User:Angularvelocity/Radio Free Phoenix

COI

Radio Free Phoenix began broadcasting classic underground rock online in August 2004. The commercial-free, not-for-profit broadcast includes classic and deep album rock cuts from the 60s and 70s as well as pop, R&B and alternative tracks from the 50s through the present. It is the only station of its kind, online or terrestrial, commercial-free and with a full staff of volunteer air personalities.

Radio Free Phoenix (aka "RFP") was inspired by the late William Edward "Bill" Compton. A well-known radio personality in 1970s Phoenix radio, Compton introduced the idea of free-form radio and many other listener-focused ideas to Phoenix. He influenced RFP founder Andy Olson, who grew up in Phoenix listening to radio in the 60s and 70s and who has worked in radio in the Phoenix area since the 80s.

History

In the late 60's, Phoenix AM station KRIZ played a large selection of music and air personalities who were given the freedom to interject politics and humor in their shows. KRIZ played everything from The Mothers Of Invention to (the) Carpenters. While Phoenix AM station KRUX had a smaller selection of music (i.e., "tighter playlist"), it was there, Sunday Nights from 10PM - midnight, that the "KRUX Underground" was born with William Edward Compton at the helm (read "Music & More Arizona: Guru of Goodness and Good Music, Bill Compton."

Originally from Tyler, Texas, Bill Compton (known as "Little Willie Sunshine" on KRUX) spun an eclectic mix of underground rock that made him so popular that he was promoted to afternoon drive. He started talking with the owner of an AM station in east Phoenix about a Free Form Underground Rock format like the KRUX Underground. The station was KCAC, a 500 watt daytime-only station that created a huge buzz in its short existence. It was here that "Radio Free Phoenix" was used for the first time Radio Free Phoenix FAQ. Compton's is one of many audio samples heard throughout the day during "Underground Flashbacks."

In the spirit of Compton's affinity for free-form radio, the station's "Radio Freedom" show allows a listener to choose an hour's worth of songs they'd like to hear on the radio, hence the name Radio Freedom. The show is broadcast on Saturday nights and replayed Sunday afternoons with the listener hosting the show as "guest DJ." Among other specialty shows in the 'spirit of Compton' are "Zappa Universe," "Rockabilly and Beyond," "Acoustic Cafe," "Blues Deluxe" and "House of Mercy."

Now

Today the Radio Free Phoenix studios are physically located in Globe, Arizona. It was named Phoenix New Times 'Internet Radio Station of the Year' in 2007. The volunteer air staff is comprised of air personalities known to the Phoenix area such as founder Andy Olson, co-founders Liz Boyle and Cheryl Sweet. Stations these and other staffmembers have graced include KOOL FM, KSLX and KDKB. Other air personalities include Ken Rundel & MJ Nolen, Dave Cooper, Holley King, Tom Tuerff, Brad Scalf, Pete Michaels, Mike Fimea, Joe Catanzaro, Gary "Squirrelman Thunderdrum" Laatsch, Shon White, Anthony Ciulla and Paul Riopelle, son of musician and inventor Jerry Riopelle.