SATURDAY NIGHT OLDIES SCRIPT 8:00 - 9:00 p.m.
8:00 ABC News
8:05 "The best music on WABC New York...Mark Simone"
8:05 Whatcha Gonna Do?--Pablo Cruise (1977)
8:09 "The music is the message on WABC...Mark Simone"
8:09 Mark: You've got Mark Simone and Pablo Cruise on 77 WABC. WABC music time is 8:09. In
just 20 short minutes, Elton John will be here for the first time on Saturday Night Oldies. Be sure to
follow along on the WABC message board and you can call us at 1-800-848-WABC.
8:10 "Musicradio WABC...Mark Simone"
8:10 I'm Not in Love--10CC (1975)
8:14 "Musicradio WABC...Mark Simone"
8:14 Mark: WABC music time is 8:14. Dan Ingram will be with us in the 9:00 hour. In just a few
minutes, Elton John will be here. On the WABC message board, Ralph writes...John Lennon asked
Elton John to be the godfather to his son, Sean. Dave, who listens to us in Chicago, put up an Elton
John file. Let's see...Elton wrote "Philadelphia Freedom" in tribute to his good friend Billie Jean King.
In 2008, Ben and Jerry's released a limited edition new flavor of ice cream to honor Elton. It was chocolate
ice cream, peanut cookie dough, butter brickle and white chocolate chunks. More interesting Elton info
is on the WABC message board. Right back after we pay some bills. I'm Mark Simone.
8:16 Commercials
8:20 "The music sounds best on 77 WABC...Mark Simone"
8:20 Working My Way Back To You--Four Seasons (1966)
8:23 "Musicradio WABC"
8:23 Mark (talking over the intro of this song) Good Morning Starshine--Oliver (1969)...Mark: In 1969,
the rock musical Hair was playing to sold out houses on Broadway and Oliver had this hit song from
the show. "Mark Simone ID jingle" **Vocals to song begin.**
8:26 Mark: WABC music time is 8:26. If anyone has a trivia question for me about music or television from
the 60's or 70's, call us at 1-800-848-WABC.
8:26 Commercials
8:29 Mark: We're back. I'm Mark Simone and let's take a phone call before Elton John. We have Roger
from Fairfield, CT on the line. Roger, you're on WABC.
Roger: Mark, I have a question which I think you probably can't answer.
Mark: What's your question?
Roger: What is the name of the theme music of NBC News?
Mark: Their theme music is called "The Mission," and it was written by John Williams. Thanks for the call,
take care.
8:30 "Best music, best station, WABC...Mark Simone"
8:30 Mark (talking over the intro of this song) Philadelphia Freedom--Elton John (1975)...Mark: Elton John
is next on Saturday Night Oldies. "Mark Simone ID jingle" **Vocals to song begin.**
8:36 Mark: Ladies and Gentleman, for the first time on Saturday Night Oldies, an extraordinary artist who is
a national icon. He's had so many hits such as Rocket Man, Crocodile Rock, Bennie and the Jets, just to
name a few. He has played sold out shows in Las Vegas and it's our pleasure to speak to Sir Elton John.
How are you?
Elton: I'm just great, Mark. I am a big fan of this show.
Mark: Thank you. Did you listen to Musicradio WABC during its Top 40 heyday with Cousin Brucie, Dan
Ingram and Ron Lundy?
Elton: As a matter of fact, I did while I was in New York. WABC was a must-listen. We used to come to
New York and go on the late Scott Muni's show on WNEW-FM when we released a new album. Scott was
in a class by himself. He and WNEW-FM were very good to us and their support was extremely valuable
to my career. I'll never forget it.
Mark: I heard you do a number of shows on WNEW-FM. I used to work for their sister station 1130 WNEW-AM.
It was home to the infamous Make Believe Ballroom.
Elton: Yes, I very much enjoyed that music as well. It's a shame all of the great radio stations are long gone.
I have a story to tell you Mark.
Mark: Sure
Elton: John Lennon was talking to Dennis Elsis on WNEW-FM in the studio. It came time for their hourly legal
ID. Dennis asked John who was disc jockeying, if he would like to do it? John said okay, tell me what to say.
Dennis said to announce: WNEW-FM 102-7 Metromedia Stereo New York. John pauses and says to Dennis,
"do I really have to say all of that?" The reply to John was no. Just say...WNEW-FM New York.
8:51 Elton John interview with Mark Simone concludes.
8:51 Rocket Man--Elton John (1972)
8:56 Mark: We only have a few minutes left before the news. In the next hour, Dan Ingram will be with us.
Do we have time for one more song? (Pause)...Okay.
8:56 "Musicradio WABC...Mark Simone"
8:56 Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying--Gerry and the Pacemakers (1964)
8:59 Mark: Great stuff from Gerry and the Pacemakers. We have one more hour to go and Dan Ingram will
be here. If you go to my website marksimone.com, you can sign up for the Mark Simone group on Facebook.
Also, follow along on the message board. I see lots of comments about the Elton John interview and you can
call us at 1-800-848-WABC. I'm Mark Simone.
9:00 WABC legal ID
9:00 Mark: It's 9:00