« catching up | Main | Back to you, Bill »

On Scott Muni

14451996.jpgScott Muni taught me everything I know about rock and roll. It's hard to tell you what he meant to me without sounding ovewrought about it. After all, I didn't know the man personally. Or did I? He kept me company many days and nights throughout my youth. He was the voice of my childhood, when my mother used to listen to WABC, back when AM radio played rock and roll. He continued to voice the soundtrack to my life when he moved over to WNEW. I got into rock and roll early in life, thanks to some older cousins. I was able to appreciate at a young age how Scott Muni forever changed the way New York listened to radio. I can still hear his slow, lumbering voice talking to Jimmy Page or John Lennon. I can hear him introducing a Pink Floyd cut or telling a story about Jim Morrison. He created alternative radio when the word alternative still had its original meaning. By the time Muni left WNEW in 1998, the station had become a disaster area. Muni was a stalwart, staying with a sinking ship. Scott Muni took me from the Beatles to the Grateful Dead to punk rock to new wave and beyond. When I say he taught me everything, that's not hyperoble. There's a reason they called him The Professor. It's hard to explain to anyone who didn't grow up with Scott and WNEW what a profound influence he had on me. Like millions of other New York kids, I wanted to be a DJ when I grew up, thanks to Muni. I wanted to spend all day talking to rock stars and spinning records. I wanted to be him. I settled for just admiring the hell out of him. His voice will forever be a part of my life. Thanks for all the memories, Scott, and thanks for being my rock and roll professor all those years. Read some tributes to Scott in the comments at Ed's place.

Comments

From a kid growing up, some times way way too fast, out in zip 11530, thanks Scott. Hell of a ride.

I hadn't heard of Scott Muni before this, but it sounds like he was a very cool guy. Unfortunately, in the vast wasteland that is today's corporate radio, DJ's who have any knowledge of music - or any influence over the music they play - are pretty much a thing of the past. Maybe by talking about people who were real DJ's, like Scott, and the impact they had, we'll at least help keep the IDEA alive.

The picture is a little bit spooky.

Formerly from: 07621
Loved Scott Muni.
RIP
Another gem: Allison Steele: the night bird on 'NEW
Why are these stations non existent now?

The last time I listened Scottso around '98 I knew times had changed (and WNEW too)... He said
"And that was the Meat Puppets".

Believe me, hearing that in Scottso's very distinctive voice, it was hysterical...

That is sad.
I remember Scott along with Murry and Brucey as the people who introduced me to rock.
I grieve at his passing.

Scottso,
Thanks for all those "Tasty Biscuits" you have thrown at us

I listened to Scott Muni since I was a kid and now I'm 45 years old and realizing that you don't know what you've got, till you lose it. He was such a part of radio and music and my life and I send my condolences out to his family and his listeners, his fans.
I wish you Godspeed Scott and say, "Hello" to my dear brother Fred, who also taught me about rock-n-roll! Lenore Yglesias Millan

I listened to Scott Muni since I was a kid and now I'm 45 years old and realizing that you don't know what you've got, till you lose it. He was such a part of radio and music and my life and I send my condolences out to his family and his listeners, his fans.
I wish you Godspeed Scott and say, "Hello" to my dear brother Fred, who also taught me about rock-n-roll! Lenore Yglesias Millan

Scottso, You are missed. Thank you for all you've given. You made life so good with your deep appreciation and knowledge of music. Then to share it with us. The passing of a legend. Peace and Love to you, your grieving family and public.
You will NEVER Fade Away, Bri

Scott Muni Was The Icon Of FM Radio I Listen To Him For Many Years On WNEW Then On Q1043 I Moved To NC. Could Not Hear Him No More.

If It Was Not For Him Radio would Still Suck

Before Howard Stern And O&A There Was Scott Muni
I Don't Care What Is Told But Muni Was Rock N Roll
Rest In Peace Dude Without Scot Muni WNEW Is Just Another Radio Station

You Will Be Missed
JOhn

Those of us that listened to him, believed in him and told others about him were the lucky ones. I have long-since lived away from the NY area but often travel to the NY area for business. My ritual upon getting into a rental car was to tune in 102.7 before doing anything else. It was always especially cool if i was doing this between 2 and 6. I was saddened when i did it the first time he wasn't there a few years back. Today I am saddened but also OK knowing that his spirit is now infinite.
Buzz Delano
San Clemente, CA
WNEW listener 1970 onward

I am very saddened by the loss of "Scottso". Thing I will always remember about him was his unforgetable voice and the fact that he always was the first to play a new album......befor hit any store, Scott Muni had it on the air.....Beatles,Zepplin,Yes.....you name it....

Truely, the greatest DJ ever.......-Buzz in Cary NC

I am very saddened by the loss of "Scottso". Thing I will always remember about him was his unforgetable voice and the fact that he always was the first to play a new album......before the music hit any store, Scott Muni had it on the air.....Beatles,Zepplin,Yes.....you name it....

Truely, the greatest DJ ever.......-Buzz in Cary NC

Alan Freed defined the term "DJ". Scott Muni took it to an art form. Howard Stern, Opie and Anthony and the rest of today's talk show DJ's should stive to be more like Scottso. Now there was a man with class. No more will I be able to tune you in when I hit the NYC area. You'll be sorely missed by this fan. RIP, Professor...