TOMMY ROE - "Working Class Hero" (1973)

Not to be confused with other songs with the same title, this was a later recording by Tommy in a completely different style from his 60s songs. Played on the great WIOQ, back during the few years when it was known as Popular 102. For those who remember WFIL in Philly, WIOQ was originally WFIL-FM. When Walter Annenberg was forced to sell the FM station, the call letters were changed to reflect the frequency--102 is IOQ (the old handwritten Q looked like a 2). The station maintained its soft rock/AC format with Music Director, David Klahr. This station was DJ manned during the day and automated at night.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• 1970s
• rock
• pop

[DrRobert9956]

The Big 3 FM stations in Philly in the 70's were WMMR (93.3), WIOQ (Q102) and WYSP (94.1). WMGK (Magic 103) was also big and that is where Harvey Holiday called home. WFIL (Philly 56) was the big station on the AM band in the day.

I have this song on an off brand Tommy Roe Greatest Hits CD. The writting credits on it were John Lennon and that is why I picked up the CD. I couldn't imagine Tommy Roe covering that tune. Imagine my surprise when I played it.

[MrTrashcan1]

@DrRobert9956 WIOQ did not become one of the "big" FM rock stations until 1975. From 1970-75 it was a semi-automated, soft AC/MOR/oldies format--a continuation of it's previous incarnation as WFIL-FM. It was known as W102 or Popular 102--completely different from the WIOQ you are probably familiar with. It was during this format that this song was played. As for AM, WFIL was the big Top 40 station, but WIP was #1 overall through most if not all of the 70s. It had a larger demographic.

[MrTrashcan1]

@DrRobert9956 Really? They credited John Lennon? I'll have to look up my 45 and see who wrote it.

[homeschoolmom42]

I still own my 45 of this song that I bought when it came out as it was a favorite of mine when I was a kid. Thanks for posting!

[MrTrashcan1]

@homeschoolmom42 Thanks for your comment and God bless you for homeschooling your children.

[MichaelKazmar]

I certainly remember WIOQ.

Harvey was a DJ there wasn't he?

I was young then and did not know about WFIL FM.

Famous 56 was my favorite back in the 70's.

[MrTrashcan1]

@MichaelKazmar

I'm not sure. I think Harvey might have been on WMGK (called Magic 103 in the late '70s and '80s). Yes, most young people listened to 56, but I was "different" LOL.

[survivrs]

I fell in love with this song when it first came out and when I met my husband to be, this song just seemed to fit him as he was in construction doing so many of the things mentioned in this song. The only difference is that my husband has a college degree rather than "not much education". I always looked at him as my working class hero!

[northendnorman]

never heard this song before.got a nice beat

[DrRobert9956]

@MrTrashcan1 I think the 45 had the correct writing credits. I believe it was just the after-market Greatest Hits CDs that had the Lennon writing credit.

[ChampsterMckinley]

It would be nice to hear the flip side of this record, "Sun in my eyes".

[jaywhy8202]

This tune got some airplay overseas on American (Armed) Forces Radio stations.

[homeschoolmom42]

@MrTrashcan1 Thank you, and God bless you, too! Our homeschool journey has been one fun ride the past 17 years! The last one graduates this year from our homeschool. :)