by Marty Forbes
September 27, 2024
Today’s ’630’ salute is from one of my all time best friends from the building, Keith ‘KJ’ James.
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Keith KJ James points out something very important about great radio stations. The cast of performers on the air, often, were enhanced by several character people who became part of the fun in the hallways and in our recreational practices.. Record reps, clients/sponsor, sports friends, print/tv pals and even the people who cleaned the building….
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Over to you KJ.
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Mr. And Mrs. Umberto Basso were our beloved custodians at the radio station on 107 Street and 100A Avenue through the 70s. They were respected and loved by the staff at Ched.
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They were always included as part of the family during special occasions and most notably the staff Christmas parties. I often wonder what they thought of the antics they witnessed at those get togethers.
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No one interacted with them more than myself and Len Thuesen.
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Since our shows were live after office hours, our interaction with the Bassos were frequent.
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I vividly recall the times they waltzed into the control room while we were on the air pushing the vacuum and slinging a dust rag.
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I can see Len whipping off his headphones and jumping to his feet, flailing his arms saying “No, No, No!!” as Mrs. Basso came precipitously close to the turntable that was spinning the new album from ‘Flash and the Pan’.
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Len’s heart would be in his throat
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We laugh about it now as one of our cherished memories. Like the time Mr Basso came into the control during my show proudly showing me a bottle of his freshest Grappa.
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He hands me a styrofoam cup and pours a healthy portion in front of me and the control console. I took a sip and levitated a few inches off my chair.
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After I cued the next song, I looked down to see the grappa had eaten away the bottom of the styrofoam cup!
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That’s not necessarily the most unusual thing that found its way into the on-air console.
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God bless Mr. and Mrs. Basso… and the Forbes years at 630 Ched.
