In the 70s, KFXM had a slogan that if I remember right was voiced by Bruce Chandler that went "
Ever since rock began."
As a kid in the 50s, my first exposure to rock n' roll was by listening to KFXM. All the 50s top hits were played at KFXM with the possible exception of "
Sixty Minute Man", by Billy Ward & The Dominoes, which at the time was considered risque.
I can remember a few of KFXM's 50s jocks: Bill Tanner, Gary Price, Chuck Daugherty, Jack Garner, & George Babcock.
Lyle Kilgore & J. Paul Huddleston were in the KFXM newsroom, but I don't remember the exact years.
Speaking of old 50s R&B on the radio in the Inland Empire, another SB station, KRNO (1240) had both Top 40 and so-called "Good Music" formats in the 50s, but on Sundays would become the "Black" radio station in the market. They would broadcast services of several black churches, Hell, Fire, & Brimstone and all, and would play R&B, doo-wop, and bee-bop after Sunday mornings. I got musically acquainted with the likes of Big Joe Turner, The Cadets, Marvin & Johnny, Shirley Gunter, and Etta James, whom at the last info I had was living in the San Bernardino area.
1240's previous calls were KFXM. I don't know when KFXM switched to 590. While KFXM was still at 1240, in the 40s, they featured a morning air talent named Tennessee Ernie Ford, who, according to my father, had a catchphrase that went "MA! GET THE CHICKENS OUT!!"
For more comprehensive info on what is probably the most historic station in the IE, you may wish to consult:
http://www.kfxm-kmen-radio.blogspot.com
http://www.tigerradio-kfxm590.com