Radio Daze

Stories from the Front in Cleveland's FM Air Wars

Cleveland has long enjoyed its reputation as one of the hottest music centers in the country and as the Rock 'n' Roll Capital of the World. Trends started or gained major recognition in Cleveland and were fueled by local radio stations and their disc jockeys, who connected with their audience and their lifestyles. IN fact, WMMS deejays helped the careers of many in the music industry take off, including David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen, and Southside Johnny. Essentially the story of WMMS, Radio Daze captures the radio scene during the '70s and '80s, chronicling how this small FM rock station became the top-rated station in Northeast Ohio and made Cleveland one of the most important radio markets in the world. Author Mike Olszewski obtained exclusive interviews with many radio legends, revealing how insidious and destructive the battle for radio dominance became. Among other things, he exposes the story behind the reports of ballot box stuffing by WMMS to win the prestigious Rolling Stone magazine Readers' Poll for best radio station in the country and some of the dirty tricks played by radio stations to get the edge on their competitors. Radio Daze is an honest and comprehensive look at the birth of Cleveland's FM radio scene and the sometimes-vicious ratings wards. It will be welcomed by pop-culture enthusiasts and those interested in local music as well as music history.