We’re excited to announce our guest speakers will be Steve “Steve-O” Carlson and his wife Susie, a longtime radio advertising and merchandising professional who worked alongside many of Utah’s best-known radio personalities and promotions over the years.
Many of us grew up hearing Steve-O on the radio during the golden era of Salt Lake rock and oldies radio. From KRSP’s Rock 103 / Arrow 103.5 days to later projects including KDYL’s return to “Real Oldies,” Steve helped provide part of the soundtrack for cruising, car shows, concerts, and life along the Wasatch Front.
Steve’s radio career included both on-air and programming roles, and he was part of an era when local radio personalities truly became part of the community. Steve has long been associated with our NUMOA and joined us at our Spring Breakout. In NUMOA’s early days, Steve-O was our DJ for the Spring Breakout and many other events. Long before social media and streaming, radio stations helped shape the culture around live events, concerts, cruising, and the classic car hobby many of us still enjoy today.
Together, Steve and Susie, will share stories and insights from:
• Utah radio history
• Concert and event promotions
• Classic rock and oldies radio
• Advertising and merchandising campaigns
• Local personalities and behind-the-scenes stories
• Cruising culture and the connection between music and car culture
This should be a fun evening full of nostalgia, memories, and stories that will resonate with many of us who grew up during the golden age of radio and classic cars. It will also help our younger members to know more about the major media influence that existed before social media and meant more then than radio programming does today. Steve-O had a huge impact on radio programming during his career as an innovator.