Hamilton, Ohio: Center of the Modern Rock Universe

Here’s an absolute gem: a Hamilton High School-produced TV show from 1985. This episode is guest-hosted by Brett Heartz, who later went on to work at 97X. His guests were:

1. Dan “Danny Crash” Reed, who also worked at 97X, WFPK in Louisville, WNKU, managed Bogart’s and now serves as afternoon host and music director for WXPN in Philadelphia as well as Talent Relations Manager for the syndicated World Cafe program.
2. Ken “Mr. K” Glidewell, who worked at 97X, WEBN and 92.5 The Fox until his tragic passing from injuries due to a motorcycle accident in 2008.

In other words, it’s one radio legend interviewing two others. Dan and Mr. K were at 97X at the time of this show, so they talk about the station quite a bit.

It’s well worth noting that all three of these gents go started on their radio path thanks to the Broadcasting Arts class at Hamilton High School. What Dan says in the interview is spot on: the opportunity to work on radio and TV productions in high school gives students a leg up in their career path.

According to the YouTube description, the Broadcasting Arts class ran from 1981-1988 at Hamilton HS. Probably a victim of budget cuts, or perhaps the teacher who organized it moved on. I’m sure there are far fewer classes like this in 2020 than there were in 1985, and that’s a crying shame. Because this show is a great indication of how a passion for music can be channeled into a career.