FM Radio’s Golden Decade: The Rise of AOR [Episode 364]

AOR’s golden age is one of the most electrifying eras in rock history.From 1976 to 1986, album-oriented rock dominated FM radio, filling arenas and airwaves with massive hooks, soaring power ballads, and legendary bands. But behind the music was a wild world of record label power, payola scandals, larger-than-life personalities, and an industry fueled by excess.In this episode of Booked On Rock, Eric Senich sits down with Paul Rees, author of Raised on Radio: Power Ballads, Cocaine & Payola – the AOR Glory Years 1976–1986. Together, they explore the rise of AOR and the stories behind the music that defined a generation.Paul shares incredible insights into the artists, the radio programmers, and the record executives who helped shape the sound of FM rock during its peak. From arena-filling anthems to the behind-the-scenes chaos that fueled the industry, this conversation dives deep into the decade when melodic rock ruled the airwaves. If you love the sound of classic FM radio, this is the era that changed rock forever.Purchase a copy of Raised on Radio: Power Ballads, Cocaine & Payola – the AOR Glory Years 1976-1986Visit Paul Rees's websiteVisit Paul Rees's Substack site----------🎧 Listen Ad-Free on PatreonSupport Booked On Rock and get every new episode completely commercial-free with the Backstage Pass.Join here: https://www.patreon.com/cw/BookedOnRock🛒 Old Glory -  Iconic music and sports fan merch💰 Get 15% OFF | Promo Code: BOOKEDONROCKhttps://oldglory.com/discount/BOOKEDONROCKBooked On Rock is part of The Boneless Podcasting Network BookedOnRock.com The Booked On Rock Store The Booked On Rock YouTube Channel Follow The Booked On Rock with Eric Senich:BLUESKYFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMTIKTOKX Find Your Nearest Independent Bookstore Contact The Booked On Rock Podcast: [email protected] The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe