ORLANDO, May 2, 2025 — WUCF Jazz is heartbroken to share the passing of longtime radio host and beloved on-air personality, Alan Rock, who died earlier this week at the age of 90.
For more than two decades, Alan's unmistakable voice and infectious laugh graced the airwaves of 89.9 FM, bringing jazz legends to life every weekend and leaving an indelible mark on Central Florida.
Alan began officially hosting on WUCF FM in February 2001, but his contributions go back even further—through the hundreds of jazz albums he personally donated, each one bearing his signature and unmistakable love of the genre. Over the years, he became a fixture of the station and the broader jazz community, known for his encyclopedic knowledge and sharp wit.
"Alan embodied the heart of WUCF, and his legacy reminds us why public media matters. It connects us through stories, music and moments that stay with us," said Jennifer Cook, WUCF's Executive Director. "We're honored to have shared the airwaves with Alan and even more honored to celebrate what he shared with our community."
From Ella Fitzgerald to Tony Bennett, Billie Holiday to Frank Sinatra, Alan introduced different generations of listeners to jazz's greatest legends through his rich storytelling and deep reverence for the music. Among his most humbling moments were interviews with icons like Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr.—conversations he cherished later in life. His voice became a weekend morning tradition for thousands of fans across Central Florida and beyond.
"Alan was truly one in a million," said Kayonne Riley, WUCF's Director of Radio. "He loved to laugh and to make people laugh. Alan really enjoyed sharing the music and the stories of the great artists that he'd met over the years. We were blessed to have Alan in our lives and as a part of WUCF for over two decades."
To celebrate his extraordinary life and legacy, WUCF Jazz will host a special musical tribute in Alan’s honor on Saturday, May 3, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., featuring stories, recordings and reflections from his time on air. A live in-studio concert and community celebration of Alan’s life is being planned, with details to be announced soon.
WUCF invites the community to share their own memories and stories of Alan. Messages can be sent via email to wucfhost@wucf.org or by leaving a voice message at 407-823-3689.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Christine Dellert Mullon
christine@sondersays.com
407-718-0199