105.1 WRFM flips from Beautiful Music to AC WNSR
As we proceeded through the 1980’s the older targeting music formats weren’t cutting it anymore. The baby boomers were approaching their thirties and wouldn’t tolerate “Elevator Music” at work. WRFM’s ratings had taken a tumble from Adult Contemporary stations WYNY and WLTW along with fellow Easy Listening WPAT. In order to compensate, on April 15, 1986, WRFM gave way to “New York’s Soft Rock” WNSR. Achieving a solid niche in the AC marketplace, WNSR was partly responsible for driving WPIX and WYNY out of the format. As the 80’s turned into the 90’s, WNSR continued to evolve into a more contemporary station eventually changing its name to “Mix 105″.
Is it really 20 years since this happened? It does not seem like it.
I heard the format change in 86. The next morning when I woke up, they were playing the Doors and Light My Fire with the processing of WRFM still in tact. That was strange.
Dick Bartley did mornings for a couple of weeks after the change to WNSR.
I remember the early days of WNSR, the super summer of 1986:
The first full time air staff: June 1986 ( Great station!)
Dick Bartley, Bill Neil, Bob Worthington, Steve Kamer, Paulette Bolan and Jim Douglas.
News department: Ted David, Cathy Carpin and later in 1986 -Debbie Gross.
One of the saddest days in New York radio.WRFM was legendary. The music was absolutely beautiful. Isn’t it amazing that Bluer than Blue from the Frank Chacksfield Orchestra played. At least it was a Beautiful Instrumental ! WNSR and how many formats since then ? We need Beautiful Music back in NY on FM radio ! How we miss WRFM !
We really miss it. God Bless WRFM and the people who made it come alive ! You made history and created a legacy that will be forever cherished,loved and respected. God Bless You All !
Dear Sir. I am writing to you to see if you can assist me. During the 70s and 80s I regularly listened to WRFM. Many times I was not aware of the artist of the songs that were playing such as a piano and strings instrumental of \”All By Myself\” and \”Paper Mache.\” Can you identify who the artists were for these 2 instrumentals? If so, I would appreciate hearing back from you. In addition, is there a phone number I can call to speak with someone. Any assistance you can provide would be greatly appreciated. I sure do miss this \”soft\” music station and wish it would return!
When I was in high school, I listened only to WRFM and recorded about 75 reel-to-reel tapes of Marlin Taylor’s programming dating back to 1969 & 1970. Earlier this year, I started transcribing them onto CD when my Akai reel deck developed preamp problems. So far I have about 40 80-minute CDs, and hope to finish the rest by mid-09.
Please contact me at joedoestaxes@hotmail.com, if you are interested in this music. I’ll do what I can to share it, as it is a timeless and priceless gift. To John who inquired about “Paper Mache,” I have a Frank Chacksfield recording of that song [instrumental] which may be what you’re looking for. To Marlin, God Bless you for all the great Percy Faith, Living Strings, Chet Atkins, Bert Kaempfert and Norman Luboff Choir music you shared with us/ not to mention all the others!
How about an aircheck from the morning man, Jim Aylward?? He used to have a pretty good am gig. And what about the commercial that Henry Mancini did while ‘Two For the Road’ played in the background. RFM’s tag was: THE DIFFERENCE IS THE MUSIC. . . WRFM.
Great stuff.