Farm Boy Boogie ’86

In March of 1986 I was a full-time chore boy by day and club disc jockey at night. I would get my big break at WRCO in August. During the first half of the year, I was paying the bills (mostly for new music at the Music Shop in Richland Center) by forking manure, carrying milk, and slopping the hogs. After nighttime chores a few nights per week I would switch from mild mannered farm boy to green behind the ears instant party guy (forgot to wash off all the cow crap). It was a glamourous life that included trying to keep people from sitting their drinks on my equipment while they shook their booties and from catching their foot in my speaker wire while they did the flying v kick. I played some wild high school dances. There was one time in 1986 where we were shut down early because two individuals were under the bleachers working on their studies. One night after a dive bar dance, I found a woman sleeping in my equipment trailer. She thought she was already home. I had to go back in the bar to see who would claim her. Patrons often wanted me to play later than advertised. One night a gentlemen gave me 10 bucks to play a couple of more songs (keep in mind that I was charging 10 bucks per hour). This was a big bonus! He said he got permission for me to play longer. I got a couple of notes into the song before the bartender jumped the bar and grabbed me by the collar saying shut this *%$! off. I told him that some guy said I could and when I went to point at him, he was gone! At least I got to keep the 10 bucks. Some of the tunes that brought them off their stools in 1986 include, Living in America-James Brown, R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.-John Mellencamp, Tarzan Boy-Baltimora, Lets Go All the Way-Sly Fox, Kiss-Prince, Conga-Miami Sound Machine, Bop-Dan Seals, and Addicted to Love-Robert Palmer.

This week on WRCOs Those Were the Days radio show, I will revisit the March of 1986 music survey. The request line will be open, and you can take part in the trivia games whenever you hear the ‘magic cowbell’. Thanks to everyone that stayed up later with us last week after high school wrestling coverage. I was amazed how many stayed with us until 1 am. There could be a high school boys basketball game on the air early in the evening this week. We will keep you updated. Thank you for listening to WRCO FM 100.9, WRCO.com, or catching us courtesy of the Civic Media app.

Phil