Contests

LISTEN LIVE

R.I.P. Carl Coffee – Meltdown

I woke to the news that we’d lost a true radio legend, Carl Coffee. I didn’t know Carl very well, but working across the hall from him for a few…

101 wrif

I woke to the news that we'd lost a true radio legend, Carl Coffee. I didn't know Carl very well, but working across the hall from him for a few years, I have nothing but positive things to say about him. He was always very nice, and seemed to have a lot of respect for me...as I did for him.

The last time I saw Carl was during our 50th anniversary celebration on February 14, 2021. Lots of the older jocks came back to celebrate with us. We were still doing Covid protocols, but it was great to chat with him on the air. His smooth delivery, storytelling and legendary presence was what Carl was about. A true pro!

Rest In Peace, my friend.....

-Meltdown-

Looking back at WRIF in the 1970s

As we get ready to celebrate our 50th anniversary we want to go back in time to remember some of the past. Here are some photos from the 1970's that include the first group staff shot, Arthur Penhallow, the infamous D.R.E.A.D. button and other staff from the early days at WRIF.

1971 WRIF Poste

1971-WRIF-Poster-1.jpg

WRIF50

WRIF-from-WXYZ-Identity-Crisis-063.jpg

WRIF50

Screen-Shot-2021-01-11-at-4.52.55-PM.png

WRIF50

WRIF-Memorabilia-001-110.jpg

WRIF50

WRIF-Memorabilia-001-104.jpg

WRIF50

WRIF-Memorabilia-001-106.jpg

WRIF50

Joan-Buxton-and-Sheila-Rushlow.jpg

WRIF50

Sheila-Rushlow.jpg

WRIF50

D.R.E.A.D.-Button.jpg

WRIF50

memorbilia30.jpgunknown

WRIF50

memorbilia31.jpgunknown

WRIF50

memorbilia32.jpgunknown

WRIF50

memorbilia33.jpgunknown

WRIF50

memorbilia34.jpgunknown
MeltdownEditor
Meltdown started on the mighty WRIF on the evening of Halloween, 1995. Technically, his first on-air shift was the morning of November 1st. Moving to the Motor City from Buffalo, N.Y., he has built a career and family. Over his almost three-decade stint at RIFF, he's had the privilege to work with some of the biggest personalities in Detroit radio history. He boasts of being just the second-afternoon drive jock in the station's illustrious 53-year history. Along with his love for rock music and attending concerts, he's also an avid Harley-Davidson enthusiast and hockey player. He plays year-round and manages to squeeze in a few charity games throughout the year. Meltdown writes about the Detroit Red Wings, rock music, and Detroit concert venues.