Join Andy Olson for a Music & Interview special with Kristen Commodore. She is an up and coming singer-songwriter from Boston, now based in Los Angeles and we are currently playing her new song, Bruised on Radio Free Phoenix. She will be in the studio performing live also. Join us for this great artist!
Update on Kristen: Sad news to report, this beautiful soul passed away on September 19, 2023 After a 13 week private battle with cancer. Several years ago she married Marvin Speller and went by Kristen Perry Speller. She did leave her mark on the world with the music she made and shared. Kristen was 49 years old. We will miss her.
This Christmas Eve on Radio Free Phoenix, join us for the 22st Anniversary edition of “A Rock ‘N’ Roll Christmas”. From 6:00 p.m. Christmas Eve through Christmas day at 10:00 p.m. (MST). We will be playing an incredible deep and outrageous mix of Rock N Roll Christmas Tunes. Hosted by Andy Olson, this is the only show in the country that gathers together such a smorgasbord of absolutely cool Christmas Rock & Roll — Featuring top flight Christmas Rock mixed with a generous helping of parody & novelty holiday tunes along with great background information on the artists and songs. Since 1988 this show has been gracing the Phoenix Airwaves, first on KSLX, then KDKB, KZON and then back to KSLX and then on Radio Free Phoenix!
Join Radio Free Phoenix and Andy Olson for a Music & Interview Special with singer-songwriter, Melanie this Saturday on RFP. Melanie will be Phoenix in concert at the Rhythm Room.
DJ Ron Wortham, once dubbed “Spokesperson for the Phoenix Hippie Community” by The Arizona Republic, died last week.
Wortham started in Phoenix radio,reporting overnight news on KOY, and went on to become one of the first generation of Phoenix underground rock radio DJs. Wortham, along with the legendary album rock programmer, Bill Compton, was at the forefront of Phoenix album rock radio, as a founding member of the underground KCAC airstaff.
The early days of Phoenix album rock radio were the days of free love, head shop commercials, a station sponsored, drug hotline, and Wortham and Compton enjoying communal living, on an old west valley ranch, with many of the original KDKB staff, as well as members of Phoenix’ underground newspaper, Rebirth.
Ron emerged as a desert hippie DJ, at a time when rock and roll wore it’s mysticism like a bandana, and he became an open minded believer in alternate theories. Some of Ron’s rock and roll psychic connections were uncanny, including his fascination with the boy on the cover of his favorite Moody Blues album. His son Dustin, born many years later, would grow to look exactly like the boy in the picture. In the new century, though social media, Ron was still questioning authority, and pondering the improbable.
Recently, Ron was excited about the new frontier of underground radio, the internet. In his autobiography, Plant Your Seeds, Wortham expressed excitement in this new kind of radio,
“KCAC you see, had children and grandchildren. KDKB was one of those but there have been others as well. Since this was written at least four of the powerful personalities that made that radio station, have died. They are William Edward Compton, Hank Cookenboo, Gary Kinsey (Toad Hall) and Dwight Tindle… good friends, all.
Radio Free Phoenix dances in the spirit of KCAC. Totally Free Form, for a whole new generation of growing and freely formed Creative Spirits that refuse to let a wall or a box define their existence. In that respect, Radio Free Phoenix represents Hope and that too, represents Faith.
Bill is gone, now. So is Toad. So is Hank and Dwight. Others have been eaten by the monster that is our society’s Correctional System. So someday, shall I be gone also in some way or another.
I think I must have been left behind to show you where the spirit resides now, and invite you to join the dance……. A dance that is now, over 35 years old.
You are free also, to participate in a blog of surviving KCAC veterans and fans who as you might imagine, are fun to be around and to read and write to and even hear again. There is a growing collection of audio clips all over the blog, of old tapes of Bill particularly and others, that have been donated from the closets, cassettes and tape reels of many “old timers” like us.– KCAC Lives
Ron was on the air in Phoenix at KOY, KRUX, KCAC and KDKB. He deserves his place in the history of Phoenix Rock Radio.
Ron Wortham never stopped trying to change the world, and never stopped rocking. He will be missed greatly, by a generation who loved his sound and his soul, and by his friends at Radio Free Phoenix.
Join Andy Olson on Radio Free Phoenix for an interview with Tim Cook of The Subdudes (from New Orleans) this Wednesday at 11pm on RFP. Andy will be talking with Tim and playing tunes from their new CD, “Flower Petals.” Also listen for your chance to win tickets to their show at Rhythm Room in Phoenix this Thursday, October, 8th at 7:30 pm. Ticket winners will have their tickets at will-call the night of the show at the venue!
Listen to an archived recording of this Music & Interview Special with Tim Cook of The Subdudes here!
Song, commercial, song, commercial, song that doesn’t really fit in, another commercial. Everyone has gotten used to commercial radio over the years, but radio doesn’t always have to fold neatly inside a tight, lucrative, inoffensive little box. Meet Radio Free Phoenix.
“We are doing the kind of radio we can no longer do on FM waves,” says Andy Olson, RFP pioneer and local radio DJ. “This allows people like me, who have this in their blood, to do what we want.”
Now playing: Jackson Browne’s “Time The Conqueror.”
Internet radio stations are on the rise. RFP can be listened to for free at radiofreephoenix.com. RFP officially debuted Aug. 2004 and was graced with the title “Phoenix New Time’s Internet Radio Station of the Year” for 2007. It’s easy to see why.
RFP is commercial free and takes in donations and volunteers, the only way the station brings in money. “There’s deep musical history here,” Olson says. RFP throws on rock, folk, blues, psychedelic, new wave, Americana, progressive and new music too, according to their Web site.
“We play so much new music, because new music is the new hope,” Olson says.
Now playing: Billy Joel’s “Roberta.”
According to their Web site, “RFP was created in response to the dwindling freedom of expression on the FM airwaves.” Many former and current local DJs are involved with this, such as Olson of classic rock station KSLX and Liz Boyle, formerly of KSLX and currently of oldies station KOOL-FM.
A majority of the staff members were DJs of the former KSTM, The Storm, a radio station that had folded in the late 80s. They are still friends, and had decided to round up their own radio station. A few were also a part of the original KZON that now plays hip-hop, or something like that, at 101.5 FM. One came from National Public Radio at 91.5 FM and one came from KEDJ, The Edge, at 103.9 FM, most likely when it was still 106.3 FM.
Now playing: Doobie Brother’s “Cotton Mouth.”
RFP also offers “Radio Freedom.” Every Saturday at 5 p.m., and Sunday at 3p.m., RFP lets listeners be the DJ for 15 songs. This idea was rooted in earlier shows like 9 O’clock Jock at KSTM and Citizen’s Band KZON.
Listeners, who must be Phoenix residents or visitors, send in their song list along with an explanation of why they want to have their song played on RFP to freedom@radiofreephoenix.com. Volunteers DJs choose anything from The Clash to The B52s to Wilco.
You know a radio station is free from crappy, corporate play lists when it airs a weekly show called “Zappa Universe,” honoring the music of Frank Zappa. Or when it plays The Earps, an abrasive, local cowpunk band, right after classic-rock fogies like The Marshall Tucker Band. Or when listeners play DJ and pick a pile of weekend songs (and the station actually plays them).
Welcome to Radio Free Phoenix, an Internet station that plays everything from New Wave to blues to folk to psychedelic jams (and a bunch of amalgamations in between), spanning the ’60s through today. Where corporate-owned radio stations use a computer program called Selector to determine their playlists (based on time, genre, and even gender limitations), Radio Free Phoenix’s DJs actually choose the music they play. So instead of hearing “hit singles” all day, listeners get gems like the new song “I Think I See the Light” by Yusef Islam (formerly Cat Stevens) — which will never ride a Clear Channel frequency — along with special programs like “Rock-A-Billy & Beyond,” hosted by former AZ resident Miss Holley King. There’s also “Jukebox Cantina,” which dishes out ditties by the likes of locals Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers, Truckers on Speed, and The Pistoleros. With programs like these, and on-air personalities like Liz Boyle (also on-air at KOOL FM) and Andy Olson (formerly of defunct PHX stations KRIZ and KRUX), Radio Free Phoenix has truly Net-ed a winner.
Phoenix New Times
September 27, 2007
Readers Comments
Angela Allen is the best morning show host, ever!I used to listen to her many moons ago on KOOL-FM. Imagine my surprise to read that she is now on Radio Free Phoenix. I’m actually listening to radio in my home, again, after so many years of just cd’s. Thank you Andy Olson, Radio Free Phoenix, and Angela Allen. Lois StadaPhoenix
Lois Stada December 8, 2007
Thank you, New Times, for recognizing these folks noble endeavor.
We listen to this station throughout our home.
I have turned many of my relatives throughout the world to this little sanction of deep tracks. My cousin who works as a contractor in beautiful central Baghdad, Iraq listens to Radio Free Phoenix (RFP) whenever possible. He and some of his colleagues have even told others who work within their confines to listen to RFP. Just know RFP is helping many in while they are away from close friends and relatives in some of the very unsafe locations throughout this crazy World.
Matt Marino November 9, 2007
I listen to Liz Boyle every day at work. Her music selection is the best. Radio Free Phoenix rocks the staid law offices of Bacher, Taldowe and Jones!
Brian Tadlowe October 19, 2007
I grew up in Wickenburg in the 50’s 60’s listening to Krux and Kriz.. and Country local KaKa ( yes that was the real name ) which is now KBSZ ( Miss Holly’s Ex Radio Ranch ).. and listening to KDKB from late 60’s to mid-70’s .. I have been living in Europe for over 25 yrs.. and Radio Free Phoenix…has tuned me back into a times and musical places I never thought I’d find again. Congratulations on your recognition..and Thanks for keeping radio real..
Glenn October 2, 2007
Congrats to all the staff at RFP– nice job! It’s great to see noble efforts go rewarded. Liz Boyle’s show rules! Jim
James Stellhorn October 1, 2007
CONGRATS to ‘RFP’!!!!!I’m still a newbie to Radio Free Phoenix, but am already in love with what they do.A special congrats also to Andy Olson, and the entire team at ‘RFP’…
Bill Herrick October 1, 2007
-Bill Herrick Cleveland, Ohio(Author of: “Induct Melanie into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Petition”)Thanks ‘RFP’ for all of your support too!!!!!
Playing now at ASU’s Memorial Union. Long Live RFP!
Steve Rivas October 1, 2007
I came into Tracks in Wax one day and they had RFP on. I was blown away by the mix of old and new. I usually don’t listen to any type of classic rock, but RFP plays new old stuff I’ve never heard of on the regular radio. They also play all the best of the new. I like the comedy and vintage underground radio clips, too. I wasn’t listening to radio anymore, just my MP3s and it got kind of boring.RFP has brought me back to a new and better kind of radio. The dj’s are all knowledgable and good to listen to, and I’m constantly being surprised with the music. Figures New Times would find these guys.
Steve Schyne September 29, 2007
Finally..RFP comes out of the record closet,and gets recognized for all their hard work & hundreds of rockin’ listener hours. I’ve spread the word about RFP to the oldies (my generation),to the newbies (my kids generation).Everyone either gets a flashback or an education about how a Rock n’ All (music) station used to be..and should be.RFP brings back when DJ’s were real artists, painting music moods with a collage of never ending sets.Special thanks to Andy Olson who continues to throw on Condello’s ` Soggy Cereal’ and other local greats.
Rob Cook – Rob Cook Wallace,Ladmo & Gerald fansite. September 29, 2007
All the best, to the staff of radiofreephoenix.com. This is an incredible station that’s finally getting it’s due.I first heard about this station when Jimmy Magahearn wrote about them a few years ago in New Times. I’ve listened every day since. Stations like this don’t exist on the dial anymore.Thankfully, radiofreephoenix, and it’s underground rock radio format is thriving on the internet.A Loyal Listener.
Mike Anderson September 28, 2007
Congratulations to Andy, and the woman behind the man, Cheryl Olson! This husband and wife team have endured and sacrificed much on behalf of bringing deep tracks from the past and present, absolutely free of charge and commercial-free, to the internet airwaves.RFP has been on the air, completely listener supported, for 4 years. Thanks to all the volunteers that have hung in there, donating their time to the cause of keeping this great music alive, and sharing it with the world, particularly, the airstaff that volunteers daily: Angela Allen, Dave Cooper, Cheryl Sweet, Pete Michaels, and our wonderful weekend staff, Charmie O’Connor, Mike Fimea, Paul Riopelle and Anthony Cuiella, Shon White, Joe Catanzaro, Tom Tuerff, Stu Baker and Miss Holley King.
Spread the word. Make a donation. Support one of the last remaining underground rock radio stations on the planet- the Valley’s own, Radio Free Phoenix.
Thank you, New Times, for recognizing this noble endeavor.
Liz Boyle September 28, 2007
Thanks for the blasts from the pasts, particularly from Valley bands of days gone bye….Superfine Dandolion, The Spiders, Floyd and Jerry, Mike Condello, The Jetzons and, er, that band called, uh, ummmmm, The Tubes.
A bit of Phoenix is always with us on the internet at RFP.
Fee W. September 28, 2007
Congrats, RFP! Thanks for the support and the plays. Buckshot George, The Earps
Congratulations to the staff at RFP.. you guys give your time to keep the airwaves alive with music that’s soothing to the ears.. . Andy, you’re the Man… your passion for quality music is finally paying off!! long may you run!!!
Dan Griffin September 28, 2007
I am down with that, Miss Holley. I think we’re all bowled over and there’s one guy who totally deserves this recognition – Andy Olson. Congratulations, Andy. And bless your heart for keeping the Ken Doll burning in the window for free form rock at it’s True Last Outpost. We all know it is not easy and that many sacrifices are made. This is recognition truly deserved.
Angela Allen
September 27, 2007
-W-O-W-What a wonderful honor!The Phoenix New Times, my favorite ragto bestow such a honor on our hardworkin’ groupof fine folks at RADIO FREE PHOENIX!I’m speechless.(which is not good because I’m a DJ)I will dedicate a song on my next radio aboutwinning this might fine thing.
Tuesday, June 19th at 11am, Andy Olson will be talking with David Bromberg about his musical career. From his early days, as a session musician (he backed acts like Bob Dylan, John Hartford and many others) to his new album, Try Me One More Time. He’s coming to in concert this Wednesday night, June 20th at the Orpheum Theater in downtown Phoenix. This is a music and interview special not to be missed with AO on Radio Free Phoenix!
Listen to an archived recording of this Music & Interview Special with David Bromberg here!
Join Radio Free Phoenix in welcoming John Stewart back to Anderson’s 5th Estate in Scottsdale on Sunday, February 19th at 8pm. RFP will be giving away tickets to the show and also copies of his new CD “The Day the River Sang” (Win it before you can buy it!).
John Stewart recently told RFP’s Andy Olson that he considers this to be the finest album he’s ever recorded. Andy had a chance to sit down and talk with John Stewart for several hours the other day and you can hear the results in this music and interview special with John Stewart on Thursday, February 16th at 11am (MST) on Radio Free Phoenix!
Listen to an archived recording of this Music & Interview Special with John Stewart here!
It was on Halloween, Monday, October, 31, 2005, that My best friend, Bennie Baressi died tragically when he was hit by a speeding SUV at the corner of 43 Ave and Northern in Phoenix. The last song he played was an acoustic version of “Leaving On A Jet Plane” for a couple of girls he met. He finished the song and jumped on his bike (with guitar on his back for the ride home).
Bennie Baressi was a gifted singer-songwriter and was an explosion of musical ideas from the day he picked up his first guitar. He touch many people in his life and the following are some of the tributes we received in his honor…..
Ben & Eileen
Sorry to hear this sad news. Ben was such a nice guy.
Mike and Kathy Mazurowski
When I met Ben 32 years ago I had no idea what an important part of my life he would become. We shared good times and bad and our friendship weathered the years. He was my brother. There is a void in my life that will never be filled yet he will be with me always. Goodbye Ben, my friend.
Fred Cawthon
I am so sorry for your loss, my heart aches for all who knew him. He was a bright star in a sometimes dim world. Bennie will delight all who are with him now as he plays his music in heaven.
Cheryl Sweet
Eileen and Ben’s Family,
May GOD be with you in your time of sorrow. Ben will be remembered for the wonderful love that he had for life. Eileen, remember that you have friends to help you through this hard time. Please call me if you need anything at all that goes for his family too. I worked with Ben while he was at Maverick House and he was truly cared about by staff and friends he met here!!!
God Bless!!
Michelle Cordova
Bennie was one of my oldest and dearest friends. His smile, laugh and wonderful musical talent will be greatly missed. May God smile upon you Ben!
Andy Olson
Thanks for letting me know, Andy. I remember Bennie quite fondly.
Alice Fitchet
Comments: Im soooooooo sorry for your loss,you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Laura Pope (a dear friend of Patti’s)
I know Ben will be greatly missed by his new recovery family and you his family as well. All of us here at Maverick House lost a great client but he will never be forgotten. God Bless.
Kay Filippone (Maverick House)
Peace and comfort to your family.
Diane De George
Gone but not forgotten! Gonna miss you BEN!!!
Tracy Jaramillo (Maverick House)
Ben, You gave a bit of sunshine to me when we met. I will miss you.
Allan Gange
Goodbye Ben
Bridget Sharpe
My condolences to Ben’s family and friends. I met him at Andy Olson’s wedding and have been enjoying the music Andy has sent out in tribute.
Sincerely,
Liz Boyle Radio Free Phoenix
Goodbye Bennie, and yes you will always be missed. Thank you for being a friend of mine for 37 years or more. Memories and music will always be a part of a wonderful friend and brother. I love you and always will.
Chester Wright
You are an inspiration to myself and others Ben. See you at Home.
William S. Kissel
Just got the news..very sad today..will post a few things later and set up a site with some pictures. We have a lot of them from when we were “Horsebeeks”.
Matt and Tambra
I am Matt Schoneberg’s little brother. Only met Ben a couple of times but my brother and his wife Tambra really loved Ben and I will have to listen to some more music that they did together as a trio. Goodbye Ben.
Fred Schoneberg
Ben was one of my dearest friends in Phoenix. In recent years we grew apart which I regret…he was a sensitive, vibrant amazing talent…we had so many good times. I felt we were like brothers. Ben you will always be alive in my heart & I will carry your infectious smile & laugh in my memory forever…Rest well my friend…
Jeff Jones
BEN I’ll miss your kind soul always. We’ll sing again soon someday.
Ken Sowell
Much will be missed with Ben. Don’t forget friends like these.
Marconias
Goodbye my best friend, soulmates till the end. Now you’re heading down another road, singing a little tune as you disappear around the bend. Goodbye my sweet sweet Ben.
Beany
I will never forget Bennie. He always made me smile even when I didn’t want too. I know he’s smiling now. I will really miss his music. I know my boyfriend will always think of him every time he plays his guitar. He wrote a very special song in Bennie’s memory. We will really miss him!
Janet Ryan
Ode To The System – Bennie’s Song
When I returned From war
The boy next door played the guitar
We all had dreams of becoming a star
So Bennie played his guitar
Learned sweet songs to play at the bar
So Bennie played his guitar
Learned sweet songs
Self-medicated and in depression
It was no way to build his ambition
So Sheriff Joe’s men turned his drugs into lithium!
Said he did not need his mom or girlfriend
Hey Joe, you never thought, they may have needed him??
Now Bennie’s in heaven, playing his guitar!
Finely free of the system!
Bennie played his guitar
He did not see the car
If you knew Bennie, you’d know he’s grinin’
Now I only have one question?
Hey Joe, are you sure Ben needed your protection?
For without it, we can only make a projection
I can hear Bennie playing
No longer in fear of our drug war
Bennie playing his guitar
With no one to say he’s not a star
Bye to the man next door
Ben, you know I’ll miss you
So lucky to have know you.
Rodney Vaun Zohner rvzjer@aol.com
Editor note: Bennie was the victim of a long and intense campaign of police harassment in Phoenix that played havoc with his life but never destroyed his spirit. To report police abuse click here
Goodbye For Now – We Will Meet Again
I say goodbye to a friend
You forgave me for my wrongs
Even helped me with my songs
When I think of music
I think of you
In life you were never losing
You’re a friend that was true
I say goodbye for now
As if we were on the phone
Your music always made me proud
And will always be in my home
I thank you for being a friend
Always looked at you as a brother
I will miss our conversations
A teacher of music like no other
I’ll say goodbye for now
We will meet again someway, somehow
For you know I loved you
Your friendship was always true
May your songs live on and on
Your voice I will always hear
Friendship forever in a song
And you will always be so dear
To Bennie with love always,
Chester “friends forever” 11-3-05
Chester Wright
Bye bye sweet Bennie. I met Ben around 87 playing solo at Waynes West. He came up and asked if he could sing with me. Leery of letting strangers onstage, I said “no”. Ben sat down in a booth directly next to the stage and sang with me from there. Beautiful harmony on every song. I asked him onstage and immediately became a duo. We seemed to know and love all the same stuff. I was so blessed to find him. Later we added Tambra and became Horsebeeks. We laughed so hard when we came up with that name. It was the worst of a lot of horrible names we came up with, but, to our surprise, Tambra loved it so we were Horsebeeks. Bennie had the most beautiful voice I have ever heard and I’m sure I’ll never find anyone that’s as good a fit. We read each other’s mind. I have hundreds of tapes of us and a few videos. We still love to listen to them. We laughed and sang a lot. What could be better than that? Except, perhaps, to be able to do it again. Somehow,some way, I’m sure we will. Sing and play beek! We love you and miss you.
Goodbye For Now
Matt and Tambra
Good-bye Ben, A great friend and a very special person.
A friend who’s smile and laughter could shine light on those depressed and with hard times. Who had beautiful music in his heart and mind.
Good-bye Ben, one of the most talented people I have ever known. I know that Jesus is waiting for you with a guitar in your new home.
Love forever,
Dave Wright
Comments: Bennie was one of the most talented musician’s I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.
He always had a smile and a hug and was always glad to see me. My fondest memory is of him singing “Unchained Melody” at the Karaoke Bar. He was the DJ and the King of the room. He was the energy. People came to see him and to hear his beautiful voice. He was blessed with many talents and the natural ability to make beautiful music.
God Bless you Bennie. You will be missed.
Candy (Dave Wright’s friend)
I’m so sorry to hear of Ben’s passing. Although I did not know him, I can see he had a smile that lit up the world. My thoughts & prayers are with his family. Peace…
Jasi
The best legacy we can leave in this life is to have made a difference in the lives of others. Looking back in reflection on Bennie and all the love and affection I’ve seen pouring out from those that knew him–is that he touched a place and space in their lives that nobody else could have touched. In a multitude of ways, he left calling cards here and there that were full of hope joy and discovery. Bennie never lost the child within, he continued to explore an honest and innocent reaction to the world, no matter what was thrown at him. In this manner I am grateful to have had him as a lifelong friend.
Bennie, may your light shine always………
Andy Olson
So, So sorry for your loss. You and yours will be in our prayers.
Carol and Tom Catchings
Ben, Your songs will be missed and your smile will never be forgotten. Love you and miss you always!
Krystal
You changed my life forever–thru the 12 years I knew you, I found the most unique friend, artist, and soul-mate–will miss you always.
Tina/Tink..
Listen to a great song Ben recorded that is reflective of his soul.
