The AOR Glory Years: Power Ballads, Payola & FM Rock’s Biggest Decade
- Eric Senich
- Mar 10
- 1 min read
From the mid-1970s through the mid-1980s, album-oriented rock (AOR) dominated FM radio and filled arenas across the world. Massive guitar hooks, soaring choruses, and unforgettable power ballads became the soundtrack of a generation. But behind the music was a fascinating industry story—one filled with powerful radio programmers, record label battles, payola scandals, and a rock culture fueled by excess.
In this episode of Booked On Rock, Eric Senich welcomes Paul Rees, author of Raised on Radio: Power Ballads, Cocaine & Payola – the AOR Glory Years 1976–1986. Paul shares incredible insights into the rise of AOR, the artists who defined the era, and the wild behind-the-scenes world that helped shape the sound of FM radio. Watch or listen below as we dive into one of rock’s most electrifying decades.
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