I am reading the fabulous Marc Fisher book called Something In the Air - to take from the jacket insert: 'A sweeping, intimate account of the great sounds and voices of radio, and how one medium became a bonding agent for a generation of American Youth'
I already knew of the likes of Alan Freed and Wolfman Jack - but this book introduces many others who used the early medium of radio as it should be used whilst all the others were dominating with their AM station playlists of repetative Top 40 charts [which were partly made up according to the bribes of the record companies]. One such broadcaster was Jean Sheherd who broadcast throughout the night. The first radio beat poet who invited people to stay up with him through the night and question the world around them. He practically invented 'talk radio' in the early 50's.
I have just found a website at www.shepcast.blog.com where you can download Shepherds shows into itunes. This is where the internet truly does what it should - give new life to the innovaters of this world and introuce them to a new listening public. I am looking forward big time to listening to these shows.

"Life can't be talked about by just words, you've got to do it with silence, you have to do it with beat and tempo and rhythm'.
Jean Shepherd












