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RADIO THRU THE YEARS

Oops, reread my own post to realize that I forgot that Sunbelt sold KZZX/KQEO to Penn Communications. I should have remembered. Dick Penn is a great guy. It was Penn that sold to the oufit from Fresno. And Kent, to my knowledge KRST was never beautiful music. They went straight from AOR to country. No stunting. It must have been quite a shock to the headbangers.
 
Chilly...KRST-FM signed on with beautiful music/pop standards...I know, because I worked the "automated assist" format housed in the basement of the old KRZY round building (Fall of 1968). It was great...as I could do my college reading/studies while doing my 6pm-12mid slot for several months before going upstairs to KRZY. Commercials/station ID's were all on carts and we played LP's. It then switched to AOR...Albuquerque's first...and your right, the switch to Country turned a lot of heads...or should I say "dead-heads" :) Of course then KRST-FM went on to be the #1 music station right behind KKOB-AM for years. Ray Moran obviosuly knew what he was doing, and saw the potential of the format flips thru the years for KREST! As I grow older I realize how programing savy Ray was. He always seemed to be ahead of the curve.
 
Hi Jerry, I didn't move to ABQ until 1976. You obviously pre-date me. And I thought I was a fossil. Thanks for the info.
 
AZJerry said:
Chilly...KRST-FM signed on with beautiful music/pop standards...I know, because I worked the "automated assist" format housed in the basement of the old KRZY round building (Fall of 1968). It was great...as I could do my college reading/studies while doing my 6pm-12mid slot for several months before going upstairs to KRZY. Commercials/station ID's were all on carts and we played LP's. It then switched to AOR...Albuquerque's first...and your right, the switch to Country turned a lot of heads...or should I say "dead-heads" :) Of course then KRST-FM went on to be the #1 music station right behind KKOB-AM for years. Ray Moran obviosuly knew what he was doing, and saw the potential of the format flips thru the years for KREST! As I grow older I realize how programing savy Ray was. He always seemed to be ahead of the curve.
Years ago KRKE had a “Little Red Caboose” with audio boards and switching, etc. on board, which they dragged around for their remotes. The caboose was eventually sold to KRZY and used to park outside the round building on the 2500 block of Quincy NE.

Anyone know where the caboose is now?
 
I sure don't know where the caboose is ..........but, I've got a couple of KRST-FM "Pan" Bumper Stickers !!!! And both KRST 92.3 (1976) Enchantmant LPs (featuring New Mexico Artists) and over 250 New Mexico artists 45's, KQEO big 92 Oldies LPs (1969-1970 vintage), and many KQEO weekly surveys (1966-1970 vintage) soon to be part of an internet radio station feature called "New Mexico Gold", the internet station will be on Live365.com and the format is a definative chronolgical history of Rock N' Roll that will cycle every two-three hours. There will be twenty different Pools of music that will breakdown all the types of music in an organized view of the evolution of Rock n Roll, and should easily feature the biggest library on Live365.com (which features over 10,000 stations). I am also collecting videos of New Mexico Artists for a new "all video oldies" program to debut on Cable Access ch 27 in Abq In April, again this feature will be called "New Mexico Gold", as part of a look at the evoultion of Rock N Roll. the most exciting part is my recent acquisition of the entire Beatle catolog on video, (including many repeats) approx 180 beatles songs on video. I will be recreating the New Mexico Radio Scene as a featured part of both venues that I am Debuting In April. Boy, have I got my work cut out for me (But hell I just retired , so what else am I gonna do, at sixty-two), but, It's going to be a blast from the past, pun intended !!!

Pal Al Wanabe
 
Hey Grid...thanks for the update on the Caboose. We should start a seperate thread on "Where is the KRAZY-KREST-KABOOSE?" :)

Pal Al...that "Pan" bumper sticker is a collector for sure. I had one pasted on an old briefcase I used (show prep materials, etc.)...damn, if I didn't pitch that a few years ago in a cleaning frenzy. Now...here's a test of your NM 45 collection...do you have anything by The Watermelon Jug Band? Any 45's of the old 60's local rock groups that use to play at "Little Beaver Town?"

I'd love to see those KQEO music surveys. I remember picking those up at my favorite record store...do yours have pics of the "KQEO Good Guys" on them? :) ...Michael Young (Peter Benson), Don Lincoln, a "younger" Bobby Box :) Carl Bell, Lanny Mintz?

Congrats on your internet radio station project...it sounds awesome, and keep us posted on your progress!

Speaking of internet radio stations, a good friend/co-worker of mine, and a fellow NM broadcast alumnus Dan Kelly (former Ops Manager with the CC Farmington Cluster) is planning his own internet radio station too. Let me put in a shameless plus for his awesome blog; classicrockfm.blogspot.com . Dan currently works for the Michigan Broadcasters Association in Lansing.
 
AZJerry

Yes I have "Turquoise Trickle" by the Watermelon Mountain Jug Band - Named after The Sandia (Spanish for watermelon) Mtns....rumor has it, that they are planning a comeback, i'll keep you posted. I have 45's by all the bands that played at Beaver Town, they also played at the Sugar Shack. In the sixties in Abq the bands were either heights(rock n' roll) bands or valley (R&B) bands. The heights bands started in the late fifties with the pioneer bands King Richard (Dick Stewart)and the Knights, Lindy(Blasche) and the Lavelles, Carl Manfredi and the Pallbearers. Dick Stewart and Lindy Blasche excelled at Promotion, (they owned their own labels) as well as performing. And then of course the Godfather Of New Mexico Music Al (Sanchez) Hurricane and the nite rockers, which incorporated Rock, Rancheras, and R&B, they launched with their first single "Hey Let Me Tell You" in 1957, on their own label "Hurricane Records". Some local musicians that also pioneered music of the "Hit Parade" Era "1948-1954 around Abq are Prince Bobby (Little Richard Look-a-like)Jack, Dick Tafoya on Sax (Brother of Pal Al Tafoya) and his combo, Charlie Pohl and his combo, Frank Chewewie and his group.
About 1960 a young man was an all-american basketball player at St Josephs College here in Abq, by the name of Sidro Garcia, Along with is two brothers Sal and Ray took Abq by storm with a band Called "The Sneakers" They moved to Las Vegas Nev. and were voted the Number One Lounge Band for an incredidible 12 years running. And of course The legendary "Freddie Williams and the Blue Notes". The Sixties valley bands began with The Fabulous Chekkers feat a young soulster named David Nunez, replaced by Freddie Chavez and finally fronted by current lead Johny J Armijo....yes the chekkers are still performing today. Then Came The Sheltons , Surprise Package, Spinning Wheel, Zozobra, Vandells, Doc Rand, and a young man who has become truly a legend, but sadly died too young Tommy "G" and the charms. And many many more Valley bands. The Beaver town line-up could include Morticians, Berrys, Viscount Five, Celler Dwellers, Choab, Cartoon Kapers, and the Monkeymen, etc. And Finally lets include a fifties country band Called Dick Bills and the Sandia Mountain Boys(Featuring Dick bills nephew a young Glen Campbell) played mostly at the Paddock Supper Club or the Hitching Post. Glen arrived around 1957 and in 1960 went to LA to record a song on crest records called "Turn Around Look At Me" he returned to Abq, but, let for good three months later. Most Of these artists recorded at the studios of The legend "John Wagner" still active today, and at Hurricane studios produced by Tiny Morrie, brother of Al Hurricane, who also became one of the most respected producers in Abq, as well, as a ICON recording Artist. Out of town bands that were successful from Santa Fe, Sprytes, Rocking Aces and Sprints, from Espanola The Defiants (feat Dave Salazar International recording artist) and the Movin' Morfo-Men (feat former Big Oldies DJ Dave Rarick). For a great web site about Abq music go to www.lancerecords.com.

The KQEO LPs and surveys do include photos af all the DJ's you mentioned Carl "Boo" Bell and others. The surveys are available to anyone that would like copies, contact me at [email protected]

Keep On Rocking........Pal Al Wanabe
 
WOW! Did you bring back the memories Pal-Al with that last post! You know your NM Music for sure :)
I appeared on Dick Bill's TV show on KOB-TV when I was a kid...in his "peanut gallery." I also remember my Dad taking us down to the KOB-TV studios to see the cast of NBC's new western in "living color" at that time..."Bonanza!" Got to see Little Joe, Hoss, Ben and Adam :)

You also mentioned some good friends of mine...John Wagner, Carl Manfredi and Dave Rarick. Dave is a KVSF alumnus as myself :) I enjoyed working with John on a few original audio mixes...he's great to work with!
 
Attention retired former Abq Radio Jocks 50's-70's...........

I am looking for volunteer voices for my "New Mexico Gold" and "Lost Oldies" features on my future live 365.com radio Station that will debut in three months. I will script the liners and have them available soon for any participants.

an example might be : Hi this is Joe Blow formally with "Big 92 KQEO" here is a classic New Mexico Gold single by the Sheltons "Knock On Wood" on (name of my station TBD). Your voice will heard every hr On NM Gold and my special
"Lost Oldies Section". This on a volunteer basis, this is not a revenue generating station. But who knows if it does generate revenue then all volunteer will be compensated. If you reside out of state we can transfer liners via e-mail.
I am using Adobe Audtion 2.0 and can perform all editing, normalizing and mixing at home.

I have a couple of former KRKE jocks interested, already. This will be my second involvement with an internet station , my first involvement two years ago "George Wilson Memory Tunes", went to #3 out of 210 genre stations, and #183 out of 10,000 stations on live 365. Sadly the station is in hiatus for a few months, live 365 recently declared it the fastest growing station in popularity in the HISTORY of Live 365. All the credit goes to the GENIUS of George Wilson, he graciously took me under his wing, and taught me how to program.

If interested contact me at [email protected], lets those great DJ's from the 50's - 60's back on the air, this time the world will be your audience.

Pal Al Wanabe
 
I found this site while looking for anything about KRKE AM.
I lived in Albq. from 71-78 and listened to KRZY, KQUE, KRKE and FDEF (I think) mostly KRKE.
Great times listening to those stations while cruising Central or waiting for a movie to start at the 66 Drive in.

Although I can't recall any of the DJs from back then they were great! My radio hasn't sounded that good since 1978.
AM Top 40 made my teen years so much more fun and I thank you all who had a hand in it! 8)
 
Hey Husky, here's a partial list of some of old 610 KRKE jocks you may have listened to in that era. I'm sure there is quite a few I'll leave out, sorry. Dale Wheba, Waylon Walker, Bill Burkett, Ed Barrett, King Kong Kirby, Dr. Wu, Rudy Grande, Chris Carey, Smokey Rivers, Don Schaefer, Jo Jo Pineau, The Wildman, Chuck Logan, Barry Went, Mike Phillips. I'm sure I'll reread this list and think of a few more after I've posted.
 
Chilly...thanks for the update on 610-KRKE jocks. It made me think about some of the "KQEO Good Guys", I grew up listening to...Chuck Logan worked at KQ too...of course Tom Dunn, Michael Young (later KC Carter on 1190-KPAR), Carl Bell (and his side kick "Witch Hazel" at night), Lanny Mintz (the pepperment kid, overnights), Gary Diamond, Joe Clayton (weekends), Don Lincoln (afternoons), and of course Bobby Box!
Any one else we may have forgotten?
 
AZJerry said:
Starbucks...I believe KLOS-1450 was the heritage Top 40 station in the 50's. Those calls eventually went to ABC-FM in Los Angeles (95.5). KLOS switched frequencies with KRZY-1580 (a daytimer) back in the mid 60's I believe and that pretty much killed it off with KQEO's dominance then.

99.5's original calls were KBNM-FM prior to KZZX-FM. They were housed in the former KARA-1310 facility on Menaul back in the late 60's playing Top 40...real low budget operation at that time. I don't believe their stick was on the Crest then...they were working off a tower adjacent to the studio.
Jerry you're right on. KBNM was owned by Earl Craven and is where Neil Murray "the Priest from the East" got his start in radio, later to migrate to KOB the idea being to chase the wolfman and his barking dog further down in Mexico. Neil had a great R&B show and hosted "soulfinger" jazz too. Now there was some talk about making it KLOS-FM for a while; KLOS was owned by B&M Broadcasting consisting of E. Boyd Whitney and D. K. MacGregor; I don't know much about DK but Boyd was on the air on KLOS when it was a country station. I worked there for a while and it was a low budget blast until they went broke. Tom Barsanti had an R&B show on saturday mornings that was the only one in town. KBNM's stick was on top of the building; Craven sold Kara to an outfit that went broke but KBNM stayed on the air; I left in 1971 & not sure what went down after that.
 
chilly said:
Hey Husky, here's a partial list of some of old 610 KRKE jocks you may have listened to in that era. I'm sure there is quite a few I'll leave out, sorry. Dale Wheba, Waylon Walker, Bill Burkett, Ed Barrett, King Kong Kirby, Dr. Wu, Rudy Grande, Chris Carey, Smokey Rivers, Don Schaefer, Jo Jo Pineau, The Wildman, Chuck Logan, Barry Went, Mike Phillips. I'm sure I'll reread this list and think of a few more after I've posted.

Don't forget about the late Frank Ragan! Paul Britt and Johnny Hyatt also did time on-air on KRKE AM. Dave Shaw and Mike Brasher also did part-time work for the station. The final air shift I ever did was on KRKE AM on April 1, 1977, when I did a 4 hour shift just for grins. I was CE of the AM and FM stations at the time. Frank stayed after the switch to a country format, and Phil Gonzales and Tom Anthony were added in PM and AM drive respectively.
 
Back In The Day (60's & early 70's)
How Many Stations were on the air here...Now we have what 35 rated stations in the book? How Many Back then
 
DoubleC said:
Back In The Day (60's & early 70's)
How Many Stations were on the air here...Now we have what 35 rated stations in the book? How Many Back then

You can count them yourself for any year you want.... www.americanradiohistory.com and go to the Broadcasting Yearbook section.
 
Translex...thanks so much for "jarring the memory" about Neil Murray. Wow...had almost forgotten him. Didn't he go on to
do weather on KOB-TV too, and then eventually they bumped him up to Hubbard's Twin Cities KSTP-TV (ABC 5) to do weather there? Ex KOB-TV and KOAT-TV anchor Johnny Morris was a former KSTP-TV weather guy too I believe.

Gary, thanks for mentioning Paul Britt and Johnny Hyatt. I understand that Johnny passed away recently (was it last year?). I wasn't sure if your reference to both Paul and Johnny was as past KRKE jocks or not. I always remember and associate Paul with 1150-KDEF...back in the Doubleday Broadcasting ownership days...when it was branded as "The Greatest Air Show on Earth" along with Denver sister station 630-KHOW (now Clear Channel). KDEF's studio was in the old "Tower Building" on 2nd St. In fact the KDEF-FM tower was on top of the building (94.1). The signal back then primarily went up and down the valley, and barely reached portions of the heights :) As I recall, they just simulcasted the AM programming. KDEF's on-air lineup then was incredible with Paul, Frank Cody, Art Ortega, Bob Knight and others I'm sure board contributors will help all of us remember :)

I always remembered Johnny Hyatt with KOB Radio, along with Tom Dunn and Tom Rutherford, thru the years before he went on to ad agency ownership and the voice of Rich Ford thru the years.

DoubleC...as best as I can remember in the late sixties/early 70's...the AM frequencies then were; 610, 730, 770, 860 (Belen), 920, 1150, 1190, 1310, 1350, 1450, 1520 and 1580. 1000, 1050 and 1240 came later and 1520 was dropped. KOMA-1520 (Oklahoma City) always provided plenty of signal problems for any programmers on that frequency. 1580 back then would suffer some late afternoon signal problems too (not as bad as 1520) from Buck Owen's 50kw country station KNIX in Tempe, AZ in those days.You or Don could probably fill all of us in on the history that changed 1580 to 1600 and the addition of 1550.
 
jerry0612 said:
You or Don could probably fill all of us in on the history that changed 1580 to 1600 and the addition of 1550.

Don Davis had the brilliance to move 1520 to 1550, solving the KOMA problem...and 1580 to 1600, solving the problem with Phoenix....
 
Jerry - Paul was a big bear of a fellow with a big booming voice. He worked at KOB before Tommy Dunn did mornings, back in the days when AM drive on KOB was George Mahoney and his sidekick/engineer Art Tillery. If Paul ever worked at KDEF, he never mentioned it to me. Very nice fellow who was also an accomplished sleight-of-hand magician. He would enjoy making coins appear to vanish or pass through tabletops at staff dinners and meetings. Johnny was sent down here from KSTP by Hubbard to, among other things, be PD of their then-new property, KOB-FM. Those were tough days for FM stations. Management was not convinced that FM stations could make enough revenue to stand alone. KDEF-FM's signal was given to the University of Albuquerque to serve as an educational station. The license was bought by Gaylord after the company's purchase of the 610 AM license to serve as KRKE's FM sister. The transmitter was moved up to Sandia Crest along with two other stations that wanted to cover the area from atop the mountain, KHFM and KBNM. Gaylord built a master antenna system up there which is still in use to this day. KOB-FM started its life as a Shulke-programmed "beautiful music" station, originating programming from a giant automation machine in the KOB TV building on the Crest.

Johnny Hyatt passed away after a long illness on October 8, 2006 at age 69, and Paul died in a nursing home on August 5, 2004 at the age of 79
 
Gary...thanks for the update on Paul and Johnny. I remember KDEF-FM being given to the U of ABQ. As I recall, they didn't do much with it, did they before Gaylord purchased it? Did Gaylord simulcast KRKE-AM on the 94.1 signal? When did it morph into 94-Rock?

I remember the Shulke-programmed start of KOB-FM, only because I worked in the basement studio of KRST-FM (2401 Quincy round building) which got it's start as a low-budget "beautiful music" station too. Jack Hughes, the engineer at KRZY/KRST, had built a "make-shift" switcher for us basement dwellers ;D to "switch" between LPs and spots/ID's on cart. There wasn't a microphone in sight :D

I thought I had died and gone to heaven when I got bumped upstrairs to an overnight weekend slot at KRZY-1450,
and actually got to speak :) From there I went on to do 7p-12midnight weeknights on KRZY when that became available.

Happy New Year!
 
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