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KTRH-FM FORMAT

T

thebeach33445

Hey Guys:

I was wondering what was KTRH 101.1's format before it went to AOR KLOL? I saw in a billboard article that it started broadacsting 24 hours in 1968.

Thanks

T.J.
 
I was hoping Filio would weigh in on this since he was here in Houston during some of that time period. I got here one month after the flip to KLOL-FM in 1970 so I don't know what they were doing immediately preceding that.

Earlier, in the 40s, 50s and at least early 60s, all FMs in town simulcast their AM counterparts at least some, meaning 101.1 would have carried some CBS programs, news, even country music shows, live, of which KTRH had several. Up until KFMK-FM went on the air in early 1958, all FMs here had variety/block programming that would include symphonic, show tunes and popular music. As the 50s wore on, however, and in the 60s, more and more FM stations found their own niche with a dedicated format. When KRBE-FM went on the air in 1959 as a classical station, Ellis Gilbert was the PD and he was listed as having been previously at KTRH-FM, where he also had been PD and been doing classical.

I found a market snapshot of Houston in BB in 1966 (link follows) which showed KTRH-FM simulcasting KTRH-AM - that's all I've found, so far.

For those interested - a Billboard report on Houston, March, 1966. Note the influential stations and jocks - wow for KNUZ and its jocks - and the special articles on KYOK and KCOH. Note the two country djs on KHUL-FM which would subsequently flip to KIKK-FM.

http://books.google.com/books?id=Bi...Q6AEwAjgU#v=onepage&q=ktrh-fm houston&f=false

I noted Novella Smith, who had been known as Dizzy Lizzy on KYOK, doing jazz on KPRC. Also Ed Case doing jazz on KTRH (AM/FM). My earliest memory of KTRH-FM, and I can't pin down the date - late 50s or early 60s, though, - was of a jazz show on KTRH FM that was very impressive. Deep voiced announcer, very relaxed but not casual, reading liner notes, naming artists performing on each cut, explaining the music, etc. Also very impressive was the fidelity - I could not only hear the springs in his chair squeak, I could hear him sliding LPs out of their sleeves, etc. This was on a table top, AM/FM/phono Phonola.
 
Gee, I thought this thread was about something that was about to happen. Its still a good idea - take 101.1 and make it KTRH-FM.
 
hrhwebmaster said:
For those interested - a Billboard report on Houston, March, 1966. Note the influential stations and jocks - wow for KNUZ and its jocks - and the special articles on KYOK and KCOH. Note the two country djs on KHUL-FM which would subsequently flip to KIKK-FM.
Click to expand...

Interesting read. What was the "conservative" format?
 
I have to guess, but I suppose Conservative would mean beautiful music, light classical and 'evergreen' pop standards. I doubt anything with a contemporary feel, with a trendy feel (exotica, bossa nova, latin, etc) would have a place on the format.

I read the descriptions of the formats as well and thought they were unusual. I found the labels 'hollow' by today's format labels, leaving one to speculate. I have to assume Pop really meant MOR or more current trend material.

Antbody out there that can describe the Conservative format? I'm always up for learning something new.
 
My earliest memory of KTRH-FM, and I can't pin down the date - late 50s or early 60s, though, - was of a jazz show on KTRH FM that was very impressive. Deep voiced announcer, very relaxed but not casual, reading liner notes, naming artists performing on each cut, explaining the music, etc. Also very impressive was the fidelity - I could not only hear the springs in his chair squeak, I could hear him sliding LPs out of their sleeves, etc. This was on a table top, AM/FM/phono Phonola.
Click to expand...

That deep voice was a fellow by the name of Lee Meredith, who later worked at KNRO-FM in Conroe, when it first went on the air. He was a professional announcer and musician. Played with the likes of Boots Randolph and other notables of that day. He ended up as a band director for a school, before he died from burns received when his house blew up one night.
 
***I was hoping Filio would weigh in on this since he was here in Houston during some of that time period.***

I appreciate your confidence, but I'm afraid I am a failure on this one. I was aware of KTRH FM when I was breaking into radio in the mid and late 60s, but I can't recall ever listening to it.

I do remember when KTRH made a big deal out of changing the call letters and format in 1970, but, like you, I know nothing about what went before. Sorry.
 
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