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The American Disc Jockey Essay

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The American Disc Jockey

The American Disc Jockey is one of the most important aspects in the development of music, especially rock-n-roll. Many radio personalities became widely recognized on the notion of them having a specialized voice or that they are able to provide a wealth of knowledge about the artists that they play (Eliot, 92). Whatever the situation, the fact remains that disk jockeys have helped to build an excitement for radio, yesterday, today, and hopefully tomorrow. A day in the life of a disk jockey is not just about spinning records and announcing the latest contest. What really makes a good disk jockey is craftsmanship (Sklar, 13). The DJ has to maneuver tangible and intangible objects, as well as cue up …show more content…

In my opinion, entertainment in rock radio centers around the word music. I feel that any Top 40 disk jockey who is or wants to be successful should keep an eye on his priorities. As far as I’m concerned, music is first; but I feel just as strongly that the jock is second. A very strong second (Hall, 122)” This illustrates the point of the DJ personality being the main focus of the listener’s attentions. As movers and shakers of early rock and roll, disk jockeys choose which records they played, and how many times they played them. The law states that it is a federal crime for any radio or television station to accept or agree to accept money, services, or anything of value for broadcasting any material without disclosing acceptance or agreement to accept (Smith, 54). Over the years, various payola scandals actually helped many artists recording careers; at the same time helped to end the careers of many disk jockeys. Unfortunately, in radio, the guilt of a few reflects on the mass. Throughout the years, even in spite of many Grand Jury investigations, payola has not been abolished. Playlists are extremely tight, and the need to get a record on the playlist is huge (Passman, 87). As long as this keeps going on, record companies are forced to use whatever means possible to break through those barriers. I guess in some ways, this leads to payola. In others, it could lead to psychological warfare between to program directors and

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