Clarkston resident Peter Cavanaugh spent his life living rock n? roll history and now has written about it in ‘Local DJ, A Rock n? Roll History.?
‘It started when I would be at the bar having a couple of beers and talking about the radio days,? Cavanaugh said. ‘I decided I should write some of those stories down. Every Irishman believes he has a book inside him somewhere.?
Cavanaugh began the process of writing in April 1994. The Clarkston resident had no outline for the book and ended up with a lot of material having been in the radio business since 1957.
‘The book is about the culture of rock n? roll,? Cavanaugh said. ‘Rock n? roll was not only a musical form but also an attitude.?
The book relives Cavanaugh’s experiences in the business which included promoting and producing literally hundreds of early concerts with the likes of Chuck Berry, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix and The Who. The book also contains plenty of stories about Michigan rock bands including Bob Seger, Ted Nugent and MC5.
Cavanaugh began his radio career at WNDR in Syracuse at the young age of 16.
‘WNDR was an original top 40 station. It was my hometown and I loved working there,? Cavanaugh said.
Cavanaugh worked at the station through his college years before moving to Flint and taking a job with WTAC.
‘That was also a big top 40 station. We had an enormous listenership,? Cavanaugh said.
Cavanaugh held many jobs at WTAC including program director, president and general manager.
In the 1980’s, Cavanaugh teamed up with Flint native Michael Moore and even gave Moore a radio show.
‘I could tell the first time I met him that he was a bright guy. I pretty much let him do whatever he wanted,? Cavanaugh said. ‘He put on some great shows. Michael really developed his persona on the radio. He has always been very consistent in his beliefs.?
Cavanaugh has followed Moore’s career closely and still keeps in contact with the filmmaker with weekly e-mails. Cavanaugh is proud of Moore and is enjoying the mainstreet success he has received.
‘I mean he is on the cover to Time magazine. It is just amazing,? Cavanaugh said. ‘I am really happy with Fahrenheit 9/11. I think it is a great film.?
After his time in Flint, Cavanaugh also spent time at stations in Toledo, Cincinnati and Youngstown.
Cavanaugh and his wife Eileen retired to Clarkston. The couple recently celebrated their 40th anniversary which according to Cavanaugh, ‘had more to do with the patience Eileen had for Peter than any precision talent I had for marriage.?
The couple decided on Clarkston because it was near their four daughters and grandchildren.
‘It has been wonderful to come back to Michigan and we just love it in Clarkston,? Cavanaugh said. ‘We love the people here. I remember when I used to put on shows down here in my younger years. This place is the best combination of a small town feel and big city accessories.?
Those interested may purchase the book at www.wildwednesday.com.