On This Day...
..1974
with Jan Little, Central Coast
Community Radio Coast FM 963
Our Prime Minister was Gough Whitlam,
the first Australian Credit Card, Bankcard,is introduced,
Countdown begins on ABC Television..
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P 4322 0072
and Suzi Quatro (one of the friendliest people I have had the pleasure
to interview as a Presenter on Community Radio, Coast FM 963) had
climbed to No 1 in the charts with Devil Gate Drive. Born in Detroit,
USA, Suzi has spent 50 years under the spotlight, a talented bass
guitarist and a true ‘rock chick’. Known for her driving rock songs
and commanding stage presence, she was only too happy to chat of
her start in the business under the guidance of producer Micki Most
and her first hit – ‘Can the Can’ . She’s a lady who lives for her Rock
and Roll and was the first female bass player to become a rock star.
When I mentioned to Suzi that she had set the bar for female rock
musicians from the 70’s onwards, she replied “ Someone had to break
down the door, and that door was given to me…and I did it. But, I
didn’t go out there with gender in mind –I just stayed true to myself,”
which sums up Suzi’s open and down to earth personality. But, her
forte lies not only in rock, with stints in musical theatre, writing and
radio as well. Suzi had just completed a tour of regional Australia
at outdoor venues, where temperatures hit the mid 40’s on some
days, just an example of her staying power. No wonder she was
awarded the Woman of Valor Award in October, 2013 from the
Musicians for Equal Opportunities for Women.
It’s fitting to write about things happening 40 years ago, as
Community Radio began in Australia way back then and is
celebrating it’s 40th birthday this year. We at Coast FM 963
celebrate our 22nd birthday this year in August, and we’ve
come a long way from our first broadcasts as 2CCC.
Coast FM began when a small group of radio enthusiasts recognised
the need for a Community Radio Station on the Central Coast and
got together to start what has grown to become a significant part
of the Central Coast. Broadcasting to Doyalson in the north and
Umina in the South, our research shows we have an audience
of approximately 35,000 listeners. We play the Easymix, music
from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s from 6am to 6pm, presented by
passionate presenters who all share a love of music and trivia
(as there is always an interesting story behind most songs and
singers).
After 6pm our Specialist Presenters take to the ‘mic’ and these presenters really are special, with shows
covering such areas as the Arts, Blues, Jazz, Sport, and always plenty of interviews! Not only sh