Robert Todd Storz (May 8, 1924 – April 13, 1964) headed a very successful chain of American radio broadcasting stations and is generally credited with being the foremost innovator of the Top 40 radio format in 1951.[1] The selection of records to be played was based on sales reported by record stores, an indication as to which would be of greatest interest to listeners. Only the favorites would be played, in rotation.[2] Some sources also credit his Omaha radio station as among the first to play at least some rock and roll records.[3][4][5]
Top 40 appealed primarily to teenagers and featured mostly rock and roll music