KRLA Beat
@krlabeat.bsky.social
A place to enjoy America's first rock-and-roll newspaper, the KRLA Beat, plus music and culture of the 1960s. For more information check out our website: https://krlabeat.sakionline.net/
62 years ago today "Shindig!" premiered. Producer Jack Good had produced British pop/rock TV and brought his expertise to the U.S. Former KRLA DJ Jim O'Neill was its host and the KRLA Beat covered it. Its first two seasons are available on YouTube if you're curious: www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKRH...
September 16, 2026 at 2:15 PM
62 years ago today "Shindig!" premiered. Producer Jack Good had produced British pop/rock TV and brought his expertise to the U.S. Former KRLA DJ Jim O'Neill was its host and the KRLA Beat covered it. Its first two seasons are available on YouTube if you're curious: www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKRH...
Ledbetter's was founded by Randy Sparks, formerly of the New Christy Minstrels. It hosted musicians such as Hoyt Axton, Kenny Rogers, James Taylor, and in mid-September 1967 the Dillards and Steve Martin. This ad appears in the September 23, 1967 KRLA Beat: krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/23sept...
September 13, 2026 at 2:38 PM
Ledbetter's was founded by Randy Sparks, formerly of the New Christy Minstrels. It hosted musicians such as Hoyt Axton, Kenny Rogers, James Taylor, and in mid-September 1967 the Dillards and Steve Martin. This ad appears in the September 23, 1967 KRLA Beat: krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/23sept...
The September 10, 1966 KRLA Beat had just begun reporting on issues involving the Beatles' world tour when rumors began swirling about Bob Dylan's motorcycle accident that same summer. Even 60 years later there are disputes about what really happened. krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/10sept...
September 7, 2026 at 2:40 PM
The September 10, 1966 KRLA Beat had just begun reporting on issues involving the Beatles' world tour when rumors began swirling about Bob Dylan's motorcycle accident that same summer. Even 60 years later there are disputes about what really happened. krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/10sept...
The April 1965 KRLA Beat reported that Dave Hull played rare Beatles songs. Corrections: "Clarabella" and "Soldier of Love," recorded for the BBC show "Pop Go The Beatles" in July 1963 (not 1961), of course Liverpudlians heard them, and were not pre-Epstein. krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/14apr6...
August 31, 2026 at 5:43 PM
The April 1965 KRLA Beat reported that Dave Hull played rare Beatles songs. Corrections: "Clarabella" and "Soldier of Love," recorded for the BBC show "Pop Go The Beatles" in July 1963 (not 1961), of course Liverpudlians heard them, and were not pre-Epstein. krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/14apr6...
The November 21, 1964 issue of Billboard reported on KRLA's ability to air the Beatles' newest single "I Feel Fine"/"She's A Woman" days before its official release date. A clue: a neighbor of DJ Charlie O'Donnell claimed to have a "furtive copy" of the single. Wonder who that could have been?
August 22, 2026 at 7:56 PM
The November 21, 1964 issue of Billboard reported on KRLA's ability to air the Beatles' newest single "I Feel Fine"/"She's A Woman" days before its official release date. A clue: a neighbor of DJ Charlie O'Donnell claimed to have a "furtive copy" of the single. Wonder who that could have been?
The Beatles' new single "Help!"/"I'm Down" was released in time for a review in this issue. Read about the Stones' early struggles to find fame. Also covered: the Turtles, Joey Paige, & Sonny Bono, who had just written a song about being thrown out of a club. krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/14aug6...
August 14, 2026 at 1:39 PM
The Beatles' new single "Help!"/"I'm Down" was released in time for a review in this issue. Read about the Stones' early struggles to find fame. Also covered: the Turtles, Joey Paige, & Sonny Bono, who had just written a song about being thrown out of a club. krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/14aug6...
"Bee Gees or Beatles?" Who was singing on the new Bee Gees song "In My Own Time"? No evidence to suggest that the Beatles had anything to do with the track. But the story resulted in a flurry of requests at KRLA and boosted airplay of the song for awhile. krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/12aug6...
August 7, 2026 at 1:53 PM
"Bee Gees or Beatles?" Who was singing on the new Bee Gees song "In My Own Time"? No evidence to suggest that the Beatles had anything to do with the track. But the story resulted in a flurry of requests at KRLA and boosted airplay of the song for awhile. krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/12aug6...
In early 1965 KRLA partnered with Los Angeles TV station KCOP-13 to present a unique history of rock-and-roll. The KRLA Beat wrote about it here:
krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/12feb6...
and now, courtesy of our friend Timmy, you can hear it on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rNs...
krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/12feb6...
and now, courtesy of our friend Timmy, you can hear it on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rNs...
August 2, 2026 at 8:53 PM
In early 1965 KRLA partnered with Los Angeles TV station KCOP-13 to present a unique history of rock-and-roll. The KRLA Beat wrote about it here:
krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/12feb6...
and now, courtesy of our friend Timmy, you can hear it on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rNs...
krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/12feb6...
and now, courtesy of our friend Timmy, you can hear it on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rNs...
The KRLA Beat loved to pose musicians reading the KRLA Beat...not surprisingly. Here is Dave Clark, backstage at the Carousel Theatre where his group was appearing on June 27, 1966. Dave is reading the June 9, 1966 issue with Sgt. Barry Sadler on the cover. krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/23july...
July 24, 2026 at 2:56 PM
The KRLA Beat loved to pose musicians reading the KRLA Beat...not surprisingly. Here is Dave Clark, backstage at the Carousel Theatre where his group was appearing on June 27, 1966. Dave is reading the June 9, 1966 issue with Sgt. Barry Sadler on the cover. krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/23july...
In the July 24 1965 issue the KRLA Beat revealed its 16-page format, emphasizing pop-music news. More than ever the newspaper modeled itself on British music publications like NME and Melody Maker, adding British music journalists Derek Taylor and Tony Barrow. krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/24july...
July 18, 2026 at 2:05 PM
In the July 24 1965 issue the KRLA Beat revealed its 16-page format, emphasizing pop-music news. More than ever the newspaper modeled itself on British music publications like NME and Melody Maker, adding British music journalists Derek Taylor and Tony Barrow. krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/24july...
The July 16, 1966 Beat reported that, due to what they called a misinterpretation, the cover of the latest American Beatles LP, "Yesterday and Today," had to be recalled and replaced with a more sedate photo. Capitol Records was not amused. krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/16july...
July 12, 2026 at 2:23 PM
The July 16, 1966 Beat reported that, due to what they called a misinterpretation, the cover of the latest American Beatles LP, "Yesterday and Today," had to be recalled and replaced with a more sedate photo. Capitol Records was not amused. krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/16july...
An unlikely but interesting interview subject for the KRLA Beat in July 1967: Leonard Nimoy, whose career spanned many more roles than Mr. Spock on "Star Trek." Beat reporter Lawrence Charles gets into the details in this in-depth article on page 21: krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/1july6...
July 6, 2026 at 2:37 PM
An unlikely but interesting interview subject for the KRLA Beat in July 1967: Leonard Nimoy, whose career spanned many more roles than Mr. Spock on "Star Trek." Beat reporter Lawrence Charles gets into the details in this in-depth article on page 21: krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/1july6...
April 1966 the KRLA Beat had a 2-page article on the Rolling Stones' recording session at RCA-Victor studios on Sunset Blvd, a favorite of the band. Beat photographers captured images from the session, including Charlies Watts and fans outside. Read it here: krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/16apr6...
June 30, 2026 at 7:50 PM
April 1966 the KRLA Beat had a 2-page article on the Rolling Stones' recording session at RCA-Victor studios on Sunset Blvd, a favorite of the band. Beat photographers captured images from the session, including Charlies Watts and fans outside. Read it here: krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/16apr6...
The KRLA Tunedex from the June 30, 1965 issue of the Beat had some interesting entries, in particular Sounds Incorporated's rendition of "The Hall of the Mountain King," not a particularly catchy tune. But there were plenty of other songs to enjoy: krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/30june...
June 25, 2026 at 3:34 PM
The KRLA Tunedex from the June 30, 1965 issue of the Beat had some interesting entries, in particular Sounds Incorporated's rendition of "The Hall of the Mountain King," not a particularly catchy tune. But there were plenty of other songs to enjoy: krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/30june...
Louise Criscione was hired by the KRLA Beat right out of high school and specialized in feature articles on British and American pop stars. In the November 27, 1965 issue she interviewed Dusty Springfield, who was in Los Angeles for some upcoming music events. krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/27nov6...
June 18, 2026 at 8:41 PM
Louise Criscione was hired by the KRLA Beat right out of high school and specialized in feature articles on British and American pop stars. In the November 27, 1965 issue she interviewed Dusty Springfield, who was in Los Angeles for some upcoming music events. krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/27nov6...
Music was changing and evolving in January 1968 but Dave Hull, now a five-year veteran DJ at KRLA, took it in stride. He was on the morning drive-time shift that month and this aircheck (second one down in the list) shows him handling the playlist with aplomb. krlabeat.sakionline.net/airchecks.html
June 15, 2026 at 4:18 PM
Music was changing and evolving in January 1968 but Dave Hull, now a five-year veteran DJ at KRLA, took it in stride. He was on the morning drive-time shift that month and this aircheck (second one down in the list) shows him handling the playlist with aplomb. krlabeat.sakionline.net/airchecks.html
In 1968 KRLA held a fundraiser for the Los Angeles Free Clinic, screening Richard Lester's new anti-war film "How I Won The War." The film received mixed reviews but the fundraiser was a success, and the Beat carried this report in its February 24, 1968 issue: krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/24feb6...
June 12, 2026 at 2:35 PM
In 1968 KRLA held a fundraiser for the Los Angeles Free Clinic, screening Richard Lester's new anti-war film "How I Won The War." The film received mixed reviews but the fundraiser was a success, and the Beat carried this report in its February 24, 1968 issue: krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/24feb6...
In this issue Tony Barrow reveals that the upcoming new Beatles single ("Paperback Writer"/"Rain") is "packed with technical specialties" that should delight Beatles fans, even if there is no sitar in the mix.
krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/4june6...
krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/4june6...
June 5, 2026 at 4:31 PM
In this issue Tony Barrow reveals that the upcoming new Beatles single ("Paperback Writer"/"Rain") is "packed with technical specialties" that should delight Beatles fans, even if there is no sitar in the mix.
krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/4june6...
krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/4june6...
The June 2, 1965 KRLA Beat offered a review of the recent Rolling Stones concert in Long Beach. Reporter Louise Criscione gave the details of the show, including a hectic escape after the concert was over, Read all about it here: krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/2june6...
May 27, 2026 at 8:33 PM
The June 2, 1965 KRLA Beat offered a review of the recent Rolling Stones concert in Long Beach. Reporter Louise Criscione gave the details of the show, including a hectic escape after the concert was over, Read all about it here: krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/2june6...
Our friend Timmy has shared a nearly two-hour aircheck of KRLA in January 1969, including Reb Foster, Johnnie Darin, and KRLA's own Credibility Gap. You can hear it online here: krlabeat.sakionline.net/airchecks.html
May 25, 2026 at 11:14 PM
Our friend Timmy has shared a nearly two-hour aircheck of KRLA in January 1969, including Reb Foster, Johnnie Darin, and KRLA's own Credibility Gap. You can hear it online here: krlabeat.sakionline.net/airchecks.html
Highlighted in this issue of the KRLA Beat: The Leaves had released their first single "Too Many People" that made no impression on the charts. As the Beat noted, their second single "Hey Joe" was getting significant airplay and the band was hopeful of a hit. krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/14may6...
May 15, 2026 at 1:54 PM
Highlighted in this issue of the KRLA Beat: The Leaves had released their first single "Too Many People" that made no impression on the charts. As the Beat noted, their second single "Hey Joe" was getting significant airplay and the band was hopeful of a hit. krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/14may6...
The Beat tried to stir up the controversy over long hair with an article exploring the disparate opinions of Youth Today vs. Oldsters. But pop stars tended to like the flowing tonsorial look, and Bob Dylan helpfully pointed out that long hair kept you warmer.
krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/23apr6...
krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/23apr6...
April 22, 2026 at 10:03 PM
The Beat tried to stir up the controversy over long hair with an article exploring the disparate opinions of Youth Today vs. Oldsters. But pop stars tended to like the flowing tonsorial look, and Bob Dylan helpfully pointed out that long hair kept you warmer.
krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/23apr6...
krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/23apr6...
The April 14, 1965, page 1, the KRLA Beat includes Derek Taylor's musings on the differences between various chart listings in the U.S. and the UK. Meanwhile the KRLA Tunedex has a plethora of catchy numbers from both countries:
krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/14apr6...
krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/14apr6...
April 16, 2026 at 2:54 PM
The April 14, 1965, page 1, the KRLA Beat includes Derek Taylor's musings on the differences between various chart listings in the U.S. and the UK. Meanwhile the KRLA Tunedex has a plethora of catchy numbers from both countries:
krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/14apr6...
krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/14apr6...
Journalist Carol Deck described interviewing Jefferson Airplane as "like trying to talk to six John Lennons at the same time." This was the pre-Grace Slick lineup with Signe Anderson and the KRLA Beat treats its readers to an interview with the group: krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/16apr6...
April 11, 2026 at 9:50 PM
Journalist Carol Deck described interviewing Jefferson Airplane as "like trying to talk to six John Lennons at the same time." This was the pre-Grace Slick lineup with Signe Anderson and the KRLA Beat treats its readers to an interview with the group: krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/16apr6...
Sometimes being first with an exclusive leads us astray. DJ Dave Hull announced that the Beatles' new film would be called "Eight Arms To Hold You," based on a phone call from Derek Taylor himself. The final title was "Help!" which is how we know it today. krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/31mar6...
March 31, 2026 at 9:45 PM
Sometimes being first with an exclusive leads us astray. DJ Dave Hull announced that the Beatles' new film would be called "Eight Arms To Hold You," based on a phone call from Derek Taylor himself. The final title was "Help!" which is how we know it today. krlabeat.sakionline.net/issue/31mar6...