Question for Allison Marie (or Anyone)

[EarthradioLives]

I have a question about Sacramento Rock Radio in the early 1970s. I'm well aware of KZAP and KSFM (Earthradio 102). However, there was a short-lived Progressive Rocker at 107.9 (KXOA- Earth Rock 108). I think it was around from late 1972 until Spring 1973 or so. Exactly how long was it around? Who were some of the air talent on the station ?

I know Steve Rosetta (KNDE, KSFM, KSJO)was GM. Also, Rick Carroll was somehow involved as well. How deep was the format (free-form, formatted progressive, top tracks)? Were the announcers laid back, average or up-tempo in their delivery style? Any memorable stuff regarding Earth Rock 108?

I know the station was owned by Drake-Chenault at the time. They ran their automated "Solid Gold Oldies" format on 107.9 prior to and after the "Earth Rock" format.

I'd like to know more. All I know I learned from Alex Cosper's website and a couple of visits to the Sacramento Museum of Rock and Radio.

Thanks, in advance, for any information you all can provide !! : )

 

[calguy]

KXOA-FM was indeed an Album Rocker for a short time.
If I'm not mistaken Tom Nakashima started there about that time.
I have an aircheck of a friend Kent Randles doing the
overnight show there and recall him doing a newscast that
reports about President Nixon and the Viet Nam war. I believe
the air check is from January of 1973. There were several people
who came to KXOA from more minor positions at their sister station
in San Diego KGB-FM. That's why they later had a mascot like KGB.
Only instead of the KGB Chicken it was the K-108 Beaver.
Interesting thing about the Beaver. After Ted G. beat KGB and
Brown Broadcasting in court they never had the same guy in the
Beaver suit for too long. Guess it was a good way to keep the
same thing from happening in Sacramento. I recall Dave Allen
coming over to K-108 from KSFM in the mid to late 70's, but by
then they had become the mellow Home of K-108. KZAP alum Marla
also worked at K-108, but again this was much later.
Phil Melrose who was the GM in the late 70's through the 80's
had worked at KGB as had Program Director Art Schroeder.

Calguy



> I have a question about Sacramento Rock Radio in the early
> 1970s. I'm well aware of KZAP and KSFM (Earthradio 102).
> However, there was a short-lived Progressive Rocker at 107.9
> (KXOA- Earth Rock 108). I think it was around from late
> 1972 until Spring 1973 or so. Exactly how long was it
> around? Who were some of the air talent on the station ?
>
> I know Steve Rosetta (KNDE, KSFM, KSJO)was GM. Also, Rick
> Carroll was somehow involved as well. How deep was the
> format (free-form, formatted progressive, top tracks)? Were
> the announcers laid back, average or up-tempo in their
> delivery style? Any memorable stuff regarding Earth Rock
> 108?
>
> I know the station was owned by Drake-Chenault at the time.
> They ran their automated "Solid Gold Oldies" format on 107.9
> prior to and after the "Earth Rock" format.
>
> I'd like to know more. All I know I learned from Alex
> Cosper's website and a couple of visits to the Sacramento
> Museum of Rock and Radio.
>
> Thanks, in advance, for any information you all can provide
> !! : )
>

 

[steverosetta]

Drake-Chenault did indeed own K.X.O.A F.M. along with Mike and Willet Brown owners of K.G.B. In San Diego. The initital format was automated Solid Gold. In 1972 Gene Chenault came to Sac, and told me we were going to go live and go after K.Z.A.P. I hired two of their top D.J.s. Jeff Hughson and Fred Gains Also on the Air staff was Greg Monday. I came up with "Earth Rock" to set us apart from other progressive stations. We were live for approx. 6 months when Chenault came to town to inform me that we were changing again, this time to Classic Gold. The "Earth Rock" format was a winner but Drake Chenault sold syndicated formats to Radio Stations all over the country and wanted K.X.O.A. to carry one of their automated packages. I couldn't handle the change and left, as did the entire staff. In 1974 I took over as G.M. of K.S.F.M. and launched ""Earth Radio." Drake Chenault claimed "Earth Rock" was theirs. "Earth Radio" was a bit more main stream and was an instant ratings winner going from last place to first in all the key demo's. Steve Rosetta

 

[RadioStarOne]

Greg Mundae was the last live jock on Earth Rock KXOA then at midnight the Classic Gold Rock and Roll format began. I had the last ninety minutes of the rock format and the first ninety minutes of the oldies format recorded but erased them both and have been kicking myself ever since. Gregs last words were "All things must pass even Radio Stations" and he played the song by George Harrison. I was working at an arcade at Fair Oaks and Manzanita then and had the station on and I remember telling everyone there that the station was going away at midnight and was told by all that I was nuts! You should have seen their faces when the oldies started! I had a great laugh. Greg was a great guy! Its a shame he is no longer with us! I always enjoyed talking radio with him and Greg Purdue at Cordova Senior High. Greg Mundae would walk around the campus singing all the KROY and KXOA jingles. His sisters are both still around I believe.

 

[RadioStarOne]

Greg Mundae was the last live jock on Earth Rock KXOA then at midnight the Classic Gold Rock and Roll format began. I had the last ninety minutes of the rock format and the first ninety minutes of the oldies format recorded but erased them both and have been kicking myself ever since. Gregs last words were "All things must pass even Radio Stations" and he played the song by George Harrison. I was working at an arcade at Fair Oaks and Manzanita then and had the station on and I remember telling everyone there that the station was going away at midnight and was told by all that I was nuts! You should have seen their faces when the oldies started! I had a great laugh. Greg was a great guy! Its a shame he is no longer with us! I always enjoyed talking radio with him and Greg Purdue at Cordova Senior High. Greg Mundae would walk around the campus singing all the KROY and KXOA jingles. His sisters are both still around I believe. Anyone remember "Imus in Stereo Country" on 107.9? How about when KXOA 1470 was doing the "Letting The Sound Shine In" format? I have a little bit of it on tape with Don Wright back announcing the song Abraham, Martin, and John by Dion. And A short clip of Johnny Hyde doing a TOH ID for KRBT Woodland. I need to put that tape on to my hard drive and edit it as its got all sorts of samples of radio back then even KSAN, KIOI San Francisco.