My taste in music is eclectic, from Blues, to Classical, to Big Band and to the Oldies, or Doo Wop. Pittsburgh’s own Porky Chedwick, The “Daddio of the Raddio” and “The Platter Pushin’ Papa” gave Pittsburgh its introduction to some of the greatest music of our youth. He gave us cross-cultural music to which some of our parents forbid us to listen. But we did anyway and it was the wave and the rave here in Pittsburgh. It was years before I realized Porky was White! We fell in love to his music at dances and learned each lyric. There were many of these sounds I didn’t hear until I went to college. The experts of great music were there and taught me the art in Doo Wop. I should have learned that well in classes!
Friday night dances were the only place to be that night on campus and Oldies were what they played. I found Junior Walker and The All Stars who sang “Shotgun” and we were all out on the floor. Some of the songs had been played by Mad Mike on a Pittsburgh radio station, but I didn’t find the Mad One until I went to college. I learned fast and devoured every song like a chocolate bar. Then I landed a gig on the campus radio station and every Tuesday night, Cher played the Oldies from 10:00p.m. to midnight.
I guess we all reminisce about our youth, but those sounds are still some of my favorites. Today I’m taking a break from the dance of politics and giving you some favorite Oldies to enjoy. Of course I was there and lovin’ the whole show. Since The Skyliners are from Pittsburgh, you know they are included here. I hope this brings back some good memories for you. 
—cher
Tags: all stars, Campus radio, campus radio station, cher, chocolate bar, cultural music, daddio, Doo Wop, Earth Angel, great music, greatest music, jonesin, Junior Walker, Mad Mike, Music, night dances, oldies, Pittsburgh, pittsburgh radio, Porky Chedwick, raddio, reminisce, shotgun, skyliners, The Chantels, The Skyliners
Come now, you can’t possibly be old enough to have experienced all this… Either that or Porky played a lot longer than I thought…
My parents always talked about Porky and Pittsburgh’s underground R&B scene. In fact, I’m going to have to send them a link…
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bluzdude,
Heavens no, I just turned 39 again!
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It seems that music, more than anything, connects us to the past in a special way. Maybe aromas as well.
I’m probably late noticing, but I like the new look of the your blog.
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Porky saved my life, my sanity and my soul back in the soul-less, sorry 50′s. He had the courage to play Hank Ballard and the Midnighters even when doing so resulted in the black-out of his show and a few days in jail. Porky played Bob Dylan’s “Rainy Day Woman”, smiled and waved at us as the police escorted him from the radio station.
Our curfew was the end of Porky’s show, about one or two AM. No one went home from Eat N’ Park or to bed before then. He held court at South Park swimming pool with his skinny, pasty legs and big, flowered “Cat Hat”, flirting with all the girls who threatened to tell his wife if he didn’t play our Faves. Of course he played them anyway.
Porky Chedwick, a force of nature and friend to all growing up in 50′s Pittsburgh. Rock on, Daddio.
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Chris J,
You are so right about music and about aromas. There are times, especially during the summer, when I am walking and an aroma wafts through the air and reminds me of my Grandmother’s cooking. There are also times when I get a scent of English Leather cologne, which all the guys used “back in the day.” One guy who sat in front of me in most classes used it so heavily it made me ill. I still don’t like it, but once in a while, there it is…..
So glad you like our new look!
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Mary Ann Napoleone,
Thanks so much for even more great memories. Pork the Torque was a guiding figure in our early years through the music he played and even our curfews. Wow, such times!
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You do it all Cher!
What’s happened to music these days? I hate to sound like a dinosaur, but I’m just so disappointed in what’s going on in the music world. What’s missing is the passion and creativity of years past, even from the 90′s!! I mean nothing is happening. I’m waiting for the next great movement. Or I’m trying to start it myself.
Thanks for a listen down memory lane. Loved the Junior Walker!
We’ll be giving props to you with the third part of our miniseries. See ya!
ps. Do you know my wife is a fan of yours now!?
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One Of The Guys,
I’m so glad you enjoyed Junior. He had so many hits but this one brings back a lot of memories. I don’t get a lot of today’s music either. Some of it is excellent, but others will be quickly forgotten and not reminisced about like these songs. Now YOUR music is classy, sophisticated and sensuous. Maybe you will be the one to start an upward trend.
Oh wow, Props? You are just the best. Please say hello to your wife from me. You know, she is always welcome to comment here anonymously if she is shy. I am honored that she likes us. Take care, my friend.
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GIRL All This Good Music. oooooooooo chile !!!
Pass the biscuits cause I’m goin out for some popeyes chicken.
and I already got my cocacola. BadGalsRadio is tuning into to ASKCherlock Tonite Baby,
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RE–Entrepod,
Such great stuff and I’m so glad you like it. Now, could you please pass me some of that chicken!
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