The Hot Hits Revolution

Mike Joseph’s Radio Legacy In the late 1970s and early 1980s, a seismic shift rocked the radio landscape. At its epicenter was Mike Joseph, a visionary programmer who breathed new life into the stagnating Top 40 format with his revolutionary “Hot Hits” approach. This innovative programming strategy not only revitalized struggling stations but also helped usher in the era of Contemporary Hit Radio (CHR), leaving an indelible mark on the industry that resonates to this day. The Genesis of Hot […]

March 13, 2020 17

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Radio Eras

The Golden Era of Chattanooga Radio

The Top 40 Battles That Defined a Generation It’s a warm summer evening in Chattanooga, Tennessee, sometime in the late 1960s. The crackle of an AM radio fills the air as teenagers cruise down Brainerd Road, windows down, their cars packed with friends. From one car, you hear the unmistakable jingle of WFLI “Jet-FLI,” the reigning king of Top 40 radio. From another, WGOW’s polished sound competes for attention. Meanwhile, a smaller but scrappy station like WMOC might cut through […]

March 11, 2020 28 2

Radio Legends

Ted “The Bear” Richards

Ted "The Bear" Richards: A Legendary Radio Career Origins and Early Career (Carolinas and Florida) Ted "The Bear" Richards, born Robert Theodore Richards, began his radio journey in 1965 at WBLR in Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina. He further honed his skills at WDXY in Sumter, South Carolina, and with the Armed Forces Radio network. By the early 1970s, Richards had advanced to WAPE 690 AM in Jacksonville, Florida—a dynamic Top 40 station known as "The Big Ape." There, he adopted the […]

March 10, 2020 31

Radio Legends

Lee Baby Sims

Lee Baby Simms: The Radio Poet Who Defined an Era Lee Baby Simms wasn’t just a DJ—he was a mood, a moment, and a master of radio’s most intimate art form. His voice, hypnotic and warm, had a way of drawing listeners in, making them feel like they weren’t just part of an audience but part of a secret, late-night conversation. For three decades, from the 1960s through the 1980s, Simms was a restless presence on the airwaves, never staying […]

March 5, 2020 36

Radio Legends

Lynn Tolliver Jr.: Cleveland’s Legendary Broadcaster

Lynn Tolliver Jr.: Cleveland’s Legendary Broadcaster Early Career and Entry into Radio Orrin “Lynn” Tolliver Jr. grew up in Cleveland and developed an early passion for radio. He got his start on the air in the 1970s, gaining experience at local stations in both R&B and Top 40 formats. In particular, Tolliver worked at Cleveland’s R&B outlet WJMO and at the Top 40 station WGCL, immersing himself in both sides of the musical spectrum (Cleveland Radio Legend Lynn Tolliver […]

March 3, 2018 30

Radio News

The 5 Elements Needed For Music Industry Success

You are about to learn the five critical elements that have fueled the success of all great musicians' careers. Until you possess these key elements for yourself, it will be nearly impossible for you to reach your musical dreams and build a successful career in the music business. Read below to discover these five key elements and take action on the information you learn: Music Career Success Key #1 - Don't Set Realistic Goals All of the most well-known and […]

February 26, 2018 25

Radio News

The Subways Tour Diary: Days 6-10 the adventure continues

The Subways were kind enough to chronicle their North American tour for us, and we’ll be running their tour diary in several installments this week. Billy Lunn will be our guide, and as he writes, “Because so much usually ends up happening on our tours, we thought that this time round, whilst we’re on our exciting US/Canada tour, I’d keep a diary of all our happenings. As well as being a nice little insight for you guys into our daily […]

February 25, 2018 8

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