Happy Halloween!

If you were in Ktown in the early 70's then you know how exciting the radio climate was back then. WKGN kept bringing in great sounding personalities...Johnny Walker, Ted Ferguson, Possum Riley, Kent Newton (Tom Kent), Smokey Burns (Robert Murphy), and one of our favorites "Jack Diamond". You can still hear Jack via the Internet at WAMZ Louisville. He is the afternoon DJ and Program Director. His on air name is Coyote Calhoun. We'll dig up some Jack Diamond and Guerrilla vintage air checks soon. 101 heard from him-

"I continually find this to be a very entertaining website. Even though I was only in Knoxville for a short period of time (about 7 months) I really enjoyed my tenure at 'KGN, and thoroughly loved the city!"


Today 101's audio vault features WIVK midday DJ Bob...Bob Catron. Yep, before Bob Thomas ruled middays at WIVK for decades, Bob Catron was in that spot. Here's Bob Catron from April 1976-

Lets see in 1978 I turned 30 and CP was around 59 or 60? Around that year WRJZ started working with the old Silver Dollar City later to become DollyWood. Our remotes included walking around the place all day, meeting people and even a hatchet tossing contest with WNOX. NO there was no "catching" involved, best I remember we were throwing at a tree with a red circle on it. Adele won the thing! Here is a picture showing us dressed for the day at Silver Dollar City. On the left standing is David Henley, CP has the gun to his head, I am behind him with a gun in his ear and kneeling is John Boy...yea the same one with all the money and who STILL has a job! Oh as for the Dallas Cowgirl remote...that was at WEST CHEVROLET and later Delmar Haynes (another car dealer) had us out to try and copy it. Problem was he had the girls from the Atlanta Falcons! Yep not much of a crowd. Biggest car remote we did AFTER the Cowgirls was the grand opening of Airport Toyota. They brought in Billy Carter and he was really an outstanding guy. He would come out, get the picture made, kiss the babies and then go back in the back for some adult beverage. This would go on for an hour with a break every ten minutes. At the end of the remote he was still in good shape and boarded a plane for Memphis to do another one before dark. I think his fee was five thousand dollars and he told us his best day was when he managed to get in FOUR remotes! (Walker Johnson)

101 received feedback regarding Monday's post, "Where were you in '78?"

Curtis Parham- Here is where Walker and I were in 1978: doing a remote at a local car dealership on WRJZ...with the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. Aaaaah, the good ole days!

Mike Clark-Ahh, 1978... I was a student at U T, and working part time at WEZK alongside some greats: Eddy Roy, Paul Oscar Anderson, and the late Carlos Kivett. I can remember one quarter (UT had quarters then, not semesters) working from midnight till 6, then going home for a couple of hours sleep before going to class. The good ole days, indeed!

Arthur Adams- I was wondering if you and your readers could help me out. Back during the mid-Eighties, Phil Williams, then at WIMZ, did a series of comedy bits called "The Belchers of East Tennessee". It was a parody of the TV series Dallas, and the fall of United American Bank and the Butcher family. The Belchers were pig farmers, with a great glass pig farm downtown, and were shut down by the "F.P.I.G." -- Federal Pig Insurance Guys (that was the joke that almost caused me to drive off the road, I was laughing so hard.) I realize getting recordings of a 20 year old radio show is a long shot, but I'd dearly love to hear the entire series again, or even bits of it. Even transcripts would be good.

Today 101 travels to the year 1978, 30 years ago, wow!

1978 kicked off with "Saturday Night Fever" being the big box office hit.

Over at WNOX Dr. Dave was the morning man. Rival WRJZ featured CP and Walker in the morning. Foster Arnett was piloting the Z plane and reporting on traffic.

The Vols basketball team featured current UT broadcaster Bert Bertelkamp. (Bert and I went to high school together).

In late January WRJZ added a new voice in the night time, John Boy Isley.

On February 2 Tony Eubanks turned 21 years old!

In March Alan Sneed (AD) became program director at WKDF Nashville.

As spring time and baseball cranked up, Knoxville's minor league team was anchored by a right fielder named Hal Baines.

WIVK's May Shindig featured Merle Haggard and Eddie Rabbitt.

In May Randy Miller began polishing his skills by becoming afternoon DJ at WATO Oak Ridge. Randy currently lives in Kansas City...

Summer time arrived and Jeff Jarnigan was added to the weekend on air line up at WRJZ.

Over at WOKI the summer of '78 began with Johnny Pirkle, Gary Adkins, Scott Sams, Mike Beverly, The Brothers, and JL Myers.

In July the ratings were announced...WIVK AM/FM scored a 25.7, next was WEZK at 16.1, WRJZ also scored a 16.1, WNOX 11.3, and WOKI 5.5.

July also saw Scott Sams becoming the full time weatherman at WBIR-TV. Sams replacement at WOKI was Michael Henry Martin. Beverly moved to afternoons and MHM became the night DJ.

Big screen flicks in August were blockbusters Animal House and Grease.

September...Jamey Kerr got his first on air gig, working part time at WOKI's AM, WORI 1550. In late September WNOX announced a new GM, Christopher T. Gallu. At that same time Win Maxwell took over the morning news anchor position at WNOX.

Things didn't slow down at WNOX. Bob Savage was brought in to be PD from WKTQ Pittsburgh. Savage's assistant PD was Bill Beason. Savage bolstered their line up in October by hiring former WNOX DJ Robin Huff aka The Aardvark to work 10p-2a. He became Scott Majors at this point.

Up in Chicago WMAQ radio had a GM named Burt Sherwood and a PD named Bill Hennes. They would enter the Ktown market a few years later....

On November 7 Lamar Alexander (R) beat Jake Butcher (D) to become Tennessee Governor. In congress both Howard Baker and John Duncan were reelected.

Early December saw the introduction of a fine addition to WIVK's weekend line up, Ed Rupp...I was there and we had fun! Bob Thomas, Suitcase Simpson and Jeff Winters also were part time WIVK jocks.

As 1978 came to a close, the #1 country song was Crystal Gayle's "Why have you left the one you left me for"...which could be a question most DJ's and radio stations ask each other!


And finally for today, 101 wishes a speedy recovery and perfect health to Ktown's Dave Foulk!

Dr. Dave Dunaway did several tours of morning drive in Ktown starting with WNOX in the late 70's, he was recruited by WNOX GM Pete Dreyer out of Y-100 Miami. The good doctor was also the first morning DJ on U-102 WMYU. Here's an aircheck from WEZK, 1992...

Back in '92 Phil Williams was flying solo hosting morning drive on WIMZ...

Happy Hump Day!

It's World Series time and this year's fall classic features two unlikely contenders. Here in Florida the faithful are thanking their lucky stars that our Rays had a makeover coming into 2008...new nickname and logo, new team colors and uniforms, and obviously new mojo!

Today 101 digs into our audio vault and hears Jimmy Vineyard during his early years working nights at WIVK~

I had to go through my "memory" box to find some stuff for a Chicago interview, so I kept an eye opened for anything WKGN related. Woefully, all I found was this insignificant press release about some talent show I was to emcee at a local junior high school. Yeah, I know, pretty pathetic, but I thought you could use it for humor. I also found a photo from my WKGN days, and attached it along with a more current "Robert Murphy" photo. I've been enjoying the posts on the site, and will attempt to contribute something else when my memory kicks in.

Robert Murphy

fka Smokey Burns

Today 101 features Rick Davis on WKGN from 1975~




Chad Austin~

In regards to Beth S's question..."When Tennessee won the Sugar Bowl in '85, who was the DJ at WOKI in Knoxville who locked himself into the DJ booth and Played Orange Blooded over and over and over again?"

That was no other than Shotgun Stevens, however he was not fired for that incident. Although he was not there long after that, the real reason why he left WOKI that same year was because he landed a new radio gig doing mornings at 99.7-FM WDJX in Louisville, Kentucky not long after he pulled the on air, "Orange Blooded Stunt". After he landed the new morning job at WDJX, Shotgun did turn a two weeks notice into station management to inform them that he had landed a new radio gig, and would be leaving for Louisville, Kentucky. Instead of allowing him to work his two week notice, they told him to go ahead and leave. That is the story I remember.

Contacted Doc, and he confirmed my story. He said it was right on the money.

Today 101 visits our "inbox"...

Frank Murphy Star 102.1~

Hi Beth, that would be a bit before my time here. I suggest you check the great website Knoxville Radio History 101. The link is KtownRadio. I have copied that site's webmaster on this message. All the best!

Do you all remember this? Hey Frank, Kim and Marc. I am listening to you all on the radio, and I was wondering if you all can remember the name of this DJ? When Tennessee won the Sugar Bowl in '85, there was a DJ at WOKI in Knoxville who locked himself into the DJ booth and Played Orange Blooded over and over and over again. Of course, he was fired, so I think. But I can't remember his name. I thought that I would never forget his name but I have. I thought that you all would remember. Thanks,Beth S (If you remember, please contact 101)

Chad Austin~

Hi George, I just recently created a Myspace page that pays tribute to "95-3 WTNZ". This is actually a prequel to a regular website that I plan to eventually create in memory of the station and Jeff Freeman. I was wondering if you could add the link for the TNZ Myspace profile to the Ktown 101 site. Here is the link. http://www.myspace.com/953tnzpower95

Bob Thomas~

OK...set the TIVO...or the DVR.....This Sunday night Jake is guest starring on COLD CASE.Hope well is well!

October 14, 2008 (Studio City, CA) Eighteen year old actor Jake Thomas (LIZZIE McGUIRE, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE) is guest starring on COLD CASE, Sunday, Oct 19th at 9PM/ (8PM CDT) on CBS. The episode was originally set to air earlier in the month, but was rescheduled for this Sunday.Coming off his dramatic performance in COLD CASE, Jake just completed shooting the main guest star role on an upcoming episode of another CBS show, but this one the sitcom, Rules of Engagement with David Spade. Jake says his goal in his career is to continue doing a balance of comedic and dramatic roles. Jake is still seen in episodes of "Cory In The House" on the Disney Channel and soon starring in the film, "The Assignment."For more information on Jake see JakeThomas.com.

Happy Hump Day from 101...

On Monday 101 featured AD reading the news back in 1976. Today we stay in that year and hear the WNOX night time DJ the "Aardvark". Robin Huff used that moniker and later was known as Scott Majors~



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101 joined Facebook...and the next thing I know everyone in my AOL address book received an invite from me, without me being involved. Wow, sometimes I miss the olde typewriter!!!

Back in the "good old days" most radio stations featured their own local all night DJ...WIVK still abides with Hoss. Back in the day, and for decades, WIVK's airwaves were hosted by the late Terry Womack!

101 wants to hear from you...send photographs and memories to KtownRadio@gmail.com!

In "Indiana Jones" folklore the search was for the Holy Grail. In Ktown radio folklore the search has been for the missing Allen Dick aircheck. 101 has it and now so do you...

PS...101 fondly remembers the summer ratings parties up at AD's cabin near the towers....particularly the party that was scheduled and still held the day Elvis died in 1977. We celebrated being #1 and listened to WIVK play Elvis songs all night long.

Here's a classic foto...Frank Erwin on the air at WKGN!

Coming soon...101 has unlocked the deep dark audio vault files and has found Allen Dick on the air as a newscaster at WIVK.

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Go Vols!!!

Happy Friday from 101...

With the MLB playoffs underway 101 is featuring a pine tar photo! "Little 101" is the catcher and Johnny Damon's son is batting...

Many of Ktown's radio greats from the 70's passed thru WKGN on Alcoa Highway. Russ Brown started his career there using the moniker Tollie Michaels~

Shotgun Stevens has been a DJ in Orlando for nearly two decades. His on air name in Otown is Doc Holliday. He works morning drive at K92 FM.

Way back when, in the mid 80's, Shotgun was prowling the night time in Ktown at WOKI FM 100. Ace contributor Chad Austin sent 101 this aircheck...

101 received an email from blogger Mark Chase...

Hello from the left coast!I just wanted to stop by and say hello and thanks for the mention in your most recent blog. Even though I've been out here in California for a few years, my blood has continued to run bright orange and always will. I'm really enjoying some of the old audio from days gone by. Very cool.....thanks for sharing it. I'd be honored if you want to include me in your links list. I'll have to go through my "stuff" and see if I have any materials left from back in the day in East Tennessee. Anyway, thanks again for the mention and I look forward to checking your blog out regularly for more great memories.

Mark Chase/Prod. Dir.
Results Radio Yuba City

Happy Hump Day from Boca Raton, Florida!

Today 101 returns to the audio vault and features "King in the Morning" on WOKI.

Carson King was starting his second morning stint in Ktown as he commanded the automated airwaves in the AM on WOKI when it signed on in April 1974.

A few years earlier "King in the Morning" had presented a fun shtick at WNOX...

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Who won last night's debate McCain or Obama?

Dave Young came of age in Ktown radio at WNOX in the early 70's. It was a coupe for WKGN when they stole him away from The Rock of Knox. Dave went on to host the morning show at WKGN. He featured "the oldie but forgotten goodie" each morning...



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101 found a blog of note called Chase's Sandbox, by former Ktowner Mark Chase.

A picture is worth...Here's Dr. Don West and a "playmate" that stopped by WRJZ in 1982. Why did the PD always get the good interviews?

101 returns once again to the DJ reunion '86 audio vault. Today we feature banter about W-149 from Mike Beach, Eddie Beacon, and Walker Johnson~

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Check out the new Dave Foulk Blog...

After Johnny Pirkle bolted for the new W-149 in 1971, Eddy Roy took over programming at WNOX 990. A few years later "Roy in the Morning" was waking up Ktown with a masterful news man dubbed "POA", Paul Oscar Anderson. Check out their pipes~

101 enjoys hearing from you, Ktown's raving radio fans. We received this email from Arthur Adams...

I read your blog occasionally, being a former Knoxvillian with many memories of local radio.

One thing I've remembered from the Eighties is the rock station rivalry between WOKI and WIMZ. (I think this was before WOKI went to the extraordinarily annoying "Hits 100" format.) The Police were the hot band at the time, and were touring. One of the two stations, I can't remember which, claimed that the Police weren't planning to come to Knoxville, but were really impressed by petition drives, so if they got enough signatures, we just might get a performance by the Police in Knoxville. I was attending Powell High School at the time, and, let me tell you, there were lots of petitions going around.

It came out a few days later that the Police had always planned to perform in Knoxville, and the station gathering the petitions knew that from the beginning. The other station followed up by collecting petitions so Santa Claus would visit Knoxville that year....

Another memory is a WIMZ radio-thon for Children's Hospital Phil Williams and Colvin Idol did. They stayed on the air all day for it, and the rules were simple -- you paid them to play requests, and the money went to the hospital. The fee schedule was something like this:

$10 for songs they'd normally play anyway
$100 for songs they probably wouldn't play
$1000 (or maybe $10,000) for either all-time rock classics (like Stairway to Heaven) or songs they'd never play in a million billion years. They'd take multiple donations for one song for that level.

Well, somebody at WIVK heard what they were doing, called them, and said, "we'll give you $10,000.... if you play John Anderson's 'Just a-Swangin'" (which was a very annoying country song, that was popular around the time.) Unsurprisingly, WIMZ didn't have a copy of the song, so they sent someone to WIVK studios to get a copy, and Phil and Colvin played it, complaining about the sacrifice for the kids.