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10 Questions with ... Jordan Zucker
May 16, 2022
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
On-air talent-WKAJ Saratoga Springs, NY (1975)
Southern/Tone Dist. One Stop-Miami (1977-1979)
Pickwick Distribution-Rack Sales (1979-1981)
Capitol Records-Customer Service Rep (1982-1984)
A&M Records-Promotion Southeast (1984-1989)
A&M Records-National Rock -Chicago (1989-1992)
RCA Records-Southeast Promotion-ATL (1992-1996)
RCA Records-Rock Director-LA (1996-1999)
Sanctuary Records / CMC-National-ATL (2000-2006)
Infirst Promotion-ATL (2006-2022)
1. What got you interested in the record business?
My first job growing up in Saratoga Springs, NY for “The Boys” changing all the 45s on all the jukeboxes in town; that and being a drummer made for an interesting time.
2. What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
WPTR-1540, was the AM Top 40 station at the time, then I knew I had to be on the air which led me to being the voice of the high school for four years and on to college for Radio Broadcasting and Engineering. I did get to work at the station as well.
3. What was the first record you worked to radio and what has been the biggest change since you first began doing radio promotion?
It was from the Breakfast Club OST on A&M Records, "Don't You, (Forget About Me)" by Simple Minds ...No cells phones back then, so always looking for the next public phone booth to call Charlie Minor with adds!
4. Where do you get your greatest pleasure in doing promotion?
Hearing the song on the radio as I would drive to the next town, standing next to, or on the stage with an artist that I know I had something to do with the show or airplay. Also happened again this week hearing Michael Mc Arthur " Lady Luck,” Thanks Mr. Fish.
5. What is the toughest part of your job?
Knowing how talented the artists are and trying to get that point across. Also, knowing how close you came to a hit record on the radio.
6. Things are changing rapidly in our business. If it were up to you, what would you change in our "system" to give your bands a better shot?
The best would be more hours in the day to play music!
7. What's the wildest thing you ever did to get "the add" at a station?
Hmmm, wearing the "Big Pig" suit and renting a bus with food and beverage, and going to clubs all night with radio, (Power 96/Y100/Hot 105), or using the hydraulic lift with a band on it outside the programmer’s window, what a great time!
8. What would surprise people most about you?
I am a Medic First Aid Rescue Scuba Diver, or maybe a competitive tennis player. I delivered my daughter after the Northridge earthquake. My wife was very surprised!
9. What is your best advice for up-and-coming promotion reps?
Know everything about everything… be on time … even early. Have some great stories. carry a sharpie and a leather man.
10. If you were to leave the record business today and you could choose any other occupation, what would it be?
Working at an ocean resort in the water sports recreation department teaching kids to scuba dive/
Bonus Questions
Last non-industry job:
Running the outside lawn and gardening department at Lowes
First record ever purchased:
Go to question # 1
First concert:
Saratoga Performing Arts Center-74, Elton John
Favorite band of all-time:
The Doors
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time away from work?
Tennis/scuba diving and hanging in my backyard.
Do you watch any cooking shows? If so which ones?
Budding Chefs. The one with the kids doing the cooking
Have you ever been arrested? If so for what?
Motley Crew / Drowning Pool. " Crewfest " tour. Look for us on an upcoming episode of Judge Judy.
Where is the most magical place on earth in your opinion?
Machu Picchu. I levitated in the crystal wall.
If happiness were a national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?
Sweeping sand and cutting down palm fronds at the beach.
If Humans came with a warning label, what would yours say?
Only open in case of emergency.
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