20 Years. Beyond AM. Beyond FM…
20 years ago today, I was on the verge of being unemployed as Clear Channel's Jamin' 99.5, DC Oldies format, was getting ready to flip to a top 40 format. Bruce Kelly, the morning man, had left and called and told me about a new venture, XM Satellite Radio.
He got me the interview with Lee Abrams and Dave Logan. I went into the studios on Eckington Place in NE Washington, D.C. not knowing what to expect. Well, the tour of 90 studios and state of the art equipment blew my mind. And when they told me that I had autonomy to create a format reflective of the Old School R&B culture, I knew I wanted the job (and I also knew this was the place I could retire from).
I signed the offer sheet on the spot without a lawyer. Adding to my comfort was the staff that included many legends of radio—Maxx Myrick, Steve Harris, Bobby Bennett, and so many more. I did the research and named the channel "The Groove". Today it's still a top performer on Sirius XM. Thanks Lee, and Dave, and thanks to Max, Lou, and Mike my cube mates aka Hugh Panero's "Power Corner"…
