[Description by Robb Pirraglia]

When I figured out I wanted to be a DJ, I wanted to be just like my hometown idol Cruisin’ Bruce. In fact my first radio work of any kind was to become his producer. I worked with him doing oldies, which were and still are, my favorite songs. My mentor and first PD John Morgan sat me down very early on and explained to me that there was more to being a jock than emulating Bruce. He introduced me to Joe Niagra on WIBG, Dan Ingram on WABC, Jay Thomas at 99X and what is to this day my prized radio possession, the Programmer’s Digest composite of WFIL from 1972, with Dr. Don Rose, Jim O’Brien, Dan Donovan and the greatest of all rock and roll jocks (in my humble assesment) George Michael. Nobody talked up a record like George. And man, did Ingram have wit — and Niagra related to his audience so well.

All this early listening was supplemented by learning radio old school, it was 1993 and I was trained on cueing records, bulking carts and splicing reels. I knew that I wanted to be like Big Dan and George and do my thing in NYC one day and since WABC was no more, I soon discovered Z100. My parents used to drive me down into Connecticut from time to time so I could hear it. I remember how incredible Serving the Universe and all the other trademark Z100 formatics sounded. I listened to my share of Kiss in Boston and PRO-FM in Rhode Island and learned top 40 radio from the oldies guys who’d done it and through old airchecks here at REELRADIO, and listening to what was going on in the business presently. Kid Kelly, who did nights for many years on Z100 became an adjunct coach of mine. I always wanted to be in New York, I always imagined it and I always believed if I never gave up, it would happen. It did.

I’ll never forget getting the phone call. Scott Shannon talked with me and gave me advice on what to focus on. It was incredible to do those classic Z100 formatics I always dreamed of. Was I nervous? Yes.. but the people there are such pros, the atmosphere is so creative and energetic, thatI have to admit after the first couple of shows I felt totally comfortable and really had a ball. It is always very humbling to me to be in that building and to look out the window at Manhattan and think “Oh man, this is market number one and I’m 19”.

I just always keep the heritage of the station in mind. I did the same at PRO-FM. There is a legacy to live up to at Z100 and I feel more aware of that than anything and how or what I can do here to make my own little mark on Z100 history. I think I have always been a jock that does three shifts at a time. You take me at face value, you can listen intently and catch all my subtle shananagins or you can be a radio geek and catch me making references to “Not Chuck Dunaway” and the defunct WAPP. I try to be the best of the old school and relevant to the new school of CHR (not TOP 40) jocks. Personality wins any way you look at it, and it comes out when you love what you’re doing!