The music is not stopping, but the show that carried it to radio stations is. Kid Kelly is ending Backtrax USA after three decades, closing a run that began at a New York station and grew into a home for 80s and 90s hits on the final weekend of November.
In his announcement on social media, Kelly wrote, “It’s been a privilege to share the music, memories, and magic of two of the greatest decades in music history with radio stations and listeners. What started as a passion for the music grew into something that became a huge part of my life.”
Kelly launched the 80s-focused show while working at New York’s Z100 (WHTZ) in 1992, later adding a dedicated 90s version in 2003.
The Radio Hall of Famer thanked the stations, program directors, talent, and radio professionals who backed the show, along with the listeners who tuned in week after week. He said the show took listeners back to the songs that defined their lives, from first loves to high school dances and summer nights.
Kelly noted, “We’ve taken listeners back to the songs that defined their lives, brought back memories of first loves, high school dances, summer nights, and unforgettable moments. That’s what music does, and it’s been an honor to be part of that experience…The music will never stop, and the memories will never fade. Thank you for over three decades of Backtrax!”
