Bruce Manke, WPLR's utility player from 1973-1981 shares stories of his worst celebrity interviews, the magical moment after the murder of John Lennon, on stage pre concert announcements, his earliest New Haven FM radio memory and more.
He was at WPLR for two short but incredible years in music history. Connecticut radio legend Stormin Norman was on the air the night John Lennon was murdered, was on the air the day the Eagles played the Yale Bowl and more. He shared his stories of loading Billy Joel into Toad's Place, seeing the Stones at Toad's, asking Paul McCartney a question that got an answer that was used in media reports around the world. It was real fun talking to the amazing Stormin Norman.
Mike Lapitino, the longest running air talent in WPLR's 50 year history, takes Chaz through his 35 years on air at the station and behind the scenes. From hanging out with Rock Stars (and annoying some), to what struck him about standing next to the Rolling Stones and tons of studio stories in between, Your Ol' Buddy Lappy doesn't hold back.
Chaz talks to Keith Dakin (Boss Keith), Vice President of Programming for Connoisseur Media and covers everything from COVID-19's effect on radio, how they pick the music, radio’s future, his favorite year in music and his bizarre Armageddon supplies.
In WPLR's 50 year history there has only been three marketing directors. Drew Carrano is our third and current Super Hero. He talks about going backstage, meeting KISS, his vast knowledge of 'The Golden Girls' and the man who was one of the most important people in his life, PLR legend, Sam T.
From intern to Program Director and everything in between, Eddie oversaw the changing of morning shows, a very uncomfortable firing and then his own firing over a Chaz and AJ situation. Eddie grew up on PLR and it was great catching up with him.
Eddie Wazoo was a staple at WPLR from 1975-1981. He's most known as the afternoon drive host and music director during one of the most fertile times in rock music. He talks about how he got his name, great behind the scenes PLR stories and why it took so long for PLR to play The Ramones.
Chaz talks with Marcia Simon, who was at PLR from 1975 to 1981. She was the first female morning show personality in the state.
Former General Manager Dick Kalt talked with Chaz on how Stoneman became a radio personality, how one of his morning show hosts ended up naked on Playgirl and so much more.
It could be argued Jimmy Koplik is the longest running PLR air personality ever. He's been involved with the station since we took the air in 1971.
Chaz talks with Megan Doll, who was on the air for over 20 years with 99.1 PLR. She started out doing traffic for Smith & Barber and Mike Lapitino before becoming a full part of the morning show. She left in 2013 after being a cherished member of Chaz & AJ in the Morning
Rick Allison began his career at WPLR in 1975 and has done everything from part time news, mornings (multiple times), program director, the voice of the station, to hosting the longest running local band show in the history of radio (heard every Sunday night). He’s been fired several times but the universe will not allow Allison and PLR to be apart for long.
How a very serious illness led to Mark Kaplowe’s love affair with radio. He entered the WPLR building on Chapel Street in 1975 and eventually became the afternoon drive host. He shares why he hoped Stoneman didn’t bounce off the wall twice, meeting Bono of U2, the moment Wiggy fired him and how he went on to become one of the most sought after voice over talents in America.
Chaz talked with Doc Rock, one of the original WPLR jocks, about the launch of PLR 50 years ago back in 1971.
October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, but it’s never the wrong time to make sure you protect your own digital identity. Listen for some tips to protect yourself
Congrats to the class of 2020! Listen to the Amity Regional High School graduation here
The HomeAides and 99.1 PLR want to thank the entire team at Brookdale Buckingham Senior Living for their hard work and dedication, especially during this pandemic
Our HomeAides Hero of the month, Emily Harlow with The Saybrook at Haddam, tells us why she loves what she does as a caregiver
It’s the mutation that will kill ya.
Let the crazy begin. I AM SPARTACUS!
So much whining and wailing.
And y'all are still nuts.
Ahead of their third annual Friendsgiving shows at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester on November 29 and 30, Twiddle bassist Zdenek Gubb chats about how it came together, playing with the Grateful Dead's Phil Lesh, what 2020 will bring, and being unrecognizable after cutting his hair.
2020 will only be weirder.
Use the green from pot to fill the pot holes. And be sure to warm-up for Thanksgiving.
Can we all agree on a time?
