Our Program Director in 1978 to 1980, Jeff Pollack, was at the helm of the WMMR for only a year and a half but brought WMMR back to #1 in the ratings and had so much to do with the revitalization of what we now call Putting Philly First. Jeff, who was just 26 at the time, would be the 3rd PD in 3 years and the station was struggling. When questioned about taking on that role at such a young age in the interview, his response was: “Hey man, it’s not how long you play the guitar, it’s how you play it.” He got the job on the spot! He started with bringing back MMR mainstays including Joe Bonadonna and Michael Tearson, then he added more of the music to the playlist that we love still to this day. Pollack began the legendary block parties with a free concert on South Street, that we still talk about at the station. He tells us how the officials, rightfully so, denied the permit – but it was Philly in the late 70’s, so they got one anyway and it was madness. One of our most famous pictures that still hangs in MMR’s hallways is at that Southside Johnny show with thousands of fans in every corner of the picture including on roofs hanging out of windows and covering every inch of South Street. Jeff is now the Chairman/CEO of Pollack Music & Media Group, an international media music consultancy.
It’s a great trip down Philly memory lane, and you can find out more about him on https://www.pollackmedia.com/