The Sound That Hooked Me: Discovering the Magic of 60s & 70s Radio Through Old Records

Hey there, fellow music lovers!

As I sit here in my home studio, surrounded by stacks of well-loved vinyl 45s, I often find myself thinking of those golden years of the 1960s and 1970s. There’s something profoundly special about the music from that era — the raw energy, the soul-stirring melodies, the sheer innovation — that still feels unmatched today. Now, I'm only 54, so I never experienced the swinging 60s or the groovy 70s directly as they were happening — I was born too late for that. But I inherited my older brother's incredible record collection — boxes full of those precious 45s and LPs — and the moment I dropped the needle on those grooves, I was hooked. The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Motown gems, Hendrix, Zeppelin... it was like discovering a hidden world of sound that instantly felt like home. From there, I fell deeply in love with the music and the whole radio culture that surrounded it back then.

What made it all so magical wasn’t just the songs — though, my goodness, what songs! Think of the British Invasion sweeping in with The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who, turning the world upside down with their fresh, rebellious sound. Then there was the explosion of Motown’s polished soul from The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder, blending gospel heart with irresistible grooves. Psychedelic rock took us on mind-bending journeys with Pink Floyd and Jimi Hendrix, while folk-rock anthems from Bob Dylan and Joan Baez gave voice to a generation fighting for change. And don’t get me started on the 70s — disco fever with the Bee Gees and ABBA, the thunder of Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, the smooth funk of Earth, Wind & Fire, and the revolutionary reggae of Bob Marley. It felt like music was evolving week by week, pushing boundaries, fusing genres, and speaking directly to the heart of what it meant to be alive in those turbulent, exciting times. The cultural shifts — civil rights, anti-war protests, the Summer of Love, Woodstock — poured into the lyrics and rhythms, making every record feel like a statement, a celebration, or a call for something better.

But what really sealed the deal for me was the way that music came alive through radio back then. Those warm, personality-packed shows felt like chatting with a best mate — DJs with real character, witty banter, the satisfying crackle of vinyl as they dropped the needle, and that seamless flow from one classic to the next. Pirate radio stations like Radio Caroline beamed groundbreaking pop and rock from ships anchored in the North Sea, defying the restrictions of the time and giving young listeners non-stop access to the sounds the mainstream BBC wouldn't touch. It was raw, spontaneous, full of life — no algorithms, no corporate playlists, just pure passion pouring through the speakers. Tuning in created this incredible sense of community; you felt part of something bigger, with the DJ’s voice making the airwaves feel intimate and alive in a way that's hard to find today.

These days, I search high and low for that authentic feel, but it’s tough to come by. Modern radio often feels too slick, too segmented, too focused on current charts rather than those timeless gems. The music of the 60s and 70s had soul, rebellion, and joy in equal measure — it made you want to dance, think, protest, or just sit and feel. That’s why I couldn’t stand the silence anymore. I missed those magical radio moments so much (the ones I fell in love with through my brother's records and stories of the era) that I decided to recreate them myself, right here from my own studio. Spinning records live, sharing the stories behind the songs, and connecting with all of you wonderful listeners who feel the same pull toward that golden age.

So, if you’re like me — someone who still gets goosebumps from “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Stairway to Heaven,” or “Dancing Queen,” whether you lived it or discovered it later — you’re in the right place. Let’s keep the spirit of those incredible decades alive together. Drop me a message with your own memories (or how you first fell for the era), and who knows? Your story might just make it on the next show. Because as long as we’re spinning these records and sharing the love, that golden era never truly ends.

Keep grooving,

Your 60sDJ