After 34 years in syndication, Kid Kelly’s “Backtrax USA” will end its run on the weekend of November 28.
Kelly launched the 1980s centered show in December 1992 and later added a 1990s version of the show a decade later. Kelly would briefly expand the brand in 2020 to a nightly show and a 24/7 loop of the show aired on a translator in Baltimore. The end of the show comes after the program had been running repeat episodes in recent months.
A 2018 inductee into the National Radio Hall of Fame, Kelly spent nineteen years as VP/Pop Programming at SiriusXM from 2001 to 2020 where he also hosted afternoons on “Hits 1“. The Brooklyn native also spent a decade in multiple stints at “Z100” WHTZ New York, hosted nights at WKSE Buffalo, and was PD/morning host at WBHT Wilkes-Barre PA.
Kelly wrote on social media:
To All Radio Stations and Friends in Radio,
After three decades, Backtrax USA 80s and 90s radio show will come to an end.
It’s been a privilege to share the music, memories, and magic of two of the greatest decades in music history with radio stations and listeners. What started as a passion for the music grew into something that became a huge part of my life.
I launched the ’80s-focused show when I worked at Z100/New York, increasing its circulation when I went to WBHT/Wilkes Barre-Scranton, and gained even more traction when I returned to Z100. I later added a dedicated ’90s version of the show to meet demand.
Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to work with so many wonderful radio stations, program directors, DJs, and radio professionals who believed in the show and helped make Backtrax what it became. I’m grateful for every station that gave the show a home and every listener who tuned in week after week.
We’ve taken listeners back to the songs that defined their lives, brought back memories of first loves, high school dances, summer nights, and unforgettable moments. That’s what music does, and it’s been an honor to be part of that experience.
The final new Backtrax show will air the weekend of Nov. 28th.
I want to sincerely thank everyone who has been part of the Backtrax journey. Your support, friendship, loyalty, and belief in the show have meant more than you know. Thank you to Hal Knapp and Christian Sorge for their contributions all these years.
Most importantly, thank you for allowing me to do something I truly loved for over three decades.
The music will never stop, and the memories will never fade.
Thank you for over three decades of Backtrax!
With heartfelt appreciation,
Kid Kelly
Creator and Host of BACKTRAX USA w/ Kid Kelly 80s and 90s Show!
