When Cleveland Radio was Cool



What are the chances we could ever reclaim the glory days of Cleveland Radio? Unfortunately, outside of our local College Radio stations, the airwaves suck. Maybe we could get WYEP in Pittsburgh to start up a Cleveland station?? Please?

March 21, 2007 marked the 55th anniversary of the Moondog Coronation Ball - the original rock concert produced by DJ Alan Freed that put Cleveland on the map as an innovative music town and brought the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame + Museum to town. Since then, Cleveland has seen its share of musical success, earning a reputation as a town with good local radio stations that were powerful enough to "break" new acts. National acts started in Cleveland as well, but they had a bit more of a challenge.

In honor of the anniversary of the first Moondog Coronation Ball, WKSU's Vivian Goodman took a look at a rock history that included WMMS, Sonny Geraci and the Raspberries, and a memorable Bruce Springsteen concert, as well as the current rock scene being perpetuated by today's youth. Listen to her story and find extended interviews, photos, and links below.

Northeast Ohio's Rock past is also the subject of a new Grey & Co. book, "Cleveland Rock & Roll Memories" by Carlo Wolff. WKSU created an exclusive Rock Memories quiz: Kathleen Hogan, Steve Allen, Jo Dorado, Craig Thompson and Josie Smith had the most answers correct and will each receive a prize pack that includes a copy of the book and two passes to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame + Museum.

Posted: Thu - May 3, 2007 at 11:19 AM           |

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