Throughout the early 1990s, I envisioned myself attending Syracuse University's Newhouse School to study broadcast journalism. At the time, I was having a fantastic time co-hosting radio programs on Super 640 WCYJ in Amherst, NH with my friend Josh G. and definitively thought I had found my calling.
In addition to my affinity for radio, I loved being around music, so for me, being a DJ seemed like a natural way to be a part of the industry. To this day, I am still drawn to the ability to both paint as well as frame a picture of a song (or string of songs) with only your voice.
My interest in being a DJ carried over to my free time. I grew up watching re-runs of the popular TV show "WKRP in Cincinnati" and easily became fully invested in a faux-Cincinnati radio station switching from sedate music to top-40 rock 'n' roll. How could I not be fans of DJs like Venus Flytrap and Dr. Johnny Fever? There was also Casey Kasem's American Top 40. Like many people my age, I was hooked on the internationally syndicated, independent song countdown radio program. I had a soft spot for the weekly "long distance dedication" and I can still remember the "Come On Eileen" showdown with Michael Jackson in April 1983. Dexy's Midnight Runners' song prohibited the "King of Pop" from having back-to-back #1 hits with "Billie Jean" and "Beat It".
DJs not only introduced me to new songs, but their knowledge and the information that they dispensed to their listening audience stuck with me. There were many, many late nights in Westfield, NJ in which I placed my handheld radio near my pillow and listened to New York City's 660 AM "the Fan" WFAN and Steve Somers "schmoozing" until Imus in the Morning. These days, even in the age of podcasts and streaming, I wake up to WYEP's (91.3 FM in Pittsburgh) Joey Spehar's "Morning Mix" and start my day with his segment "Wake the Dead". I really enjoy learning a slice of Grateful Dead history and listening to a song from their vast catalog of songs to get my day going.
I am not exactly sure when or where I took a different exit on my career path and ended up booking bands which then lead to the world of ticketing and now to my newest opportunity. However, I know that there will be individuals who always play the music that continues to be the soundtrack of my life.
Thanks for reading.
