In 1967, blues guitarist/singer Albert King released a song written by William Bell and legendary Staxx bandleader Booker T. Jones, called Born Under a Bad Sign. As is usually the case with Albert King’s work, it was received well within the music industry, but didn’t see much chart action at all. One year later, Eric Clapton’s band Cream did a cover on their third album Wheels Of Fire. ...both recordings had very nearly identical elements, and yet the Cream version rocked. I’ve always maintained that the mix was the difference.

In our annual Radio And Production Awards, rarely do we see someone win two first place trophies. Dave Calvert did so this year as copywriter on the winning entry for Best Commercial/Large Markets and Best Promo/Large Markets. After a lengthy period as an agency copywriter, Dave brought his skills to radio, crafting clever copy for imaging as well as commercial ads. He’s currently the Creative Manager for Rogers’ Toronto outlets, a cluster of four stations supported by five copywriters and six producers – many whose names you’re probably familiar with from current and previous RAP Awards. 

There is one particular sound that’s stayed with me the majority of my adult – one that won’t go away. It pervades every second of my day, sometimes not as forefront, but always, ALWAYS there. The high-pitched ring even invades my dreams from time to time, often becoming so loud that it wakes me up and can keep me awake for hours. I’m sure you’ve guessed that I’m talking about tinnitus, the noise that keeps on giving, 24/7.