The Hits Just Keep On Coming The History of Top 40 Radio

by Fong-Torres, Ben

• ISBN13: 9780879306649
• ISBN10: 0879306645
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-12-01
• Publisher: Backbeat

Summary

Buzzing with behind-the-scenes stories from Top 40 DJs -- many just as popular as the records they spun -- this lively blast from the past reflects the rhythmic pulse of Top 40 radio itself, where there was never a second of dead air. Anecdotal oral histories take you back to the rantings and ravings of dozens of "cooler rulers," like the Real Don Steele of "Boss Radio" fame, "fifth Beatle" Murray the K, WMCA Good Guy B. Mitch Reed, the colorful "Cousin Brucie," the inimitable Wolfman Jack, and the notorious Alan Freed. More than 130 photos put faces to the voices, while author Ben Fong-Torres guides you on a 40-year trek through radio stations all across the country -- where Top 40 and a whole generation grew up. Book jacket.

Author Biography

Ben Fong-Torres became news editor at Rolling Stone, and has been a staff feature writer and radio columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle. Fong-Torres most recently served as managing editor of Gavin, the San Francisco-based trade weekly for the radio and recording industries.

Table of Contents

Preface: In the Still of the Night	p. 4
Acknowledgments: This Is Dedicated ...	p. 8
Introduction: Radio Ga Ga	p. 11
Video Killed the Radio Star	p. 15
The First Time ...	p. 19
The King of the Old Moondoggers	p. 31
The Founding Daddy-os	p. 37
The Good Guys	p. 47
Bill Gavin: Let's Work Together	p. 59
Hey, Mr. Deejay, I: The Initial Buzz	p. 65
You Turn Me On, I'm a Radio	p. 81
Busted	p. 93
Hey, Mr. Deejay, II: I'm Sorry	p. 117
Listen to the Music	p. 127
Hey, Mr. Deejay, III: East Side, West Side	p. 133
Hit Me With Your Best Shot	p. 147
Big Boss Man	p. 167
British Radio: Sink the Pirates	p. 193
FM (No Static At All)	p. 199
Just Running Scared	p. 211
Video Killed the Radio Star (Reprise)	p. 223
Different Strokes ...	p. 245
Top of the Pops	p. 252
Bibliography	p. 264
Index	p. 268
Credits	p. 271
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