Lee Abrams reminisces about the early days of FM rock in Miami
It was early 1970, and as a recent high school graduate, I was engaged in managing bands at night and exploring a new concept for the oncoming FM wave during the day, just about managing to graduate. In the late 1960s, I worked at the prominent WQAM in Miami, which was my favorite top 40 station of all time. I must express my gratitude to Dan Chandler, Jim Dunlap, and Rick Shaw for allowing me a glimpse into their world. Learning from these radio legends felt like earning a degree in radio, absorbing every detail of their operations and culture. My experiences at WQAM were invaluable as they influenced my thoughts on radio profoundly. Moreover, my future consulting partner Kent Burkhart was WQAM’s first program director when top 40 trailblazer Todd Storz acquired the station in the mid-1950s. I worked there for $56 a week, contingent upon no fire alarms being reported. My time at WQAM also involved unique research projects like hitchhiking across South Florida to observe car radio listening habits, yielding fascinating insights about listener behavior, including their reactions to jocks and music.
By the time I had developed my proposal for a new radio format and submitted it to several prominent programmers, I was only 17 years old. While most responses were encouraging rather than tangible, one stood out. Buzz Bennett, recently appointed at Bartell stations, impressed me with his visionary approach to programming. His charismatic personality, reminiscent of a rock star, captivated many, facilitating his rise to legendary status in the industry. His inclination towards incorporating fresh ideas led to Bartell’s acquisition of a 100kw FM station in Miami, not for my proposed format but with the potential for collaboration. Al Casey, contacting me shortly after, signaled the beginning of an exciting journey into the world of FM radio at WGBS in Miami.
Upon my first meeting with Al Casey at WMYQ’s temporary location, I initially felt out of place. However, my assurances dispelled any doubts, setting the stage for a memorable interaction. Despite our contrasting appearances, we shared a passion for radio and music, bonding over discussions while exploring Miami. Al’s offer to join the team was met with immense excitement, bypassing any discussion of salary or formalities in favor of being part of a transformative experience at one of the earliest FM pop stations. Constructing the station from the ground up was a fulfilling experience, from visiting distributors to curate our music library to building a team of like-minded individuals who shared our vision.
Our team, comprised of individuals with diverse personalities, ensured a dynamic work environment, with each member contributing uniquely to our shared endeavor. Despite some staffing challenges, the excitement of pioneering a new FM pop station in a major market outweighed any setbacks. As the full-time music director, overseeing a burgeoning project in the emerging realm of FM radio was an exhilarating experience that laid the foundation for my future endeavors in the industry.