When it was a new show, "WKRP" was famous for the inclusion of rock music. It is also infamous for having most of it changed in later airings. One of the songs that Johnny plays in this episode is "Heart of Glass" by Blondie. Its inclusion helped it become a US #1 hit. To thank the show's production team, Chrysalis Records (Blondie's label) sent them a framed gold LP of the album "Parallel Lines", which contains "Heart of Glass." It can be seen in the bullpen beginning in Season 2.
Naming the funeral home owner Mr. "Ferryman" is an apparent allusion to the ferryman who navigates the boat that crosses the River Styx, transporting souls from the world of the living to the world of the dead. Four years later in 1982, Irish rocker Chris De Burgh would record the song "Don't Pay the Ferryman".
Blonde Jennifer (Loni Anderson) sings "Happy Birthday" to Herb in a way that is reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe singing "Happy Birthday Mr. President" to John F. Kennedy on 5/19/62.
While trying to convince Bailey to sing as a tryout for the commercial, Venus and Herb tag-team the lyrics to The Carpenters' song. "Sing, Sing A Song".
Venus:" Sing. Sing a song".
Herb: "Sing out loud. Sing out strong. Sing of good things . . . "
Venus: "HERB!"
Les' bandage is on his left hand