What Really Happened To Jock Jams?

In 1994, after attending many New York Knicks games at Madison Square Garden, according to ESPN, Tommy Boy Records president Monica Lynch struck on the idea of compiling all the classic rock anthems that routinely played over the public address system. Seeking legitimacy from the world of sports, Lynch and other Tommy Boy representatives approached

In 1994, after attending many New York Knicks games at Madison Square Garden, according to ESPN, Tommy Boy Records president Monica Lynch struck on the idea of compiling all the classic rock anthems that routinely played over the public address system. Seeking legitimacy from the world of sports, Lynch and other Tommy Boy representatives approached ESPN, the dominant name in cable TV sports broadcasting.

ESPN approved the proposal and in late 1994, Tommy Boy Records issued "Jock Rock, Volume 1," and in 1995, "Jock Rock, Volume 2." Both albums were essentially sports-arena greatest hits collections, featuring popular charge-up songs like "We Will Rock You" by Queen, "Blitzkrieg Bop" by the Ramones, "Takin' Care of Business" by Bachman-Turner Overdrive, and "Rock and Roll All Nite" by Kiss. According to the Roanoke Times, both collections would earn gold record certification sales awards from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), representing sales of half a million copies each.

Executives at ESPN liked what Tommy Boy had done with the records and its brand name, but wanted more. "We looked for a way to expand the line," ESPN's Sharyn Taymor said. "We thought if we went to music that was more contemporary and urban, that was more sort of party music, that it may be something that would cut across a different demographic."

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