In the late 1970’s the local airwaves were filled with several notable radio programs sourcing from KUER-FM at the University of Utah. These shows offered unique musical programming far different from the commercial fare of the time. Some of this music was bizarre, some foundational, some insightful to those times, but all of the music was (and is) important.

A number of these radio programs were recorded, a decent sampling of the music quality. These archived shows are now available for listening or downloading.  Note that the hosts weren’t always “professional,” and the tapes, while cleaned up some, occasionally have anomalies.

Music From Planet Earth, hosted by Curt Setzer, was perhaps the most eclectic, ranging from African tribal music to Sun Ra with stops everywhere else.

Rev. Willis hosted two shows over the years, “The (Eat Your Heart Out) Revue“ and later “Rave On!“.  Listeners never knew what sermon they would get from week to week, but the show premiered both reggae and punk rock for local listeners. And there was so much more…

The most notable show was Smokey’s Blues Hour.  Smokey originated his program on an old AM station, but moved to KUER-FM, which followed the Reverend. And they frequently filled in for each other or joined forces or had guest hosts.  But the Blues Hour reigned supreme, eventually moving to KRCL-FM, listener supported radio, in the 1980’s before ending it’s years long run.