WKGN STAFF 1973...
Back row right to left-Bob Baron, Goodie, Ralph Farley, Jim Goodman, Wayne Bernard, Terry Brown, Joe Anderson, Frank Erwin, Gary Clark, Bill Stamps.
Sitting right to left-Jacky, Molly Skeen, Polly Loy, Myrtle, Walker Johnson, Andy Reeves, Christy, Chris Hampton.
Back row right to left-Bob Baron, Goodie, Ralph Farley, Jim Goodman, Wayne Bernard, Terry Brown, Joe Anderson, Frank Erwin, Gary Clark, Bill Stamps.
Sitting right to left-Jacky, Molly Skeen, Polly Loy, Myrtle, Walker Johnson, Andy Reeves, Christy, Chris Hampton.
Walker Johnson...1973 was the very last year of the real 'KGN...The FAMOUS 1340 and its wonderful connection with George Mooney and his chain of stations. After '73 the Arbitron (ratings system) replaced the Pulse and low powered stations just died because the Pulse only covered three counties but the Arbitron covered many more than the little guys could cover. Jack Diamond was the night guy and Jerry Steel was all nights. Although 'KGN had to cut back to 250 watts at night Jack still BEAT WNOX and their 10 thousand watt night time coverage. Jack once said his hair dryer put out more power than the station but still he beat 99.
When 'KGN was sold things like the Rambling River Raft race (starting behind the Frat houses at UT and ending at I.C. King Park) and the Friday afternoon home game pep rallies at the station also went away. Later WOKI picked up the raft race on the Houston but no one grabbed the Pep Rallies. The first season a flatbed was pulled behind the station and the UT band and cheerleaders performed. What really drew the mob was the beer trucks giving out free suds. By mid season the beer trucks were no longer in the parking lot, something about kids who could reach the tap were being served with no request for I.D. 'KGN was the class station of the 60's and early 70's and none have matched it in talent or pure style since.
When 'KGN was sold things like the Rambling River Raft race (starting behind the Frat houses at UT and ending at I.C. King Park) and the Friday afternoon home game pep rallies at the station also went away. Later WOKI picked up the raft race on the Houston but no one grabbed the Pep Rallies. The first season a flatbed was pulled behind the station and the UT band and cheerleaders performed. What really drew the mob was the beer trucks giving out free suds. By mid season the beer trucks were no longer in the parking lot, something about kids who could reach the tap were being served with no request for I.D. 'KGN was the class station of the 60's and early 70's and none have matched it in talent or pure style since.