Q Memors

Story by: Gail Nobles

Remember those big silver boomboxes? Some were so heavy you could barely lift them. I once asked a classmate in 5th grade if I could have his boombox. He said yes, but only because he knew I wouldn’t be able to carry it since it was so heavy. I wondered how he managed to move it at all. He wasn’t really going to give up his prized boombox.

Before 5th grade, I knew another guy who loved to carry his boombox on the school bus and would blast Kurtis Blow’s popu...

Story by: Gail Nobles

In the world of radio, our favorite stations often feel like a comforting friend, playing the soundtracks of our lives. But what happens when these stations go silent? Many listeners have found themselves in a bittersweet situation: searching for airchecks—those recordings showcasing the unique voices and music that once filled the airwaves—but coming up empty-handed. Popular websites and collections, like FM Airchecks and the Internet Archive, might not have what we’re looking for.

Some radio stations close their doors without leaving behind any trace, and that absence can feel like a...

Photo: Carl Lender
Usage: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0
Story by: Gail Nobles
Keyboardist: Gail Nobles

Hello, Today's topic on Q Memors, "Only You".

In today's music news, we're spotlighting the R&B band Commodores and their heartfelt song "Only You." This track is part of their album "Commodores 13," released in 1983 by Motown Records. It managed to climb to No. 8 on the US Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and reached No. 20 on the US Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart.

"Only You" was significant as it marked the first single released after the band's...

Story by: Gail Nobles
Podcast Cover by: Gail Nobles
Intro: Gail Nobles

Good evening, and welcome to our Flashback Feature! Today, we take a journey back to the electric vibes of the 1980s when music was alive with rhythm and unforgettable melodies. One of the hallmark tracks from this vibrant era was “Personality” by the group Dynasty.

It's the mid-'80s, and you're enjoying the music from your cassette player boombox. You're listening for the new hits when you hear the catchy tune of "Personality" by Dynasty. The problem is, the DJs, even though they...

Story by: Gail Nobles
Keyboardist: Gail Nobles
Voices: Gail Nobles
Roberta Flack Photo: Public Domain Wikipedia 
Peabo Bryson Photo: Sister Circle
Usage: CC BY 3.0 Wikipedia

I want to take a moment to celebrate radio. In the past, we would simply tune into our favorite stations and we would let the music play. Q Memors would like to refresh your memory. Those were the days filled with beautiful love ballads.

Let’s take a trip down memory lane and talk about a classic tune, "Tonight, I Celebrate My Love." This romantic ballad, bro...

Matthew Ward Photo David Ball - Original work Wikipedia CC BY 2.5
Donna Summer Photo: Wikipedia Public Domain
Keyboardist: Gail Nobles
Story by: Gail Nobles

Back in 1983, when I first caught wind of that magical duet between Donna Summer and Matthew Ward, my mind was racing! I heard that gorgeous, soulful voice, and I thought, "No way! That’s gotta be Peabo Bryson singing with the Queen of Disco!" After all, Peabo was the king of those smooth ballads back in the day, and you couldn’t help but think of him when you heard those heav...

Story by: Gail Nobes
Photo: Efields1 - Own work
Usage: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Let’s take a little trip back to the early '80s when Richard Dimples Fields graced the airwaves with his inspiring tune, "Don’t Ever Stop Chasing Your Dreams." This song wasn’t just a catchy melody; it was packed with wisdom.

In the song, Richard shares some powerful thoughts, reminding us that a wise man builds his house on a strong foundation, like a rock, while a foolish man builds on sandy ground. This m...

Photo: Kingkongphoto & www.celebrity-photos.com
Wikipedia: CC BY-SA 2.0
Intro keyboardist and Vocals by: Gail Nobles
Story by: Gail Nobles

Today’s topic is LL Cool J who brought us some unforgettable memories with his hit “I Need Love.”

On the radio, I was hearing remixes in the 1980’s. Rap mixes within rap mixes with fast tempo and beats. Voices were proud and boastful. And one night, just out of the blue I heard the most beautiful catchy tune that was unusual for a rap. The slow keyboard sound caught my ear and then the beat...

Photo: Penni Gladstone, Los Angeles Times -
Usage: Wikipedia CC BY 4.0
Intro by: Gail Nobles

Welcome to Q Memors, where we celebrate the golden days of radio and relive the classics that defined our listening experience. Today, I'm thrilled to share a timeless favorite: ‘You Are’ by Lionel Richie. This song brings back memories and ignites that special longing we all cherish from the good old radio days. Let’s take a moment to enjoy the magic of this classic together!”

Where were you when you first heard Lionel R...