December 23, 2021

Gettin’ Down with the Doctor of Funkology

“Dr. K” spins his vinyl 45s on WMSC

Montclair State University President Jonathan Koppell in the studio at radio station WMSC — Dr. K, aka President Jonathan Koppell, while hosting Dr. K’s Vinyl Fantasy Fun House on WMSC 90.3 FM.

Listeners of the award-winning WMSC 90.3 FM college radio station at Montclair State University got a surprise treat this week when President Jonathan Koppell stopped by to spin his collection of vinyl 45s on a special show, “Dr. K’s Vinyl Fantasy Funhouse.”

Dressed in a funkadelic outfit of multi-colored paisley with bell-bottom pants and a gray fedora along with some funky shades and a Red Hawk face mask, the president channeled his inner “Doctor of Funkology” and spun some ’70s funk, ’80s college rock along with some one-hit wonders and even The Boss.

His teenage daughter Elsa, in the studio helping him spin the records and quickly dubbed “Princess Von Funk,” played along, especially when it came to her dad’s attire. “I’m dealing with excitement and embarrassment at the same time,” she said. “So I’m appalled by my father’s fashion choices but also admire his confidence in pulling them off.”

According to “Dr. K,” he saved the 45s from being thrown away and destroyed and brought them to WMSC where they would be enjoyed and protected. “I was in Arizona … hunting for vinyl and came across the mother lode on its way to a dumpster … I rescued it from certain doom.”

With help from recent Montclair graduate Kenny Horn ’21, Dr. K led off the Vinyl Fantasy Funhouse with the Go-Gos’ “We’ve Got the Beat” and the B-52s’ “Rock Lobster,” a nod to a favorite pair of lobster cufflinks he’s been seen wearing on campus. For the next 90 minutes, he spun a variety of music, including, of course, some funk with “Play that Funky Music” and “Funkytown.”

During their banter, Horn mentioned that the president had been at Montclair since August, and Dr. K replied “that’s true, but that’s sort of a side gig. I only do that to keep the lights on so I can spin vinyl. That’s what I’m really about.”

To listen to WMSC, tune in to 90.3 (on and around campus), visit the station’s website or on iHeartRadio.

Photo Gallery

President Jonathan Koppell choosing some 45s and bantering with co-host Kenny Horn ’21. — “Dr. K” choosing some 45s and bantering with co-host Kenny Horn ’21.

A close up image of a 45 record, “Funky Town” — “Funky Town”

A close up photo of a table with many 45 records — A motherlode of vinyl 45s

Dr. Kopell and his daughter look through records in the studio at WMSC radio — Dr. K and Elsa look through the 45s.

“The Doctor of Funkology” at work. (Photo by WMSC General Manager Anabella Poland)

Story by Editorial Director Laura Griffin; photos by University Photographer Mike Peters.