Murray Kaufman Became Big Apple's Voice of Modern Top 40 Radio Few figures in radio history have left a mark as profound as Murray "the K" Kauf
Murray Kaufman Became Big Apple’s Voice of Modern Top 40 Radio
Few figures in radio history have left a mark as profound as Murray “the K” Kaufman, a visionary disc jockey who defined an era and shaped the soundscape of rock and roll in the United States. Known for his magnetic personality, daring innovation, and relentless passion for music, Murray was more than just a broadcaster—he was a cultural icon who bridged the gap between artists and audiences and helped to elevate rock and roll into the mainstream. From his groundbreaking radio shows to his legendary concerts and connections with music’s biggest stars, Murray “the K” remains a cherished figure in music history.
Breaking Ground in the NYC Airwaves
Murray’s journey into the world of broadcasting began in New York City, where his distinct voice and high-energy style quickly set him apart. Starting at WMCA, he hosted a late-night interview program featuring celebrities like Eva Gabor and Laraine Day, and later an all-pop afternoon show that built his growing reputation. He moved briefly to WMGM, where he further honed his on-air antics, developing the playful persona that would make him a household name.
His big break came at WINS/1010, where he became the host of the now-legendary “The Swingin’ Soiree.” The show, originally aired during late-night hours, transitioned to prime time after the departure of Alan Freed and became a cornerstone of NYC’s radio scene. Murray revolutionized radio with innovative programming, sound effects, jingles, and an engaging, unpredictable style. Under his stewardship, WINS became the first rock station to achieve #1 ratings, earning him a devoted audience and a reputation as a trailblazer.
In the late 1960s, Murray adapted to the rising prominence of FM radio, joining WOR-FM as a program director and DJ. As one of the first FM rock stations, WOR-FM helped define a new chapter in broadcasting, focusing on album-oriented rock music and longer, more immersive programming. Murray was instrumental in shaping this evolution, bringing his unmatched creativity to the FM airwaves.
Before 1966, rock music on FM radio was almost exclusively found on public radio stations. However, a game-changing FCC rule mandated that radio stations with both AM and FM signals had to broadcast different programming on each frequency. This decision opened the door for commercial FM rock radio, and WOR-FM became the first to take full advantage of the shift.
Previously, WOR-AM had long been the home of renowned broadcaster John Gambling (and later, John Gambling Jr.), delivering mainstream pop and talk programming. When the station was required to differentiate its FM format, executives faced a crossroads—mainstream pop on FM would compete directly with their AM counterpart, and classical music was already well-represented by WQXR and WNCN. The obvious choice was rock, and Murray “the K” Kaufman was the visionary who helped shape what FM rock radio would become.
Murray’s format at WOR-FM laid the foundation for future FM rock stations. His innovative approach became the template for nearly every rock station that followed, including the influential WNEW-FM. When WOR-FM switched to a Drake-Chenault oldies format, Scott Muni—a key figure in New York radio—moved to WNEW-FM, carrying forward the progressive rock format that Murray had championed.
Despite Murray’s pioneering contributions, recognition has been uneven. Tom Donohue, who introduced a similar alternative rock format in San Francisco in 1967—a year after Murray’s groundbreaking work at WOR-FM—was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, while Murray has yet to receive that honor. His name is absent from the Hall’s website, even though he remains an undisputed pioneer of FM rock radio. However, his contributions have been acknowledged with induction into the Radio Hall of Fame, cementing his place among broadcast legends.
Brooklyn Fox Theater and the Legendary “Holiday Revue”
One of Murray’s most celebrated accomplishments was his “Holiday Revue” concerts at the Brooklyn Fox Theater, which became legendary gatherings of talent and creativity during the early 1960s. These events showcased an extraordinary lineup of artists and were groundbreaking in fostering racial and genre diversity in entertainment. The 1963 “Holiday Revue,” held on September 4, 1963, was a highlight of Murray’s career, featuring some of the era’s most iconic acts.
The billing included The Ronettes, The Chiffons, Randy and the Rainbows, Jan and Dean, The Tymes, Stevie Wonder, Ben E. King, Gene Pitney, Dionne Warwick, Jay and the Americans, The Miracles, The Angels, The Dovells, Dick and Dee Dee, and others. The vibrant energy and timeless hits, like Be My Baby by The Ronettes and Denise by Randy and the Rainbows, brought audiences together in a celebration of musical innovation. The Brooklyn Fox Theater was more than just a venue—it was a cultural hub that defined the spirit of rock and roll, thanks to Murray’s vision and dedication.
Murray’s “Holiday Revue” concerts were also notable for their groundbreaking approach to live performances. By showcasing a diverse lineup of artists, he broke barriers and fostered a sense of unity among audiences. Between 1960 through 1967, Murray Kaufman produced and promoted 18 concert dates, live, at the Brooklyn Paramount, the Brooklyn Fox Theater, and at several other music venues and theaters in New York City, according to the official Murray “The K” website. His efforts to promote integration within entertainment were revolutionary for their time, making him not just an innovator in music, but also a figure of social significance during the ’60s era and beyond, just the same.
Murray “The K” Kaufman | Brooklyn Fox Theater | September 4, 1963
Audio Digitally Remastered by USA Radio Museum
The Fifth Beatle: Murray’s Bond with The Beatles
In 1964, Murray’s career intersected with one of the most transformative events in music history: The Beatles’ first U.S. tour. As the host of “The Swingin’ Soiree” on WINS, he was among the first American DJs to champion The Beatles, recognizing their potential and promoting their music during the early days of Beatlemania. His friendship with John, Paul, George, and Ringo earned him the affectionate title “The Fifth Beatle.”
During their visit to New York City in February 1964, Murray accompanied The Beatles and featured them prominently on his show, further amplifying their impact on the American audience. He even joined the band on their journey to Washington, D.C., for their historic first U.S. concert. Murray’s enthusiastic support and genuine rapport with the Fab Four were key elements in their meteoric rise in America, making him an integral part of their success story.
While Murray “the K’s” association with The Beatles was a defining moment in his career, it was not the foundation of his success—it was the culmination of years of dominance in the New York radio market. By 1964, Murray was already the top-rated DJ in the most influential music market in the world, which is precisely why Beatles manager Brian Epstein sought him out. Their partnership wasn’t a chance encounter—it was a strategic move to introduce The Beatles to American audiences through the most trusted and influential voice in radio at the time.
The famous “Fifth Beatle” moniker emerged during the band’s train trip to Washington, D.C., for their first U.S. concert. As Murray followed The Beatles through the train cars, a security guard stopped him. Before an issue could arise, George Harrison turned and assured the guard, “He’s alright. He’s the fifth Beatle.” That single remark instantly boosted Murray’s reputation and did wonders for his ratings on WINS, cementing his connection with the band in the eyes of the public.
However, while the nickname became legendary, it also inadvertently overshadowed Murray’s previous 15 years of groundbreaking work in radio. Those unfamiliar with his career wrongly assumed that his rise to fame was purely due to his association with The Beatles, overlooking his pioneering influence on rock and roll long before Beatlemania swept the U.S.
Despite this misconception, Murray’s genuine bond with The Beatles extended beyond mere promotional efforts. His enthusiastic embrace of the Fab Four played a role in their meteoric rise in America, and his early support solidified him as an indispensable figure in music history. Though he was never officially part of the band, his impact on their American breakthrough—and on rock and roll as a whole—remains undeniable.
A Legacy of Innovation and Passion
Murray “the K” Kaufman wasn’t just a DJ—he was a tireless champion of emerging talent and a driving force behind some of the most influential artists of the era. His ability to recognize and promote rising stars played a key role in shaping rock and roll’s evolution, and few benefited from his dedication more than Bobby Darin.
Murray was an early and devoted supporter of Darin, standing by him long before his career skyrocketed. In fact, the two even collaborated on “Splish Splash”—a song that became one of Darin’s biggest hits. The track’s opening lyric and first eight bars of melody were inspired by Murray’s mother, Jean Kaufman, and Murray played a key role in helping Darin refine the song into the lively rock and roll sensation that it became. Even after Darin’s rise to fame, and despite being snubbed by him during Bobby’s first run at the Copacabana, Murray never wavered in his support for his music.
Beyond Darin, Murray was instrumental in advancing the careers of artists like Dion, The Ronettes, Stevie Wonder, Ben E. King, Dionne Warwick, Jan and Dean, and The Chiffons—all of whom benefitted from his passionate advocacy. His Holiday Revue concerts at the Brooklyn Fox Theater became pivotal launching pads for many performers, bringing diverse voices together on one stage and fostering racial integration in the music industry.
While Murray’s contributions were monumental, recognition has often been uneven. Despite his pioneering impact on radio and rock music, he was never inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame—a frustrating oversight, especially given that figures like Tom Donohue received that honor for doing in 1967 what Murray had already accomplished a year earlier. However, Murray’s influence has been rightfully preserved through his induction into the Radio Hall of Fame, cementing his place among broadcasting’s elite.
From his groundbreaking work in radio to his unwavering commitment to promoting artists, Murray Kaufman remains a true innovator—one whose legacy continues to shape the world of music and entertainment.
His untimely death at the age of 60 on February 21, 1982, due to lymphoma cancer, was a loss felt deeply by the music and broadcasting communities. Despite his relatively short life, Murray’s contributions were immense, and his legacy endures as a beacon of creativity, passion, and innovation.
Remembering the Radiant Voice
Murray “the K” Kaufman’s story is one of bold ideas and unwavering commitment to the power of music. From his vibrant radio shows and iconic concerts to his friendships with music legends, Murray’s impact transcends generations. The Big Apple was his stage, and he thrived as a voice of the city, shaping the way radio connected with audiences. He remains a shining example of how one person’s voice can rock the world—and inspire countless others to do the same.
_____________________
A USARM Post Update: A special acknowledgement goes out to Peter Altschuster, of Santa Monica, CA., for sharing his perspective, comments, and added content, we incorporated into this post. For more on Murray ‘The K’ Kaufman, visit Peter Altschuster’s official tribute site for this NYC radio legend, by going, HERE. This post was revised on April 20, 2025.
_____________________
A USARM Viewing Tip: On your mobile or tablet device? Finger-tap the above image (in the post) and stretch image across your device’s screen for LARGEST digitized view. Photo credit: Peter Altschuster
