Block's program on station WNEW was highly successful, and Block was described as "the make-all, break-all of records. In the 1970s WIOQ and WYSP adopted the progressive rock format and began to challenge WMMRs supremacy. By the end of World War II, disc jockeys had established a reputation as "hitmakers", someone whose influence "could start an artist's career overnight". One of WMMRs veteran DJs, Pierre Robert, achieved local celebrity status, known not only for his music-industry experience but also as a supporter of charitable causes. Programming decisions became the responsibility of station program directors. She played up-beat songs, gave the time and temperature, and read the latest weather. Four AM stations ruled the Philadelphia airwaves in the all-important youth radio market in this period: white stations WIBG and WFIL and Black stations WDAS and WHAT. For a number of decades beginning in the 1930s, the term "disc jockey", "DJ", "deejay", or "jock"[1] was exclusively used to describe on-air personalities who played selections of popular recorded music on radio broadcasting stations. DJ Diamond Kuts is a radio DJ, tour DJ and producer from Philadelphia. WDAS was the powerhouse of the two, with legendary DJs Georgie Woods, the Guy with the Goods (19272005); Doug Jocko Henderson, the Ace from Outer Space (19182000), and Jimmy Bishop. As a result, the process of persuading stations to play certain songs was simplified. Phase 2 DJS. However beginning in the Top 40 era, female disc jockeys became more common. Anele Mdoda. [6], Culminating in the "golden age" of Top 40 radio, from approximately 1955 to 1975, radio DJs established a style of fast talking patter to bookend three minute pop songs. (DJ, Television & Radio Personality) 20. Retired from WOGL, in Philadelphia. Record hops were often sponsored by radio stations as a way to promote their disc jockeys, or by record stores to promote the sale of records. I would highly recommend them to anyone. Ive worked with Jon and his team professionally a few times and didnt hesitate once I got engaged. [23], A top-rated radio host at WINS in New York City in the mid 1960s was Murray Kaufman, aka Murray the K. Kaufman took over the station's 7-11PM time period for several years. Tom Joyner. Woods was a noted civil rights activist, Henderson had daily radio shows in both Philadelphia and New York, and Bishop owned a record label and served at times as program director at WDAS and vice president for CBS Records. Sam Sylk. Age: 30. [20], In 1935, American radio commentator Walter Winchell used the term "disc jockey" (the combination of disc, referring to the disc records, and jockey, which is an operator of a machine) as a description of radio announcer Martin Block, the first announcer to become a star. Woods was known for his political and social activism both on-air and on the streets of Philadelphiahe was acquainted with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., worked with rights activist Cecil B. Moore, served as the vice president of the local NAACP, and won an election for Philadelphia City Council in the late 1960s, though he lost by a slim margin on a recount. Kids all over the Midwest left their radios on 890, turned them on after school, and waited for darkness. [56], In 1939, Hal Jackson was the first African American radio sportscaster at WOOK-AM in Washington, DC, and later hosted The House That Jack Built, a DJ program of jazz and blues. They reflected national and local musical trends, exposed audiences to new music, and in some cases produced records and managed artists. with Nestico DJ-ing as Lady Prowl and holding a radio show on underground station RWD.FM, . Pictured from left to right are WIP's Bob Menefee, Joe The Rockin Bird Niagara (WIBG), Sid Mark (WHAT-FM), Jim Tate (WIP Radio), Reggie LaVong (WHAT-FM), and Jerry Blavat (of Camden's WCAM). Joe and the rest of the band were so wonderful and easy to work with. [19] Martin's morning radio show format was uncommon in the late 1920s. Those classic Philly disc jockeys of 'oh so long ago'. Website: www.rhythmixent.com, My new husband and I used Rhythmix Entertainment for our Brunch Wedding on 9/15/18. WABC (AM) in New York hired DJ Liz Kiley in 1979. Discover the best places for drinks in your city, plus transactions and logistics made easy. We only had to do a simple phone call to discuss details two weeks before the wedding to finalize everything (Even though we bugged him probably 20 times throughout our two year engagement with random questions). The history of radio disc jockeys covers the time when gramophone records were first transmitted by experimental radio broadcasters to present day radio personalities who host shows featuring a variety of recorded music. Operating out of a city with such a rich musical history has allowed us to truly embrace the magical experiences created by entertainers. African American radio DJs emerged in the mid 1930s and late 1940s, mostly in cities with large black populations such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Detroit. Underground radio eschewed the three-minute pop songs and high-energy DJ patter of AM radio in favor of a less commercial approach, with jocks who spoke in a low-key conversational style and played longer musical selections in the emerging progressive rock style. He was a DJ and wedding photographer for more than a decade himself, so he fully understands what happens in the real world at events firsthand. He has served as consulting archivist for the Philadelphia Orchestra and the 2014 radio documentary Going Black: The Legacy of Philly Soul Radio and gave several presentations and helped produce the Historical Society of Pennsylvanias 2016 Philadelphia music series Memories & Melodies. (Author information current at time of publication. Vote for Your Favourite Radio Personalities. [11][12], In 1917 Captain Horace Donisthorpe, who was training radio operators for the British Army near Worcester, England, made unofficial broadcasts as engineer from a field. 8. [52][53], Cold War radio DJ Willis Conover's program on the Voice of America from 1955 through the mid-1990s featured jazz and other "prohibited" American music aimed at listeners in the Soviet Union and other Communist countries. View history; Help. His show was known for its frenetic pace that incorporated segues, jingles, sound effects, and antics. From Philadelphia wedding bands, DJs, musical ensembles, sound production, and lighting, they are highly adaptable to fit a wide range of needs and budgets. 4. Prior to the 1920s radio use was limited to military and hobbyists. For this, he is yet another to have earned the title "fifth Beatle." Her popularity grew, drawing an average nightly audience of 78,000. He lead the team of "Boss Jocks" at KHJ-AM in L.A. and would kick off each broadcast with a cry of, "Good morning, Boss Angeles!" In the early radio age, content typically included comedy, drama, news, music, and sports reporting. RhythMix worked with us throughout the entire wedding planning process and had all of our friends and family on the dancefloor all night! Hull also had ties to the Beatles sensing a theme here? Go beyond the typical Top 40 . But the decline of local media changed the face of Black Talk . He was adept at blending a variety of genres, and his notoriety led him to onscreen roles in 1978'sSgt. Brandon Gourdine was our point person and DJ. Wed get married again just to party with Pop Philly again! The story goes (according to Murray) that George himself bestowed the title on the disc jockey. While he never worked at a major commercial radio stationhe got his start at WCAM, a small Camden, New Jersey, station in 1960he built a loyal following hosting dances and live shows and remained one of the best-known figures on the local music scene in the early twenty-first century. The group's name was later changed to the National Association of Radio and Television Announcers. gonna post one here. Follow The Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia on Instagram He is also the subject of the Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon game. The Untold Story: By Soul Sound Sonny Hopson the Mighty Burner the Number One Communicator. Top DJs In Philadelphia. Serves Philadelphia, PA. Melody H. says, "His professionalism and correspondence was extremely professional. 5 Best Carpet Cleaning Service in Las Vegas, NV, 5 Best Delivery/Takeaway Restaurants in Detroit, MI, 5 Best Italian Restaurants in Fort Worth, TX . ), Hy Lit and Joe Niagara on air for WIBG's Nostalgia Kick, Special Collections Research Center, Temple University Libraries. Ravi Jackson has hosted multiple radio shows, being the only Philadelphia DJ to bring the Indian sounds of Bhangra and Bollywood to the Philadelphia airwaves. Actor Kevin Bacon (yes, that Kevin Bacon) was born in the City of Brotherly love on July 8, 1958). They take pride in being your partner in creating a memorable event for such an important occasion! 3. Chris Evans currently hosts one of the most popular radio shows in the UK, The Chris Evans Breakfast Show on Virgin Radio. A leading Philadelphia DJ at a time when Philly - the birthplace of "American Bandstand" - was the center of the rock 'n . Murray also earns major cred points for defending and championing Dylan after the folk singer turned electric in the face of stiff criticism. WMMR became the preeminent Philadelphia rock station for many years, with DJs such as Ed Sciaky (19482004), Michael Tearson (b. In 1998, Zoe Ball began hosting the BBC's key breakfast show slot, followed by Sarah Cox in 2000. They played our wedding and helped us create many memories with our friends and family that we will remember for the rest of our lives. [37][38], Record hops became strongly associated with early rock and roll. John DeBella, who began his career with WMMR in the 1980s, also achieved local celebrity and a reputation as Philadelphias classic rock radio personality. Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike are actually two brothers named Dimitri and Michael Thivaios. Jonathan Simon - DJ Gatsby. Indeed, in July 1960, two Radio 99 DJs, Harvey Miller and Jerry Stevens, battled it out on the . Brandon Gourdine was our point person and DJ. Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia Archives. Book 2, "Rock & Roll Radio DJs ~ The Swinging Sixties," continues the fun and frolic of several disc jockeys' stories from the 1950s (Book 1). Goodbye, John Zacherle, wherever you are. Judy Dibble on WDGY in Minneapolis started as "sidekick" to a male DJ in the mid 1960s and later went on to host her own DJ show. Even more, my husband surprised me with a studio recording on the song for Christmas! Rick Party. Don Imus - Net Worth: $35 million. A certified archivist, he directs a project for the Historical Society of Pennsylvania focusing on the archival collections of the regions many small historical repositories. Website: www.djravijackson.com, Have been to several of DJ Ravi Jacksons parties in the Philly area. Freed also made a practice of presenting music by African-American artists rather than cover versions by white artists on his radio program. . [61], Nat D. Williams was the first African American disc jockey on WDIA in Memphis with his popular Tan Town Jamboree show. Discover DJ events, buy tickets and more, including following your favorite venues, promoters and DJs. Philly's 105.3 FM - the Best R&B & Throwbacks. Excellent 4.9. . Nationally renowned DJ Alan Freed, who was uncooperative in committee hearings, was fired as a result. Listen to the best live radio stations in Philadelphia, PA. As a producer, she produced and co . Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and Dirty Dancing. He started the Imus in the Morning in the Evening radio show in 1973. [60] Most major U.S. cities operated a full-time rhythm and blues radio station, and as African Americans traveled the country they would spread the word of their favorite radio personalities. A-Trak. History of Famous Radio DJs. The radio DJ has been around almost . From meeting the staff at a bridal show we knew this was gonna be the group to meet our wedding needs. on The Most Influential DJs of All Time #5 . It's a rare American who at some point during his lifetime hasn't listened to a radio disc jockey. Our dance floor was PACKED the entire night! [18], Disputes with the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) and the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) affected radio DJs during World War II. [43][44] In 1957 alone, disc jockey and American Bandstand host Dick Clark made 157 appearances at dances and record hops. Clipped from the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin (1977), this photo captures Hy Hyski Lit (left) and Joseph Nigro, better known as Joe The Rockin Bird Niagara, behind the microphone for WIBG-AM radio. 2 The Real Roxanne feat. The station is known for the wide variety of music it plays, including adult alternative and singer-songwriter styles, as well as folk, jazz, avant-garde, and new music from artists across the country and around the world. . Hopson hosted his show for twenty-one years, from 1965 to 1986. 623 hires on Thumbtack. Over the years Philadelphias radio stations have produced an array of DJs whose voices, personalities, and influence have added much to the popular culture of the city and beyond. Jon was so easy to work with from the beginning to find the best entertainment for my style wedding. [68][69], In 1973, Yvonne Daniels was the first female DJ hired by WLS (AM) in Chicago. Many Philadelphia DJs became celebrities, actively engaged and influential in the local music scene. [34], Radio disc jockey programs were often syndicated, at first with hourly musical programs with entertainers such as Dick Powell and Peggy Lee acting as radio DJs introducing music and providing continuity and commentary,[35] and later with radio personalities such as Casey Kasem who hosted the first nationally syndicated Top 40 countdown show. A collaboration between public radio stations WRTI and WXPN, as well as marketing startup / talent incubator REC Philly, the project awarded a total of $48,000 in grants to 23 musicians, DJs . [32], Radio DJs often acted as commercial brokers for their program and actively solicited paying sponsors. Niagara began broadcasting rock and roll for WIBG 1956 and led the stations transition to all rock and roll by the end of the decade. Im from NY and know when I see a good DJ. Cousin Brucie, Doctor Don Rose, Ron Riley, and Jim Stagg, are just a few who keep the turntables spinning through 1960s musical history. 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