THE RICK DEES STORY, CONT.

OK, let me get this straight (“Rick Dees Sounds Off!,” by Dennis McDougal, Feb. 3):

Rick Dees has an unprecedented radio success, expensive toys, a happy family. He makes people laugh, even at themselves. He’s riding high and making the best of it, and he hates getting ripped off.

So for this I’m supposed to hate the guy?

Just checking.

P.S. Hey, Rick--Don’t sweat it.

SUSAN BLACK

Los Angeles

McDougal overlooked an interesting point that should be obvious to anyone who reads the radio trade papers. Last year there was a large ad in Radio & Records (bought, I assume by Rick Dees) offering for sale “the Rick Dees collection of 200 zany sound effects.”

Knowing this, it is difficult for me to believe that Dees is trying to keep his sound effects entirely out of circulation (as was implied by the article). But because they are for sale, I can understand why he would want other broadcasters who “borrow” them to pay for the privilege.

While we’re on the subject, it should be noted that the “Hynee Wine” jokes used by Dees are also advertised for sale in the same paper (R&R;) by a gag service marketing the scripts as “audience builders” to personalities (such as Dees) all around the nation.

GREGG McVICAR

Lecturer/Radio Journalism

Cal State Long Beach

While McDougal’s article on Rick Dees seemed to paint a picture of the deejay as a money-grubbing, ruthless career-climber, we at Snookies have only witnessed and experienced the warmth, humor and compassion that has made him the No. 1 radio announcer in Los Angeles.

His unsolicited on-air and off-the-air promotion of our product has helped make Snookies one of the most celebrated cookies in this area.

Of course, it is a well-known fact that we use a secret ingredient that helps restore brain cells; so, perhaps Rick should send some of our cookies to Liz Fulton to help her remember the boost Dees gave to her own career.

PETER JUNKER

Marketing Vice President

Snookies Cookies

Don Fell, owner of Snookies Cookies, says that Dees’ on-air testimonials--as a result of being sent a free batch of still warm cookies--brought in 800 new customers in two days, virtually saving his company. Dees thought Snookies always delivered warm cookies, but they didn’t--until Dees gave them the idea.

While Calendar readers are taking turns getting their jollies making fun of King Charles II of Spain (Calendar Letters, for as long a anyone can remember), many of us in south Orange County owe him some sort of debt--we spend much of our lives trodding about on his former property.

You see, King Charles is the guy who gave 25,000 acres of land to one Father Junipero Serra a few hundred years ago. Every surfer who ever hung 10 at Doheny, every tourist that ever visited Mission San Juan Capistrano and everyone who’s ever passed through here on Pacific Coast Highway has tread on the old guy’s former realm.

LEN HALL

Laguna Beach

NEWSPAPER BLOOPER

Creating “TV Bloopers and Practical Jokes” with Dick Clark would have been both a personally gratifying triumph and an extremely lucrative long-term financial situation (“Singing Out Your Rock Fantasies,” by Terry Atkinson, Feb. 3).

However, as much as I’d like that, I cannot take credit for this one! Atkinson was in error.

The “Bloopers” series is Dick’s, was Dick’s and will always be Dick’s. I had nothing to do with it.

I also had nothing to do with creating “All in the Family,” “Dallas,” or the new “Bill Cosby Show,” but I do know Suzanne Somers personally, and that sure helps the pain.

CHRIS BEARDE

Los Angeles

OUT TUNED

Would someone please tell me where I can find a “tune” in “Like a Virgin” (Letters Annex, Feb. 10)?

I had trouble reading Lisa Cannon’s Calendar song “Like a Calendar” because all I could think of was a “beat.”

Even that gave me a headache.

REGGIE WILSON

Los Angeles

IDOLATRY

Calendar’s correction (For the Record, Feb. 3) regarding the date and location of the annual Rudolph Valentino Memorial service was only half correct. It is held on noon on Aug. 23, the anniversary of his tragic death, not Aug. 15.

This year’s observance at the Hollywood Memorial Park Cemetery will mark a passage of 59 years since Hollywood’s love god made that well-documented transition from screen idol to mythic immortal.

BEN HERNDON

Hollywood

OLD SAINT MICK

Mick Jagger is too old (“Lone Stone Rolls Out Solo Sound,” by Kristine McKenna, Feb. 10). He should have quit when he was 40. The idea that he might still be singing at age 50 is absurd. He should be promoting new artists and/or enjoying his millions.

With the Rolling Stones, he is palatable, but by himself--overextended. Sorry, Mick, because I’m a fan from way back.

LUPE M. LEDERER

Dana Point