Show, Kansas City MO
01/05, 8a, DuPage Record Show, Downers Grove IL
01/05, 9a, Great Midwest Train Show, Wheaton IL
01/05, 11a, JUNKLUGGERS-REMIX MARKET CHICAGO WAREHOUSE SALE}
{For my cousin Ben, who I remember playing this song on the steel drums “back in the day”, from a new-to-me CD I bought at last month’s Junkluggers-Remix Market Chicago warehouse sale….}
16 Phil Collins … “Another Day In Paradise”
[segue “WRMN’s Mark B”]
17 Jimmie Rodgers … “Honeycomb” … 10/14/1957, 13 weeks, #7 (#1 for 4 weeks, pop charts)
{Born 09/18/1933, Washington state, he hosted his own TV series in 1959 & again 10 years later, 1969.}
{Ryan Parsons, listening in Michigan, tells me “Another Day In Paradise” is the best song of the night … so far.}
{Another of the promised duets: this time, Kenny Rogers & Dottie West.
Dottie was born Dorothy Marie Marsh, 10/11/1932, Tennessee; died 09/04/1991 in a car crash en route to the Grand Ole Opry for a scheduled performance.
Kenny was born 08/21/1938 in Texas; he formed the band The First Edition in 1967 & appeared in many movies.
This duo recorded several duets, including chart toppers in 1978’s “Every Time Two Fools Collide”, 1979’s “All I Ever Need Is You” & 1981’s “What Are We Doing In Love”, & won the CMA Vocal Duo award twice in 1978 & 1979. This particular song, 1 of my favorites, debuted nearly 2 months before Kenny released the smash “The Gambler” & ~1.5 years before Dottie’s “Lesson In Leavin'” in 1980.}
18 Kenny Rogers & Dottie West … “Anyone Who Isn’t Me Tonight” … 09/02/1978, 14 weeks, #2
[segue “haven’t heard from you”]
19 David Frizzell & Shelly West … “I Just Came Here To Dance” … 07/17/1982, 18 weeks, #4
{Following in the footsteps of her Mom, Dottie West, & Kenny Rogers, Shelly West teamed with David Frizzell on several duets. The pair’s only chart topper was “You’re The Reason God Made Oklahoma” from the movie ‘Any Which Way But Loose’ starring Clint Eastwood. David & Shelly also won the CMA Vocal Duo award twice, in 1981 & 1982. This song debuted ~6 months before Shelly’s “Jose Cuervo” & a year before her “Flight 309 To Tennessee”.
Shelly was born 05/23/1958, Cleveland OH; David was born 09/26/1941, El Dorado AR.}
{Dave W, NY & the Monte Hunters; came to IL to see me in 2012.}
{Born Silvia Kirby, 12/09/1956, Kokomo IN. From age 3, she sang in church choirs & did session backup vocals before debuting on stage as a solo artist in the fall of 1979. Her hits include “Drifter”, “Nobody”, “Like Nothing Ever Happened”, “Snapshot” & “I Never Quite Got Back From Loving You”….}
20 Sylvia … “Reflections”
[segue “WRMN’s Mark B]
21 Sting & The Police … “Fields Of Gold”
{On a new-to-me CD I bought at last month’s Junkluggers-Remix Market Chicago warehouse sale.}
{Brian Ruppell, near Atlanta GA
cousin Michelle Wine listening in from Breckenridge CO tonight, with the Champaign Linnenburger’s for her Nephew James’ 14th birthday}
22 Wynonna … “You Were Loved” … from TV’s “Touched By An Angel”
[segue “Route 66”]
23 Savage Garden … “I Don’t Know You Anymore”
{I mentioned surprises! When’s the last time you’ve heard them on the radio? 1 of my favorites of theirs….}
{Plenty more surprises next week … including from some artists I’ve yet to play in this current edition of CD SHOWCASE, including Macy Gray & Blondie, among others … & possibly some holiday tunes since Epiphany is AFTER next Saturday. Join me for the 1st Saturday night of the new year, 2025 … because a song remembers when. Please invite others to join us; would be awesome to earn new listeners & secure sponsors to continue deep into 2025!
Now, if you like classic country music like I do, up next on WRMN is Pure American Country, hosted by Bill Cody, from Nashville TN’s WSM 650 AM, country’s flagship station featuring the Grand Ole Opry.}
{But 1st! We close out tonight with the holiday tune I ended all 3 4-hour Christmas Eve afternoon broadcasts on WRMN in 2009, 2010 & 2011….}
24 Vonda Shepard … “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” … from TV’s “Ally McBeal” holiday special
CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE TO THE 2025 BROADCASTS
OTHER WRMN APPEARANCES
11/22/2022 “Chamber Chat”
(starting ~31:00 mark)
07/10/2024 “Out To Lunch”
(entire broadcast)
10/09/2024 “Marky B 1st Shifters”
(9a hour, FB ‘Program Alert’)
10/19/2024 “Nightmare On Chicago St”
(~6:40p with Sonar)
(~9:45p-11p with Matt, Mike)