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Jimmie Raye
Jimmie went to Buffalo to see Al Brisbane. Al was the Program Director and on air jock at WUFO. Al promoted Jimmie's records and produced several shows starring Jimmie. Al suggested to Jimmie to join WUFO as a DJ. "You have the personality and everybody already knows who you are." Al told him with confidence. Jimmie booked a few gigs in Canada. Al joined him. WUFO's signal penetrated Toronto so Al was well known there. Solomon Burke was appearing across the street. Billy Stewart was working a couple of blocks away. Yonge Street was packed with night clubs with a variety of acts performing. "I would join Solomon on stage and we would rock the house. I met Billy during that weekend on Yonge a block from Dundas and we talked for about thirty minutes. Billy talked mostly about spiritul things. His words were all about Jesus and the spirit.
July 4th weekend of 1969, Jimmie finished the show in Toronto. Al was to go on the air that next day and he asked Jimmie if he would go in and fill in for him. He had shown Jimmie how to operate the DJ booth. Jimmie went on the air at WUFO as DJ. "Radio was a different world but with the same entertainment principles. You have to fine tune your craft. Although the audience was not seen, their response was immediate. I was on the air in mid January 1970 when a friend called from NYC and told me that Billy Stewart was killed in a car accident. I remember dedicating "I Do Love You" to him from everyone." WUFO was the home of many very successful DJ's. Eddie Ojay, Frankie Crocker, Jerry Bledsoe, and Gary Byrd. Al Gee was glad to know that I had joined the ranks of being a radio personality. Al Brisbane was transferred to Pittsburg to WAMO. Jimmie was promoted to Music Director. Jimmie was a hit on radio. Some of the same people that he met doing his concerts came by to see him to promote their products. He expanded his interest producing concerts in the Buffalo area. Most of the major concerts that came through were promoted by WUFO. James Brown and Jimmie became friends. It was so very different having record company executive calling him for support. One concert that stands out in his mind was the one that he introduced O.J. Simpson to Buffalo. The concert featured The Winstons. Their big hit was "Color Him Father." Jimmie was invited to The Buffalo Bills players parties. He attended some but found out that football players are a bit wild. Jimmie composed and produced jingle packs for all five radio stations in the Dynamic Broadcasting family.
Radio was exciting but Jimmie missed the live performing. He missed the live stage and singing. He released "You Must Be Losing Your Mind" and "For The Sake Of Love" again. JRE was the record label. James Brown was coming in to do a concert so he decided to discuss the fact that he was going to leave the radio.
Jimmie drove James to the concert in his sports car. James made a comment that he liked the car. On the way to the concert they talked. Jimmie told him that he contacted Monte in Los Angeles with a plan to relocate to LA. He offered Jimmie a job with him. Jimmie explained that he wanted to sing again. James told him that after he got out to LA to stay in touch.
March 1971, Dyke was shot outside of a bar in Phoenix, Arizona. Darrell and Dyke memories stayed on Jimmie's mind for a long time. Dyke was like a brother to Jimmie. They were street buddies together. Darrell and Jimmie would get on stage at any club and try to out show, dance and sing each other.
In late spring, 1971, Jimmie joined Monte in LA. Monte was haveing great success with the Flip Wilson Show on NBC. Hollywood was a complete different scene. Film and television were outstanding in his mind. After my arrival in LA a month later Jack Lewis and Kenny Rankin relocated to LA. Everybody was very busy getting their act together. Street Corner Productions and Little David Records were never as huge as the names that represented them. Monte Kay and Jack Lewis, two pioneers in the entertainment industry with incredible resume's. Jimmie was in the midst of greatness. Diahann Carroll took his breath away when he first met her. "I have seen beautiful women before, but trying to find words to describe how beautiful Diahann is, well it's just impossible. Off stage, I never saw her wear makeup. She has a commanding presence that enhanced her beauty beyond belief. Thank you Diahann for the opportuity and pleasure of meeting you." Jimmie complimenting a lady. Jack was producing George Carlin, Kenny Rankin, and Tony Williams simultaneously.
Jimmie began to explore Hollywood looking for options. He met Jeanne Smith from Productions Unlimited. Jeanne produced Jimmie in a musical variety show. He was the host. Jeanne wanted a star attraction to appear on the first pilot. Jimmie got in touch with James Brown. James agreeed for Productions Unlimited to tape his concert in San Diego. The production team didn't get the clearance to film the entire show from the concert hall engineer. Jimmie and James just talked about old times as the cameras began taping. The filiming took place before James went on stage. Jimmie was very thankful to James for remembering their friendship.
1972 was extremely busy. Jimmie produced "A Time In The Life Of Our Love" on Spanway Records. He set up offices in La Puente, CA. The facility consisted of Bridgetown Booking Agency, recording studio, theatre, and several offices. The law firm was also on the property. Jimmie met with Neal Anderson, the producer of The Red Skelton Show, to produce the next TV pilot. Neal and Jeanne agreed on terms, but the law firm disagreed with the production fees. Jeanne received very good responses from KKTV CH 11, Metro Media, but Jimmie didn't agree with the time slot or terms. Click to continue.
