Front cover of 'Masters Of The Airwaves'
The huge popularity of black music and it's prominence in the mainstream in the UK is now taken for granted, but this was not always the case. Back in 1970's Britain there was a substantial lack of outlets where the new, exciting, funky, soulful sounds bursting out of America and beyond could be heard. Through this was born the 'underground' scene, which consisted of groups of young people, essentially black, but not exclusive, who through a common love of the music would follow it wherever they could, be it in a nightclub or (on a more personal level) a specialist radio show. Thus a 'movement' was born. I know this firsthand, as I considered myself a fully paid up member. What is so fascinating is so many of the records we listened and danced to back then in hidden quarters has now translated into music for the masses, though we had no idea at the time that this would be the case. Perfect examples include 'Car Wash' by Rose Royce (1976), 'Lovely Day' by Bill Withers (1977) and 'Got To Be Real' by Cheryl Lynn (1978).
As the 70's rolled into the 80's, the British black music 'movement' got even larger. Yet still the outlets were still severely limited even though the audience had increased tenfold, embracing people of all colours who were all feeling the groove. It is against this backdrop that a brand new, impressive book called 'Masters Of The Airwaves: The Rise & Rise Of Underground Radio' is based. Written by two veteran dj's and broadcasters, Dave VJ and Lindsay Wesker. Both men have had long extensive careers in the music business and have put that superior knowledge to good use in putting together what I can only imagine is a labour of love.
As the 70's rolled into the 80's, the British black music 'movement' got even larger. Yet still the outlets were still severely limited even though the audience had increased tenfold, embracing people of all colours who were all feeling the groove. It is against this backdrop that a brand new, impressive book called 'Masters Of The Airwaves: The Rise & Rise Of Underground Radio' is based. Written by two veteran dj's and broadcasters, Dave VJ and Lindsay Wesker. Both men have had long extensive careers in the music business and have put that superior knowledge to good use in putting together what I can only imagine is a labour of love.
Lindsay Wesker and Dave VJ
These two gentlemen have decided to write the definitive story of the UK black music radio scene, beginning in the 70's (dj names like Greg Edwards on Capital Radio - Saturday evening and Robbie Vincent on Radio London- Saturday lunchtime come to mind), following it's journey from very humble beginnings through to local radio stations serving appreciative audiences with the popular 'underground' sounds only to be told in no uncertain terms by the authorities they were acting outsdie of the law, therefore they were criminals. Now it beggars belief, but this was actually the case. After a lengthy period common sense preveiled and the stations became legal.
I have explained in one or two sentences the overall view, but Dave and Lindsay go all the way in minute detail explaining the full and frank story and they bring numerous music biz heavyweights to give their personal opinions on what actually occured during those times and it's aftermath today. In fact it reads like a who's who lending their talents, including the aforementioned Greg Edwards and Robbie Vincent, along with Trevor Nelson, Jazzie B, Norman Jay, David Rodigan, Gordon Mac, Omar, Caron Wheeler, Angie Greaves, Paul 'Trouble' Anderson, Barrie K. Sharpe, Judge Jules, Mike Shaft and many others. Dave and Lindsay are so committed to this project they have undertaken the task of travelling around the country spreading the word about 'The Masters Of The Airwaves: The Rise & Rise Of Underground Radio'. On a personal note, I should add that even though I lived and worked (albeit djing in the clubs) throughout this whole period and personally knew many of the contributors, I found the book to be enlightening, informative and an excellent historical look back for future generations. Well done guys!
'Masters Of The Airwaves: The Rise & Rise Of Underground Radio' is now on sale. The Price is £30.
You can order it from here:
http://everygeneration.co.uk/index.php/shop-home/masters-of-the-airwaves
Also there is a 10 minute video featuring some of the contributors talking about the book:
http://vimeo.com/mastersoftheairwaves
I have explained in one or two sentences the overall view, but Dave and Lindsay go all the way in minute detail explaining the full and frank story and they bring numerous music biz heavyweights to give their personal opinions on what actually occured during those times and it's aftermath today. In fact it reads like a who's who lending their talents, including the aforementioned Greg Edwards and Robbie Vincent, along with Trevor Nelson, Jazzie B, Norman Jay, David Rodigan, Gordon Mac, Omar, Caron Wheeler, Angie Greaves, Paul 'Trouble' Anderson, Barrie K. Sharpe, Judge Jules, Mike Shaft and many others. Dave and Lindsay are so committed to this project they have undertaken the task of travelling around the country spreading the word about 'The Masters Of The Airwaves: The Rise & Rise Of Underground Radio'. On a personal note, I should add that even though I lived and worked (albeit djing in the clubs) throughout this whole period and personally knew many of the contributors, I found the book to be enlightening, informative and an excellent historical look back for future generations. Well done guys!
'Masters Of The Airwaves: The Rise & Rise Of Underground Radio' is now on sale. The Price is £30.
You can order it from here:
http://everygeneration.co.uk/index.php/shop-home/masters-of-the-airwaves
Also there is a 10 minute video featuring some of the contributors talking about the book:
http://vimeo.com/mastersoftheairwaves
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