Christmas 1964 was the pivotal moment: he was given the transistor radio from which he heard the Beatles, the Dave Clark 5, the Rolling Stones and a host of musical treasures too good to be true introduced by a guy who sounded like he knew them all. It was then that 9-year-old Dan Neer came to a startling conclusion: DJ's were cool.

From 1977 to the present, Dan Neer has been heard across the country on radio hosting live events like premieres of new albums from the likes of Robert Plant, Keith Richards and Eric Clapton. He also hosted and produced "Up Close," a weekly rock profile show that ran for 19 years. In addition he hosted official broadcasts of Woodstock '94, the 30th Anniversary Bob Dylan Concert from Madison Square Garden and a list that might make Paris Hilton cover up and go home. He now brings his first-hand experience to XM 40: Deep Tracks with the joy and passion of a 9 year old.

Literally, the kid has been let loose in the candy shop.