97X - Rumblings from the Big Bush

Kevin Couche part 2: Tales from Hollywood

In Part 2 of our conversation with Kevin Couche, the man of 1,000 jobs, you'll find out why Steve Baker is the best ever, you'll discover how Dave and Damian might become models for plus-sized lingerie, you'll uncover the 97X artist behind kids songs like "It's Raining Tacos"... and you'll learn why we owe Kevin $163.

Kevin Couche: The Couch that never rests

Kevin Couch, a.k.a. Kevin Couche, was an Indiana kid who tuned in to 97X early and never looked back. He wound up working at the station, and later headed to Hollywood to work for the top ranked morning show, do interviews for other radio stations, host a comedy show on Sirius XM, do publicity for Death Row Records and a comedy club... and about a hundred other gigs we can't remember. Dave and Damian talk to Couche about his 97X payroll windfall, Brainiac, and his myriad jobs.

Aaron Borns: from modern rock to major labels to major league soccer

Aaron Borns started at 97X as a student intern (a.k.a. "co-producer") for the Breakfast Club in 1993, then worked part-time shifts, answered the phones and worked with Julie Maxwell doing promotions. He wasn't at the station long, but the lessons he learned there served him well during a 20-plus year career doing promotions and marketing at RCA Records. Dave and Damian talk to Aaron about his 97X days, his record label roles... and how he got a free car when he was at 97X.

CD World Guy and other flashback commercials

Rik Helton was a mild-mannered record store owner by day, but CD World Guy by night (complete with cape and tights, no less). Dave and Damian chat with him about dropping tons of dirt in his parking lot, his close encounter with Richard Butler (Psychedelic Furs) and other amusing tales, plus we play a few other throwback ads from 97X, including Frank Eavey and Les Agee the True Value Hardware Man.

Gentleman Jim Mercer: A lifetime of part-time

97X had dozens if not hundreds of part-time DJs over the lifetime of the station, but no one else can top the tenure of "Gentleman" Jim Mercer, who worked weekend and vacation fill-in shifts for a whopping 14 years, from 1990 through 2004. His dedication and professionalism made him the ultimate weekend warrior. Dave and Damian talk to Jim about his day job, how he got the DJ gig, and how he made his shifts sound so smooth.

The world's youngest weatherperson, trivia winner and wacky bits

97X was a small but mighty station in many ways. Being on the outskirts, in the fringes, left of center, off of the strip (to paraphrase Suzanne Vega) with a small (but dedicated) listener base allowed us to get away with stuff that other stations couldn't or wouldn't do. Not just with our music playlist (or lack of a playlist, really), but also with the other stuff that made its way to our airwaves, like having a 5th grader do the weather report, doing live "remote" broadcasts from the lobby, throwing birthday parties for Abe Vigoda and sharing secrets from romance novel cover model Fabio. Dave and Damian chat with the weatherperson, play some bits, and also announce the winner of the 97X 10th Anniversary "name the 4th band" contest.

John Jesser, a.k.a. JJ: morning newsman, nighttime rocker

 John "J.J" Jesser worked side by side with The Bakerman on the Breakfast Club morning show in the early days of 97X... and he's got the coffee mug to prove it. He started out as a part-timer during his Miami University undergrad days, and did news, DJ shifts, production... and played in local bands as well. Dave and Damian talk to him about those early days, find out what he's up to now... and discuss his "metal name" and pet poop. 

Barb Abney, modern rock maven

Barb Abney spent more than a decade at 97X and woxy.com, starting in the summer of 1994 and doing middays from 1998 through 2006, when she moved to Minneapolis to work for The Current for 8+ years. She continues to play great music and support local bands as the morning show host at KFAI-FM in the Twin Cities. Dave and Damian talk to Barb about dressing for success, her collection of 97X paraphernalia, stalking the Afghan Whigs and lessons learned in the station bathroom.

Dan Reed part 2

Dan tells more stories from the early 97X years, including tales about his band Chem-Dyne, his friends Mr. K and Greg Dulli, working at Bogart's, and learning life lessons (sometimes the hard way) from 97X owners Doug and Linda.

Danny Crash crashes the party patio - part 1

Dan "Danny Crash" Reed is the self-described "Forrest Gump" of the music business. He was a young DJ at 97X when it changed formats in 1983, and later became program director (while also playing in local bands). After leaving 97X, Dan worked at Bogart's, WNKU, WFPK (Louisville) and is now the afternoon host/music director at WXPN in Philadelphia and talent manager for the syndicated World Cafe program. He has 101 stories about the old days - which is why we had to make his interview a two-parter. You can follow Dan on Twitter: @WXPNDanReed  and Instagram: WXPNDANREED