Rufus 97.5 Guide

Though the legal name on the license may say "WAMJ" or "Majic," those who lived through the golden age know the truth. If you close your eyes and listen closely through the static, you can still hear it: the slow bass line of a Jodeci record, the crackle of a dedicated phone line, and a deep voice whispering, "You are listening to 97.5... Rufus. The House That R&B Built."

If you tuned into 97.5 during its peak, you were just as likely to hear the ska-punk energy of The Mighty Mighty Bosstones as you were the depressive anthems of The Cure. The station championed bands that were previously relegated to college radio. They played R.E.M. when it was still weird, they played Red Hot Chili Peppers when it was still dangerous, and they introduced Philadelphia to the heavier sounds of Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, and Stone Temple Pilots. rufus 97.5

In the world of broadcasting, "97.5" is a frequent FM dial position. While there is no major global station currently branded as "Rufus 97.5," there are several notable regional connections: Though the legal name on the license may

A few possibilities:

Though its time in the sun was relatively short-lived, the legend of Rufus 97.5 remains a touchstone for Philadelphia radio enthusiasts. It was a station that took risks, broke rules, and ultimately proved that the kids were, indeed, alright. The House That R&B Built

In the fall of 1991, the static cleared, and Rufus 97.5 was born. The station was named after "Rufus," a fictional character who served as the station's mascot and omnipresent spirit—a disheveled, counter-culture figure who stood in stark contrast to the slick, corporate mascots of other stations.