Backtrax USA Winding Down
• After more than three decades in syndication, RAMP has learned that Radio Hall Of Famer Kid Kelly will cease production of his popular and long-running Backtrax USA show before the end of the year.
In a notice sent to affiliates, Kelly said, in part, “It’s been a privilege to share the music, memories, and magic of two of the greatest decades in music history with radio stations and listeners. What started as a passion for the music grew into something that became a huge part of my life.”
Kelly launched the ’80s-focused show when he worked at Z100/New York, increasing its circulation when he went to WBHT/Wilkes Barre-Scranton, and gained even more traction when Kelly returned to Z100. He later added a dedicated ’90s version of the show to meet demand.
Kelly (left) added, “Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to work with so many wonderful radio stations, program directors, DJs, and radio professionals who believed in the show and helped make Backtrax what it became. I’m grateful for every station that gave the show a home and every listener who tuned in week after week. I want to sincerely thank everyone who has been part of the Backtrax journey. Your support, friendship, loyalty, and belief in the show have meant more than you know. Thank you to Hal Knapp and Christian Sorge for their contributions all these years.”
Please note: The final new Backtrax show will air on Saturday, Nov. 28. Current affiliates may rerun older shows until they decide on replacement programming.
• For stations looking to fill this impending void, Kelly has an answer: “I am recommending Robby’s Top 20 Countdown, hosted by Robby Bridges, which highlights the week’s top Pop hits from this week from 1980 to 2000. Contact Compass Media’s Sydney Sperling at 914-708-1456.”
A grateful Robby Bridges remarked, “Kid Kelly is one of my radio heroes and a true icon in the biz. I’m grateful to call him a dear friend and I want to congratulate him on the legendary success of Backtrax over the past 34 years! He invented the 1980s Throwback format. I am humbled, honored and grateful for endorsement of our show and for stations that see fit to accept us in Kid’s slot on their air, we will continue what he started playing the hits for years to come best we can!”
