Hayloft Jamboree (WCOP)

WWDJ can trace its origins to 1934 and a construction permit for a 500-watt daytime station, owned by Joseph M. Kirby. In 1935, before the station first began broadcasting the call sign was changed to WCOP, to reflect the station's studio location in the Copley Plaza Hotel, Boston, Massachusetts (MA). WCOP's transmitter was along the Charles River on Soldiers Field Road, at a site later to be occupied by WBZ television and radio. In 1940, WCOP, AM 1150, received a construction permit for nighttime service, using a new directional antenna and in December of 1941 construction was completed on the 500-watt nighttime service.

In 1944, WCOP was sold to Iowa Broadcasting Company. In 1946, WCOP's transmitter was moved to Lexington, MA with a power increase from 500 to 5000 watts. In 1951, Iowa Broadcasting became Cowles Broadcasting and in December of that year, WCOP was sold to a three-man partnership. Partner Roy V. Whisnand became general manager of the station. The station was sold two and a half years later, to the Boston Post newspaper.

The General Manager of WCOP, Roy V. Whisnand, mentioned in a WCOP Hayloft Jamboree paper that at one time they had three daily Hayloft Jamboree radio programs, plus a Hayloft Jamboree Network that reached all of New England. The afternoon shows were held in their main studio and was open to the public. On weekends, they had special shows throughout the greater Boston area.

In 1952, Ray Smith, who had just joined their staff, was nationally known at the time and had recorded on the Columbia, London and Coral labels. Eddie Zack and his Dude Ranchers were there also and were recording for Decca Records.

Eddie had a weekly NBC Network show that originated out of Rhode Island. The Emcee of the Hayloft Jamboree was Nelson Bragg, Mayor of Milo, Maine.

Nelson was the emcee for the show from late 1951 or early 1952 through 1956. The city of Revere, MA has one of the oldest public beaches in the USA. At the time the Hayloft Jamboree was on the air, both Nantucket and Revere had very popular amusement parks with ballrooms. The live Hayloft Jamboree show played in many venues in the greater Boston area, including:

• Symphony Hall (also home to the Boston Pops & Boston Symphony)
• The John Hancock Hall
• Boston Arena
• Back Bay Theater
• Chateu Ballroom (Nantucket, MA)
• Mechanics Hall
• King Philip Ballroom
• Nuttings on the Charles (river) (Waltham, MA)
• The Big E (Eastern States Exposition in Springfield, MA)

In the early 1950s, the demand for Hillbilly and Western music in the New England area was such that it accounted for 25% of all record sales. Around that time, Elton Britt became a permanent member of the show. The Director of the Hayloft Jamboree was Aubrey L. Mayhew. Besides Elton, the cast / staff included about 30 talented performers. Ray Smith, a former Columbia recording artist, was among New England's favorite hillbilly singers.

Carl Stuart was also a member and they said he got about 40 or 50 fan letters daily because of his original vocal style. The show also featured Muriel White. The Hayloft also included three imports from the famed WWVA Wheeling Jamboree. Buzz Busby, (Cowboy) Jack Clements and Scotty Stoneman, called The Bayou Boys. They were real hillbillies with a great repertoire and their fiddler, Scotty Stoneman, won many fiddling contests. Also a member was Jerry Devine, who had a terrific voice.

Jerry played the guitar, both lead and rhythm. Until he joined the US Marines, a young Bobby Bobo appeared on the Hayloft Jamboree long enough to build a huge and loyal following. Bobby was from Ohio and had his own radio show back there. He could sing anything from ballads to hot numbers.

Pictured right Bobby Bobo

The staff band was made up of Lucky Shore and the WCOP Ranch Gang. Each member played multiple instruments. Lucky was also one half of the show's comedy team. During that time, the Hayloft Jamboree Artists Bureau was established to help book the stars throughout the New England area.

They entertained at halls, for church groups and fraternal or civic organizations. Rounding out the cast were Tootsie and Jackie, Dee Rogers, Dave Miller, Jimmy and Ruth, Doug Terry and his Roving Cowboys, Lucky and Elmo the 'Radio Rangers' and Lou Mondon

The director of the show, Aubrey L. Mayhew, was associated with country and western music for about nine years prior to coming to the Hayloft Jamboree. He helped many big names climb the ladder of success. Aubrey, who was director of the artist's service bureau at WCOP, produced the Jamboree and acted also as Artist and Repertoire (A&R) manager for the Sheraton record label.

Aubrey also arranged the personal appearances of the top artists around the New England area.  One of the best known singers to appear on the Hayloft Jamboree was RCA Victor recording artist, Rosalie Allen. Allen's first hit came in 1946 with RCA Victor with a yodeling update of Patsy Montana's I Want to Be a Cowboy's Sweetheart. 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hayloft Jamboree Roster, Partial Listing:

1. Big Yank Unit
2. Bill Dillon
3. Bob Currie
4. Bobby Bobo
5. Buzz Busby
6. Carl Stuart
7. Chuck Young
8. Country Al Green
9. Danny Gillis
10. Dave Miller
11. Dee Rogers
12. Doug Terry
13. Eddie Fisher
14. Eddie Zack and his Dude Ranchers
15. Elton Britt
16. Gerry Lee (Shore)
17. Jack Clements
18. Jim Senter
19. Jimmy and Ruth
20. Jerry Devine
21. Joe Val
22. Lou Mondon
23. Lucky and Elmo
24. Lucky Shore
25. Muriel White
26. Nelson Bragg
27. Ralph Jones
28. Ray Smith
29. Rosalie Allen
30. Ruth Senter
31. Scotty Stoneman
32. Stuttering Steel
33. Tex Zario
34. The LeClair Sisters
35. Tootsie and Jackie