By Michelle Charles - Summit FM Development Director

This week’s volunteer is Rebecca Baird. I met Rebecca while working on the Summit FM's Elevate capital campaign a few years ago. I am thrilled that she volunteers with us here at the station! Rebecca works at the front desk on Mondays and Fridays and has also helped with many of our pledge campaigns by answering phones. She has been volunteering at the station since 2016 and lives in Copley with her husband Micah, daughter Kelly, and crazy dog Mokey.

I asked Rebecca a few questions:

What do you like about volunteering?

I feel honored to help the wonderful people at the Summit make the music happen. The staff and other volunteers are the best people to hang out with, plus you just never know what is going to happen around here!

What was your first live concert? 

I went to see Rusted Root and Jewel at Blossom in 1999, though the first concert ticket that I purchased myself was U2 in Lexington Kentucky in 2000.

What is an artist that you discovered on the Summit FM? 

Kaleo 

What is your favorite band of all time?

Sting

What is your favorite movie?

Love Actually 

What book are you reading right now? 

Annihilation by Jeff Vandermeer 

Would you like to become a Summit FM Volunteer? Click here for more information!

Wellness can be achieved by virtue of completing a journey and maintain a lifestyle. But it can also be magnified by our ability to appreciate and be thankful for the things that we already have! Summit Wellness continues to hum the melody of connection between feeling good and feeling grateful!  

Gratitude is a monthly feature contributed by Matt Anthony, Digital Media Producer and on-air host for the Summit FM. Matt reflects on instances where we might uncover more ways to appreciate what’s in front of us, and how those instances might contribute to our overall health and well-being. 

"The Space in The Attic"
By Matt Anthony - Summit FM Contributor

“When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” - Willie Nelson

We all need our space.

In a crowded house with a family of 9, it was difficult to find your own personal plot of real estate. Growing up in Canton in the northwest end, my parents rented an old Colonial. Then, during my sophomore year in high school, an opportunity presented itself where they were able to buy a similar house, one that sat just on the other side of our next-door neighbor. Think it was amusing to watch brothers wrestle a sofa down the street? Yes. It was.

My father taught industrial arts in the Osnaburg Local School District (East Canton) and he was a pretty skilled craftsman. And one of the first things he did in that new house was to create an extra bedroom in the attic for my twin brother and me. Like many people at the time, air conditioning was a luxury that wasn’t in the budget. And summer sleeping could be stifling.

“Enough is a feast.” - Buddhist proverb

But my twin brother seemed to run with his own crowd at the time, and that meant that I had the sweltering attic bedroom to myself for large chunks of time.  So, I would sit on the edge of the bed, grab my headphones, plug them into the turntable, reach into my treasured cantaloupe crate of albums (I worked at a local market and could get for free what some were paying $20.00 for at record stores!) for some piece of vinyl that suited my mood, and off to paradise I went.

That private, personal space, in the dark corner of that attic, bouncing rhythmically to ‘Squonk’ or ‘Breathe’ or ‘Pretty Vacant’ or ‘Like A Hurricane’, while trying not to bang my forehead on the inexpensive panelling of the slanted roof, taught me to be grateful for my little plot of territory. While suffocating in the Summer and frigid in the winter, that re-purposed room was my salvation, my getaway. It was a space that allowed me to spend quality time with everyone from The Kinks to Dire Straits to Miles Davis. But more importantly, it taught me the importance of something that every human person needs and requires: time to reflect, time to evaluate, and time to find a way to be grateful for the things we have.

“And a voice seemed to say to me, ‘You are an old man and you have not said thank you; you have not brought your gratitude back to the soil from which this fragrance arose’." - Leonard Cohen

Today, I struggle with even the simplest home-repair project. My father, the wood-working magician, taught us absolutely nothing when it came to building or constructing anything. I’m not even sure he taught us how to pound a nail into a piece of board. A huge fan of sports and an athlete himself (he was called up to Pittsburgh for two weekends as a backup catcher for the Pirates in the early 50’s), he was much more interested in making sure that we knew how to dribble a basketball with our opposite hand, or that we were familiar with being able to block a pitch in the dirt or being able to properly tackle a player so that we didn’t injure ourselves.

But I’m extremely grateful that he took the time to use his skills to renovate that attic space, with cheap plywood on the walls and a thin but comfortable carpet-remnant. Today, at almost 95, he claims not to remember re-purposing that room for us when I remind him about it. But I remembered to tell him during my last visit that I was grateful for that space. A space for me, a turntable, and a cantaloupe crate full of albums.

By Dave Swanson - Summit FM Contributor

As the Woodstock Nation said goodnight to the world and the decade from which they sprang, the gates of 1970 had flung open wide, presenting a variety of avenues, many untraveled, for the kids to ponder.

Within the first few years of the new decade the music world had already begun to splinter into several factions. There were the 60's leftovers, still relatively fresh, all things considered, lots of introspection going on with a cavalcade of 'singer/songwriters,' country rock, and of course the big leaguers like the Rolling Stones, the Who, CCR and so on, who moved seamlessly into the new era.

There was progressive rock, the first waves of heavy metal, bubblegum and glam rock. Mainstream audiences hung onto the tried and true in large part, as the mainstream press like Rolling Stone, who were all about the Jackson Brownes, Eagles, and Van Morrisons of the world. They scoffed loudly at anything tied to 'progressive rock' and the likes of Bolan, Bowie and Roxy just left them, well, unwashed and somewhat slightly dazed.

Something must have happened over Manhattan! Born out of a love for raw rock and roll, early 60s pop and a general sense of danger, all 'dolled' up in high heels, teased hair, lipstick, loud guitars, thundering drums and out for revenge vocals, the New York Dolls wandered into the party ready to take on the world. Formed in 1971, they became a fixture on the NYC underground scene with their most devoted fans singing their praises to the heavens while their most vocal detractors trying to think up new words for amateur and awful. Lines had been drawn!

The New York Dolls signed to Mercury Records, who hoped they were signing a band that would become huge. They had catchy songs, a larger-than-life image, rock and roll danger, the Rolling Stones for the next generation. Unfortunately, the masses didn't get the memo as the Doobie Brothers and James Taylor were found riding in the front seat.

Enter studio wizard, and true star, Todd Rundgren to the Dolls picture. With Rundgren as producer, the Dolls had a chance of getting a solid album and who knows, maybe even some radio airplay out of the deal. Though the story is often told that Todd took a while to warm up to the rowdy New Yorkers, once their signals converged, the magic happened in the studio. Rundgren proved to be the perfect producer for their self-titled debut, released July 27, 1973.

From the opening rave-up of 'Personality Crisis,' it's obviously we're a long way from Joni Mitchell's house. Loud, trashy, fierce, attitude overflowing, you know, Rock & Roll! This was what can only be described as the first genuine Rock and Roll for the next generation. No frills, no flowers, no fragrance, just a swift kick to the heart via stacked high-heels. Glamour never sounded so dangerous.

From the switchblade rumble of 'Looking For A Kiss,' 'Vietnamese Baby,' 'Frankenstein' and 'Trash' through the plaintive 'Subway Train' and glitter stomp of 'Jet Boy,' the New York Dolls were tough as nails from square one. With nothing but love and respect for the Rolling Stones, they made the Stones sound like a tired proposition from an old hooker. The Dolls were the new 'girls' on the street armed with high energy and killer songs.

So what happened? They sold millions of records and all lived happily ever after! Well, no, far from it actually. After a follow-up second album, 'In Too Much Too Soon,' they slowly imploded, and by 1975 were a ghost, fading with a whimper, bang long gone. Without the New York Dolls, there may very well have been no 'punk rock' and with no 'punk rock' radio would still be playing the Eagles, Billy Joel and, oh wait a minute. Maybe the whole punk thing was a figment of our collective imagination after all.

The New York Dolls, however, were very real. Their debut album still stands loud and proud 50 years on. That's half a century folks! The sad part is, on the large scale, the one where the baa-ing is loudly heard, the Dolls are still an unknown entity, barely a blip on any detectable radar, which of course, is one giant damn shame.

So, let's all celebrate the 50th anniversary of the debut album from the New York Dolls. Grab your old LP, CD, tape or stream it maximum volume. It's still a racket that needs to be heard and

you know what, it might just make the world a better place after all, even if only for a half hour. Here's hoping!

By Ryan Humbert - Summit FM Contributor

Americana music is everywhere nowadays. Legendary artists as diverse as Robert Plant, Bonnie Raitt, Robert Cray and many, many more are finding a home in the inclusive genre that encapsulates a mix of American music styles, including blues, folk, country, rock and more.

Some even say that Americana music is also home to today's "real country music," since commercial country radio leans so heavily on pop and hip-hop sounds. While that may be true, the genre is open to more than just country music!

Here are five songs for July 2023, all brand-new Americana bangers, for your listening pleasure!

Don't forget to tune into the Americana Roundup, every Sunday morning from 9 to 11AM on The Summit FM -- hosted by Ryan Humbert, lead singer of the Shootouts. For more information, visit AmericanaRoundup.com.

By Dave Swanson - Summit FM Contributor

The year was 1978, in many ways a golden year in a golden decade for rock and roll. Popular music was all over the map, caught in an identity crisis of sorts. Disco was huge business and radio dominating. Mega-albums were soup de jour, with everyone from Fleetwood Mac and Eagles, to newer acts like Foreigner and the Cars, having their day in the sun. Meanwhile, the real heart of the punk/new wave explosion was failing to connect with Middle America who, for some unfathomable reason, were enchanted with the likes of Kansas and Styx as opposed to Ramones and the Clash. Into the midst of this melting pot, enter the Rolling Stones. Did they jump or were they pushed?

The Stones, Jagger in particular, was always keeping one eye on the current trends in music so as to not have he and band get left behind. A fine notion, but by 1978, the Rolling Stones had more than proved themselves and had no need to worry about trend watching. All they needed to do in that year was deliver a good Rolling Stones album. Mission accomplished with the release of the much loved ‘Some Girls,’ released that summer.

The Rolling Stones were smart enough to merge the sounds and styles from the outside world, heat to boil, let simmer then serve as only the Stones could. Cries of ‘Disco Sellout!’ initially greeted the single ‘Miss You,’ but once the groove set in, fans realized it was simply a really good song you could, if so desired, dance to. Plus, in that late 70s Disco onslaught, no one was safe from the effect. Rod Stewart and Kiss would also have their four on the floor hits but the Stones made it sound more organic. It proved to be one of the band’s biggest hits, topping the US charts that summer.

The ‘punk’ influence could be found on tracks like ‘Respectable,’ ‘Lies,’ ‘When The Whip Comes Down’ and, especially, ‘Shattered,’ all of which quickly became FM radio staples. The title track delivered a slow, sleazy blues ride laced with funk and lyrics which would have today’s PC crew looking for a safe space, in other words, pure Rolling Stones. ‘Before They Make Me Run’ was a fine Keith spotlight while ‘Far Away Eyes’ bordered on countrified parody. Again though, it was just part of an all-inclusive take on the sounds which did abound in that glorious year. ‘Beast Of Burden’ was sweet soul goodness that hit the Top 10 and remains a radio staple.

The album was a huge hit for the band, hitting the top of the Billboard charts in America and Top 10 pretty much everywhere around the world. To this day, it remains one of many a Stones’ fan’s favorite LP. It was the right album at the right time for these guys and while they had done much better before, an argument could be made for this being the last truly great Rolling Stones album, where everything just clicked. OK, settle down all you ‘Tattoo You’ fans, just be glad we’re on the planet the same time as the Rolling Stones!

By Laura Smiley - Summit FM Sales Director

By Dave Swanson - Summit FM Contributor

By Brad Savage - Summit FM Program Director

Now fast becoming a signature program or feature of The Summit FM, "Cruisin' The Decades - 100 Years of Music" is a real, interesting musical journey each week. The concept is music from the 1920's to the 2020's, any one song per decade, all in one hour. We "cruise" from era to era and sound to sound, and if we do it right, we're mixing it up nicely across many different classic (and current) sounds and songs. Listen for Cruisin' The Decades on Fridays at 5pm on The Summit.

The program is unique enough that it is now offered in a self-syndicated version to other public radio stations across the USA and beyond. If you can believe it, the show is now aired on 38 radio stations in USA, Canada, New Zealand, Honduras, and Germany. Our newest stations are "Radio Free Santa Fe" KBAC Santa Fe, NM and Blue Wave Radio on the island of Roatan, Honduras! Find out more about the show and listen to the "Global Edition" here:  www.cruisinthedecades.com

You can also hear the "Global" version of the show on Saturday nights at midnight (aka Sunday at 12am). 

One of my favorite tasks each week is to do a "deep dive" through any and all popular music archives from the past 100+ years and prepare the show. I have really gotten into the "pre-Rock N Roll" era and the roots of what led to today's modern sounds.  This show has given me more "music appreciation" and sense of history than ever before. Here are some great songs that I have discovered in recent months, as a result of "Cruisin' The Decades".

By Dave Swanson - Summit FM Contributor

Can it really be 30 years since Sheryl Crow welcomed everyone into the Tuesday Night Music Club? Arithmetic being what it is, yes, indeed -- it has been 30 years!

From childhood, Crow knew she wanted to be a singer and set about making her dream happen. From time spent singing jingles for everything from department stores to McDonalds and beyond hers was a voice on the rise. That voice eventually led her to working with the likes of Michael Jackson, Don Henley and Stevie Wonder, to name but a few. Making her way through the maze of the music business, she finally landed herself a record deal with A&M, who released her debut offering, Tuesday Night Music Club in August of 1993.

After a botched recording session with the legendary Hugh Padgham (Police, XTC, Peter Gabriel) Crow ended up with Bill Bottrell (Michael Jackson, Madonna, ELO) in the producer's chair which proved to be a winning combination.

Two singles were released from the album right off, 'Run Baby Run' and 'Leaving Las Vegas,' both of which failed to turn heads. Thankfully, for all concerned, A&M didn't give on on Miss Crow and issued a third single. 'All I Wanna Do' became the golden ticket, hitting number two on the Billboard charts and maintaining countless airings on MTV. Though it missed the top spot on the charts, it managed to sit at No. 2 for six straight weeks, ultimately grabbing two Grammy awards for Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

In the midst of all the chaotic, loud rock and roll so prevalent in the early '90s, Crow's country and blues-tinged pop music proved a welcome addition to the musical landscape, in part, by not being so easily pigeonholed. She was, in the simplest Osmondic terms, “a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll,” 

The album made number three in the U.S. and Top Ten around the world, including a number one in Australia. Three more singles followed, 'Strong Enough,' 'Can't Cry Anymore' and ' What I Can Do For You,' and though none matched the success of 'All I Wanna Do,' they all helped establish Crow as a major new force in pop music.

More hits would follow for the next ten to fifteen years, but without her stellar debut; there would be no story to tell. Tuesday Night Music Club was the right album at the right time by the right artist to connect with the public. It still maintains its place as a cornerstone of her catalog and long running favorite to her many fans.