Thom Jennings is an award-winning music writer and aficionado specializing in classic rock music. With an unwavering passion for the genre, he has spent the last 15 years delving into the timeless sounds that defined an era and capturing the essence of legendary artists through his insightful writings.

Thom’s love for classic rock began at an early age. He spent countless hours listening to the iconic sounds of Todd Rundgren, The Who, The Beatles, The Grateful Dead, Little Feat, Yes, Styx, Rush, Triumph, Genesis, Crosby, Stills & Nash, REO Speedwagon, and many others, immersing himself in the rich tapestry of guitar riffs, soulful vocals, and profound lyrics that became the soundtrack of his life.

Driven by his thirst for knowledge, Thom spent his youth scouring record bins in Western New York for any and all information about his favorite bands. That led to a passion for live music. Thom attended hundreds of shows, always finding a way to gain free access by ushering at a local venue or conducting surveys for local radio stations.

Thom worked as a venue manager and mobile disc jockey at music clubs throughout the 1980s and 1990s. He left the music business in 2000 to spend more time with his family.

In 2008, Thom was an established freelance op-ed writer for the Medina Journal-Register; he had the opportunity to cover a classic rock concert series in Lockport, NY. That morphed into a weekly music column for the Lockport Union Sun & Journal and the Niagara Gazette. Thom is currently the longest-tenured music writer for a daily newspaper in Western New York.

Thom’s knowledge goes well beyond classic rock. With an extensive vinyl record collection that includes iconic albums from influential bands to lesser-known gems and hidden musical treasures, Thom’s extensive knowledge and meticulous research have cemented him as a trusted authority in the field. In addition, his ability to connect personally with his subjects and his distinct writing style have garnered a dedicated following of music enthusiasts who eagerly await his latest insights.

In 2023, Thom received the Lifetime Music Support Award from the Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame.

Beyond his writing endeavors, Thom has also hosted podcasts, panel discussions, and presentations at historical societies. His engaging personality and in-depth understanding of the subject matter make him a sought-after speaker for album-ranking shows and other music-related mediums.

News/Commentary show that focuses on topics and stories that are important to underserved and marginalized communities.  The show also features music from local artists.
Your host is Matthew Wilson.

Tim Mattice is WRFZ’s newest edition to our eclectic lineup of personalities whose show “The Jam Band Man” streams on Sundays from 1:30-3pm. His mission, his passion is to highlight the music that should get wider recognition. Everything from rare cuts of live performances from super groups to great local bands whose audience is just forming. With nearly 50 years as a “professional fan” he hopes you’ll take a chance and come along for the ride.

Tim aka Jam Band Man, brings you all the music you didn’t know you liked. Bands you’ll hear are Grateful Dead, Phish, All Them Witches – those are staples; and then he finds brand new jam band music from bands you may never have heard of! You can follow his adventures in and out of the studio on Facebook and he loves your input – what bands do YOU want to hear? Let him know!

Check out other shows on Rochester Free Radio WRFZ – Tim co-hosts another show as well, he’s an active contributor to Rochester Free Radio – You can hear him on The Joe Brucato Show that airs on Monday nights at 7 PM, and replays on Tuesdays at 7 AM; and you can also hear his insights as he co-hosts ROC Voices with Tamara MacDuff right after The Jam Band Man Show on Sundays at 3 PM with a replay on Thursdays at 3 PM.

After ALL of that – when he does leave the radio station; on summer days you can find him on his motorcycle riding all around Rochester and Monroe County. He LOVES the outdoors – playing golf, riding his bike or just hanging out with friends and family. Speaking of family, Tim is married to the lovely and awesome Trish and has a son and 3 daughters; he also has 9 grandchildren and he adores them all!

1940s and ’50s R&B: The Soul That Came Before Rock n’ Roll