Local Dj: A Rock 'N Roll History

By Peter C. Cavanaugh

Book Overview

Although the surface thread is autobiographical, "Local DJ" is much more an interwoven narrative on Rock n Roll culture from the late 50 s through present times. Perspective is subjectively recounted by one who was both involved with and influential upon the music over an extended period. The presentation is structurally arranged as a mosaic of interrelated stories with substantial personal overview or, as more commonly referenced, "attitude." From the earliest days of Elvis through Z-Rock in the '90's, 'Local DJ" travels through time and space with instinctive grace. Sacramental with sin. A lifeweb spin.

"Of all who had a major influence on me while growing up in the Midwest, none matched the audaciousness, tenacity and gonzo-like behavior of Peter Cavanaugh. He was more than just the rock 'n roll guru who gave America its first encounters with The Who, Bob Seger and all the great Detroit bands (Ted Nugent, Alice Cooper, MC5, etc.) He was the one who taught me how to go up against the powers-that-be and live to tell all. Thank you, Peter Cavanaugh, for saving a generation of Flint kids from the likes of Pat Boone" ---- MICHAEL MOORE --"Bowling For Columbine"/"Fahrenheit 9/11" Please visit www.wildwednesday.com

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1401041639
• ISBN13: 9781401041632
• Release Date: April 2002
• Publisher: Xlibris Us
• Length: 350 Pages
• Weight: 1.02 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.6" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

What Really Happened?!

This book was a gift to me and after several pages, I dropped everything else and went cover to cover in a day! Peter C. reveals much of the story behind Michigan's great music scene of the late 60's and early 70's. Besides some fascinating tales, Peter also portrays an insightful look at life. If you were there, close, or even just intersted in one of rocks greatest eras, this book is a must read. Well done, Peter C. !

It All Makes Sense Now

Wow...I was a teen coming of age in the late '60s and early '70s in the southeast Michigan area. It was a fertile fertile hot hotbed of local rock and GREAT local radio. WTAC in Flint was an incredibly cutting edge force playing and promoting the best of national and international acts, but especially providing exposure for the likes of a young and up and coming Bob Seger, the MC5, Dick Wagner and the Frost, ? and the Mysterians, the Rationals, Iggy and the Stooges...it goes on and on. My impressionable musically hungry head was taken by Peter C. and later WABX in Detroit. What a scene...you really had to be there. I've been looking and waiting for such excitement, creativity and energy ever since. Peter C. lays it all out, all the excitement, all the innovation, all of the mind expanding, life changing scene was recalled and illuminated from the producer's vantage point. Great work Peter C. of a great and legendary time for local radio and local rock and roll! 5 stars ++.

Cavanaugh turns it up to "11"

Local DJ should be required reading for any rock 'n roll fan of any genre. Starting with the Beatles and working his way through the 60's and 70's, Cavanaugh spins a potent web of sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll as he saw and lived it. Based mostly on his experiences as the "local DJ" of powerhouse radio stations WTAC and WWCK, both ranked #1 nationally during his tenure, it's hard to believe that in the tiny town of Flint Michigan, so much happened in rock history. It took me a while to read this book because I had to read everything twice to make sure I was actually reading what I thought I had just read. Let me explain. So here is concert promoter Cavanaugh, years ago, faced with whether or not he should book an unknown Australian band to play in Flint. Peter Cavanaugh is a scary judge of talent. For there, that night, for the first time in America, a band called "AC/DC" took to the stage. The opening act? The MC-5. It doesn't get any more Rock N' Roll than that. I was born too damn late. Because with each turn of the page (I couldn't put the book down) bigger, badder, and bolder stories unfold from a magical time which will never be repeated. Like the night he booked a louder, more raw version of the Beatles. Their name was a bit confusing but Cavanaugh took a chance on them. They were from England so they had to be good, right? Their drummer got drunk and drove a "borrowed" Cadillac right into the hotel pool. Such would be the adventures when you book "The Who" for their first US appearance. And as you read the stories -- and they get better and better with each passing chapter -- you start to realize that Dick Clark was more like a DJ version of Pat Boone compared to Cavanaugh. American Bandstand? Gimme a break, Cavanaugh was booking The Who and AC/DC for their first US shows! And what local DJ would be complete without knowledge of radio frequencies, like the time he captured a GM executive on his car phone, taped what was little more than endless profanity, and held the world's largest corporation by their ball bearings threatening jokingly to release the tape? For southeast Michigan natives, this book will blow your mind. For Rock fans, prepare to read what Rolling Stone magazine wished they could have covered. To Peter Cavanaugh, rock legend. I hope the movie version comes out soon.

This book ROCKS!

This book is the essential guide to the local rock scene in a time capsule. It is funny, rocking, edgy and rebellous the way rock should be!

Great book captures era in Rock & Roll History

Local DJ captures THE defining era of rock & roll history--the 1950s through the 1990s.. Reading the book is like spending a few hours at an old Irish bar, listening to great stories that are more intriguing than fiction because they are REAL. It's a great trip down memory lane, or a way to vicariously live the life you WISH you'd lived.