1960s songs

banned from the radio

When Did Radio Bans and Censorship Start?

When Did Radio Bans and Censorship Start?

On June 19, 1934, President Franklin D Roosevelt produced the Communications Act of 1934. The focus of this was to move broadcasting regulation from the Department of Commerce to a delegated group by creating the FCC (Federal Communications Commission.)

Tell Laura I Love Her – Ray Peterson

Tell Laura I Love Her – Ray Peterson

The FCC felt this tune about a boy dying in a stock car race was too sad and morbid to be broadcast. Tommy wants to marry Laura but can’t afford a ring. So he enters the race hoping to win the award money. As he lays near his burning wreck of a car, he asks the people around him to tell Laura he loves her.

My Generation – The Who

My Generation – The Who

Stations banned The Who’s song because Roger Daltry purposely stuttered on some words. The BBC kept it off the air to avoid offending people who actually had stuttering issues. However, the song still became a huge hit, so they allowed it to air. It eventually reached #2 in the UK charts, but only #74 in the US.

Let’s Spend the Night Together – The Rolling Stones

Let’s Spend the Night Together – The Rolling Stones

If you aren’t sure why station managers banned this song, maybe take another look at the words. The theme was so evident that Ed Sullivan told them to change the words or they wouldn’t be on his show.

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