Thanks to the producers of “NINE the Ultimate Radio Format” for the sincerest form of flattery.

WOR-FM PosterWe start with the birth of mid 60’s FM radio and the sound of WOR-FM. Proclaiming WOR-FM ROCKS! it was boring and laid back (like all of us were then).

Enter Bill Drake. The 60’s were ending and WOR-FM eventually gave way to a more top 40 sound called OR-FM, and finally, the change in call letters to WXLO in the early 70’s. The “last gasping moment” refers to the end of the road for WXLO. Exit Mr. Drake and enter Paul Drew. It was 1974 and it was the arrival of the “Q” format in New York. Led by Jerry Clifton, its special sound of top 40 and contests slowly began to undermine WABC. He took the so-so station that was “WXLO-98.7” and since there was no Q in the calls, named it (drumroll) — 99X!

99X StereoThe 99X segment features the original “X” jocks in actual order. Starting from the “Shotgun” (the only jingle on 99X) is morning man Jay Stone. The bagel who calls in is Jerry. The promo montage that follows features the sound that made 99X unique. Jerry’s ever-present X X X whispers and stereo pans and repetition (the air condition wee – air condition wee – air condition weekend) made the audience stop and listen. The repetition was intentional and manually edited, pre-computer, and has not been enhanced from the original sound.

Also featured: Chuck Roberts, Dave Thompson, Walt Baby Love, Brian White, Joe McCoy and RK Oliver (Rocco). (What did you expect from a station owned by RKO General?)

Take note: Joe and Walt are true renaissance men, spanning the incarnations and upheavals of this compilation. Notice how far back you hear them!