Harlem

“Open The Door, Richard”

In the late 1940’s, the phrase, “Open The Door, Richard” was on everyone’s lips. The song of the same name began as a comic routine, but blew up to the point where it sent four different versions to #2 on the R&B; charts. This week HARLEM uncovers as many versions, sequels and answer records as it can to represent this historical record. You’ll hear versions of “Open The Door, Richard” by Jack McVea, Dusty Fletcher, Louis Jordan, Count Basie, The Charioteers, The Pied Pipers, The Three Flames and even the Hit Paraders. Matt The Cat will also give you the story behind who wrote it and who got sued over it. This is one HARLEM not to miss. So put down that beer and OPEN THE DOOR, RICHARD!

Harlem Airs on XM-5:
Monday @ 1pm EST
Tuesday @ 9pm over LA and Midnight over NYC
Thursday @ 1pm EST
Friday @ 6pm over Baltimore
Saturday @ 11am over Newark

The
Atlantic Records
Story


Part 2
Atlantic Records co-founder Ahmet Ertegun once again joins Harlem’s Matt The Cat as we focus on the heyday of Atlantic; the early to mid 1950s. Mr. Ertegun will give us the story behind the story on Big Joe Turner, LaVern Baker, Ray Charles and Chuck Willis, just to name a few. This is the story of the most influential and significant rhythm & blues record label of all time. Don’t miss Harlem; the soul that came before rock n’ roll.

Harlem Airs on The 50s on 5:
Monday @ 1pm EST
Tuesday @ 9pm PST & Midnight EST
Thursday @ 1pm EST
Friday @ 6pm EST
Sunday @ 11am EST

The Flamingos rank right up there with the top R&B; vocal groups of the 1950s. Their influence goes far deeper than their biggest hit, “I Only Have Eyes For You”. You’ll find out the story behind the story and hear some of their great early recordings like “Golden Teardrops”, “If I Can’t Have You” and the original version of “I’ll Be Home” (it was covered and bleached by Pat Boone). Stand back as the Flamingos fly into Harlem, all week on the 50s on 5.

Harlem Airs on the 50s:
Monday @ 1pm EST
Tuesday Night @ 9pm PST and midnight EST
Thursday @ 1pm over NYC
Friday @ 6pm EST
Sunday morning @ 11am over Baltimore