Roots of Rock: Western Canada Pioneer DJs

[jon]

Yesterday, Red Robinson was celebrating the first day of his 60th year in broadcasting, in the sense that two days ago was the 59th anniversary of his daily show on CJOR. He was actually on air prior to that as Al Jordan's daily guest.

This morning's Broadcast Dialogue reports on another Western Canada pioneer of the music that led to Rock and Roll: "CKXL Calgary icon Ezzert 'Sugarfoot' Anderson, 93, has been presented with Canada's Recording Legacy Award (http://www.canadasrecordinglegacy.com). Anderson, a former CFL Calgary Stampeders player, was on CKXL six nights a week from 1950 through 1955. He programmed R&B, Blues and Jazz on his show, influencing and inspiring the city’s musicians and singers with the new music he was playing."

I had to check on the call letters, but they are right. CJCJ became CKXL in April 1950.