In Memory Of…

Generally, the best parts of the Oscars and Emmys are the “In Memoriam” segments. It provides us with a range of emotions from sadness to “she died?”. It also serves as a touchstone to our past. The stars in those segments dredge up memories of their performances and how those affected our lives.

Which brings me to Mike Nesmith. As you are likely aware, the former Monkee passed away recently. For those too young to remember, the Monkees were the BTS of their day. They had huge Top 40 hits, a highly rated television show, sold out concerts and tons of merch. They were one of the OG boy bands.

Yet, I’m wondering how radio handled the event. NPR probably had a nice vignette complete with audio and hooks. Many news stations also likely carried the story with some sort of background. However, what did music radio do? The songs of the 60’s have mostly been banished from most formats (except at Christmas time). Few stations in the Classic hits format will still play a Monkees song. I doubt any music format used this cultural story to talk about Nesmith’s significance (and try to explain White Out to today’s digital generation). 

We are rapidly approaching the time when the icons that built music radio will shuffle off their collective moral coils.

When Mick (78) and Keith (77), Plant (73) and Page (77), Daltrey (77) and Townsend (76), Eric Clapton (76) and Bruce Springsteen (72) all pop off we can be reasonable sure that Classic Rock stations will react. Possible Alternative and Active Rock, as well. Classic Hits probably play Start Me Up or Born To Run. Sirius/XM will devote an entire channel to those departed start for a month.

Will the Beach Boys get airplay when Brian Wilson (79) passes?

How about Paul McCartney (79) and Elton John (74)? Two artists that owned AC radio for decades. Will any AC station in America make do a deep dive on this music and salute these artists in a meaningful way?

I would imagine that when American treasure Dolly Parton (75) passes Country radio will not only feature her music but obtain reactions from current core artists. Same for Willie Nelson (88).

When we lose Smokey Robinson (81), Stevie Wonder (71) or Diana Ross (77), Urban radio will highlight and salute those groundbreaking performers. As with country I would expect current artist reaction, as well.

Recently, Joni Mitchell (78) was feted with a Kennedy Center honor around the 50^th anniversary of her album Blue. The New York Times did a great piece on the album. Did music radio do anything? Are Christmas stations highlighting River this year? I’m guessing not.

The list is endless, but I will add just two more artists. Bob Dylan (80) and Paul Simon (80). Arguably two of the greatest songwriters in the history of popular music. Also, arguably, two artists that receive scant airplay today. Will radio step outside the strict restrictions of format and salute these men in a meaningful and noticeable way?

Organizations like the New York times, Associated Press and – probably – CNN already have obits prepared for every performer in this post. I’m sure there are radio syndicators doing the same.

Every radio format owes its existence to these seminal acts. Music radio was literally built upon their creativity. When they finally go off to that great gig in the sky, how will radio remember them?

(Editor’s note: perhaps the best recent example of radio saluting an artist’s passing is Los Angeles where seven Spanish-language stations ended up playing Vicente Fernandez for what turned out to be two days. Here are Sean Ross’ thoughts about how radio could salute its living legends as well, and whether it’s time for Classic Hits to be less rigid about era.)