From the Desk of CLASSICKONG
Good morning, music lovers, and welcome back to WTSG-DB, where the coffee’s hot, the music’s great, and the Halloween decorations are starting to get a little out of control!
We’re down to just THREE DAYS UNTIL HALLOWEEN!
Our resident black cat has been acting suspicious, and CLASSICKONG has been keeping a close eye on the diner.
Now, somebody suggested we install extra locks to keep Dracula out.
But wait a minute! Vampires have to be invited inside!
And besides, Dracula wouldn’t dare show his face around here.
Not with Honey on the premises!
You see, Honey isn’t just beautiful, intelligent, and charming. She’s also a vampire.
And around these parts, she’s known as THE GODMOTHER!
Mess with CLASSICKONG, and she just might make you an offer you can’t refuse.
And trust me, Dracula, you REALLY don’t want to find out what happens if you refuse!
ROFLMAO!
Now, let’s get into some music history before somebody wakes up with a horse’s head in their coffin!
HAHAHA!
Today, we’re traveling through some truly remarkable moments in music history. We’ve got KISS on television, Queen delivering a monster album, a country legend’s 90th birthday, and a very special salute to one of my favorite songwriters and producers of all time.
But first, let’s recognize a few special occasions.
Today’s National Days and Special Observances
National First Responders Day
Before we get into the music, I want to extend a heartfelt thank-you to our firefighters, police officers, paramedics, EMTs, emergency dispatchers, and everyone who answers the call when others need help.
These men and women often face difficult and dangerous situations to protect their communities.
From all of us at WTSG-DB, thank you for your service, your dedication, and your sacrifices.
We appreciate you!
National Chocolate Day
Now here’s a holiday I can get behind!
With Halloween just around the corner, chocolate is practically its own food group this week.
I can already picture CLASSICKONG sneaking into the Halloween candy supply.
Honey: “Did you eat all the chocolate?”
CLASSICKONG: “Absolutely not!”
Honey: “Then why is there a candy wrapper stuck to your shirt?”
CLASSICKONG: “Evidence has been planted!”
HAHAHA!
International Animation Day
Today we celebrate the wonderful world of animation.
From Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck to Scooby-Doo, Tom and Jerry, and those classic Saturday morning cartoons, animation has entertained generations.
And speaking of Scooby-Doo, with Halloween approaching, I have a feeling our black cat might be hiding a few mysteries of his own.
Statue of Liberty Dedication Day
On October 28, 1886, the Statue of Liberty was officially dedicated in New York Harbor.
That makes today its 140th anniversary!
A beautiful reminder of the ideals of liberty and hope that Lady Liberty has represented for generations.
Happy anniversary, Lady Liberty!
1978 – KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park
October 28, 1978 – NBC Television
OH, MAN! NOW WE’RE TALKING!
On this date in 1978, NBC premiered the television movie KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park.
And let me tell you something, friends. I REMEMBER THIS ONE!
I was parked right in front of that television.
Don’t call me. Don’t knock on the door. Don’t ask me to do anything.
KISS IS ON!!!
ROFLMAO!
You have to understand what KISS meant to us fans in the 1970s.
Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss weren’t just musicians. They were larger-than-life rock-and-roll superheroes.
The costumes, the makeup, the explosions, the fire, the stage shows. Everything about KISS was an event.
And now they were starring in their own television movie!
The story took place at California’s Magic Mountain amusement park, where an evil inventor used robotic doubles and other sinister creations to threaten the band and its fans.
KISS, naturally, had special powers and had to save the day.
Was the movie cheesy?
OH, ABSOLUTELY!
Was the acting worthy of an Academy Award?
Well, let’s just say nobody was confusing Gene Simmons with Marlon Brando!
HAHAHA!
But for a young KISS fan watching that premiere in 1978?
IT WAS FANTASTIC!
And that’s what matters.
Sometimes the magic of music isn’t about what critics think decades later. It’s about what you felt when you were there.
And buddy, I wouldn’t trade that memory for anything.
CLASSICKONG’s Must-Have Discogs:
- Destroyer (1976, Casablanca Records) – Featuring “Detroit Rock City,” “Shout It Out Loud,” and “Beth.”
- Love Gun (1977, Casablanca Records) – Featuring “Love Gun,” “Christine Sixteen,” and “Shock Me.”
- Alive II (1977, Casablanca Records) – A double album capturing the excitement of KISS at their peak.
1977 – KISS Alive II and a Trip to Kmart
While we’re talking about KISS, I can’t let today go by without revisiting another personal favorite.
Alive II was released on October 14, 1977, just two weeks before today’s date.
I know we’ve talked about this album recently, but it fits perfectly with our KISS celebration.
My mother bought me this record at our local Kmart.
And let me tell you, I was one happy kid!
That double album was an absolute MONSTER.
The gatefold artwork, the live photographs, the stage spectacle, and the thunderous sound of the KISS Army cheering.
It was everything we loved about the band.
Songs like “Detroit Rock City,” “I Want You,” “Shout It Out Loud,” and “God of Thunder” brought that incredible concert atmosphere right into our homes.
And here’s the funny part.
All these years later, I recently bought the album AGAIN on CD!
ROFLMAO!
Some things never change.
Must-Have Discogs:
- Alive II (1977, Casablanca Records)
1977 – Queen Unleashes News of the World
October 28, 1977 – EMI Records, United Kingdom
On this date in 1977, Queen released their sixth studio album, News of the World, in the United Kingdom. Its American release followed on November 1 through Elektra Records.
And buddy, WHAT AN ALBUM!
I remember when this one came out, too.
Right from the opening stomp of “We Will Rock You,” you knew Queen had something special.
Then came “We Are the Champions,” one of the most recognizable rock anthems ever recorded.
But this album was much more than those two massive songs.
There was the beautiful “Spread Your Wings,” written by John Deacon.
Brian May gave us the powerful “It’s Late” and the bluesy “Sleeping on the Sidewalk.”
Roger Taylor brought some serious attitude with “Sheer Heart Attack.”
And Freddie Mercury delivered another memorable performance with “My Melancholy Blues.”
Four incredibly talented musicians, each bringing something different to the table.
And we HAVE to talk about that album cover!
The giant robot holding the fallen band members was based on artwork by science-fiction illustrator Frank Kelly Freas.
That image was unforgettable.
And with Halloween just three days away, it fits today’s spooky atmosphere perfectly.
Imagine CLASSICKONG opening the diner door and finding THAT robot standing outside.
“Uh, Honey? I think we’re gonna need a bigger coffee pot!”
HAHAHA!
Forty-nine years later, News of the World remains one of Queen’s great achievements.
CLASSICKONG’s Must-Have Discogs:
- News of the World (1977, EMI / Elektra Records)
- A Night at the Opera (1975, EMI / Elektra Records)
- Jazz (1978, EMI / Elektra Records)
1936 – Celebrating Charlie Daniels’ 90th Birthday
Born October 28, 1936 – Died July 6, 2020
Today we celebrate what would have been the 90th birthday of the legendary Charlie Daniels.
Born in Wilmington, North Carolina, Charlie became one of the most recognizable figures in country and Southern rock.
And when that fiddle started flying on “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” you knew you were in for something special!
Released in 1979, the song became a massive crossover hit and introduced countless listeners to Charlie’s remarkable musicianship.
Then came the 1980 film Urban Cowboy, starring John Travolta and Debra Winger.
Charlie and his band appeared in the movie performing “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” giving the song another enormous platform and bringing his music to an even wider audience.
But Charlie was much more than one hit record.
“Long Haired Country Boy,” “The South’s Gonna Do It Again,” and “In America” helped establish his unmistakable sound.
And before his solo fame, Charlie was an accomplished session musician who worked on recordings by artists including Bob Dylan.
He also co-wrote “It Hurts Me,” recorded by Elvis Presley.
Not bad for a fellow who could make a fiddle sound like it was on fire!
Charlie was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2016.
Happy heavenly 90th birthday, Charlie.
Thank you for the music.
CLASSICKONG’s Must-Have Discogs:
- Million Mile Reflections (1979, Epic Records)
- Fire on the Mountain (1974, Kama Sutra Records)
- Full Moon (1980, Epic Records)
Explore Charlie Daniels on Discogs
1953 – Happy Birthday to Desmond Child
Born October 28, 1953 – Celebrating 73 Years
Now, friends, I want to spend a little extra time on this gentleman.
Today is the birthday of one of my absolute favorite songwriters and record producers.
DESMOND CHILD!
If you’ve listened to rock and pop music over the past several decades, chances are you’ve heard his work many, MANY times.
Desmond has written or co-written some of the biggest songs in popular music.
We’re talking about KISS, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, Joan Jett, Alice Cooper, Cher, Ricky Martin, and so many others.
And what makes him especially fascinating is that he wasn’t simply a songwriter working behind the scenes.
He was a recording artist himself.
Desmond Child & Rouge
Before becoming one of the industry’s most successful hitmakers, Desmond fronted Desmond Child & Rouge.
The group recorded two albums for Capitol Records in 1979:
- Desmond Child & Rouge
- Runners in the Night
They also scored a dance hit with “Our Love Is Insane.”
Those early recordings are an important part of Desmond’s musical journey.
And here’s where things get really interesting.
Paul Stanley of KISS became interested in Desmond’s songwriting, leading to their collaboration on “I Was Made for Lovin’ You” from KISS’s 1979 album Dynasty.
That relationship helped open the door to an extraordinary songwriting career.
A Hitmaker Like Few Others
Just look at some of these songs!
KISS
- “I Was Made for Lovin’ You” – Dynasty (1979, Casablanca Records)
Bon Jovi
- “You Give Love a Bad Name” – Slippery When Wet (1986, Mercury Records)
- “Livin’ on a Prayer” – Slippery When Wet (1986, Mercury Records)
- “Bad Medicine” – New Jersey (1988, Mercury Records)
Aerosmith
- “Dude (Looks Like a Lady)” – Permanent Vacation (1987, Geffen Records)
- “Angel” – Permanent Vacation (1987, Geffen Records)
- “What It Takes” – Pump (1989, Geffen Records)
Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
- “I Hate Myself for Loving You” – Up Your Alley (1988, Blackheart Records)
And that’s barely scratching the surface!
Desmond also served as a producer on Meat Loaf’s Bat Out of Hell III: The Monster Is Loose (2006, Mercury Records), another enormous undertaking involving many talented musicians.
I recently watched another of Desmond’s conversations with Rick Beato, and I came away with even more appreciation for the man.
He comes across as thoughtful, approachable, and genuinely passionate about songwriting.
What I admire is his dedication to the craft and the respect he shows for the people who help create these recordings.
The music business isn’t always an easy place to work, but Desmond’s career demonstrates what talent, perseverance, and collaboration can accomplish.
A Book Worth Checking Out
And here’s something I especially want to share with our readers.
Desmond has written a memoir:
Livin’ on a Prayer: Big Songs Big Life
Written with David Ritz and featuring a foreword by KISS’s Paul Stanley, the book explores his life, his music, and the extraordinary experiences behind his career.
It was published in 2023 by Radius Book Group.
If you’re interested in the stories behind some of rock and pop music’s biggest hits, this is a book worth looking into.
Learn more about Desmond Child’s book
Visit Desmond Child’s Official Website
Happy 73rd birthday, Desmond!
Thank you for the countless songs, the unforgettable melodies, and the music that has become part of so many of our lives.
Total respect, my friend!
CLASSICKONG’s Must-Have Discogs:
- Desmond Child & Rouge (1979, Capitol Records)
- Runners in the Night (1979, Capitol Records)
- Slippery When Wet – Bon Jovi (1986, Mercury Records)
- Permanent Vacation – Aerosmith (1987, Geffen Records)
- Bat Out of Hell III: The Monster Is Loose – Meat Loaf (2006, Mercury Records)
Explore Desmond Child on Discogs
1983 – Paul McCartney’s Pipes of Peace
October 1983 – Parlophone / Columbia Records
As October 1983 drew to a close, Paul McCartney was preparing to release his fourth solo studio album, Pipes of Peace, which officially arrived on October 31.
Produced by the legendary George Martin, the album followed McCartney’s successful Tug of War project.
And it featured one of the biggest collaborations of the decade.
“Say Say Say,” featuring Michael Jackson!
The song became a massive international hit, combining McCartney’s melodic instincts with Jackson’s unmistakable vocal style.
The two also collaborated on “The Man.”
Other album highlights included “So Bad,” “The Other Me,” and the title track, “Pipes of Peace.”
The title song carried a message of peace and understanding, accompanied by a memorable music video inspired by the Christmas truce of World War I.
It’s another reminder of McCartney’s extraordinary range as a songwriter.
From the Beatles to Wings and his solo career, the man has given us an incredible amount of music.
CLASSICKONG’s Must-Have Discogs:
- Pipes of Peace (1983, Parlophone / Columbia Records)
- Tug of War (1982, Parlophone / Columbia Records)
- Band on the Run – Paul McCartney & Wings (1973, Apple Records)
Explore Paul McCartney on Discogs
1972 – Happy Birthday to Brad Paisley
Born October 28, 1972 – Celebrating 54 Years
Happy birthday to country music star and outstanding guitarist Brad Paisley!
Born in Glen Dale, West Virginia, Brad has built a remarkable career combining traditional country music, clever songwriting, humor, and some seriously impressive guitar playing.
And I have to tell you, one of my personal favorites is Mud on the Tires.
Honey and I both love that album!
Released in 2003, it features the title song, “Celebrity,” and the beautiful duet “Whiskey Lullaby” with Alison Krauss.
Brad has always impressed me with his guitar work.
The man can flat-out PLAY!
He’s also a member of the Grand Ole Opry, having been inducted in 2001.
So happy 54th birthday, Brad!
And if you happen to see a big muscular gorilla driving a muddy pickup truck around Nashville, don’t worry.
That’s probably just CLASSICKONG trying to live out the title of your album!
ROFLMAO!
CLASSICKONG’s Must-Have Discogs:
- Mud on the Tires (2003, Arista Nashville)
- Time Well Wasted (2005, Arista Nashville)
- 5th Gear (2007, Arista Nashville)
Explore Brad Paisley on Discogs
1958 – Buddy Holly Appears on American Bandstand
October 28, 1958 – ABC Television
On this date in 1958, Buddy Holly and the Crickets appeared on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand.
The program featured “It’s So Easy” and “Heartbeat.”
Sadly, this would become Buddy Holly’s final major television appearance.
Just a few months later, on February 3, 1959, Buddy’s life would be cut tragically short at the age of 22.
But today, I’d rather focus on the wonderful music he left behind.
“That’ll Be the Day,” “Peggy Sue,” “Everyday,” “Oh, Boy!” and so many other classics helped shape the sound of early rock and roll.
And I also want to give some appreciation to Dick Clark.
What a class act.
He had a remarkable ability to make performers and young dancers feel welcome.
He was courteous, professional, and respectful, and he helped bring rock and roll into millions of American homes.
American Bandstand wasn’t simply a television program.
For generations of music fans, it was part of growing up.
Thank you, Buddy Holly, for the wonderful music and the lasting influence you had on rock and roll.
And thank you, Mr. Clark, for your class, professionalism, and for helping bring so many unforgettable performers into America’s living rooms.
CLASSICKONG’s Must-Have Discogs:
- The “Chirping” Crickets (1957, Brunswick Records)
- Buddy Holly (1958, Coral Records)
- That’ll Be the Day (1958, Decca Records)
Explore Buddy Holly on Discogs
Final Spin
Well, friends, what a ride through music history!
Today we revisited the excitement of being a young KISS fan in the late 1970s, celebrated Queen’s magnificent News of the World, wished Charlie Daniels a heavenly 90th birthday, and honored the extraordinary songwriting career of Desmond Child.
We also spent time with Paul McCartney, wished Brad Paisley a happy birthday, and remembered Buddy Holly’s appearance on American Bandstand.
And you know something?
What strikes me most about today’s stories isn’t simply the records or the chart positions.
It’s the memories.
I can still remember sitting in front of that television waiting for KISS.
I remember my mother buying me Alive II at Kmart.
And here I am, all these years later, still enjoying that same music.
That’s the beautiful thing about a great record.
It doesn’t care how old you are.
It doesn’t care how many years have passed.
You put it on, and suddenly you’re right back where you were when you first heard it.
Maybe you’re a kid sitting beside the family stereo.
Maybe you’re cruising down the road with someone you love.
Or maybe you’re sitting in front of the television, telling the entire household:
DON’T BOTHER ME! KISS IS ON!!!
HAHAHA!
Those are the moments worth remembering.
And that’s why we keep the music playing.
With Halloween just three days away, keep an eye on those shadows, watch out for the black cats, and whatever you do, don’t let CLASSICKONG anywhere near the Halloween chocolate!
And as for Dracula? Well, let’s just say he’d better stay on Honey’s good side.
Because if The Godmother makes him an offer he can’t refuse, that old boy might just end up sleepin’ wit da fishies!
ROFLMAO!
Thanks for spending part of your day with us here at WTSG-DB.
And that’s gonna do it for today, friends. Hopefully I’ve maybe put a smile on your face, and a song in your heart. Take care of yourselves, help others when you can, and always, always, keep the music playing.
GREAT MUSIC. GREAT RADIO. GREAT COMMUNITY.
WTSG-DB DIGITAL BROADCASTING
Listen to Today’s Broadcast/Podcast
Enjoy the spoken-word edition of today’s music history, featuring additional commentary, personal memories, and a little CLASSICKONG humor.
And don’t forget to follow our podcast on Spotify so you never miss an episode!
References and Further Reading
- KISS Official Website
- Queen Official Website
- The Charlie Daniels Band – Official Website
- Country Music Hall of Fame
- Desmond Child – Official Website
- Desmond Child’s Memoir – Publisher Information
- Paul McCartney – Official Website
- Grand Ole Opry
- Buddy Holly – Official Website
- National Day Calendar
- Discogs Music Database
© 2026 WTSG-DB Digital Broadcasting. Original commentary and editorial content by CLASSICKONG. All artist names, album titles, and trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.
