Bellevue University Professor to Join Iowa’s Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame
Rick Galusha Recognized for His Pacific Street Blues & Americana Radio Program
The Iowa Rock ‘n Roll Music Association has unveiled the Class of 2024 and Bellevue University political science professor Rick Galusha is one of this year’s inductees.
Galusha’s radio program, Pacific Street Blues & Americana, is being
celebrated for its exploration of the blues within the realm of Classic Rock. Galusha has hosted the program on Iowa radio station 89.7 The River for more than 30 years.
But his radio journey traces all the way back to the mid-1970s when he discovered a new FM radio station, captivated by its fresh rock sound.
During college, Galusha showcased Classical and Jazz records on KVNO. In 1991, he seized an opportunity to play the blues for one hour a week on a minor commercial station in the Omaha market, giving birth to Pacific Street Blues.
Originally a hardcore academic blues program, the show has interviewed an impressive array of local and national recording artists over its 33-year tenure. The roster of artists he’s interviewed include Rolling Stones’ bass player Bill Wyman, John Entwistle from The Who, Bonnie Raitt, BB King, James Cotton from the Muddy Waters Band, Hubert Smith of Howlin’ Wolf’s Band and many others.
Galusha, who directs Bellevue University’s Kirkpatrick Signature Series that explores citizenship and civics, also uses music in the classroom. He currently teaches a course on “notes and votes” that covers the confluence between 20th century social changes and popular music from the respective era.
Pacific Street Blues & Americana airs Sundays, 9 a.m. to noon, on 89.7 The River.
The entire Hall of Fame Class of 2024 will be recognized during a special Hall of Fame Induction Spectacular concert on Labor Day weekend, from Aug. 30 to Sept. 1., in Arnolds Park, Iowa.
The 2024 Iowa Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame Inductees:
Band Category: Lake Patrol, Johnny Trash, The Ozone Ramblers, Jason Reed & Kerosene, Ghostship, Labyrinth, 311, Cornfed, Sage
Border Band Category: Cartwright Brothers
Out of State Band Category: Badfinger
Inventor Category: Wade Goedke, Owner of Chandler Limited
Individual Category: Dave Rowley, Lynn Wee, Jon Purdy, John Stefaniak, Matt Cox, Richard Kleinberg, Phil Kelly, Dave Ducharme-Jones, Tina Mock, Dawn Sedlacek
DJ Category: Tony Coloff, Rick Galusha
Music Store: North Star Music Supply
Support Person Category: Phil Maas, Tim Fox
Iowa Rock 'n Roll Music Association Lifetime Achievement Award: Jon Douglas “Doug” Dixon
Matousek Lifetime Achievement Award: Gary Heady, Sr.
Founded in 1966, Bellevue University is a non-profit university with more than 60,000 graduates worldwide. The University is a recognized national leader in preparing students for lifelong success with career-relevant knowledge and skills, while making college affordable. Routinely ranked among the nation’s top military and accessible institutions, the University serves residential students at its main campus in Bellevue, Nebraska, and everywhere online with more than 80 degree programs uniquely designed for working adults. The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org).