Rock Radio 50 Years Ago ♪ APRIL 1976

Country, Classical, Opera, Blues? All in a Rhapsody of Rock & Roll!

Updated—04/13/26: Finally! The BFYP final edition is here! The bulk of the delay is due to the vagaries of life, but as mentioned already, I became enmeshed in research for the monthly Song of Note. Seriously, I could make a movie on my discoveries. Oh … well … it’s already been done. Hopefully you’ll enjoy the storytelling as much as I did learning what I missed as a young’un, and sharing it.

There’s no disputing that this era was musical history in the making. And it all played out on Rock Radio music charts. Those Top Ten-Twenty-Thirty-Forty lists of the Seventies especially, told the history of Rock & Roll, while foretelling the future of it.

Bubblegum Pop evaporated into edgier lyrics and stretched to include instruments in other musical realms. By the middle ‘70s, a subtle battle waged up and down the charts between Pop, Disco, Glam Rock and mushrooming experimental melodies with unusual instruments and sounds. Lyrics continued to reflect events of the day, surrounded by the ever-present love songs. Every month brought more mind-altering music and wild-‘n’-crazy DJs to test the limits of former boundaries and what Radio stations would allow.

This month’s Featured Radio Survey heads into the decade’s end flaunting ever-growing raw talent on the charts. For better or worse, those on the inside were often fueled by the Seventies’ banner of “Sex, Drugs & Rock & Roll.” The rest of us gobbled it up and craved more. We weren’t disappointed.  

Even those who were too young to understand it or care, found the early progressive Rock as the years tore on, never letting go of the essence of Rock & Roll—innovation. Welcome to APRIL 1976 as we Spring into memories or learn anew, true tales behind the mic …Enjoy 50 Years Ago this Month … 

º APRIL 1976 Radio News & Muse ♪ 
What was your fave DJ playing when you turned on your tinny transistor radio 50 Years Ago? Oh, I’m well aware that many of you readers, like me, have forgotten many details of “back in the day.” And then there are those who love Rock & Roll, but aren’t blessed with the memories, so let’s look back together, to pioneering Rock & Roll Radio in the making …

You might find interesting, April 1976’s KRIZ 1230/Phoenix, Arizona, Top 30 survey (ARSA link is NOT secure; enter at own risk). Their “Hits” list for April 17^th – 30^th, flaunts WINGS’ new “Silly Love Songs” at #2, while their album, [Wings] At The Speed of Sound, is firmly entrenched at #1 of their Top 10 Albums list.

       KRIZ became a Top 40 powerhouse just as Rock & Roll was really hitting its stride in 1963. Were you listening when it fueled a ratings feud with KRUX (1360 AM) that raged into the early ‘70s? Popular DJ Shotgun Tom Kelly was, hitting their airwaves for a few of their best years (later, as a San Diego KCBQ icon, he donned his trademark ranger hat). But when Top 40 faltered, as new music and listening habits evolved, Shotgun left and KRIZ eventually flipped to KFLR in 1978. More failed format and call sign changes landed its 1230 AM dial on KOY, now featuring what’s considered a regional Mexican radio format.

Or were you around in the mid-‘70s to enjoy the dulcet tones of DJ Dennis Elliot on the short-lived WPEZ in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania? From 1976 to sometime in ‘77, Pittsburgh listeners tuned into Dennis’s spirited commentary and smooth, energetic voice.
       We know from this aircheck that he was there at least through New Year’s 1977, giving away t-shirts and making winners of his listeners … take a listen and enjoy the past with Dennis and our history-making music. Last heard, Dennis spent 1996 (and more?) in Pittsburgh with WZPT during their radio tenure 1994-2011. But couldn’t find further current news.
       WPEZ’s hits were heard over the airwaves from November 1973 until it, too, gave up on Top 40 and opted for an adult contemporary format in September 1980, flipping to WWSW-FM. It’s now broadcasting classic hits as 94.5 3WS.  

Movin’ on … notes & news about music of the day … 

♪ APRIL 1976 Song of Note ♪   
Grab a cuppa something, sit back and enjoy the read. It’s gonna be a long one … just like the song … 
       During the 1950s and ‘60s there were one or two songs and artists that defined each decade. But the 1970s was an era in transition that continued building on the late ‘60s’ creative energy.
       The first half-decade represented a sound mix of Pop and a little edgier Rock, while the second half split the sound between even more musical nuances as we explored with innovative enthusiasm. The APRIL 1976 Song of Note is tinged with Disco, infused with waning Pop, even hinting at the Blues and Opera, while reverberating with ever-edgier, Rock & Roll. Coined “progressive Rock,” you’ll find it at #6 on the WPEZ Featured Radio Survey …   
       There is nothing about British band Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” (from their fourth album, A Night at the Opera) that hasn’t already been said … over … and over … and over. But maybe you’ve forgotten or don’t even know who Queen was (!). There are great, classic Rock & Roll songs and artists, and then there are those that transcend all musical genres.  

       Often referred to as a Hard Rock masterpiece … “Bohemian Rhapsody” urges a response, whether you love(d) it or hate(d) it. I watched the biographically dramatic movie of the same name (2018, now showing on Netflix*) to remind me of the story behind it. The song and the movie both won a slew of awards. After watching, the lyrics took on a whole new meaning that I never paid attention to, back in the day …
       Without the 1970s story context, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” the song, could be construed as depressing, morose, or simply sad, and an extremely long musical piece for that era, that doesn’t know what it wants to be when it grows up. But there’s no denying Freddie Mercury (1946-1991) was a one-of-a-kind person and a music innovator/genius. He didn’t just create the music. He felt it in every fiber of his being.
       It didn’t matter that Freddie had prominent buckteeth that belied his worth as a band frontman. Would he fix those teeth? Heck no. Freddie credited the anomaly he was born with, four extra incisors, for his incredible vocal range.

       And he couldn’t have expressed it quite as well without the original members of Queen. All genius musicians in their own right, Roger Taylor (76, drums), John Deacon (74, bass) and Brian May (78, guitar), didn’t always like Freddie, but totally understood him.  
       We could even argue Freddie was tinged with mysticism. “Bohemian Rhapsody’s” lyrics were begun as a teen, way back in 1960 … was it a metaphor for his life? How would he know then, his life would end so early? Perhaps he didn’t know the how then, but he surely foretold the way-too-soon final outcome.
       Freddie suspected he’d contracted Aids by the time Queen reunited and performed at Wimbley Stadium for the first Live Aid concert in 1985 (for the Ethiopian famine). And yet, he kept performing. 
♪ …

I'm just a poor boy, nobody loves me | He's just a poor boy from a poor family | Spare him his life from this monstrosity … ♪    
       Why the extended section on the Song of Note? I delved more into Queen largely due to my son, Scott, who was too young to know them in the ‘70s and became an ardent fan near the end of their journey, in the mid-1980s. I’m so glad he urged me to look further into the incredible story of Queen, proving we’re never too old to learn a thing or two. I’m embarrassed to admit that back in the '70s, though I loved Queen’s music, I didn’t care about the background. I just wanted to know … can I dance to it?!  
       While you may think you don’t like them, I guarantee you’ve had a reason to sing at least one refrain of Queen’s 1977 mega-hit, “We Are The Champions.” They certainly were. And like true monarchs, they meant the “royal we,” to include us all. ♪ … We are the champions, my friends | And we'll keep on fighting 'til the end … ♪    

April 1^st – April 30^th: No one disputed Paul and Linda McCartney’s love when they co-wrote the April 1976 hit, "Silly Love Songs." For an April 1^st US release date, it didn’t waste any time climbing the charts. By April 16^th its album At the Speed of Sound by WINGS reached #6 on WPEZ/Philadelphia’s “Albums” Top 20, without the song’s appearance yet in the singles; but KRIZ/Phoenix listeners must have been crazy about love, speeding it up to #2 by April 17^th on their singles “Hits” Top 30 and the album already at #1. With a whole month of accolades under its belt, “Silly Love Songs” is finally released on April 30^th in the UK.
       Rumor has it, McCartney hasn’t had the heart to sing it again on stage since Wings’ breakup in 1981. That’s too bad. It’s really something we all need to remember … ♪ … You'd think that people would have had enough of silly love songs | But I look around me and I see it isn't so, oh no | Some people want to fill the world | With silly love songs | And what's wrong with that? …  ♪    

April 20^th:  Did you know, former Beatles member, George Harrison, had a sneaky sense of humor? On this date, oh, so long ago, he blended into the cast on Monty Python’s "The Lumberjack Song" in New York City. Dressed as a Mountie, he surreptitiously slipped into the chorus role.

♪ April 2026 Music Events & More ♪   
Can you spot the tunes on this month’s Featured Radio Survey with the best guitar solos? Don’t ask me, I love ‘em all! But you music aficionados can likely pick them out just by the titles. Since it’s International Guitar Month, what better way to take a break and enjoy a few riffs?  

Although by the time I was able to post this article, the first two dates were done and over with, they’re still notable and worthy of your thoughts and memories …

April 11^th: Holy moly, it’s 8-track Tape Day! If you were listening to music from mid-1960s through the early 1980s, you’ll remember the quality sound. But, man, I don’t miss messing with one that was all wound up!  

April 11^th: What?! Another vintage “special day” on the same day?! Cool. If you’re too young to remember, International "Louie Louie" Day will mean nothing to you. The rest of us recall the sketchy lyrics and funky tune as the ultimate party song, since 1963!  I highjacked its special day, since the original sponsor is MIA.

April 18^th: Not really for “the public,” today’s Record Store Day is meant for the industry to pat themselves on the back. However, it’s also a great time for you to actually visit—yes, get up off your duff and GO TO—a record store. Amazingly, vinyl records are still being produced, and in record numbers. 😊 Groovy.

♪♪ BFYP Featured Radio Survey ♪♪  
April 16, 1976 ~ WPEZ/Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania … normally, I’d chat about a survey’s ‘70s graphics when it’s as prevalent as this month’s WPEZ chart, but we’ve seen this one before … and before that … and before that … and … In fact, most of this station’s surveys sported the same graphics for a couple of years (at least). So, I’ll just point out how progressive their listeners were to have picked up on “Bohemian Rhapsody’s” unique sound and reveled in its 6-minute length. MORE … 50 Years Ago this Month in Rock & Roll Radio! Where were you that groovy day when your radio played … 

Rock APRIL 1976 with a little … avant-garde rhapsody!  

BFYP Book 1 (1954-1959) on Amazon         
BFYP Book 2 (Swinging ‘60s) on Amazon 
Blast from Your Past Gifts 
Share your Golden Oldies R&R fun on X: @BlastFromPastBk 

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LinDee Rochelle is a writer and editor by trade, and author by way of Rock & Roll. Two books (of three planned) are published in her Blast from Your Past^TM series, available on Amazon: Book 1 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The First Five Years 1954-1959^TM (eBook only; coming soon in updated print edition) and Book 2 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The Swinging Sixties^TM (eBook & print). Coming soon-ish … Book 3 – The Psychedelic Seventies!^TM 

Note: FYI – All links in the BFYP site are personally visited, verified, and vetted. Most are linked to commonly accessed sites of reputable note. Occasionally, since I often feature real people and/or singular sources there may be an unsecured link. As with everything cyber-security, use at your own discretion and risk. This site is wholly owned by LinDee Rochelle & sponsored by PenchantForPenning.com^TM. No compensation is received for any mentions of businesses, products, or other commercial interests. *All holiday and special event days are found at Brownielocks.com’s calendar site. Enjoy! 
            RE: AI – The Blast from Your Past site has never and will never (knowingly) be written or assisted, by Artificial Intelligence. It’s just stupid ol’ “I” and I enjoy writing these articles. They soothe my soul. So why would I hand that indulgence over to an artificial, soulless entity that can’t feel pleasure?!

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Rock Radio 50 Years Ago ~ APRIL 1975

APRIL ’75 Brought Freedom & Spring Alive!   

I have often mentioned how similar the 2020s are to the Rock and roil of the 1970s. This month, we find personal freedoms, political upheaval, irreverence and patriotism in both decades, all wrapped up in Peace and Love while Spring showers bring May flowers. A country and the ages bathed in contradictions.

But we’re talkin’ ‘bout Rock & Roll, after all—music that soothes the troubled soul—today, as it did yesterday. The only thing the Psychedelic Seventies decade really has over the current decade, is a catchy title! So let’s Rock On in 1975, looking back, from the Twisted Twenty-Twenties! Alright … I’ll keep workin’ on it. In the meantime, enjoy life … 50 Years Ago this Month …   

º APRIL 1975 Radio News & Muse ♪ 

April 3^rd or 4^th: Details are a little fuzzy 50 Years later. Now, be honest, as you’re reading this, you’re thinking you’ve either done it, or wished ya had at some point in a relationship … Steve Miller, yes THE Steve Miller, was apparently not happy in his relationship with Benita DiOrio. At least, it appeared that way to the cops who arrested him for setting her clothes and other items on fire—oh, and resisting arrest. No worries. The contentious Miller was released the next day when DiOrio dropped charges against him. Maybe he was bored ‘cause he hadn’t had a big hit since ‘73’s The Joker? The travesty of fame is everyone thinks your business is their business too. It made the news and here we are, fifty years later, still talking about it. Shame on us. 

April 28^th: Were you watching The Smothers Brothers Show on NBC this night when Ringo Starr and the comedy duo claimed they didn’t do drugs? Their fun, tongue-in-cheek (or fingers crossed) performance of Ringo’s “No No Song” delighted fans of his recent February hit. Whether they believed its premise or not. 😊  

♪ On Your Tinny Transistor Radio ♪  
Where were you dodging APRIL showers in 1975? Boise, Houston, Chicago? Here’s a sample of what and who you were listening to …    

If you found KFXD in Boise, Idaho, your go-to station 50 Years Ago, it’s a good bet you listened to the offbeat antics of DJ Drew Harold who wasn’t “…just another pretty foot.” It wasn’t only their DJs who were different … their survey style was also unconventional, with the “Boise Valley Music Survey” Issue No. 576 for April 30, 1975, listing your fave tunes as Hot / Moving / Warm and Night … and not in sequential order.
       Skewing the list, for instance, in the Hot category, the first five top tunes were: #1) “Wildfire” (Michael Murphy); #3) “Autobahn” (Kraftwerk); #4) “The Bertha Butt Boogie” (The Jimmy Castor Bunch); and #8) “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” (John Denver). See if you can figure it out at ARSA, my fave vintage surveys site. 

Then we mosey on down the road and flip the radio dial to Houston’s KILT for the same date and find DJ “Catfish,” the big guy at Big 610. Their chart sports a readable Top 40 with lyrics to their #10 standout tune, “Shining Star” by Earth, Wind and Fire. About the most funky, upbeat song I’ve heard in a long time … well in 50 Years!
       With some sketchy research, I believe I discovered The Catfish’s off-air name was Jim Prewitt; please feel free to correct me, if wrong. I did learn, however, that KILT was only his second radio gig in the beginning of a long career.  

And if you were in the Windy City, you must have heard the crusty but affable DJ Larry Lujack (1940-2013) on air at WCFL/Chicago. The venerable jock was a popular force to be reckoned with, and still a fond memory today. Profoundly present in our teen lives, Rock radio stations and their best DJs (like “Uncle Lar”) were often involved in our high school activities. Life was more innocent and enjoyable then, as we chatted with our radio idols at a school dance or special event.
       The Eagles* were riding the popularity wave with “Best of My Love” topping charts back in February. WCFL took advantage of their success, booking a school spirit contest to win a concert with them, emceed by Lujack. Dan Fogelberg (1951-2007) toured with Eagles in ’74, which likely got him on the school concert bandwagon too, as he navigated his solo musical footing. What a fun event that must have been for one lucky teen! 
       *A version of the Eagles with Don Henley in the forefront is still flying high in a Las Vegas Valley show this month, with added September dates because … well … their music is still a part of our souls, don’t ya think? More WCFL action in the Featured Radio Survey. Let’s keep Rockin’ On through April 1975 …

♪ April ’75 Song of Note ♪  

Let Freedom ring and April showers sing! Free your soul* and add a spring to your step as we celebrate Spring and our April Song of Note! *A little Rock & Roll meditation might help you remember or want to learn anew how a “non-political” song championed up to #3 by Chicago’s WCFL radio fans, became a patriotic anthem of the decades. Oh, and did I mention it was penned by two Brits?!  
       I kid you not … who doesn’t know “Philadelphia Freedom,” an iconic tune still in play today? If you’re an Eagles football fan, you’ll likely remember their ecstatic win over Kansas City Chiefs in February's Super Bowl LIX … let Philadelphia Freedom ring, as it hit the charts again in celebration.
       Simply by virtue of its title, the song’s iconic nature reaches back 50 Years Ago this Month as it energized radio listeners prepping for America’s 1976 bicentennial festivities. And now, 2026 will host our country’s Semiquincentennial—250^th— anniversary of American Independence.  
       Then, as now, politics were a hot button of patriotism and controversy, in life and in music. Master Brit musician, Elton John, asked lyricist, Bernie Taupin, to write a tribute tune for famed tennis champ, Billie Jean King. It’s reported, however, Taupin had no interest in that topic and penned the enigmatic song we’re still singing. One must wonder, though, how did it get from tennis to patriotism? According to Taupin, it didn’t … he insists it has nothing to do with tennis, King, or even patriotism—huh—ya coulda fooled me. For a non-patriotic song, it sure inspires freedom-loving loyaty!  
♪ … 'Cause I live and breathe this Philadelphia freedom | From the day that I was born, I've waved the flag … ♪ 

♪ April ’75 ~ Quirky Band Name Award ♪  
Every now and then, another genre makes a statement in Rock & Roll. Such was the case in April 1975 when Country artists, Pure Prairie League made a crossover hit out of “Amie.” After sitting in their 1972 album line-up, it was finally released as a single, and just getting started up the chart with WCFL listeners, at #35.
       Their ultimate success wasn’t just a fluke. Their original group began in 1970 with Craig Fuller, Tom McGrail, and John David Call. Pure Prairie League’s name was McGrail’s idea, emulating a temperance union in 1939’s Western movie, Dodge City with Errol Flynn. Though the band’s members have come and gone over the years, with guitar icons joining in, like Vince Gill, Gary Burr and Curtis Wright, they’re still around and proudly celebrating their 50^th anniversary. ♪ … I can never see what’s right | or what is wrong … ♪  

♪ April ’75 ~ Quirky Song Title ♪   
A couple of tunes on this month’s music chart from 50 Years Ago, caught my eye for this category. I thought you’d be learning more about “Remember What I Told You to Forget” by Tavares, just hitting the survey at WCFL’s #40. It reminds me of a question I might ask a close friend … however, it didn’t have a verifiable back-story. But that’s okay. I found the month’s perfect match … 

       Back to our running theme of patriotism, a surprising title was enjoying the top twenty for the month, pleading with the spirit of long-passed US President, Harry S. Truman to return in our hour of need. Yup, “Harry Truman” by Chicago, was a hit with 1975’s radio listeners as they grappled with the aftermath of Richard Nixon’s resignation. We could use his down-to-earth wisdom and trustful demeanor today, too. So tell me, do these lyrics speak to you, too?
       ♪ … America's wondering, "How we got here?" | Harry, all we get is lies | We're getting safer cars | Rocket ships to Mars | From men who'd sell us out | To get themselves a piece of power … ♪ Click the link to hear the campy tune …  

♪ April 2025 Music Events & More ♪    
It’s obvious we don’t want to let go of our vibrant retro Rock, as we keep finding ways today, to keep it movin’ on down the road …  

Crank up the volume on your amps, it’s International Guitar Month! Although the sponsoring site hasn’t updated its Guitar Month page since 2016, they’re johnny-on-the-spot with 2025 articles to sell you the latest equipment. Ok. Their prerogative.
       However, this site (albeit an old post) not only has histories and other fun info, but, “Watch 100 Guitar Riffs (A Brief History of Rock N’ Roll). Even if you don’t play guitar yourself, you’re sure to get a kick out of watching this clip. In just one take, Alex Chadwick, from The Chicago Music Exchange, chronologically plays 100 famous guitar riffs giving you a 12-minute history of rock n’ roll.” Now that’s cool …

Friday ~ April 11^th: What do you listen to your music on today? Your phone? Your computer? Some other fancy gizmo from the 21^st century? Welllll, today is 8-track Tape Day! I heard that … “Huh?! What’s that?” Oh, you are so spoiled. An 8-track tape player was a clunky portable radio-type music player, sometimes combined with our radios that then became our traveling music-maker. The “tapes” were about as clunky as the player. Nevermind, ask your grandparents while I go dig my tapes and player out of storage … Rock On!  

Friday ~ April 11^th: Sooooo, what did we play on our ol’ players? Get your party hat on, today we’re celebrating International "Louie Louie" Day, on whatever we can find to play the iconic 1963 party tune! There hasn’t been an official sponsoring link for several years, but no worries—our link above tells the story of BFYP DJ, Ken Chase of KISN/Portland fame, producer of the most popular version by The Kingsmen. Enjoy … reminisce … and party on!

April 20^th: Now, you know, among some folks of our generation (well, my generation), 4:20 p.m./April 20 is a holiday, right? Then you won’t be surprised to learn that the ever-high Cheech & Chong duo are releasing their authorized documentary today! First in a limited release, then we can all watch and reminisce in its nationwide release, April 25^th. The poster urges, “Bring a bud.” It should be a hoot! As AMC Theatres says, Cheech & Chong’s Last Movie is “The result is an unlikely story of friendship and fame, turmoil and defiance, rebellion and ultimately - redemption.” Ummm, what they can remember of it … 

April 20^th-26^th: Just because there’s no sponsoring link, doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate National Karaoke Week! No sponsor link, and more frustrating, no related current events. However, I did find us an older link that offers great tips for having karaoke fun. Give it a look-see for “Kamikaze Karaoke” and “Dress-Up Karaoke.” And btw, “Louie Louie” sounds great whether you’re warbling into your home karaoke machine or regaling the local pub with your party tunes prowess … have fun!

♪♪ BFYP Featured Radio Survey ♪♪   
April 19, 1975 ~ WCFL/Chicago, Illinois … “Lady Marmalade” was still hanging out on top of their chart, but coming up fast was Ringo’s “No No Song” and B.J. Thomas’s “Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song.” But WCFL’s big attraction was DJ delinquent, Larry Lujack and their “… win a concert” contest! 50 Years Ago this Month in Rock & Roll Radio! Where were you that groovy day when your radio played … 

Let’s Celebrate APRIL 1975 and … Rock On!  

BFYP Book 1 (1954-1959) on Amazon         
BFYP Book 2 (Swinging ‘60s) on Amazon 
Blast from Your Past Gifts 
Share your Golden Oldies R&R fun on “X”: @BlastFromPastBk 

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LinDee Rochelle is a writer and editor by trade, and author by way of Rock & Roll. Two books (of three planned) are published in her Blast from Your Past^TM series, available on Amazon: Book 1 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The First Five Years 1954-1959^TM (eBook only; coming soon in updated print edition) and Book 2 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The Swinging Sixties^TM (eBook & print). Coming soon-ish … Book 3 – The Psychedelic Seventies!^TM 

Note: FYI – All links in the BFYP site are personally visited, verified, and vetted. Most are linked to commonly accessed sites of reputable note. Occasionally, since I often feature real people and/or singular sources there may be an unsecured link. As with everything cyber-security, use at your own discretion and risk. This site is wholly owned by LinDee Rochelle & sponsored by PenchantForPenning.com^TM. No compensation is received for any mentions of businesses, products, or other commercial interests. *All holiday and special event days are found at Brownielocks.com’s calendar site. Enjoy! 
            01/01/25: The Blast from Your Past site has never and will never (knowingly) be written or assisted, by Artificial Intelligence. It’s just stupid ol’ “I” and I enjoy writing these articles. They soothe my soul. So why would I hand that indulgence over to an artificial, soulless entity that can’t feel pleasure?!

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