KHJ Boss 30 - July 9, 1965

Issue #1 - The first Boss 30 survey available to the general public and featuring Boss Jock Sam Riddle on the cover. Issued roughly two months after the start of the Boss Radio format.

At first glance the survey appears to list 30 records. There are actually 31 listed due to two records being tied for the same position. This was a common occurrence for the first two years or so. Exactly one-half of the first 100 surveys contain 31 records. This practice was abandoned in late 1967, with Issue #122 being the last to contain a tie.

This is the final week on the survey for Lesley Gore’s “Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows.” It has the distinction of being the shortest song to appear on a Boss 30, checking in at a mere 1:37.

KHJ Boss Radio Print Ad

This is a print ad for the May 9, 1965 edition of the Los Angeles Times and features the seven original Boss Jocks.

9th Street West Admission Ticket

This is an admission ticket for Sam Riddle’s “9th Street West” television show on KHJ-TV. No boys in sweaters admitted.

Sam Riddle 1965 KHJ Sales Sheet

This is a one-sheet for Sam Riddle from the 1965 KHJ Sales Folder. The text reads:

SAM RIDDLE
Pied Piper of
The Lively Ones

Without a doubt the hottest personality in the Southern California discotheque set, Sam adds Boss Radio to his already overpowering performance record. Long the prime seller in Los Angeles TV, and holder of top ratings in the heyday of both KRLA and KFWB, this transplanted Texan is again cooly showing his well-shod heels to the pack.

Host of his own “9th Street West” and “Hollywood-A-Go-Go” on the tube, Sam is a salesman that delivers. There’s not a young adult in Southern California who isn’t hip to that mellifluous voice. It’s really not strange that Sam’s shows mean few “avails.” Riddle’s regiments respond beautifully to any medium, and they’re now accessible to your blandishments ... at considerably less than TV rates. Forward March!

Boss Jock Sam Riddle Postcard

This is a promotional postcard for Sam Riddle. The back of the postcard reads:

KHJ “Boss Jock” Sam Riddle
If you get the feeling Sam is everywhere ... that’s because he is. Hollywood A Go Go and Ninth Street West are the swinginest on TV and when not on Boss Video Sam’s rockin’ on KHJ. You know he’s a gas ‘cause the stars are making it a point to pick up on Riddle. And so do you!

KHJ Boss 30 - January 26, 1966

Issue #30 - Paul Revere & the Raiders move into the No. 1 spot on the Boss 30 with “Just Like Me.”

KHJ Boss 30 - April 27, 1966

Issue #43 - Boss Radio presents the Pepsi Big Boss Battle at the Hollywood Palladium on May 10, 1966.

KHJ Boss 30 - June 22, 1966

Issue #51 - Boss Jock Sam Riddle with the Big Kahuna.

The Last Train To Clarksville

These are a few photos taken on “The Last Train To Clarksville.” It was a round-trip train excursion for hundreds of KHJ fans from Los Angeles to Del Mar (officially renamed Clarksville for the event). The Monkees arrived via helicopter in Del Mar and rode the train back to Los Angeles and performed live in one of the train cars. The event took place on September 11, 1966, one day prior to their TV premiere on NBC on September 12.

Top Left: Boss Jock Sam Riddle scopes the scene.

Top Right: Boss Jock Gary Mack makes a taped report from the beach at Del Mar.

Bottom: (L-R) Boss Jocks Gary Mack, Johnny Williams, Johnny Mitchell, and Frank Terry in one of the train cars.
 

KHJ Boss 30 - September 7, 1966

Issue #62 - Boss City premieres on Saturday September 17, 1966.

KHJ Boss 30 - September 21, 1966

Issue #64 - The “Wheel Of Fortune” promotion begins on Boss Radio.

KHJ Boss 30 - January 4, 1967

Issue #79 - Sam Riddle on the cover of the Boss 30 as the “Time Machine” promotion begins.

Boss Jock Sam Riddle Portrait

This is a portrait of Sam Riddle from the “Boss Jocks” promotional package.

KHJ Boss 30 - May 31, 1967

Issue #100 - Janis Ian brings some social commentary to the No. 1 spot with “Society’s Child.”

KHJ Boss 30 - August 23, 1967

Issue #112 - Sam Riddle now in the 9AM - Noon slot as Boss Radio tabulates votes for the 1967 Top 300.

KHJ Boss 30 - November 8, 1967

Issue #123 - Dionne Warwick hits No. 1 with “I Say a Little Prayer.” The flip side of the single (Scepter 12203) was “Theme from Valley of the Dolls.” It would hit No. 1 on March 6, 1968. The is the only record to have both sides independently hit No. 1 on the Boss 30 in the Boss Radio era.

KHJ Boss 30 - January 24, 1968

Issue #134 - Boss Jock Sam Riddle guards the secret of the “Black Box” while the Lemon Pipers cop the No. 1 spot with “Green Tambourine.”

KHJ Boss 30 - January 31, 1968

Issue #135 - “I Can Take Or Leave Your Loving” by Herman’s Hermits moves up from No. 9 to No. 5 on this week’s Boss 30. Where would it be next week? Gone.

It was one of four titles to exit the Boss 30 from the No. 5 position (the biggest fall off the survey). The others were “Since You’ve Been Gone” by Aretha Franklin, “I Could Never Love Another (After Loving You)” by the Temptations, and “Gitarzan” by Ray Stevens.

Sam Riddle and The Black Box

Boss Jock Sam Riddle from the “Black Box” photo shoot. A different shot from the same session was utilized on Boss 30 Issue No. 134.

KHJ Boss 30 - March 27, 1968

Issue #143 - The Delfonics can’t catch a break with “La-La Means I Love You” at No. 2. For the second consecutive week a song has leaped over it to No. 1. Last week it was “Young Girl” by the Union Gap and this week it's “Cry Like a Baby” by the Box Tops.