The National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA) has paid tribute to Ron E Sparks with a curated special prepared by Amy Butterfield of audio from his time at 2SM in the 1970s.

Born Gregory James Sparks, Ron, Ronnie or Ron E Sparx got his big break at 2SM on Drive from 1972 to 1979. He started there in May 1971 doing overnights. During his time on Drive Sparks held captive 25% of Sydney’s audience and interviewed stars like Billy Joel, Rod Stewart, Freddie Mercury, Bo Diddley, Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, the Jackson Five, ABBA and a little group he discovered called AC/DC.

You can listen to the audio here, including Ronnie’s coverage of Elvis’s funeral: https://bit.ly/40iFkcq

Main image: 2SM radio announcers Ron E Sparks and Mal Hedstrom outside the 2SM studios in Sydney, surrounded by fans of the rock band Kiss, circa 1976. NFSA ID: 1757417