Contributor Leo Knott sent us a fascinating set of airchecks dealing with the history of black radio in the Los Angeles area. KGFJ was one of a handful of stations who, in the 1950s, dared to target the black community as its primary audience, with stunning results.
Knott sent in some newspaper clippings which I’ll try to scan and get posted regarding this remarkable station, but in the meantime, this particular aircheck is from a time of KGFJ’s attempted ‘revival’ of it’s glory status. This IS the 90s, after all, so the approach isn’t exactly the same way you might have heard it in the 50s and early 60s, but its good listening anyway.
There is a narration highlighting your contributor’s career milestones at the beginning of this aircheck.
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I moved to Los Angeles in late 1989. I discovered that music on the AM band was not yet dead! Both KGFJ and KRLA were still cranking out the hits. It only lasted a short time after that, but it was a glorious throwback while it did. Good thing those stations were both there since my friend had an old car which had only an AM radio!
…and because it’s LA, mandatory massively frequent traffic reports. During the late 1990’s, there was even an All traffic report station for a little while. Surprised that didn’t make money. I think it was KFOX 1650 AM.
I wouyld like to know if there is any way to find out if Tom Cross from KGFJ is steal alive. I am doing a documentry, and need info. on his where abouts.The documentry deals with an event that took place at Sportsman Park in the 1970’s It would help me out alot.. Thanks