In this segment you will hear NBC radio reports by the following correspondents:
Ron Nessen (Washington); Don Doke (White House); Ed Gulf (Mobile Unit); Dave Rush (St. Matthews Cathedral)
The complete coverage of the Low Pontifical Requiem Mass for President Kennedy at St. Matthews Cathedral, as broadcasted on WWJ, Detroit, on the NBC Radio Network. Highlights:
“Hail to the Chief” (JFK casket brought into Cathedral); Commencement of Mass; Entrance Hymn; Reading of the Gospel; Offertory; Consecration; The Lord’s Prayer; Celebrant’s Communion; Communion Missile; Communion Prayer; End of Mass; Words by Reverend Phillip M. Hannon (Auxiliary Catholic Bishop) Washington; Cardinal Richard Cushing; Cardinal and dignitaries exit Cathedral.
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Note: In 1963, WWJ WWJ-FM was owned and operated by The Detroit News. The NBC Detroit affiliate was represented nationally by Peters, Griffins, Woodward, Inc.
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Sunday, November 24 and through Monday morning, November 25. Lying in state, the President’s bier is viewed by over 250,000 mourners for nearly twenty-four hours inside the United States Capitol Rotunda. (Photo: Associated Press)
Monday morning. Outside the U.S. Capitol, the President’s casket rests momentarily on the military horse drawn cortege before proceeding to St. Matthews Cathedral.
John F. Kennedy, Jr., salutes his father’s flag-draped coffin outside St. Matthews Cathedral. (Photo: Associated Press)
The Detroit Free Press Tuesday, November 26, 1963
The Military Cortege on Connecticut Avenue, approaching the Lincoln Memorial and the Memorial Bridge, crossing the Potomac into Arlington. (Photo: Associated Press)
A U.S. Navy serviceman weeps as President Kennedy’s casket passes by inside Arlington.
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WWJ NBC Detroit Radio logo, 1963
In this segment you will hear the NBC reports of President John F. Kennedy’s State Funeral:
The complete and final coverage of President Kennedy’s Funeral. As broadcasted on WWJ, Detroit, on the NBC Radio Network. Highlights:
JFK’s casket, caisson leaves Cathedral; Ed Gulf, (Mobile Unit) reporting; JFK Funeral procession crossing Potomac; Procession continues; Procession enters Arlington; JFK casket carried to gravesite; Kennedy family approaches grave; National Anthem, Air Force Bag Pipes; The Fly-By; Blessing of the Grave (Richard Cardinal Cushing presides); Military Honor 21 Gun Salute; Oratory Prayers, Church Consecration; Military Honor Guard 3 Gun Salute, Playing Military Taps; Military Honor Guard folds Flag; Cushing officiates Prayers, recites Church Blessings of the Grave; Flag handed to Mrs. Kennedy, commence lighting of the Eternal Flame.
” . . . John F. Kennedy, has been laid to rest.”
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Classical music resumes play over the NBC Radio Network
The Honor Guard rests the President’s casket upon the placer. It is 2:52 p.m., EST. (Photo: Associated Press)
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Bob Pratt
A special thank you to Bob Pratt, of Farmington Hills, MI., for contributing these historic recordings to the Motor City Radio Flashbacks archive.
In November 1963, Bob Pratt recorded over 20 hours on reeled tapes covering the tragic four days, 60 years ago.
In November 1963, Bob Pratt recorded over 20 hours on reeled tapes covering the tragic four days, 60 years ago. The recordings began at 11:16 a.m. through 3:43 p.m., Monday afternoon, November 25, 1963.
Bob Pratt also shared his own recollections of President Kennedy’s assassination. His personal memories is featured on this website, here.
These historic Detroit radio broadcasts was never available to anyone — anywhere. Motor City Radio Flashbacks featured these historic recordings in their entirety — exclusively here — for the very first time, when this site premiered these broadcasts in November 2018, five years ago.
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Archbishop Richard Cardinal Cushing officiates Prayers, recites the Church Blessing of the Grave over President Kennedy’s casket and final resting place in Arlington. (Photo: Charles Del Vecchio, The Washington Post)
The U.S. flag draping the President’s coffin is folded and is presented to Mrs. Kennedy, photographed facing Auxiliary Catholic Bishop Phillip Hannon (Washington D.C.), 3:15 p.m., EST. (Photo: Associated Press)
Above newspaper images courtesy from the freep.com newspaper archive. Copyright 2023. Newspapers.com.
The above featured images was ‘clipped,’ saved, and imaged from the credited source by Motor City Radio Flashbacks
All photographs used for this featured presentation was randomly selected. All photographs was captioned by the author. All selected photos herein were found to be under/as ‘public domain’ and are displayed here for educational purposes only, as stipulated under the “fair use” clause, unless specified otherwise, and having been credited, as.
For largest views – if viewing on your mobile device, tap over newspaper images. Open to second window. “Stretch” images across your device screen to magnify detailed view.
All images posted in this featured presentation was re-imaged, re-framed, and was web created for this featured presentation by Jim Feliciano. The selected ‘televised’ image was used (see top frame), having been obtained from the personal collection of the author.
Photos featured: Associated Press
At 3:34 p.m., EST., the NBC Radio Network concludes its four-day coverage, closing with these remarks, ”. . . John F. Kennedy, has been laid to rest.”
In this segment you will hear NBC radio reports by the following correspondents:
Tom Petitt (Dallas); Roger Reedy (Dallas); Tom Perryman (Dallas); Robert McCormick (Washington); Herbert Kaplow (Washington); Don Doke (Washington); Jack Perkins (Washington); Richard Harkness (Washington); Bryson Rush (Washington)
Also, the NBC Radio Memorial Tribute ‘President John F. Kennedy: The Highest Price’.
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Note: In 1963, WWJ WWJ-FM was owned and operated by The Detroit News. The NBC Detroit affiliate was represented nationally by Peters, Griffins, Woodward, Inc.
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The Detroit Free Press Monday, November 25, 1963
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WWJ Detroit NBC Radio logo, 1963
The NBC radio memorial tribute, a continuation — ‘President John F. Kennedy: The Highest Price’ (program conclusion).
Near the end of this segment, you will note a brief NBC radio commentary by Morgan Beatty (11:21 p.m.); also a live NBC report by Bryson Rush in Washington.
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Note: In 1963, WWJ WWJ-FM was owned and operated by The Detroit News. The NBC Detroit affiliate was represented nationally by Peters, Griffins, Woodward, Inc.
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“Now the prisoner, wearing a black sweater, he’s changed from his t-shirt, is being moved out toward an armored car. Being led out by Captain Fritz. [Car horn sounds.] There’s the prisoner. Do you have anything to say in your defense?” Jack Ruby jumps out of the crowd and fires into Oswald. [Ike Pappas, reporting live for WNEW, New York, from the basement of the Dallas Police headquarters.] Photo: Jack Beers; Dallas Morning News, Associated Press
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Bob Pratt
A special thank you to Bob Pratt, of Farmington Hills, MI., for contributing these historic recordings for our Motor City Radio Flashbacks archive.
In November 1963, Bob Pratt recorded over 20 hours on reeled tapes covering the tragic four days, 60 years ago.
Approximately 8 minutes after Lee Harvey Oswald was shot on live TV (12:21; EST), Bob Pratt began to record the events as NBC radio was breaking the news story over WWJ-FM, Detroit. The recordings began approximately 12:29 p.m., through 6:00 p.m., Sunday evening, November 24, 1963.
Bob Pratt also shared his own recollections of President Kennedy’s assassination. His personal memories is featured on this website, here.
These historic Detroit radio broadcasts was never available to anyone — anywhere. Motor City Radio Flashbacks previously featured these historic recordings in their entirety — exclusively here — for the very first time, when this site premiered these broadcasts in November 2018, five years ago.
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“There’s a shot! Oswald has been shot! Oswald has been shot! A shot rang out. Mass confusion here, all the doors have been locked — Holy mackerel!” Sunday, 11:21 a.m. E.S.T. [Ike Pappas, reporting live for WNEW, New York, from the basement of the Dallas Police headquarters.] Photo: Bob Jackson; Dallas Times Herald, Associated Press
Inflicted with a severe gunshot wound, Oswald’s limp body is placed upon a ambulance gurney and rushed to Parkland Hospital. Over an hour and a half on the operating table, Oswald succumbs to his wounds. He was officially pronounced dead by Dr. Tom Shires (Parkland chief of surgery) at 1:07 p.m., CST. (Photo: Dallas Times Herald) Associated Press
Sunday, 1:08 p.m., EST. The body of President Kennedy, Mrs. Kennedy, along with her two children, leaves the White House for the U.S. Capitol. At the very time this photograph was taken, back in Dallas (12:08 p.m. CST), a team of doctors desperately were trying to save the life of Lee Harvey Oswald inside Trauma Room 2 at Parkland Hospital. (Photo: Abbie Rowe) Associated Press
Above newspaper images courtesy from the freep.com newspaper archive. Copyright 2023. Newspapers.com.
The above featured images was ‘clipped,’ saved, and imaged from the credited source by Motor City Radio Flashbacks
All photographs used for this featured presentation was randomly selected. All photographs was captioned by the author. All selected photos herein were found to be under/as ‘public domain’ and are displayed here for educational purposes only, as stipulated under the “fair use” clause, unless specified otherwise, and having been credited, as.
For largest views – if viewing on your mobile device, tap over newspaper images. Open to second window. “Stretch” images across your device screen to magnify detailed view.
All images posted in this featured presentation was re-imaged, re-framed, and was web created for this featured presentation by Jim Feliciano. The selected ‘televised’ image was used (see top frame), having been obtained from the personal collection of the author.
The Military Caisson bearing President Kennedy’s casket leaves the White House for the U.S. Capitol.
Surrounded by the Military Colors Honor Guard, the public views the President’s body lying in State at the U.S. Capitol. Sunday afternoon, November 24.
In this WJBK FM, Saturday, November 23 segment you will hear the 1:00 p.m. WJBK Radio 15 Newsline Report with Bob King and Bernard Morris.
WJBK Radio 15 Newsline, November 1963
In November 1963, the WJBK News department comprised of 5 news anchors. The Radio 15 anchors were: Bob King, Norm Lenhardt, Alan Thayer, Bernard Morris and Bob Edgington.
For news and information, the WJBK news department was reliant on UPI and AP teletypes machines for local, domestic, and international news wires and reports.
In 1963, the Storer Broadcasting owned WJBK radio station was not affiliated with any major news organizations, nor with a major news network.
You will note a somber solemnity in the first day of national mourning. WJBK, a top 40 station, dropped entirely their music format. The station reverted instead playing continuous dirge music — breaking only for news as they developed at the top and bottom of the hour throughout their broadcasting day, Saturday, November 23, 60 years ago today.
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Note: In 1963, WJBK WJBK-FM was owned and operated by The Storer broadcasting Company. The Storer Detroit affiliate was represented nationally by the Katz Agency, Inc.
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The Detroit Free Press Sunday, November 24, 1963
It is 4:40 a.m., Saturday, November 23. Entering through the gates of the White House, President Kennedy’s body is returned to the East Room of the Executive Mansion for the last time. (Associated Press)
In Detroit, universal shock, disbelief, and grief immediately sweeps the city on hearing the news of President Kennedy’s assassination. (The Detroit Free Press, Saturday, November 23, 1963)
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WWJ NBC Detroit Radio logo, 1963
In this (newly added; November 1, 2019) WWJ-AM hourly segment you will hear NBC radio reports by Russ Ward (New York) and following correspondents:
Richard Volariani (Washington); John Rich (Tokyo); Pierce Allman (Dallas); Enaldo Akalena (Beirut); Wilson Hall (Rio De Janeiro); Joseph C. Harsh (London); John Sharky (Saigon); Phyllis Hepp (Nairobi); Alvin Rosenfeld (Tel Aviv); Irvin R. Levine (Rome); Peter Hackuss (Washington); John Chancellor (Berlin); John Lavencheck (Miami); Robert McCormick (Washington); Robert Gorawlski (White House); Hubert Humphrey (Washington); Bernard Prissell (France) Pope Paul IX (Vatican); Senator John Tower (New York); Representative Hale Boggs (Louisiana); Representative Gerald R. Ford (Michigan); Representative Albert Thomas (Washington); Alan Kennedy (New Delhi)
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Note: In 1963, WWJ WWJ-FM was owned and operated by The Detroit News. The NBC Detroit affiliate was represented nationally by Peters, Griffins, Woodward, Inc.
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The accused, Lee Harvey Oswald, is seen on television (CBS-TV) handcuffed between two other prisoners prior having been booked a fourth (and final) lineup by Dallas police, Saturday morning, November 23.
Dallas Police Homicide Lt. J. C. Day hoists the alleged suspect’s rifle through a crowded, third floor hallway at Dallas Police Headquarters. Later in the day Homicide Bureau Capt. Will Fritz declared to the press, “This case is cinched. This man killed the President.” Late Saturday evening, November 23.
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WWJ NBC Detroit Radio logo, 1963
In this (newly added; November 1, 2019) WWJ-AM hourly segment you will hear NBC radio reports by Russ Ward (New York) and following correspondents:
Irvine R. Levine (Rome); Ed Newman (Washington); Robert Goralski (White House); Ron Nessen (Washington); Tom Petitt (Dallas); Jim Jenson (Hyannis Port); Jim Holbrook (Chicago); Ray Sherer (White House); Jim Hurlman (New York); Ray Moore (Atlanta); Robert Abernathy (Washington); Bryson Rash (Washington): Eli Abel (State Department); Richard Harkness (Andrews Air Force Base); Dr. William H. McCarcall (Bristol, Tennessee); Wells Heilmann (Bonn)
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Note: In 1963, WWJ WWJ-FM was owned and operated by The Detroit News. The NBC Detroit affiliate was represented nationally by Peters, Griffins, Woodward, Inc.
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Saturday, November 23. The U.S. flag on the White House is televised lowered at half mast.
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Bob Pratt
A special thank you to Bob Pratt, of Farmington Hills, MI., for contributing these historic recordings for our Motor City Radio Flashbacks archive.
In November 1963, Bob Pratt recorded over 20 hours on reeled tapes covering the tragic four days, 60 years ago.
The featured WWJ-AM recordings began at 7:30 a.m., when NBC Radio (New York) first signed on that morning on all their affiliates nationwide, Saturday, November 23. These recording totaled 4.5 hours, to 12 noon. The featured WJBK-FM recording began in the afternoon, at top of the 1:00 p.m. hour. Saturday, November 23.
Bob Pratt also shared his own recollections of President Kennedy’s assassination. His personal memories is featured on this website, here.
These historic Detroit radio broadcasts was never available to anyone — anywhere. Motor City Radio Flashbacks featured these historic recordings in their entirety — exclusively here — for the very first time when this site premiered these broadcasts in November 2018, five years ago.
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Throughout the rainy day, a continuous stream of mourning government officials and dignitaries arrive at the White House as President Kennedy’s body lies in repose. Saturday, November 23. (Photo: Abbie Rowe; The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, Boston)
Above newspaper image courtesy from the freep.com newspaper archive. Copyright 2023. Newspapers.com.
The above featured images was ‘clipped,’ saved, and imaged from the credited source by Motor City Radio Flashbacks
All photographs used for this featured presentation was randomly selected. All photographs was captioned by the author. All selected photos herein were found to be under/as ‘public domain’ and are displayed here for educational purposes only, as stipulated under the “fair use” clause, unless specified otherwise, and having been credited, as.
For largest views – if viewing on your mobile device, tap over newspaper images. Open to second window. “Stretch” images across your device screen to magnify detailed view.
All images posted in this featured presentation was re-imaged, re-framed, and was web created for this featured presentation by Jim Feliciano. The ‘televised’ image was used (see top frame), having been obtained from the personal collection of the author.
Photos featured: Associated Press
The President’s body lies in repose inside the East Room at the White House. Saturday morning, November 23.
Photo: The Associated Press [Click over or tap on image for largest detailed, digitized view.]
The Presidential limousine under fire in Dallas,12:30 p.m., CST. (Photo: Mary Moorman; AP UPI)
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WWJ NBC Detroit Radio logo, 1963
Approximately 20 minutes after NBC broke programming with a bulletin (AP; 12:40 p.m., CST) President Kennedy had been shot, the NBC Radio Network in New York took control of the news coming out of Dallas on all the NBC affiliates nationwide, including WWJ, WWJ FM in Detroit, at the top of the hour — 2:00 P.M., EST, Friday, November 22, 1963.
In this hourly segment you will hear NBC radio reports by the following correspondents:
Peter Hackus (NBC Radio Network, New York); Edwin Newman (NBC Radio Network, New York)
Robert MacNeill (Dallas); Bill Ryan (NBC TV [feed] New York); Charles Murphy (ABC-TV [feed] Dallas); David Brinkley (NBC TV [feed] Washington); Alan Bickley (WFAA Dallas); Joseph Michaels (New York); Jean Hill [eyewitness] WFAA Dallas); Frank McGee (NBC TV [feed] New York); Robert Gorawlski (Washington); Chet Huntley (NBC TV [feed] New York); John Holfin (NBC cameraman [eyewitness] Dallas); Morgan Beatty (NBC Radio Network, New York); John Lavencheck (Miami); Robert McCormick (Washington); Pierce Allman (WFAA Dallas); Irving R. Levine (Rome); Kenneth Bernstein (London)
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Note: In 1963, WWJ WWJ-FM was owned and operated by The Detroit News. The NBC Detroit affiliate was represented nationally by Peters, Griffins, Woodward, Inc.
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The Presidential limousine, with the mortally wounded President, is photo captured on the Stemmons Freeway speeding towards Parkland Memorial Hospital. It is 12:33 p.m. Dallas time.
The Associated Press wires breaks with a bulletin. President Kennedy has been shot. 12:40 p.m., CST; November 22 (Jim Feliciano Collection)
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WWJ NBC Detroit Radio logo, 1963
In this hourly segment you will hear NBC radio reports by the following correspondents:
Joseph Michaels (New York); Bernard Brussell (Paris); Ray Sherer (Washington); Joseph Hersh (London); Berry Simmons (San Diego); Pierce Allman (Dallas); Ian Stewart (Hong Kong); Peter Hackett (Washington); Robert Abernathy (Washington); Nancy Dickerson (Washington); Tom Petitt (Dallas) David Abernathy (Bonn); Richard Volariani (Washington); Robert Goralski (Washington); Joseph Michaels (JFK in New York; 11-15-1963)
Also, you will hear a special WWJ radio news report by: John Hultman, WWJ WWJ FM — top of 7:00 p.m. hour — NBC Radio in Detroit.
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Note: In 1963, WWJ WWJ-FM was owned and operated by The Detroit News. The NBC Detroit affiliate was represented nationally by Peters, Griffins, Woodward, Inc.
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Immediately after shots were fired, the Dallas police converge and cordon off the Texas Book Depository Building. Photo taken around 1:00 p.m., Dallas time. (Photo: Dallas Times Herald)Listening to the latest news bulletins blaring from the car radio, the scene outside the emergency entrance at Parkland. The Vice-Presidential car, the convertible Lincoln Continental at left, was driven by Texas Highway patrolman Herschel Jacks. He is wearing the Stetson hat in the photograph. (Photo: Dallas Times Herald)
Photo: Eanon Kennedy; Dallas Times Herald
The Detroit Free Press Saturday, November 23, 1963
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WWJ Detroit NBC Radio logo, 1963
In this hourly segment you will hear NBC radio reports by the following correspondents:
Bob Whitten (Sacramento); Robert Goralski (Washington); Tom Perryman (Dallas); John Rich (Tokyo); Herbert Kaplow (Washington); Joseph Michaels (Interviews Carlos Bringuier, New Orleans — New York); Richard Valariani (Washington); John Chancellor (Berlin); Tom Petitt (Dallas); Robert Abernathy (Washington)
Also, you will hear a special WWJ radio news report by: Don Perrie, WWJ WWJ FM — top of 11:00 p.m. hour — NBC Radio in Detroit.
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Note: In 1963, WWJ WWJ-FM was owned and operated by The Detroit News. The NBC Detroit affiliate was represented nationally by Peters, Griffins, Woodward, Inc.
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Photo: Jack Rosen
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Bob Pratt
A special thank you to Bob Pratt, of Farmington Hills, MI., for contributing these historic recordings for our Motor City Radio Flashbacks archive.
In November 1963, Bob Pratt recorded over 20 hours on reeled tapes covering the tragic four days, 60 years ago.
Some 5 hours after the NBC Radio Network first broke with stunning word President Kennedy had been shot (12:40 p.m., CST 1:00 p.m., CST) Bob Pratt proceeded recording more of the NBC radio news as they unfolded on WWJ-FM in Detroit. The evening recordings began at 6:20 p.m., running through 11:36 p.m. Friday night, November 22, 1963.
Bob Pratt also shared his personal recollections of President Kennedy’s assassination. His personal memories is featured on this site, here.
These historic Detroit radio broadcasts was never available to anyone — anywhere. Motor City Radio Flashbacks featured these historic recordings in their entirety — exclusively here — for the very first time, when this site premiered these broadcasts in November 2018, five years ago.
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A precise moment in place and time. Where Detroit shoppers were photographed reading the shocking news streaming electronically across the WXYZ-TV news ticker displayed at the Detroit Bank & Trust building. Griswold Ave., near State Street, Downtown Detroit. Friday afternoon, November 22.
Friday, November 22. The country awoke without a hint the day would be remembered.
The Detroit Free Press. The headlines Detroiters woke up to on Friday morning, November 22, 1963.
At 1:51 p.m., (Dallas Time) Friday, the Dallas police reports a suspect is picked up and placed in police custody. (Photo: Dallas Times Herald)
Above newspaper images courtesy from the freep.com newspaper archive. Copyright 2023. Newspapers.com.
The above featured images was ‘clipped,’ saved, and re-imaged from the credited source by Motor City Radio Flashbacks
All photographs used in this featured presentation was randomly selected. All photographs was captioned by the author. All selected photos herein were found to be under/as ‘public domain’ and are exhibited here for educational purposes only, as stipulated under the “fair use” clause, unless specified otherwise, and having been credited, as.
For largest views — if viewing on your mobile device, tap over newspaper images. Open to second window. “Stretch” images across your device screen to magnify detailed view.
All images posted in this featured presentation was re-imaged, re-framed, and was web created for this featured presentation by Jim Feliciano. The selected ‘televised’ image was used (see top frame), having been obtained from the personal collection of the author.
AP Bulletin image: Scanned from an actual 11-22-1963 AP scroll (from author’s personal collection).
Photo featured: by Jack Rosen (for additional content by the author further referencing the Jack Rosen photograph, above, go here)
In the Rosen photo, note the television monitors. All three major news networks were broadcasting the news out of Dallas that day. CBS, ABC, NBC, respectively.
The author purchased the Jack Rosen photograph (featured above) 15 years ago, from the official Jack Rosen (now defunct) website. This same image is available today and can now be purchased HERE
Photo featured, by Eanon Kennedy: The Dallas Times Herald
This photograph was published enlarged on the front page of The Dallas Times Herald (and was published also in other major newspaper publications) on Saturday, November 23, 1963.
For a remarkable story about this iconic November 22, 1963 photograph, and the photographer who took it, read this article, HERE.
Photos featured: The Dallas Times Herald
The alleged sniper’s lair. View of Elm Street from the Texas School Book Depository building, Dallas. Late Friday afternoon. (Photo: Dallas Times Herald)
A reporter shouted, “Did you kill the President?” Oswald answered, his voice breaking momentarily, “No, I have not been charged with that. In fact, nobody has said that to me yet. The first thing I heard about it was when the newspaper reporters in the hall asked me that question.” Oswald professes his innocence before the press during a midnight press conference, November 22-23, 1963. (Photo: Dallas Times Herald)
President Kennedy leaves the Hotel Texas for a scheduled outdoor speech before a large crowd gathered outside the hotel’s parking lot in Ft. Worth. Escorting the President is Texas Senator Ralph Yarborough, Texas Representative Jim Wright, Governor John Connally, Vice President Lyndon Johnson, Secret Service agent Rufus Youngblood, and Assistant Press Secretary Malcolm Kilduff. (Photo: William Allen)
Friday, November 22. 8:30 A.M., outside the Hotel Texas in Ft. Worth. President Kennedy handshakes with a receptive crowd after his speech at the hotel’s parking lot before addressing the Forth Worth Chamber of Commerce. The President’s breakfast address was scheduled for sometime after 9:00 a.m., inside the hotel’s Grand Ballroom.
President Kennedy is presented with a Washer Bros. Stetson Road Hat “for some protection against the rain” by Raymond Buck, president of the Ft. Worth Chamber of Commerce, before addressing a crowd of 2,000 guests gathered for breakfast in the Grand Ballroom at the Hotel Texas. (Photo: Ft. Worth-Star Telegram)
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The Dallas Morning News. Early-Friday, November 22, 1963
The morning of November 22 began as auspiciously as any day during President Kennedy’s first term in office. In Texas, having arrived on Thursday, November 21, for two pre-scheduled stops in San Antonio and in Houston, the Presidential entourage flies to Ft. Worth late that evening. At 11:50 p.m. C.S.T. President Kennedy and the First Lady was booked into Suite 850 at Hotel Texas for the night, in downtown Ft. Worth.
For Friday morning, the White House itinerary calls for two public speeches to be given by the President. One outside the hotel’s parking lot, and the second speech will be given at a Chamber of Commerce breakfast event inside the hotel’s Grand Ballroom. Thereafter, Mr. & Mrs. Kennedy will take a short 13 minute flight from Carswell AFB to Lovefield in Dallas for a scheduled motorcade through the city, before an afternoon luncheon and a major speech Mr. Kennedy will give at the Trade Mart. President Kennedy and his party will then fly to Austin for a late-evening Democratic fundraising dinner event at the ranch of Vice-President Lyndon Johnson.
The marque at Hotel Texas welcomes President Kennedy’s arrival there in Ft. Worth. November 21, 1963
Meanwhile, in the day’s national news, the “Soviet staff” abruptly was ousted in the Congo. Debris from a crashed U2 plane was found in the Gulf north of Havana. South Africa rejects UN compliance to end racial bias. Bobby Kennedy stated he will not direct the Presidential campaign in 1964. Robert Stroud, the “Birdman of Alcatraz” is dead. While in Dallas, Richard Nixon tells the press JFK “will drop LBJ” from vice presidential contention in 1964. In Viet Nam news, the Detroit Free Press reports (United Press International) the Kennedy administration, under Secretary of State Dean Rusk and Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara — ‘Confirmed: 1,300 Viet GIs To Leave Within 2 Months’.
The Detroit Free Press. Early-Friday, November 22, 1963
In Detroit, in local news. Due to the 1963 auto boom, Lansing reports the state’s jobless rate dips to 3.9 percent, a 7-year low. An investigation of Teamsters union pension funds revealed 20 million dollars was appropriated for Vegas “gambling enterprises.” Another headline reads, “Hoffa Unaware of ‘Fix’ Try.” In money markets, the ‘Detroit Stock Exchange’ volume in trading reports a significant October markup. In sports, the Detroit Red Wings are 6-8 in NHL standings. In the theater district downtown, the Fox theater marquee reads, now showing, “The Man With The X-Ray Eyes.” At the Olympia, through Sunday, tickets were available for the ‘Ice Follies of 1964’. The Tigers trade Rocky Colavito to Kansas City. For Saturday collegiate football, it will be Michigan State versus Illinois. Also reported in the morning Free Press, Detroiters read, “JFK Walks Into Texas Party Fight”. And the day’s newspaper retail ads reminds Detroiters — 33 shopping days left until Christmas.
For SE Michigan and the Detroit metro area, the day’s weather forecast calls for above average ‘mild’ temperatures. Friday’s highs, 60s. Evening lows, 40s.
In Ft. Worth and in Dallas, the biggest story of the day is President Kennedy’s 2-day whirlwind trip to Texas. At 7:00 a.m. C.S.T., Ft. Worth ABC News affiliate WBAP 570 news anchor Norwood McClendon reports the day’s morning news with ‘Morning Edition.’ And from New York, it is ‘News Around The World’ with ABC News anchor, Don Gardiner. The same ‘News Around The World’ segment you will hear in this presentation aired 8:15 a.m. [E.S.T.] that Friday morning at ABC affiliate WXYZ Radio 1270 in Detroit.
This was the news. On this day, sixty years ago. It is early Friday morning, November 22, 1963. — Jim Feliciano
Audio was digitally remastered by Motor City Radio Flashbacks
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Dallas. 12:20 p.m. The presidential motorcade on Main Street west heading towards Houston and Elm, then it’s on to the Stemmons Fwy. for a state Democratic luncheon at the Dallas Trade Mart, scheduled for the 1:00 p.m. hour.
If viewing on your mobile device, tap over the images. Open to second window. “Stretch” images across your device screen to magnify detailed print and view. On your PC, click on images 2x for largest detailed view.
The selected audio file in this featured presentation was obtained by the author and selections were culled and were combined from 20 hours of actual WBAP radio programming the station aired (and recorded) during that tragic weekend, November 1963.
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All photographs selected herein for this feature presentation was found to be in the public domain. All photos were captioned by the author. The selected photos displayed in this presentation are used as historical references and are used for educational purposes only.
The photographs (including the newspaper images) was digitally re-imaged, re-framed by Motor City Radio Flashbacks
(Credit: Associated Press)
Jubilant, receptive crowds line the streets to greet President Kennedy and the First Lady as they traveled through Dallas. Main St. near N. Ervay. The time is 12:25 p.m., Friday, November 22. (Photo: Bob Jackson, Dallas Morning News)
Colpix Records No. CP 2500 XTV 89953; Released December 1963
NEW YORK —The monumentally outstanding reportorial job performed by the nation’s broadcasting stations is further documented in Colpix Records’ LP documentary on the assassination of President Kennedy and its aftermath, “Four Days that Shocked the World.”
The comprehensive chronology begins with the late President’s breakfast speech at Forth Worth and ends with Taps at Arlington.
Featured are excitingly gripping on-the-scene accounts of the swiftly evolving events of those four days provided by United Press International Audio News, Merriman Smith, UPI White House re-porter; William Hampton, Ron Jenkins, Karl King, Sam Pace and Dick Moore of KBOX-Radio’s news department in Dallas; Joseph Long, news director of KLIF, Dallas; Walter Evans, Mel Couch and Pierce Allen, WFAA, Dallas; Nelson Kirk-wood, news director, WIL, St. Louis; William Whelan, news director WNAC, Boston; Lee Hanna, Ike Pappas and Reid Collins of WNEW, New York. Collins wrote and delivered the narration on the documentary LP. END
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NOTE: For more comprehensive information of this historic 1963 album, visit our November 22, 2013 postHERE
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Information and news source: Billboard; January 18, 1964
FOUR DAYS THAT SHOCKED THE WORLD | THE COMPLETE STORY
WWJ WWJ FM John Hultman anchors and reports on the immediate Michigan and Detroit reactions to the news of President Kennedy’s assassination and his death.
Breaking momentarily from the national NBC radio coverage from New York, this WWJ news report was broadcast 7:00 p.m., Detroit, November 22.
In 1963, WWJ AM WWJ FM was owned and operated by the Detroit News. A NBC affiliate, WWJ was represented nationally by Peters, Griffin, Woodward, Inc.
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NOTE: This is the first of two Detroit WWJ news reports — as broadcast late Friday, November 22, 1963 — Motor City Radio Flashbacks is featuring today.
The second featured broadcast was reported by WWJ’s Don Perrie.
— A SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT —
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A special ‘THANK YOU’ to Bob Pratt of Farmington Hills, Michigan, for sharing this historic, WWJ recording (he personally taped) from November 22, 1963 – exclusively – with this website.
Motor City Radio Flashbacks featured Bob Pratt’s historic recordings, having covered those four tragic days on Detroit radio — as was recorded in their entirety in November 1963.
The reeled recordings were presented in their entirety — digitized in mp3 format — on this website last November 2018 covering those four tragic days. (See and click on the link below.)
THE BOB PRATT COLLECTION
— ABOUT THESE IMAGES —
Above newspaper images courtesy from the freep.com newspaper archive. Copyright 2018. Newspapers.com.
The above featured images was ‘clipped,’ saved, and imaged from the credited source by Motor City Radio Flashbacks
Photo caption: President John F. Kennedy Is Dead. Detroiters gaze at the WXYZ TV news ticker marquee above the old Detroit Bank and Trust Building, downtown Detroit (1212 Griswold Ave. and State), Friday, November 22, 1963.
A Note of Interest: The old Colonial Department Store is seen to the right in photo, facing State St., as it appeared in 1963. You can view the same building today in this May 2019 Google street map imagery here.
VIEWING NOTES
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Last November 2018, in commemorating the 55th Anniversary of President Kennedy’s assassination, Motor City Radio Flashback featured a comprehensive Detroit NBC Radio coverage of those four dark days in November 1963 as was reported on WWJ-AM WWJ-FM and WJBK-AM WJBK-FM radio in Detroit.
Our special ‘Kennedy Tapes’ Detroit radio coverage can be found archivedHERE
WWJ WWJ FM Don Perrie anchors and reports on the immediate Michigan and Detroit reactions to the news of President Kennedy’s assassination and his death.
Breaking momentarily from the national NBC radio coverage from New York, this WWJ news report was broadcast 10:45 p.m., Detroit, November 22.
In 1963, WWJ AM WWJ FM was owned and operated by the Detroit News. A NBC affiliate, WWJ was represented nationally by Peters, Griffin, Woodward, Inc.
NOTE: This is the second of two Detroit WWJ news reports — as broadcast late Friday, November 22, 1963 — Motor City Radio Flashbacks is featuring today.
The first featured broadcast was reported by WWJ’sJohn Hultman.
— A SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT —
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A special ‘THANK YOU’ to Bob Pratt of Farmington Hills, Michigan, for sharing this historic, WWJ recording (he personally taped) from November 22, 1963 – exclusively – with this website.
Motor City Radio Flashbacks featured Bob Pratt’s historic recordings, having covered those four tragic days on Detroit radio — as was recorded in their entirety in November 1963.
The reeled recordings were presented in their entirety — digitized in mp3 format — on this website last November 2018 covering those four tragic days. (See and click on the link below)
THE BOB PRATT COLLECTION
— ABOUT THESE IMAGES —
Above newspaper images courtesy from the freep.com newspaper archive. Copyright 2018. Newspapers.com.
The above featured images was ‘clipped,’ saved, and imaged from the credited source by Motor City Radio Flashbacks
Photo caption: President John F. Kennedy Is Dead. Detroiters gaze at the WXYZ TV news ticker marquee above the old Detroit Bank and Trust Building, downtown Detroit (1212 Griswold Ave. and State), Friday, November 22, 1963.
A Note of Interest: The old Colonial Department Store is seen to the right in photo, facing State St., as it appeared in 1963. You can view the same building today in this May 2019 Google street map imagery here.
Photo caption: Mrs. Daisy Fisher reflects on the JFK memorial display at the J. L. Hudson building (closed), downtown Detroit, Friday evening, November 22, 1963.
VIEWING NOTES
Click on newspaper image 2x on your PC monitor for largest detailed view.
If viewing on your mobile device, tap over newspaper images. Open to second window. “Stretch” images across your device screen to magnify detailed view.
Last November 2018, in commemorating the 55th Anniversary of President Kennedy’s assassination, Motor City Radio Flashback featured a comprehensive Detroit NBC Radio coverage of those four dark days in November 1963 as was reported on WWJ-AM WWJ-FM and WJBK-AM WJBK-FM radio in Detroit.
Our special ‘Kennedy Tapes’ Detroit radio coverage can be found archivedHERE
52 YEARS AGO * JANUARY 3, 1967 * JACK RUBY DEATH REPORTS
WJR FM / WWJ FM aircheck dateTUESDAY, JANUARY 3, 1967
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NEW! A special THANK YOU to Bob Pratt, of Farmington Hills, MI, for recently donating this WJR WWJ radio aircheck to Motor City Radio Flashbacks.
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ABOUT THESE RECORDINGS
As an aftermath to Bob Pratt’s historic recordings of the JFK assassination featured here last November on this website, Bob also recorded these two reports on the death of Jack Ruby. As broadcast on WJR FM, WWJ FM, January 3, 1967.
Today, Motor City Radio Flashbacks presents these two historic, Detroit radio, JFK-related reports. As was recorded by Bob Pratt. 52 years ago.
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* THE BOB PRATT COLLECTION *
Detroit Free Press Wednesday, January 4, 1967
Detroit Free Press Wednesday, January 4, 1967
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NEW YORK — Play on the nation’s450,000 juke boxeswas back to normal Friday, November 29, but for a 72-hour period last week few Americans had the stomach to listen to the mechanical music makers.
Automatic phonograph and game collections last weekend and Monday, November 25 were scanty, as millions of Americans stayed by their radios and television sets to watch the news developments and to view the funeral of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy.
Even when surface normality was restored Tuesday, November 26, the gaiety commonly associated with taverns and restaurants were muted. And when patrons put their coins in the juke box, they did so in an almost mechanical manner.
Manhattan itself was almost a ghost town through the weekend and on Monday, November 25. Normally, Friday and Saturday nights are the big money makers for Gotham tavern owners. And these are the evenings that get that the heavy jukebox and game play.But few patrons were in the mood to play the juke box or coin-operated games. Most of them stayed home and watched the ceremonies on TV.
In Chicago, the coin machine business ground to a halt immediately following the tragic and bizarre series of events connected with the assassination of the President.
Juke boxes and games were shut off as the city’s attention turned elsewhere — first to the tragic scenes in Dallas, then to the mournful culmination of those scenes coming out of Washington, Monday, November 25.
Chicago Clubs Closed
Throughout the Windy City night clubs were closed, neon signs were dimmed and while some taverns were operating — at half capacity or less — talks inside were loosely centered on the Dallas tragedy and news instead, by its patrons, while glued to the establishment’s TV sets. Bands and combos were silent. Friday was the worst evening as people just couldn’t seem to comprehend what had happened.
By Tuesday did locations start to return to normal and even then the return was gradual and deliberate. Juke boxes which have been turned to the wall, were again plugged in, but there was no rush to play the coin-op record machines.
A check with the trade showed that over-all collections were off s much as 50 per cent or more.The comments of Earl Kies, head of Apex Music Company, are typical.
“We know for sure collections will be affected — we can judge by the service calls, they’ve been nil.” Kies said his service men were out on the streets but none had more than two calls a day.
“Many of the locations had out-of-order signs on the juke boxes,” said Kies. The Chicago juke boxoperator estimated that close to 80 per cent of his machines were down for the weekend and that his week’s collection would be off from 30 to 35 per cent.
Cleveland Juke Boxes Silent
In Cleveland, a crack of 21 guns echoed against the concrete and brick walls of the empty heart of this city this past Monday, November 25, the national day of mourning.
The city wept.
Virtually all businesses and industry closed down. Neon lights closed their eyes. Nightclubs and cafes, restaurants and movie houses closed their doors. A few remained open but there were few found inside.
A number of bars remained open but coin operated games and juke boxes remained silent. One bar which served a few patrons honored President Kennedy’s memory by displaying signs which over the darkened jukebox: “Will remain silent (today) in honor of our departed President — The Management.”
Most operators in this area reported the same experience. The few drink spots that remained open pulled the plugs from the music machines. Radio and television sets kept their patrons informed at every detail of the assassination and the burial of the former President.
The area operators generally figured the take for the day to be but a fraction of the normal volume. “But who can be concerned about it at a time like this,” said one prominent music man.
Joseph Abraham, president of Lake City Amusement, one of the oldest operators in terms of years in the business, reflected everyone’s attitude concerning the death of President Kennedy. “We’re all very shocked . . . we will be for a long time. It seems impossible that would happen in our country. Everything closed down. The bars, restaurants, a lot of plants and offices.
“Sure we lost some income . . . . but who cares at a time like this? All the boys feel the same way. Who could think of dollars and cents at this hour?”
In Manhattan on Friday afternoon, November 22, New Yorkers pick up the latest news out of Dallas on a car radio. (Click image for larger view)
Charles Comella of Cadillac Music Company added: “We’ve actually been out of business since Friday, the day President Kennedy was assassinated. And believe me we’d stay out of business for two more Fridays if we thought it would bring him back!
“One of our locations that stayed open the day of the burial reported that the men sitting at the bar broke down and cried. We all were crying inside. It helped us put our lives in proper perspective.”
Milwaukee Pulls Stop On Music
In the state of Wisconsin, the same effects were reported from Milwaukee. Juke boxes stopped spinning Friday afternoon when the stunning news of the assassination of President Kennedy flashed over radio and TV sets. For the rest of the weekend the city’s taverns remained somber and silent.
“There has never been anything to compare to this type of reaction. Everything halted completely when the news hit. The music stopped and hasn’t started up yet,” reported Harold Opitz, Wisconsin Novelty Company, on Tuesday morning, November 26.“There has been no gaiety around here for four full days. Some of our better stops here say they never experienced anything like it. A lot of our locations cater strictly to Negro clientele. We they are quiet, you can bet tavern business is quiet all over. Many of the pubs completely closed down until after the President’s burial.”
According to Sam Hastings, Hastings Distributing Company, president of the Milwaukee PhonographOperators’ Association: “We haven’t had time to completely evaluate the drop off. But, we know our take fell at least 25-50 per cent below normal.
“Our best barometer is the number of service calls we receive over a given period. Saturday, we had one service call. Normally we expect several dozen service calls during the weekend.From what other operators tell me, they all experienced the same decline in business as we did. It was noticeable all over the metro Milwaukee area. Tavern business was hit hard, and so was the coin machine industry.”END
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(Information and news source: Billboard; December 7, 1963)
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Above newspaper images courtesy from the freep.com newspaper archive. Copyright 2023. Newspapers.com.
For largest views – if viewing on your mobile device, tap over newspaper images. Open to second window. “Stretch” images across your device screen to magnify detailed view.
Photos featured: Associated Press
