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Rodney BingenheimerAmerican radio DJ
Date of Birth: 15.12.1947
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Rodney Bingenheimer: The Legendary Radio DJ
- The Stone Poneys and Move to London
- The E Club and English Disco
- KROQ and Punk Rock
- Supporting British Bands
- Acting Roles and Honors
Rodney Bingenheimer: The Legendary Radio DJ
Early Life and CareerBorn in Alameda, California on December 15, 1947, Rodney Bingenheimer moved to Los Angeles where he quickly became a prominent figure in Hollywood circles. He befriended the likes of The Byrds and Sonny & Cher, becoming a "surrogate son" to the latter.
The Stone Poneys and Move to London
In the late 1960s, Bingenheimer was hired to promote The Stone Poneys, but disillusioned with the LA music industry, he left for London. There, he discovered the British glam rock scene and met rising stars David Bowie and Rod Stewart.
The E Club and English Disco
Bowie convinced Bingenheimer to return to Los Angeles to open a new music club. The E Club (later renamed English Disco) debuted in 1972, becoming a gateway for British acts to the US. The venue closed in 1975.
KROQ and Punk Rock
From 1976, Bingenheimer joined the then-unknown radio station KROQ in Pasadena, where he remains to this day. He became an outspoken critic of The Eagles and instrumental in the LA punk scene. Bingenheimer's playlist featured bands such as The Runaways, Blondie, Social Distortion, Van Halen, and Duran Duran.
Supporting British Bands
Bingenheimer had a particular affinity for British bands, including Dramarama, The Offspring, The Go-Gos, The B-52s, and Oasis. He hosted the "An American in London" show with Lisa Kumjian-Smith, promoting up-and-coming UK groups like Coldplay, Doves, and The Arctic Monkeys.
Acting Roles and Honors
Bingenheimer made brief acting appearances in "The Monkees," "California Gold," "Up in Smoke," and "Repo Man." In 2007, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to music.
