KRVM’s Billy Safier has been hosting the station’s ever-popular “Beatles Hour” program for the last twelve years.
We thought it was high time our listeners had a chance to learn a little more about the popular show host, and this week, Safier had time to answer a few questions.
KRVM: At what age did you start listening to music? Who were your early favorites?
Billy: “My earliest memories of music are from around age 5. This was around the time Elvis Presley became a phenomenon and he was, of course, my favorite. And I remember being a big fan of Ricky Nelson who performed on the tail end of the Ozzie and Harriet show.”
“I was also a big fan of Buddy Holly and the Big Bopper who sadly perished in the plane crash in February 1959.”
KRVM: Why do you think The Beatles continue to remain such a popular band?
Billy: “Those of us who remember the Beatles from the 60s drive the popularity of the band to this day. We’ve also shared the appreciation for the talent of the band – as well as what became 20 number one hits during their career – with the next generations. It’s good to note that Beatles songs are still being covered my musical groups today!”
KRVM: What’s your favorite thing about putting your show together?
Billy: “The best part is the stroll down Memory Lane, as I think about the music I’m selecting…I remember what I was doing and feeling when the music was new.”
“Isn’t that one of the special things about music?”
KRVM: What newer artists do you listen to today?
Billy: “Someone told me once that a person’s musical taste ceases to grow after their 30s. That being said, I haven’t paid much attention to most of the new music since the days of Blue Oyster Cult and Steely Dan. And I guess I just don’t understand hip-hop.”
KRVM: Do you get many callers when you’re on-the-air? And, incidentally, do you take requests?
Billy: “I don’t get too many callers while I’m on the air, but I hope that most of my listeners have better things to do on Saturday morning then call a radio station. I do hope they enjoy the music while going on with their weekend.”
“Those who do call are most supportive for the most part,” adds Safier, “and want to share their love of the music.”
“I will always try to play a song for a listener, although my playlist is usually prepared days before the show airs. I will always dedicate birthdays when requested as a shout-out!”
KRVM: Is there anything, in particular, you’d like people to know about your show? Any recurring annual “specials” people might like to know about?
Billy: When we run a special – as we did last Thanksgiving for the 50th anniversary of the release of the White Album – we promote it on the air during the weeks before that show.”
“My goal for the Beatles Hour is to keep the spirit of Beatlemania alive for young and old. And we try to do special shows during the fundraisers for KRVM, celebrating the birthdays of John, Paul, George and Ringo, and on the other momentous occasions involving the band.”
“Beatles Hour” airs every Saturday from 11:00 a.m. till noon…be there!
