[BC] Underground stations was Last Stands

[Paul Smith W4KNX]

WABX Detroit was one of the first.  Although, Uncle Russ Gibb, had WKNR FM
for a while.  WRIF was a wannabe, but was more AOR than underground.  All
these in Detroit.

Paul Smith
Sarasota, FL

-----Original Message-----
From: broadcast-bounces at radiolists.net
[mailto:broadcast-bounces at radiolists.net]On Behalf Of FrankGott at aol.com
Sent: Saturday, January 07, 2006 10:41 AM
To: broadcast at radiolists.net
Subject: Re: [BC] Last Stands


In a message dated 1/6/2006 11:04:59 PM Eastern Standard Time,
WFIFeng at aol.com writes:

<<  I'm talking about a situation where someone did
 something like this, and refused to leave- literally barricading themsef
into
 the CR and "taking over" the station. >>
That would be disruption of business.  Tantamount to theft of services.
Ample reasons for the police to be involved.

Willie, you also asked for a definition of an underground station.  These
were legal stations running a music format.  The illegal bootleg stations
you're
thinking of didn't exist in those days.  Most FMs played classical or a
variation of classical.  Top 40 ruled the AM band.  Those mop top boys from
England
heralded a simmering British invasion.

Underground could be defined as under the surface.  Underground radio played
music below the radar of top 40 radio.  Album cuts and music hippies were
beginning to discover on their own became a format.  Foment over Vietnam and
other
events of 1968 gave it a political tinge.  It was free form (an alternate
name for the format) controlled by a person.  Jack & Bob's computer wasn't
invented yet.

PD Ken Reeth at WAMO-AM-FM in Pittsburgh decided to begin an Underground
program in the evening.  Yours truly, the overnight board op, was renamed
Frank
the Freak.  Zappa, the Stones, Beatles and Who were aired.  Other groups we
played included the Doors, Cream, Creedence, Spirit, Holy Modal Rounders,
Arlo
Guthrie, Laurie Anderson, Tiny Tim, Grateful Dead, and carefully selected
cuts
from the Fugs.  Also, can't forget the Iron Butterfly.

The format quickly gained a following and helped sell more than a few FM
radios.  Underground gradually evolved into the AOR format, which is now
classic
rock.

Rich, anything you'd care to add?

Frank Gottlieb

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