#1 Best Seller 'Rock Music' (April 2023), 'General Broadcasting' (June 2023), 'Radio History' (Sep 2023), 'Radio Reference' (Feb 2024). Broadcast Hall of Fame Inductee Rick Dees, "Wow, you created a masterpiece!" Reader Steve *******describes it as "A love letter to radio." Reviewed by Carol ******* "One of the most fascinating and comprehensive books I have ever read."
"Disc Jockeys, Preachers, and Elvis" by Ron Brandon is widely praised as an engaging and authentic memoir that offers a unique, insider's perspective on the golden age of radio and rock & roll. The book is particularly notable for its firsthand accounts of the music industry from the 1950s through the 1990s, with Brandon drawing on his extensive career as a disc jockey to share behing-the-scenes stories, personal anecdotes, and rare insights, especially his role in recording Elvis Presley's 1956 live performance in Tupelo, a pivotal contribution to Elvis' legacy.
The book stands out for its rich content, featuring 28 chapters, over 250 photographs, and links to audio and video recordings that immerse readers in the era's sights and sounds. Readers and reviewers consistently describe it as a "love letter to radio" and a nostalgic journey through the heyday of Top-40 radio and rock & roll, filled with stories about legendary artists like Elvis, The Who, Eagles, Jimi Hendrix, and more. It also explores the evolving relationship between DJs and record companies, the challenges new artists faced in getting airplay, and the controversial practice of payola.
Critics and industry professionals have lauded the book for its candid, entertaining, and heartfelt storytelling. It has received accolades such as being the #1 bestseller in categories like Rock Music, General Broadcasting, and Radio History. It has garnered high praise from notable figures, including Broadcast Hall Of Fame inductee Rick Dees, who called it a "masterpiece." Readers highlight its easy-to-read style, comprehensive photo documentation, and the author's ability to transport them back to the halcyon days of radio.
Highly recommended for anyone interested in the history of radio and rock & roll. A must-read for music lovers and nostalgia enthusiasts alike!
Disc Jockeys say...
Brady McGraw: Thanks for sharing those stories and memories in your wonderful book. I enjoyed it so much!
Merv Pilgrim: Just finished reading and I highly recommend it!
Robert Murphy: Thanks for taking me back to those halcyon days of radio. Enjoyed seeing many former friends and cohorts.
Steve Bishop: Read your book cover to cover. Thoroughly enjoyed it all. For whatever reason you decided to write it, thank you.
Scott Shannon: Great job Ron! You’ve had a truly amazing career.
Bill Cox: The book was amazing! Brought back so many memories of my twenty-five years in radio.
Jim Davis: It’s past my bedtime and I can’t put the damn thing down. What a great book! I’m so glad you finally put all these stories on paper.
Piers Beagley: l love the book! Having worked in radio and TV, this is the book for me.
Dan Mason: Really enjoyed it. Read it in one sitting.
Steven D: Bought your book. Read every word and checked out every picture. Love it!
Randy Scott: Thanks for a well-written ride down radio’s memory lane. You’ve really done it all.
Leo Windham: If you know anything about radio or entertainment, it’s a great read. Way to go Ron!
Doug Riddell: Great book! Love it! What an exciting and interesting life you’ve had.
Bob Beckman: Received and read your book. FANTASTIC!
Jay Braswell: Stayed up past my bedtime to read every word. Excellent!
Alaga: It's written as if he was sitting in a booth with us regaling us with his many radio stories.
