Springsteen/Cunningham Anniversary
• We want to take a moment to salute our friend Tom Cunningham, who, on this date 20 years ago launched his labor of love — a Sunday morning all-Bruce Springsteen radio show on Millennium Classic Rock WCHR (105.7 The Hawk)/Monmouth-Ocean. In 2019, he crossed the street and brought Springsteen On Sunday to Press Communications’ Classic Rock WWZY/WBHX (107.1 The Boss)/Monmouth-Ocean, where it continues to air. Fun Fact: Since 2003, Cunningham has logged 1,035 total shows, missing only two and voicetracking less than 10!
Cunningham began his radio career at the University of Dayton in 1975, cutting his teeth on the school’s 50,000 watt free-form AOR station, the legendary WVUD-FM. He later returned home to New Jersey and spent a decade at Top 40 WPST/Trenton, eventually rising to PD. From there he moved on to executive positions with Reprise, Jive, Universal, and Vanguard Records, The Artist Cooperative and All Access Music Group.
Robby Bridges, VP of Programming for 107.1 The Boss, said of Cunningham, “Like the rock and roll deejays of yore, Tom is one of those rare talents as legendary as the music and artists he plays and is there for them at every event and show with them as they often are with him. I’m proud he’s with us at The Boss.”
Looking back on his two-decade odyssey, Cunningham told RAMP, “I’ve never taken one minute of any of it for granted. I’m proud to be a part of the 107.1 The Boss air staff and look forward to many more Sunday mornings to come. I’m pleased that every member of The E Street Band has been on the show, including both the late Clarence Clemons and Danny Federici.”
A few months ago, at the aptly named Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center For American Music at Monmouth University, Cunningham moderated a panel celebrating the 50th anniversary of the release of The Wild, The Innocent & The E Street Shuffle with Bruce and original E Streeters Garry Tallent, Vini ‘Maddog’ Lopez and David Sancious. “It was an incredible experience,” said Cunningham, adding, “Can’t wait to see what comes next!” Pictured, (l-r): Garry Tallent, Vini “Maddog” Lopez, Bruce, David Sancious and TC. [Photo credit: Danny Clinch]
