The sound of WMMS in 1972 was David Bowie, and in 1978 Bruce Springsteen. Could the sound of WMMS by 1984 be Michael Jackson? The story of WMMS and AOR in the decade following its triumphant first ten years reflected many such unlikely choices, as the unities sustaining AOR broke down. Some in rock radio experimented with new wave and Top 40, others classic rock; all felt pressure to reach older and more affluent listeners.
