97 Rock Buffalo
About 97 Rock Buffalo
97 Rock: Buffalo’s Classic Rock Treasure
For more than six decades, 97 Rock (WGRF 96.9 FM) has been part of Buffalo’s cultural fabric. A beacon for classic rock lovers and a symbol of Western New York’s vibrant music scene, this legendary radio station has seen ups and downs but continues to capture the hearts of listeners with its timeless sound.
The Beginnings
97 Rock first hit the Buffalo airwaves in 1959, originally as WGR-FM, the FM sibling to WGR 550 AM. Early on, it followed a middle-of-the-road format with a mix of music, talk, and news. By the late 1960s, the station shifted to a “beautiful music” format that featured instrumental versions of popular tunes—far removed from the rock anthems it would later become known for.
The real transformation came in 1973 when WGR-FM rebranded as “Super Q” (WGRQ) with a Top 40 format. By the mid-1970s, however, the station pivoted to the burgeoning Album Oriented Rock (AOR) format. Under the name “97 Rock,” it quickly became synonymous with rock music, showcasing some of the biggest hits of the time.
Rock on the Brink and the Triumphant Return
By 1985, 97 Rock had endeared itself to Buffalo rock fans, playing legends like Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and The Rolling Stones. But in a surprising move, corporate leadership decided to scrap the rock format and switch to Adult Contemporary under the call sign WRLT. Devastated Buffalo listeners suddenly found themselves without their beloved rock station.
What followed were three years of longing and frustration. During its absence, tapes, CDs, and out-of-town stations became reluctant substitutes for fans who still held out hope for 97 Rock’s return. Listener protests and petitions flooded in—a testament to how deeply interwoven the station was with the lives of its audience.
That hope was finally answered in September 1988. 97 Rock returned to the Buffalo airwaves with its classic rock format, resuming its place as the go-to station for stalwarts of the genre. Listeners recall that triumphant moment fondly as “Back and Rockin’,” which aptly became the campaign slogan for its much-celebrated revival.
From its very first moments back, it was clear that 97 Rock hadn’t lost its magic. The DJs—many of whom were familiar voices—welcomed listeners home. The station reclaimed its key role in Buffalo’s music landscape, breathing life back into the airwaves with hits from AC/DC and Rush to Fleetwood Mac and The Who.
A Cultural Institution
97 Rock remains much more than just a radio station; it’s a cultural institution. Hosting Weekend Block Parties, listener contests, and concert promotions, it is constantly engaging with its audience. During its early years, the station championed not just rock legends but also Buffalo-area talent, giving local musicians their first taste of airplay.
Its presence hasn’t solely been about spinning records—it’s about creating community. From the popular “Get the Led Out” evening segment to its role as a flagship station for the Buffalo Bills Radio Network from 1999 to 2013, 97 Rock has always gone beyond music, uniting listeners with entertainment and hometown pride.
Listener Memories
The affection Buffalo residents feel for 97 Rock is nearly impossible to overstate. Many still cherish vivid memories of hearing their favorite songs on the station or winning concert tickets through classic call-in contests. One fan recalls racing to their phone, dialing as fast as they could to win tickets to see Tom Petty. Another describes the joy of listening to Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” with their dad on the back porch, volume cranked high enough for the entire neighborhood to enjoy.
The station’s 1988 return remains a moment frozen in time for countless fans. One listener shared how they heard construction noises being broadcast on 96.9 FM as a lead-up to the station’s surprise comeback. Another local remembers catching wind of the return and running into their house to share the news with friends and family, exclaiming, “97 Rock is back!”
Still Rockin’ Strong
More than 30 years after its celebrated resurgence, 97 Rock continues to thrive. True to its original mantra of delivering Buffalo “real rock on the radio,” the station stays dedicated to the music that shaped generations. Names like Led Zeppelin, Bruce Springsteen, The Eagles, and Van Halen remain staples in its line-up, keeping its playlist timeless while still refreshing it to appeal to old and new rock lovers alike.
97 Rock also remains active in the local community, hosting events, supporting charities, and celebrating Buffalo’s unique culture. Whether it’s promoting concerts or providing fans that electrifying feeling of hearing their favorite tunes over FM waves, 97 Rock ensures its legacy endures.
The Heartbeat of Buffalo
From its first broadcast in 1959 to its monumental return in 1988, 97 Rock has been more than a radio station—it has been the heartbeat of Buffalo’s rock scene. Its story reflects the loyalty, grit, and passion of Western New York itself.
For Buffalonians, 97 Rock isn’t just a frequency on the dial; it’s a connection to shared memories, raw emotions, and the unyielding power of music. No matter what changes come to the world of radio, one thing is certain—97 Rock will always be “back and rockin’” in the Queen City.