Tribute to Scott Muni

By Dennis Elsas

I am a proud graduate of the Scott Muni School of Rock 'n' Roll.

It's an education that began with a transistor radio (often under my pillow), listening to the sounds of his nightly 7-11 show on 57 WMCA. It continued up the dial at 77WABC with the amazing variety that was Top 40 in the early 60s. Then over to the FM dial and the beginnings of progressive rock in 1966 at 98.7 WOR-FM. And on Dec 18, 1967, Scott took over the afternoon slot at 102.7 WNEW-FM, where he and rock would live for the next 30 years.

I had been listening all along, and was just beginning to think about how I might get into radio. By the early 70s I had graduated college and was ready to try. I sent a tape to Scott, who had recently become program director of WNEW-FM. It was rejected, but I got back a very nice letter wishing me well. A few months later, hearing about a possible opening, I tried again, and instead of another letter there was a phone call. I'll never forget the sound of "that voice" coming through the phone: "Um, we'd like you to come in and talk about maybe working some fill-in shifts."

Six months later I wasn't just filling in, I had become Scott's music director and my education had just begun. Working with him and watching him in action, I learned some very important lessons - about using your ears and gut instinct to program, about loyalty, about sharing the spotlight and how to balance the love of music with the realities of the business.

His passing in September 2004 left a void in the sound of NY radio. I am honored to be hosting his tribute at the Museum of Television and Radio on May 19th.