A Special "Hello" to ALL who've taken the time to not only put this blog together, keep it running, add stories to it, but also to share their thoughts & memories of "The KAAY Experience" !
If you've had the time to check-out my Personal Website (http://www.jonnieking.net/) you've probably seen some early pix & read a lot of info on my years at "The Mighty 1090". It was truly one of the happiest, best times of my career...and, if I could get in that (as of now unfinished) Time Machine I've been building, I would set the dial for "April 21, 1969/Little Rock, Arkansas, U.S.A./KAAY Radio Studios, 1425 W.7th St." I would then go back, start it all over again, do it all BETTER than the first time, and, repeat the time period from 4-21-1969 to 9-15-1972 in a continuous loop.
Granted, I've had much success since I left KAAY, met many fantastic people, re-invented my career many times, still work at it everyday of my life, and currently have one of the hottest, most respected, individually produced, automotive sites in the R&C Industry (http://www.legends.thewwbc.net/), BUT the time I spent at KAAY remains deep in my heart, and my memory banks.
Ever see "Citizen Kane" ? One of my all-time favorites & Welles one of the absolute best actor's ever. But the mystery of "Kane" was based on his dying word: "Rosebud".
With all of his power, fame, money, property...Kane's dying word was linked back over 70 years earlier. Linked back to his childhood, and to the beloved sled that he possessed on the day his young life was changed.
If any of the above resonates within your "mind's eye", you will then understand my wanting to relive those days of fun, friends, music, excitement, adventure, learning, and working at my craft in "The Art Of Communication" at our beloved KAAY. AND, to go back to that first day there that began a change in MY life.
So it was, on this night of the aforementioned date, that I began my days at KAAY: The Mighty 1090. And, I've been proud to be a part of this Legendary station ever since.
Again, I salute all of those who were with me sharing that experience. Each has their own individual version of their involvement, but I'd like to remember and thank, those who were there at that time, and those who have passed away: Barry Wood, Pat Walsh, David B., George Jennings, Dave Montgomery, Matt White, Phil North, Nick Markel, Walt Sadler, Richard Enderwood, Joe Dickey, Celeste Dozier, Eddie Graham, Carolyn Metheny, Eula Mae, Felix McDonald, Marvin Vines, Tom Rusk, Delores Handy, Wayne Moss, Larry Montgomery, "Little Mary"...and if I missed you're name, sorry and thanks to you too !
My time at "The Mighty 1090: KAAY" ? It all began 41 years ago today.
God bless you all, and please keep in touch.
Your friend,
Jonnie King
Showing posts with label kaay radio. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kaay radio. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Thursday, July 16, 2009
KAAY: AMERICA'S STATION !
During the 60's and continuing through most of the 70's, KAAY Radio was for many "America's Station". Located in the Heartland of America we beamed into almost 40 States & 11 Foreign Countries.
I remember when I was doing the 8p-11p shift getting calls from all over the country. You NEVER knew where the call was coming from til you answered the phone, and it could be from Chicago, Fort Wayne,St. Louis, New Orleans,Fort Dodge, Iowa, Lincoln, Nebraska...ANYWHERE !
I used to get mail on a regular basis from all over America, plus Canada, and, Cuba. Sometimes, when the 1090 Signal reached Cuba, they thought I was Jonnie "Keen". Didn't matter as long as they listened & took the time to write. I saved most of the letters, and keep them proudly in my Archives.
The years I spent at KAAY (from Aprii, 1969 to September, 1972) contain some of the fondest memories of my career. I'll be celebrating my 42nd Anniversary in Broadcasting this September 10th, 2009, and the time I spent at KAAY/1090 ALWAYS reverberates most strongly in my memory banks.
The station, the personnel, the sales staff, the remotes, the listeners, the people of Little Rock, the truly fantastic girls of Arkansas who kept me company, all treated me like a, like a...well, like a "King". And have always had a special place in my heart.
I thank A.J. for beginning this blog many years ago, and to Dave S., John, my friend Bud, Jerry Sims, and all of the rest who have, as I mentioned in a previous note "taken up the gauntlet", re-grouped, and continued A.J.'s important work. And, I humbly thank you for asking me to be in the vanguard of contributors to the new Site.
Due to handling my own 3 WebSites I'm not sure how expansive my involvement here will be, but I will try to contribute as often as I can. Please let me know if there's anything, or, any information I can help you with.
My best to all, and if you have time and would care to check-out my WebSites I would consider it an honor. The Sites' info & previews can be reached through: http://www.thewwbc.net/
Those of you who remember "The Breakfast Serial" on KAAY will be able to re-live those thrilling days of yesteryear as, since 1973, I have produced and syndicated the "Serial". It initially was done with the help and blessing of my old friend/team mate, George Jennings, and has been at many stations across the country.
Now here's the good news: the ENTIRE Catalog for "The Breakfast Serial", PLUS, Episodes, Demo, and, Special Audio Previews are on the Site at: http://www.serial.thewwbc.net/ Enjoy !
Stay safe and well, and remember A.J. as he was one of the best.
Your friend,
Jonnie King / St. Louis
PS: YES ! Someday there will be a book ! And my years at KAAY will be chronicled with much information, many shared experiences, and a lot of warm memories.
I remember when I was doing the 8p-11p shift getting calls from all over the country. You NEVER knew where the call was coming from til you answered the phone, and it could be from Chicago, Fort Wayne,St. Louis, New Orleans,Fort Dodge, Iowa, Lincoln, Nebraska...ANYWHERE !
I used to get mail on a regular basis from all over America, plus Canada, and, Cuba. Sometimes, when the 1090 Signal reached Cuba, they thought I was Jonnie "Keen". Didn't matter as long as they listened & took the time to write. I saved most of the letters, and keep them proudly in my Archives.
The years I spent at KAAY (from Aprii, 1969 to September, 1972) contain some of the fondest memories of my career. I'll be celebrating my 42nd Anniversary in Broadcasting this September 10th, 2009, and the time I spent at KAAY/1090 ALWAYS reverberates most strongly in my memory banks.
The station, the personnel, the sales staff, the remotes, the listeners, the people of Little Rock, the truly fantastic girls of Arkansas who kept me company, all treated me like a, like a...well, like a "King". And have always had a special place in my heart.
I thank A.J. for beginning this blog many years ago, and to Dave S., John, my friend Bud, Jerry Sims, and all of the rest who have, as I mentioned in a previous note "taken up the gauntlet", re-grouped, and continued A.J.'s important work. And, I humbly thank you for asking me to be in the vanguard of contributors to the new Site.
Due to handling my own 3 WebSites I'm not sure how expansive my involvement here will be, but I will try to contribute as often as I can. Please let me know if there's anything, or, any information I can help you with.
My best to all, and if you have time and would care to check-out my WebSites I would consider it an honor. The Sites' info & previews can be reached through: http://www.thewwbc.net/
Those of you who remember "The Breakfast Serial" on KAAY will be able to re-live those thrilling days of yesteryear as, since 1973, I have produced and syndicated the "Serial". It initially was done with the help and blessing of my old friend/team mate, George Jennings, and has been at many stations across the country.
Now here's the good news: the ENTIRE Catalog for "The Breakfast Serial", PLUS, Episodes, Demo, and, Special Audio Previews are on the Site at: http://www.serial.thewwbc.net/ Enjoy !
Stay safe and well, and remember A.J. as he was one of the best.
Your friend,
Jonnie King / St. Louis
PS: YES ! Someday there will be a book ! And my years at KAAY will be chronicled with much information, many shared experiences, and a lot of warm memories.
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