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Which Radio Stations Shaped your Taste in Music?

I was new to the business, like 17 years old, and got my first on-air commercial gig at a country station. Whereas I appreciated the management taking a chance on some kid, that experience further solidified my dislike for country music.
The PD thought I was doing great, but wanted to make sure when the station was in music, that I reached out to listeners via the CB radio located in the control room. Of course, there was no way in Hell I was going to comply, so whenever he walked down the hall near the control room, I'd hold the CB mic up to my mouth like I was having a conversation. God forbid I work on what I was going to say next on the air.
What would be the difference between that and answering the phone then, or social media messages now?
 
WHBQ had a great lineup in the late 70s, with Rick Dees, Walt Jackson and Bob Landry among others.
I worked with Walt Jackson at KDON-FM in the late 80s. Because of his friendship with Rick Dees, I got to talk to Rick for a few minutes on the hotline when he was in town. Walt had a great voice, but tended to stumble and change thoughts mid-sentence a lot. Nice guy though. Many years later he was doing fill-in traffic and news for KFI in Los Angeles. I caught up with him a few years ago on Facebook. Tragically, he died in an auto accident a few years ago in Long Beach, possibly caused by a medical incident, maybe a heart attack. I can still hear his voice to this day in my mind.
 
I first heard top forty radio WTVN in Columbus Ohio some time around 1960. Prior to that my only recollection was a show called the BIRTHDAY SHOW in the early 50's during which they mentioned my name. After WTVN changed format we listened to WLS if it came in then about 1963 WTOD in Toledo went top forty daytime later about 1966 CKLW went to the Drake format ( previously top forty days and Country nights) .
 
I first heard top forty radio WTVN in Columbus Ohio some time around 1960. Prior to that my only recollection was a show called the BIRTHDAY SHOW in the early 50's during which they mentioned my name. After WTVN changed format we listened to WLS if it came in then about 1963 WTOD in Toledo went top forty daytime later about 1966 CKLW went to the Drake format ( previously top forty days and Country nights) .
CKLW was top 40 in 1966 and before, but went "fake-Drake"under Paul Drew in April 1967, and full Drake in July 1967.
 
What would be the difference between that and answering the phone then, or social media messages now?
A: Because it's CB (Whisky Tango). B: Because one couldn't understand what language the truckers were speaking.
I wanted nothing to do with either, but I sounded pretty good doing my job, which is what counted.
At the time, I didn't tell any of my high school friends that I worked on the air at a country station. Would have never lived that down. Fortunately, none of them were listeners.
 
I agree with the comments on WHBQ, WMPS, and FM 100 in Memphis and also WLS for Top 40/rock. Also for CCM and Christian rock, I was influenced by WMSO 630/640 and WGSF 1210 in Memphis, and Josiah Reign, a weekend Christian rock show on Rock 103 in Memphis.
 
I agree with the comments on WHBQ, WMPS, and FM 100 in Memphis and also WLS for Top 40/rock. Also for CCM and Christian rock, I was influenced by WMSO 630/640 and WGSF 1210 in Memphis, and Josiah Reign, a weekend Christian rock show on Rock 103 in Memphis.
For 70s "Jesus Rock" it was a half hour nightly on HCJB shortwave.
 
60's - I lived in Riverside and listened to KMEN & KFXM and got KHJ and other So. Cal AM stations.
70's - I lived in North San Diego County and liked KCBQ with Happy Hare and Lee Sims then switched to FM, KGB-FM was awesome.
End of 70's - Early 80's - Moved to LA Area for first real job and liked KMET and KROQ. KEARTH was a great station for oldies back then. KLOS, KWST and KEZY were good listens too.
Mid 80's on - Moved to San Diego - 91X and KGB.

KMET-FM circa 70's was my lifetime favorite. It wasn't just a station, it was a community. Jim Ladd on late evenings was outstanding, if you ever get a chance read his book "Radio Waves" about the rise and fall of AOR FM.
 
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There is no doubt these type of stations had a market niche, and yes would appeal to certain advertisers. The question then becomes is the station satisfied with “certain advertisers”?
 
Living North of metro Nashville around 1967 during the day I got my top forty fix from WMAK. At night the only local non country signal was WLAC. Even if you didn't like the music John R was worth listening to. Thanks to 1510 I realized there was a lot more good "soul" than Motown. (Not knocking Motown), Then around 1971? WKDA FM at the time AOR (now WKDF) upgraded to 100 KW and claimed to some play 4 channel FM stereo. I only got to listen on a AM FM mono clock radio. IMHO WKDA FM has to be one of pioneers southern rock.
 
In Louisiana - 1963-1966 - WNOE and WTIX (Top 40), New Orleans
In Florida - 1966-1971 - WTAI - 1560 - Melbourne, WORJ - Mount Dora 107.7 (Progressive rock)
In Central Europe - 1972-1974 - Radio Luxembourg, BBC Radio 1

KTW - Melbourne FL
Are you saying that you listened to KTW 1250 Seattle in Florida?
 
1250 KTW became KKDZ in 1975. Currently a South Asian format, if current wiki information is correct. They operate out of Seattle. Former CNN anchor Aaron Brown worked at this station as a talk show host before becoming a KING TV, then CNN anchor. His first day on CNN was 9/11/2001. Talk about beginning a national career with the biggest story since the JFK assasination. You can't make these things up!
 
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1250 KTW became KKDZ in 1975. Currently a South Asian format, if current wiki information is correct. They operate out of Seattle, though I believe the calls originally were from Tacoma.
Still doesn't answer the apparent logging of 1250 Seattle in Florida. I have a feeling there's a missing letter somewhere.
 
Just FYI, I did delete my error about the KTW calls originating from Tacoma. Want to keep everything neat! KTW was a Seattle original.

Don't know about the Florida situation. But obviously the FCC would never have allowed two stations with the same calls. Not to mention all call letters east of the Mississippi begin with "W", with the exception of KDKA Pittsburgh, and perhaps some smaller market examples due to various exceptions granted. I think you hit it on the head. Just a plain error.
 
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Just FYI, I did delete my error about the KTW calls originating from Tacoma. Want to keep everything neat! KTW was a Seattle original.

Don't know about the Florida situation. But obviously the FCC would never have allowed two stations with the same calls. Not to mention all call letters east of the Mississippi begin with "W", with the exception of KDKA Pittsburgh, and perhaps some smaller market examples due to various exceptions granted. I think you hit it on the head. Just a plain error.
I was thinking the call might be WKTW, but no success finding anything on that. The original poster seems to be a one-post wonder, and a hit-and-run as well --- never followed up on the original post or answered the questions.
 
Hello

No, I usually identify using my initials (KTW) and location (Melbourne FL)....

Other influential stations

1963-1966 (New Orleans) KAAY - Little Rock - 1090 and WLS - Chicago -890 (at night)
1966-1971 (Melbourne FL) WLOF - Orlando - 950, WQAM - 560 - Miami
 
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Also "Christian rock" on WCIE 91.3 in Lakeland , WMIE 91.5 Cocoa and WWBC 1510 Cocoa in the early 1980s....

Battenkill 50
 
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