Bruce Morrow Is Radio's Quintessential Voice of Generations Bruce Morrow, affectionately known as Cousin Brucie, is a broadcasting icon whose c
Bruce Morrow Is Radio’s Quintessential Voice of Generations
Bruce Morrow, affectionately known as Cousin Brucie, is a broadcasting icon whose career spans an astonishing 66 years. Born on October 13, 1935, in Brooklyn, New York, Morrow’s journey into radio began in 1959 at ZBM-AM in Bermuda, where he earned the nickname “The Hammer.” This marked the start of a remarkable career that has had a profound impact on the music and broadcasting industries.
Cousin Brucie, or Bruce Morrow, has been in the broadcasting business for an incredible 66 years, starting his career in 1959. His first radio job was at ZBM-AM in Bermuda, where he was known as “The Hammer”. He later worked at several prominent stations, including:
- WINS (AM) in New York City (1959)
- WINZ (AM) in Miami (1960)
- WABC (AM 770) in New York City (1961–1974)
- WNBC (AM) in New York City (1974–1977)
- WCBS-FM in New York City (1982–1993)
- Sirius XM, hosting shows on the ’60s on 6 channel (2005–2020)
- WABC (AM) again, where he currently hosts “Cousin Brucie’s Saturday Night Rock & Roll Party“.
Morrow’s rise to prominence truly began at WABC (AM 770) in New York City, where he became a beloved voice of rock and roll during the 1960s and 1970s. It was here that he earned his endearing moniker, “Cousin Brucie,” after a woman humorously called him “Cousin” in exchange for fifty cents—a nickname that stuck and resonated with fans. His vibrant personality and deep passion for music made him a key figure in shaping the radio experience of the era, bringing legendary hits and emerging artists to eager audiences.
Bruce Morrow | WABC 77 | September 7, 1965
Audio Digitally Remastered by USA Radio Museum | This featured audio is courtesy and is property of our contributor, Mark Yurko, of Langhorne, PA.
One of the most memorable moments of Cousin Brucie’s career occurred in August 1965 when he co-hosted The Beatles’ historic concert at Shea Stadium with fellow WABC DJ Dan Ingram. This groundbreaking event marked the first major stadium rock concert, attended by over 55,000 fans. Cousin Brucie’s introduction of The Beatles and his backstage interviews with George Harrison and Ringo Starr made him part of a pivotal moment in rock and roll history. Despite the overpowering screams of the audience that nearly drowned out the music, this concert solidified The Beatles’ status as global icons and showcased live music’s ability to unite and electrify audiences.
After his time at WABC, Cousin Brucie continued to shape the radio landscape through various stations, including WCBS-FM and Sirius XM. At Sirius XM, he captivated listeners with shows on the ’60s on 6 channel from 2005 to 2020. In 2020, he made a triumphant return to WABC, where he now hosts “Cousin Brucie’s Saturday Night Rock & Roll Party,” bringing back timeless hits from the 1950s to the 1980s and delighting audiences with stories from rock and roll legends.
As of today, Cousin Brucie is 89 years old. Bruce Morrow’s voice remains a beloved fixture in New York City, a city that has been central to his storied career and the evolution of radio itself. His contributions to broadcasting have left an indelible mark on the industry, inspiring countless radio personalities and preserving the magic of rock and roll for future generations. As he continues to delight listeners on WABC with his signature charm and boundless energy, Cousin Brucie stands as a living testament to the timeless power of music and the enduring connection between a broadcaster and the radio audience.
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