Once known as WFDS, 97.9 was the radio counterpart of WBAL-TV and subsequently named WBAL-FM. In the ‘60s-70s the station broadcast classical music. In 1976 the station briefly switched to an all-news format before becoming WIYY and what is known today as Baltimore’s 97.9-FM rock station.
The new format for the station was fashioned by the new Program Director Denise Oliver, who had come to Baltimore by way of WWDC – DC 101 where she had been music director. Started in March 1977, “98 Rock” catered to the young male demographic playing hard-edged rock album cuts. Bands like Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Boston, and many others that were not being played on Top-40 radio.
Some of the personalities at 98-Rock included Alan Courduff, Ty Ford (ex-WAYE, later WHFS), Sarah Fleischer (Broadcasting Institute of Maryland alumni), Tony Colter aka ‘Mad Dog’ (ex-WKTK), Mark McEwen aka ‘Midnight Mark’, Kirk McEwen, Woodward and Lopez (Bob Lopez ex-WLMD, Laurel), Kelly Saunders (ex-DC 101) who’s “Weekend Alive” program showcased local bands such as Happy the Man, Face Dancer, Tony Sciuto, Crack the Sky, Kix, etc. Saunders later moved on to WBAL where she hosted a talk show.
In 1978 the station solicited for tapes of local original music. The cuts chosen by the 98 Rock staff were released on “The 98 Rock Album”. The album cost $1.98 with all proceeds going to the People’s Free Medical Clinic. In the ‘80s three more volumes of local music were released by the station.
Chuck DuCoty (ex-WKTK) came to 98-Rock as Program Director in 1981. He once sat in every seat in Memorial Stadium in a stunt to raise funds for the March of Dimes. He raised $54,000 ($1 for each seat). By 1985 DuCoty became station manager. He later moved to Milwaukee in 1991 where he worked as VP/GM of WISN-AM and WLTQ-FM. In 2001 he became General Manager of Chicago’s #1 progressive station WKQX-FM.
In the 1970s WIYY aired syndicated special late night concert shows including the “King Biscuit Flower Hour”, Sunday night “Dr. Dimento Show” and the “98 Rock Comedy Hour”. Morning show antics included call-ins from Glen Burnout, a 100-year-old rock fanatic who later had his own call-in advice show “Ask Glen Burnout.” Glen’s warped song parodies were also played on the air including a fan favorite “Super Creep” parody of Rick James’ “Super Freak.” “The Daily Lopez” featured Bob ‘Lopez’ and his unusual news stories. Lopez provided news and commentaries to 98 Rock and sister station WBAL-AM.
The morning comedy team Kirk, Mark & Lopez released a series of comedy and parody albums in the ‘90s including “Don’t Move I’ll Go Get You a Towel,” “Number 2,” “3WAY,” and “4.” McEwen also led his own Kirk McEwen Band, and in the ‘00s with Petty Coat Junction (Tom Petty Tribute band).
Additional WIYY air personalities through the years included Bob Rivers, John Panzarella, Kelly Bell, Tom Evans…
98-Rock continued into the ‘00s as Baltimore’s top-rated album rock station. ‘00s morning show Justin, Scott and Spiegel, Kirk and Marianne afternoons. Local band shows hosted by Matt Davis. Baltimore Ravens flagship station.
1978(LP) 98Rock/1 The 98 Rock Album
1982(LP) SRL-1687 Vol. II – Children’s Hospital Edition
1984(LP) SRL-1718 Vol. III
1986(LP) SRL-1729 Vol. IV (Hometapes)
98 Rock also produced a series of local music CD’s “Noise in the Basement – Local bands come up for air-time” and “Noise in the Basement” collection hosted by Matt Davis.
