by Sherm, Phoenixville, Pa

Growing up in the suburbs of Philadelphia, I was the quintessential nerd or so it seemed to my brothers and sisters. I loved classical music — Bach and Handel were my favorites and WFLN was my radio station of choice. I rarely listened to pop rock let alone album rock.

In the Christmas of 1977, my youngest sister, Trisha, bought me Boston’s first album and ELO’s A New World Record. I remember playing them on an old stereo system in our family’s basement over and over again. A friend reminded me just a couple of months ago, that I wore those copies out. I was hooked on rock and became a regular lister to Harvey and Helen on the old WIOQ although I remained a loyal listener to WFLN’s over night program.

In 2002, I lost my sister Trisha suddenly to a diabetic attack. I think of her every time I hear More Than A Feeling or Telephone Line and miss the special energy and love she brought to our family.

P.S. I still listen to Bach and Handel when I’m not listening to XPN.