In
these two original signed letters written by Eric Easton to Paul Drew
of Esquire Radio and Broadcasting he expresses his hopes that the
American public will accept and embrace The Rolling Stones as they
embark on their very first American tour in 1964. He describes them as a
“great bunch of individuals you will find them so different from The Beatles in every respect.” 
Yes, he was right.
Paul Drew, one of Top 40 radio’s major architects included stints as a DJ, programmer, broadcasting executive and consultant.Drew, a graduate of Wayne State University in his native Detroit, began his professional radio career in 1961 as a DJ with Atlanta station WAKE. He later moved crosstown to WGST and then WQXI, where he was promoted to program director. Leaving WQXI in 1967, Drew moved on to programming gigs at CKLW in Windsor, Ontario-Detroit, WIBG in Philadelphia, KFRC in San Francisco and former Los Angeles powerhouse top 40 KHJ.
In the early ‘70s, he was appointed VP of programming for RKO Radio, a nationwide chain whose roster at one time included KHJ and sister KRTH, KFRC, WOR & WXLO (99X) New York and WHBQ Memphis, among other stations in Chicago, Boston and Washington, D.C. Their formats ranged from top 40 and adult contemporary to classical, oldies and talk.
The
second letter written three months later discusses the hopes the Stones
will reach the top spot in the States. How long it took, nine months to
establish them in a much smaller country like England.He then asks the advice as to whether a return in October/November and did he think this was a good time?
It shows the incredible power and influence of early radio DJ’s and programmers had on the success of bands.
Both letters contain fascinating content and information from the influential early manager of the Stones.
The Rolling Stones‘ 1964 1st American Tour was the band’s first concert tour of America. The tour commenced on June 5 and concluded on June 20, 1964. On this tour, the band supported their first U.S. album The Rolling Stones.
Tour set list- “Not Fade Away”
- “Talkin’ ‘Bout You”
- “I Wanna Be Your Man”
- “Hi-Heeled Sneakers”
- “Route 66″
- “Walking The Dog”
- “Tell Me”
- “Beautiful Delilah”
- “Can I Get A Witness”
- “I Just Want To Make Love To You”
- “I’m Alright”
Tour dates
- 24/04/1964 Ottawa, Canada, Auditorium
- 06/05/1964 San Bernardino, California, Swing Auditorium, Orange Show Fairgrounds
- 06/06/1964 San Antonio, Texas, “Teen Fair of Texas”, Joe Freeman Coliseum, (2 shows)
- 06/07/1964 San Antonio, Texas, “Teen Fair of Texas”, Joe Freeman Coliseum, (2 shows)
- 12/06/1964 Excelsior, Minnesota, Big Reggie’s Ballroom, Excelsior Amusement Park
- 13/06/1964 Omaha, Nebraska, Music Hall Auditorium
- 14/06/1964 Detroit, Olympia Stadium
- 17/06/1964 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, West View Park
- 18/06/1964 Syracuse, New York, War Memorial Arena
- 19/06/1964 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Farm Show Arena
- 20/06/1964 New York City, Carnegie Hall (2 shows)
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