AM was still king in Hartford and all around the USA when this recording of WPOP was made. Now, unless you’re intimately familiar with the Bill Drake “Boss Radio” Top 40 format, you probably think this is his handiwork. Someone out there knows for sure, but it sure sounds like WPOP ran a Drake knock-off format right down to the jingles.
We know Bill Drake programmed KYNO Fresno, KGB San Diego, KHJ Los Angeles, KFRC San Francisco, WOR-FM New York (Pre 99X), WHBQ Memphis, WRKO Boston, CKLW Windsor, Ontario and KAKC Tulsa. There might be others… we know that when teamed up with Gene Chenault, Drake/Chenault programmed a number of radio stations, both automated and live with various music formats, most notably the Contempo 300 AC format. But we’re getting off track here and our friend calradiopd will surely check in to fact check.
Frank Holler is, on this 7 minute 40 second clip, upbeat and energetic. While its hard to discern because of the evident tape hiss, WPOP used reverb, albeit sparingly.
WPOP managed to rank #1 many times among Hartford stations during its top 40 years. The station dropped Top 40 and went All-News in 1975. As of this writing, WPOP is All-Sports, broadcasting syndicated programming from the Fox Sports Network.
Frank was the wikipedia of Pams Jingles and the mastermind of the change to oldies on WDRC-FM where the station received outstanding ratings during his tenure. Just a great guy to work with and learn from.
Frank was a good friend of ours-we’re very saddened.
hi there were many stations that tried boss radio but were not like pop, chum toronto, just to name a few,,,,,they were called stunters who tried to imitate the sound and they did as this aircheck proves 14 wolf syracause did this format for awhile as well…jb
Having grown up in Hartford, I witnessed the WDRC / WPOP battle. While each station had their day in the sunshine (and WDRC was consistently an superb station under Charlie Parker PD, WPOP was severely disadvantaged by their signal. Unbelievable talent went through the doors of both stations. Frank Holler was an important part of Hartford radio history.