WMMS is known for breaking artists like Bruce Springsteen, Rush, Fleetwood Mac and David Bowie, and for its Coffee Break Concerts that featured live performances by many of the top acts of the days, including Springsteen, U2, Cyndi Lauper and Warren Zevon. During the 1990s, he applied the same, take-no-prisoners promotion, programming and marketing strategy as operations manager of WMJI-FM/105.7, pushing the oldies station to the top of the radio ratings. Photo: Courtesy of John Gorman), One of the young DJs legendary WMMS program director John Gorman brought to the Buzzard when he took over again as WMMS chief in the early 1990s. "[110] Studios were moved again to a combined facility in the suburb of Independence, Ohio. He also managed Grammy-winning R and B superstar Luther Vandross. [128] WMMS again served as the FM flagship to the Cleveland Browns Radio Network from 2002 to 2012, with Jim Donovan and Doug Dieken as announcers. Buzzard Morning Zoo video featuring Mr. Leonard. "Betty was one of the original . The ritual lasted through his entire career at the Buzzard. Rover regularly takes calls throughout the show, and often interviews guests in studio and over the phone. Here's what some of your favorite personalities from the past are up to now. "They did a number of formats, and I was at the right place at the right time with a lot of other people. [96][98] Billboard and Airplay Monitor magazines together named WMMS Rock Station of the Year (Medium Market) in 1995,[103] and Modern Rock Station of the Year (Medium Market) in 1996. [34], Loveline, Westwood One's nationally syndicated call-in show hosted by Dr. Drew, aired weeknights from August 2008 through June 2010. The Buzzard was the co-creation of Gorman, Sanders and American Greetings artist David Helton.[31]. Lawrence James Travagliante - aka Kid Leo. February 7, 2021 WMMS. The team did later relocate to Cleveland, but lasted only a few months until an acrimonious breakup between Wolf and Mulrooney. Brian and Joe talk to Rob Thomas from Matchbox 20. I met great radio personalities like Chuck Knapp, Lou King Kirby, Chuck Dunaway, Big John Roberts and Billy Bass. (Cleveland) - One of our co-workers in the IHeartMedia Cleveland newsroom has passed away. She was among the first DJs to put the group's seven-minute opus, "Working Man," into regular rotation. She left in 1989 to work for Top 40 station WPHR-FM/107. Rio created the Mr. Leonard character over several years at stations in Houston, New York and Philadelphia before his Cleveland debut. Danny Czekalinski and Darla Jaye teamed up in October 1997 with Liz Wilde holdover Cory Lingus (Cory Gallant) until August 1998. Night on-air personality on The X. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Fans were encouraged to drop off a self-addressed stamped envelope to a local record store in order to score tickets. One day a co-worker overheard him ranting in the halls of the radio station and got the idea to feature him on the air with a salute to the weekend. [127] A new airstaff was assembled after the stunt: Tim "Slats" Guinane was hired for afternoon drive replacing Brian & Joe, who were transferred to WMVX, and music director Mark Pennington replaced Bill "BLF Bash" Freeman in overnights. Spero would go on to become one of Cleveland's early progressive-rock DJs, working first at WNCR and then at WMMS. "Discover Financial Services (DFS.N), a provider . Other stations carried their birthday show. [147], Described by The Plain Dealer as "testosterone-fueled", the show dominates younger demographics, particularly male listeners ages 1834. In 2009, she left KSL to become the spokesperson for the FBI Salt Lake City Division. [129][130] Radio & Records twice named WMMS "Rock Station of the Year: Markets 1-25" (200506) as part of the now defunct publication's annual Industry Achievement Awards. Late Friday we received an email from Cleveland radio legend John Gorman, the former longtime PD of the equally legendary WMMS, who shared the sad news of the passing of former longtime WMMS late-night personality Betty Korvan, who died at the age of 67. Hes heard introducing Bruce Springsteens fabled WMMS tenth anniversary show at the Cleveland Agora which is thought to have been the most bootlegged radio concert ever before its official release. Live at the Agora Ballroom on August 10, 1983. Among his books: "Radio Daze: Stories from the Front in Cleveland's FM Air Wars." In 1986, Gorman and 12 other staff members left WMMS to start classic-rock station WNCX-FM/98.5. Nighttimes, 1968-1970. Longtime radio newsman, Mike Olszewski worked over the years for WERE, WMMS, WNCX and WCLV. Host of "Rover's Morning Glory", a syndicated morning talk show that started at WXTM-FM/92.3 in 2003. Matt the Cat was permanently let go in December 1992 due to "budget problems. Some other possible meanings "Where Music Means Something" or "Weed Makes Me Smile". The station was known as "The Home of the Buzzard" at first. [141] Maxwell was known for having feuds with other radio personalities during the show's time at WMMS, including Rover of Rover's Morning Glory and fellow WTAM afternoon host Mike Trivisonno; by 2009, Maxwell had become the number one afternoon program in several key demographics. [114] BuzzardFest II was held the very next fall (September 1995) again at Blossom and featured performances from the Goo Goo Dolls, Alanis Morissette, Jewel, as well as the Dance Hall Crashers, Eleven, Green Apple Quick Step, Prick and Sons of Elvis. We all have such respect for what this station did back in the day. wmms radio personalities. BuzzardFest 2000 took Place on June 30, 2000 at Nautica on the Flats West Bank. This second show sold out immediately, and was held at the city's largest venue: Cleveland Public Hall.[63]. She left Cleveland to take a radio job in Florida. The top 40 format also failed to make any major ratings impact. Kinzbach left the station in 1994. Mr. Leonard, the self proclaimed assistant public service director made appearances on the Buzzard Morning Zoo for many years. The WMMS morning show Dick Dale & Rick hosted the event. [136], From the 1994 exit of Jeff Kinzbach and Ed Ferenc until the arrival of Rover's Morning Glory in 2008, WMMS gained notoriety for airing 13 distinct shows in morning drive. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. She now lives in Santa Monica, Calif. (Stile is pictured here, sitting next to Bruce Springsteen during his 1976 visit to the WMMS studios. [51], Among the most notorious broadcasts of The Howard Stern Show occurred on June 10, 1994. The flick which takes place in the 70s tells the story of a teenage boy who writes for Rolling Stone with the main focus being the rock band Stillwater. Contrary to what many believe, the choice of the second Malrite logo had nothing to do with Buzzard Day, the annual "folksy event" held in Hinckley Township, Ohio. Kid Leo Interviews Van Halen April 20, 1980. The show was a blend of music, comedy, news and sports, all with a definitively Cleveland sensibility. She later worked in radio promotion and sales in Chicago and New York. Moms to be participated in the bikini contest for a chance to win $1,000. He later took his groundbreaking progressive rock show to WNCR FM/95.5, working alongside pioneering Cleveland rock deejays Billy Bass and David Spero. [112] WMMS scheduled a second Green Day performance just two months later this time at Blossom Music Center and at a near-record-low cost of $5 per ticket, the station gave fans a "second chance" to see the band live. When I was in 12th grade I landed a job on the air at a radio station in Flint, Michigan. [72] Rather, WMMS adopted a buzzard as its mascot in April 1974 because of the then tenuous economic state of Cleveland less than five years away from becoming the first major American city to enter into default since the Great Depression[73] and the winged-creature's classification as a scavenger. On November 11, 1948,[54] the station adopted the callsign WHK-FM. grand wailea pool menu; under armour ignite slides waterproof. Since 1998, he's hosted "America's Workforce" a one-hour program sponsored by labor unions on WERE-AM/1490. (Plain Dealer file photo), Korvan was one of the notable rock jocks from the 1970s heyday of WMMS-FM/100.7. [115][116], The next of these multi-act shows, simply titled BuzzardFest, was held in May 1996 at Blossom Music Center and featured performances from 311 and No Doubt, along with Candlebox, The Nixons, Goldfinger, Gods Child, Dash Rip Rock, Holy Barbarians, and Canadian rock band The Tragically Hip. (Plain Dealer file photo), The legendary gravel-voiced, graveyard-shift DJ at WMMS-FM/100.7, Bill Lionel Freeman, is best known in Cleveland by his initials, "BLF." WMMS will celebrate its birthday Sunday at Blossom Music Center with a special anniversary concert featuring Ozzy Osbourne. Seth "the Barbarian" Williams took the overnight shift when Pennington moved to evenings in 2001. Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Detroit, St. Louis they ran another stations birthday party. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. (Photo courtesy of Shauna Zurbrugg). [133] "Chris Tyler" Merluzzo, former program director for Providence's WHJY, took over for Bo Matthews as WMMS program director on February 17, 2014. (Plain Dealer file photo), One of Cleveland radio's most popular -- and enduring -- morning teams, Jeff Kinzbach and Ed "Flash" Ferenc were a cornerstone of WMMS-FM/100.7 during its Buzzard heyday. "[86] From 1991 to 1993, WMMS served as the FM flagship for the Cleveland Browns, sharing coverage with then-sister WHK; the late Nev Chandler served as play-by-play announcer. The music structure also was modified at this time as artists such as Michael Jackson, Madonna and Prince soon found airplay on WMMS. Guest spots on WJR's Morning Show for Hollywood and Gossip Reports. [51] Seeing a small but significant groundswell of support for the medium in the market, WHK-FM adopted a new progressive rock format on August 15, 1968. In addition to Boom's deep pipes being used every hour in the Top of the hour ID's, station sweepers and commercials, he held two on-air shifts on the weekends which he coined the Boom 'till noon. July 11, 1995. He died in late 2006. [121] The Jacor purchase closed on August 10, 1998; 59days later, on October 8, 1998, Clear Channel Communications won a bidding war for Jacor in a $6.5billion deal. She also worked in TV production in LA, including at "Entertainment Tonight," and as a freelance producer, editor and writer for an audio book abridger. Jeff and Flash ruled the airwaves for 18 years on 100.7 WMMS. [124], Following Jacor's takeover, WMMS ran a "Death of the Buzzard" month-long stunt in October 1998. The station first turned to adult contemporary, big band, the Drake-Chenault automated Hit Parade '69 and finally Top 40,. [47][93] Stern continued on with the program over a phone line as engineers worked to quickly patch together the severed broadcast wire. Morning Show, Promotions Director KGGI. Most station imaging is produced out-of-market by national voice talents "David Lee" Olejniczak, Malcolm Ryker,[166] Rena-Marie Villano, and former WMMS creative services director Miles Hlivko; additional voice-over audio is produced on-site by WMMS imaging director Billy Black. [26][38][39][75][76][77], The World Series of Rock was a recurring, day-long and usually multi-act summer rock concert held outdoors at Cleveland Municipal Stadium from 1974 through 1980. (Plain Dealer file photo), Dillon got her start in Cleveland radio in 1988 on WMMS-FM/100.7, working on the morning show with Jeff and Flash. "I think it's like a young nation, the changes of the times," said John Gorman, the station's program director during its 1970s and '80s Buzzard heyday. Those 50 years have seen a lot of change for the station. Those guys are f--kin' heroes!" Widely regarded as one of the most influential rock stations in America throughout its history, the station has also drawn controversy for unusually aggressive tactics both on and off the air. (Plain Dealer file photo). WMMS also airs The Week in Cox, a weekly recap show on Sunday mornings. (Halper is at center in the photo above, with members of Rush and WMMS staffers. On-site, play-by-play announcer Tim Alcorn calls games alongside color analyst Jim Chones, a former Cavaliers center. They were rewarded with a night that they would remember for the rest of their lives. Listen To The Most Popular Podcasts On iHeartRadio! In time, the station adopted new slogans reflecting the callsign: "We're your Modern Music Station" and "your Music Marathon Station. Bryan Adams Agora photo credit: Janet Macoska, Sammy Hagar Odeon photo credit: Daune Raz. [113] The Ramones headlined BuzzardFest '95 the following spring (May 1995) at Blossom;[114] other acts included Our Lady Peace, The Rugburns and Face to Face. He offered "Solid Goldbergers" and ordered us to "EN-joy". Stern's ratings exploded and this along with a growing urgency from management not to compete with or mention Stern on the air led to a sudden and steep ratings decline for The Buzzard Morning Zoo. The Alan Cox Show: 1/20/23 | 100.7 WMMS | The Alan Cox Show While both Rover and Alan Cox are primarily "hot talk" programs, rock music airs during regular middays, nights, overnights, weekends and online during Cavaliers and Guardians play-by-play. Heavily bootlegged, the concert further cemented the relationship between the two in fans' minds, and well into the 2000s Cleveland remains one of Springsteen's strongest bases. [137] Cantle later called the failure of Sean, Cristi and Hunter as "a real team effort" and compared herself unfavorably to Johnny Manziel: "too young, too overconfident and too drunk to handle the responsibility however I have no intentions of playing Canadian football". Co-Host of the Power 96 Morning Show with national Radio Personality, Michael J. Foxx. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). [148][146][152][153][154][155], A devoted fan of heavy metal, Cox considers himself more of a comedian than a disc jockey. WMMS-FM started up on Sept. 28, 1968, as a progressive-rock station, and earned fame as one of the country's most successful rock stations in the '70s. "The station, like any radio station, it really reflects the people who are running it and the ownership of the station. Cleveland Police wearing riot gear were called in just as headliner Green Day took the stage. Past show members at WMMS include, Ryan Hoppe, Scott Taylor (now a reporter at WJLA in Washington, DC, Kaitlin Geosano, and Rob Garguilo. He gave many new up and coming artists exposure and put them on the map to their road to stardom. He came to the Agora armed with a new album, Darkness on the Edge of Town. For the next three hours, spread across two sets, Springsteen did just that, telling stories and playing the best of his catalog, including a lengthy version of "Growin' Up," in which he told the tale of being sent to have a conversation with God about what he should do with his life, encountering Kid Leo along the way, who was "prayin' for more watts" for WMMS. (Photo by Gus Chain, The Plain Dealer), The affable Spero was born into rock 'n' roll. Len "Boom" Goldberg's unmistakable voice was heard for three decades on 100.7 WMMS. Before FM took over the airwaves, before WMMS became the undisputed champ of Cleveland rock radio, WIXY 1260 AM ruled. He left in the late '80s to become program director for WRQK-FM/106.9 in Canton. He influenced many listeners of the station and kept the momentum alive pushing new music into the ears and speakers of the audience of WMMS. : Michael K. McIntyre's Tipoff", "Cleveland radio personality Chad Zumock no longer working at WMMS after OVI arrest", "Bo Matthews to Program Cleveland's New 99X", "Bo Matthews Named VP Of Programming For CCM+E-Cincinnati", "Cavaliers and iHeartMedia Announce AM/FM Simulcast", "Cavs and Monsters Announce Multi-Year Extensions of Radio Broadcast Agreements", "As a reminder, we cannot stream @Cavs or @Indians on the Internet or via the @iHeartRadio app", "Nope - you'll want to grab the exclusive NBA Game Time app for that", "No, but you can listen free online w/ NBA Audio League Pass or paid w/ the NBA League Pass app", "Cleveland Indians, WTAM AM/1100 reach 5-year deal to broadcast games", "Cleveland Indians, WTAM, WMMS reach multiyear deal to carry games through (at least) 2023", "Per MLB rules we are not allowed to stream games", "MLB At Bat app only for streaming audio", "Streaming? Belkin Productions staged these events, attracting popular hard rock bands and as many as 88,000 fans. It's about an ex-Marine who is a hitman in the Midwest on March 25th. Radio Daze: Stories from the Front in Clevelands FM Air Wars by Mike Olszewski (Kent State University Press), Cleveland Radio Tales by Mike & Janice Olszewski (Gray & Co., Publishers). There were other really good rock stations around, but those other stations opted in to carry the live broadcast of the MMS birthday show (in 1978). All we can do is hope to create something cool so that in 20 years people will say, 'Man, remember what WMMS used to be like? The people who put it together aren't even smart enough to know where our city boundaries are." [142], On April 3, 2009, The Maxwell Show went on the air claiming that Metallicain Cleveland for the 2009 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony the very next daywas playing a free show in the WMMS parking lot later that evening. (Plain Dealer file photo), A DJ and music director at WMMS-FM/100.7 from 1974-78. WMMS, WTAM and the other iHeart stations in Cleveland will get a new home this year. Cleveland Magazine has called the show a "juggernaut", and readers of Cleveland Scene named Rover the best Cleveland radio personality in 2009, 2014, and 2015 (Scene had previously recognized either Rover or his show four straight years, from 2004 to 2007, all prior to the move to WMMS). From 1978 on, Belkin Productions conditioned its funding of the Free Clinic on the nondisclosure of the number of Clinic staff on duty at the concerts, the nature of conditions treated and the number of patients treated.[79][80]. Past affiliates at WMMS include WAMX/Huntington, WMFS-FM/Memphis, WNDE/Indianapolis, WXEG/Dayton, WRXS/Columbus, and the now defunct Extreme Talk. [41] WMMS also lured popular morning personalities Brian Fowler and Joe Cronauer away from rival WENZthen also an alternative rock stationas the successors to Jeff and Flash (Jeff Kinzbach, Ed Ferenc) on The Buzzard Morning Zoo. And indeed, it remains a special show in the memories of Springsteen, Weinberg and the members of the E Street Band too. Date Unknown, William Lionel Freeman, better known by the name of his long time overnight show, "The BLF Bash" began his radio career in Fargo and later landed on the east coast in Boston.

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