Description
Book Synopsis: At the peak of his influence on WRKO Radio in Boston in the mid-1980s, when he helped repeal a seatbelt law and ran a one-man wrecking crew against Michael Dukakis's presidential campaign, Jerry Williams was dubbed The Dean of Talk Radio. What few knew was that Jerry wasn't merely the Dean, he was also arguably the Inventor. It was in 1957 that the Brooklyn-born talk show host first put listeners on the air at the old WMEX in Boston-after primitive time-delay technology made it possible to bleep callers' naughty words. From then on, while guys named King and Limbaugh were cutting their teeth at the microphone, Williams set standards for the form. He stood up for civil rights when such talk could get you killed, questioned Vietnam long before Walter Cronkite, savaged Richard Nixon while forty-nine state were reelecting him, and put frank talk about sex on the air when Howard Stern was still a DJ. Today's kings of talk acknowledge their debt: Jerry Williams changed American broadcasting with the force of his personality . . . He showed me what one man and a microphone can do.-Phil Donahue Elman and Tolz, who produced Williams's shows at high points in his career, had total access to the Dean's files and memories. The result is an enlightening biography that gives readers an inside view of the glories of radio and the pitfalls of fame. As we dug through the clippings and the letters, the scrapbooks and the tapes, they write, we heard a message, and it was a surprise: it was not how significant his work was, not how important he was, not how much he accomplished . . . but, instead, how much more he could have done, how much greater he could have been, if only, if only, if only . . .
Details
If you're a fan of talk radio and the golden age of broadcasting, then you need to get your hands on "Burning Up the Air: Jerry Williams, Talk Radio, and the Life in Between". This captivating book takes you back to the mid-1980s, when Jerry Williams, the legendary talk show host, ruled the airwaves on WRKO Radio in Boston.
Unbeknownst to many, Jerry Williams wasn't just "The Dean" of talk radio, he was also the mastermind behind the invention that revolutionized the industry. In 1957, he introduced the concept of putting listeners on air after the introduction of time-delay technology. While other famous names like King and Limbaugh were still finding their footing, Williams set the standards for the entire genre.
This biography offers an inside look into the life of a man who fearlessly stood up for civil rights during dangerous times, questioned Vietnam long before renowned journalist Walter Cronkite, and openly discussed taboo topics like sex on air, paving the way for future shock jocks like Howard Stern. You'll be captivated by the accounts of his battles with influential figures like Richard Nixon, and how his relentless pursuit of truth reshaped American broadcasting.
With total access to Jerry Williams' files and memories, authors Elman and Tolz present an enlightening biography that showcases both the glory and the pitfalls of fame. As we delved into his scrapbooks, letters, and tapes, a message echoed through the pages - the realization that his impact could have been even greater. "Burning Up the Air" leaves you yearning for what could have been, and provokes reflection on the power of one man and a microphone.
Don't miss out on this compelling journey through the life of a true broadcasting pioneer. Experience the highs and lows, the triumphs and regrets, of Jerry Williams' remarkable career. Order your copy of "Burning Up the Air: Jerry Williams, Talk Radio, and the Life in Between" now and immerse yourself in the legacy of a radio legend. Click here to order now!
Radio - Pirate of the Airwaves
