Categories: HistoryRadio

Sam Lawson’s Audio Vault: KYYX, Seattle, Live Coverage of the 1977 Hydro Race with Pat O’Day, Lan Roberts, Jack Brow, and Robin Mitchell

This was the first stereo broadcast of a Seafair race, with a very dramatic first heat. Unfortunately, this was the race where Jerry Bangs was thrown from his boat and had to be transported to Harborview. During this recording, the guys were not yet aware that Jerry had not survived (although it sounds as if Pat may have known). The first half is pre-race color leading up to the start of Heat 1A, then things get crazy.

In other QZVX hydro news, Steven Smith put together an in-depth story covering KJR’s 1970 hydro broadcast, audio included.

Runtime: 1:07:34

Sam Lawson

Student engineer at pioneer Nathan Hale radio station KNH 1210 in 1970 (prior to KNHC). Also attended North Seattle Community College and L.H. Bates in Tacoma (KTOY-FM). Sam’s career began as a KJR request line operator in 1970, with his first on-air job at KRKO in 1972. In 1976 he segued to overnights at KTAC as Cory Landon, then weekends at KING. In 1978 he moved to Lewiston, Idaho for afternoons on KOZE and KRLC. Throughout the ‘80s he was an announcer and/or engineer at "the best mix and biggest variety" of Spokane radio stations; including 97KREM, KZUN, KGA, KKER (The Sam & Pam Show), KZZU, PD of KJRB, 98 KISS-FM, and the voice of KAYU-TV. In 1989 he moved to Los Angeles as Assistant Chief Engineer and weekends at KZLA/KLAC. Also engineered for KBIG, KFI, Premiere Radio Networks, CBS Radio, and others. "After avoiding any actual work for nearly 45 years, now happily retired and very appreciatively back in the great Pacific Northwest!" ---Click here for other Sam Lawson articles ---and here for Sam Lawson airchecks

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View Comments

Dick Ellingson says:

August 10, 2020 at

Hey, remember when hydros were the only sport in town? Great exciting broadcast! Fun to hear Pat's digs at Lan.
Jason Remington says:

August 10, 2020 at

This brings back memories. The race sounded great in stereo on KYYX. You couldn't help but stay tuned with Pat O'Day's enthusiasm and vast knowledge of the boats and drivers.