It’s been three decades that Ann Marie Calabrese has been on the air.

For her, it’s more than being a disc jockey. It’s having the ability to positively effect someone’s life every day.

“My favorite thing about being live on the air is being able to connect to so many people on several different levels,” said Calabrese.

“Even though it’s not like having an actual two-way conversation, I try to talk as if I am just talking to one person. I hope that I can make a difference in someone’s life by making them laugh or offering advice that helps their self-esteem.”

Calabrese realized at a young age how important music was to everyone around her. Music has the ability to take someone back to another place or time. When other kids were only watching cartoons, she was attached to “Soul Train” and “American Bandstand.”

Calabrese even taped the audio from “American Bandstand” and play it back to practice introducing artists like her idol Dick Clark.

“I truly believe in music’s power to be the soundtrack to any situation life throws your way,” Calabrese said. “Music was my first love. I am beyond thankful to turn my passion into a career.”

Calabrese began working at WMGH in 1990 as a Tamaqua Area High School senior. She began as an automation operator and dabbled in sales and advertising. Her work ethic and passion to be on-air has paid off as Calabrese has been the host of “Stuck in the 80s” since 2010, which currently plays each Saturday from 9 p.m. to midnight on Magic 105.5 WMGH, where she is known as the “80s Guru.”

“Music has always been a healer for me, so I can only hope that playing a particular song eases someone through a tough situation or takes them back to relive a special time in their life,” Calabrese said. “I want my words and music to inspire, motivate and resonate with my listeners.”

In addition to being on air at 105.5, Calabrese is a professional DJ and owner of her own business called Coolbreeze Imaging (formerly Coolbreeze Productions), which was founded in 1999. She has worked many high-profile events in the region over the past 30-plus years.

Calabrese also founded The Link, which is composed of volunteers who are advocates of suicide awareness and prevention in Carbon and Schuylkill counties.

“I strive to put a smile on people’s faces through music and remembering their favorite songs,” she said. “There are many choices out there for DJs, but I pride myself on being unique, and it’s never the same show twice.”

Calabrese has been involved with the American Cancer Society since 1988. She is also employed by the Tamaqua borough as the director of community development.

“I cannot thank my friends, family, listeners, advertising clients and those who booked me to DJ their special events enough,” she said. “For thanks to you, I have been able to do what I love for 30 years ... and counting.”

To contact Calabrese, reach her at 570-290-8089 or email gurustuckradio@ptd.net.