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Q Memors

Q Memors

By: Gail Nobles
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 A show about music radio memories and events by Gail Nobles © 2025Gail Nobles © 2025 Music
Episodes
  • Michael Jackson-Billie Jean 1:2:26 4.56 PM

    Michael Jackson-Billie Jean 1:2:26 4.56 PM
    Jan 2 2026
    Podcast Cover by: Gail Nobles
    Keyboardist: Gail Nobles
    Story by: Gail Nobles

    Hello, I'm Gail Nobles on Q Memors! And I remember the day when nothing much was going on. That's when I heard Michael Jackson's Billie Jean.

    It was a few years since I last heard Michael Jackson's music, but his classic hits still popped up on the radio, especially tracks from his "Off the Wall" album. Songs like "Off the Wall" and "Rock With You" seemed to play more than others. My journey with Michael's music has been long, but it really took off in 1983 when I first heard "Billie Jean" from his "Thriller" album. The song had such a smooth beat and bass that I couldn't help but groove to it. As I listened to the beginning, I had a feeling it was Michael Jackson before he even began to sing. His unique sound was unmistakable.

    When the lyrics kicked in, and he sang, “People always told me be careful what you do,” I was certain it was him. I hurried to grab my little boom box to record the song, only managing to get part of it. I replayed it over and over, enjoying every moment. Back then, radio stations often played longer versions of songs, and everyone was enjoying "Billie Jean," bobbing their heads along to the rhythm. At that time, nobody had seen Michael's famous moonwalk yet.

    One day, while riding in the car with my parents, I heard "Billie Jean" again, but this time it was a rock band covering it. I asked, “Who’s that singing MJ’s song?” I only heard their version a couple of times, but Michael’s original remained a huge hit. "Billie Jean" soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and quickly became one of his top singles, matching his earlier hits with the Jackson 5.

    Years went by, and I hadn’t seen Michael perform in a long time. One evening, while watching Casey Kasem on "American Top 10," I was surprised to see a man in a stylish pink shirt with shiny, curly hair. It was Michael Jackson! His look was different; I only remembered him with his Afro from earlier days. I hadn’t seen any of his older music videos like "Rock With You" or "Don’t Stop 'Til You Get Enough," so I didn’t realize how much he had changed. His videos weren’t being aired much like in the days of NTV when music videos were at the forefront of music promotion. It seemed like I had missed the chance to see his older classics..

    But then I caught a glimpse of his "Billie Jean" video, and it felt magical. The sidewalk lit up as he danced, creating a visual that was unlike anything else I had ever seen.

    The magic reached its peak during the legendary "Motown 25" special, where he performed "Billie Jean" solo alongside his brothers. That’s when I saw the moonwalk for the first time. It was pure magic! Michael Jackson truly was an icon, bringing a unique style and energy to music that struck fans everywhere.




    Radio Music Memories
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    5 mins
  • Boombox Memories-Kurtis Blow 12:10:25 3.15 PM

    Boombox Memories-Kurtis Blow 12:10:25 3.15 PM
    Dec 10 2025
    Story by: Gail Nobles

    Remember those big silver boomboxes? Some were so heavy you could barely lift them. I once asked a classmate in 5th grade if I could have his boombox. He said yes, but only because he knew I wouldn’t be able to carry it since it was so heavy. I wondered how he managed to move it at all. He wasn’t really going to give up his prized boombox.

    Before 5th grade, I knew another guy who loved to carry his boombox on the school bus and would blast Kurtis Blow’s popular rap song “The Breaks” back in 1980. The bass was really deep, and I was amazed. It was my first time hearing Kurtis Blow after I had heard the Sugar Hill Gang in 1979. I remember him saying that “Kurtis Blow was better than the Sugar Hill Gang.” He would rap along with Kurtis Blow, his voice booming with the bass. I dreamed of having a big boombox playing that song.

    I'm Gail Nobles, and you're listening to Q MEMORS

    Radio Music Memories
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    2 mins
  • Silence of Former Radio Stations 12:8:25 5.38 PM

    Silence of Former Radio Stations 12:8:25 5.38 PM
    Dec 8 2025
    Story by: Gail Nobles

    In the world of radio, our favorite stations often feel like a comforting friend, playing the soundtracks of our lives. But what happens when these stations go silent? Many listeners have found themselves in a bittersweet situation: searching for airchecks—those recordings showcasing the unique voices and music that once filled the airwaves—but coming up empty-handed. Popular websites and collections, like FM Airchecks and the Internet Archive, might not have what we’re looking for.

    Some radio stations close their doors without leaving behind any trace, and that absence can feel like a loss. For many, the only reminders of those beloved stations are the cassette tapes they recorded back in the day. If you’re fortunate enough to still have those cassettes, you hold onto cherished memories, reliving special moments tied to your favorite songs.

    When a station goes off the air, it's not just a building shutting down; it can feel like losing a piece of your past. It’s easy to overlook how crucial these stations were in shaping our love for music. Often, the staff may not realize how deeply their broadcasts touched the hearts of their listeners. They might be too focused on the sadness of shutting down, especially when a new station comes along, capturing the attention of fans with a fresh sound.

    Yet, when we reflect on those stations that have vanished, we remember the joy they brought us—those unforgettable tracks, late-night talk shows, and the thrill of hearing our favorite songs live on air. It serves as a reminder of why we loved radio in the first place. Who knows? One day, perhaps, our beloved stations will find a way to rise again, bringing back the memories and music we hold dear.

    I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to Q Memors.

    Radio Music Memories
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    3 mins
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