Tommy C, “Arizona Country” 102.5 KNIX Phoenix | December 20, 1996

Showcasing what, in your webmaster’s opinion, was the best year for Country radio in terms of both the music and how the format sounded, here’s Tommy C on Phoenix’s KNIX. I especially like how the jingles sounded that year. In a format where the jingles seem to always have a similar sound no matter what station you listen to, something about this period in time… stations really did try to be unique in sound and thats one thing I remember, having worked in the format for a decade. There was a sense of creativity, here at the height of modern Country’s popularity.

Note the incredible number of spots… KNIX was VERY sold out! Course, one would expect this, just days before the Christmas holiday. One somewhat negative observation is similar to the one I made of the KLUC Las Vegas aircheck, the format hasn’t evolved much past this particular year, other than to become more generic in every market since 1996.

If you’re a Country radio fan, I think you’ll very much enjoy this recording… one where the music and the format were at the very top of its popularity and creativity.

Kid Corona on KKFR “Power 92″ Phoenix | 1993

Description by Contributor

The original “Kid Corona” first hit the airwaves in 1989-90 as one of the premiere jocks on Southern California’s new Jammin’ Z-90/San Diego. After winning the nighttime battle against KKLQ-FM; Q-106, Corona was recruited by Edens’ KOY-FM; Y-95/Phoenix for the 6-10 p.m. shift at the height of the Phoenix CHR wars. In 1993, Kid Corona was the top rated night jock in the Phoenix market as heard here on KKFR-FM; Power 92. At that time, the line up also included veteran jocks Bruce Kelly in the morning and Supersnake in the afternoon. Steve Smith was PD.

Kid Corona / Jason Garrett Phoenix Composite | 1991-1995

Sent in by Mr. Garrett himself, he and Kid Corona are obviously one in the same, heard here doing CHR and Oldies in one of our rare Phoenix market presentations.

Jason writes:

Kid Corona first hit the Phoenix nighttime airwaves in 1991 on Edens’ KOY-FM; Y-95 as part of an all-star line up that included Bruce Kelly, Jackie West and Steve Goddard. After winning the PM ratings battle, Corona moved briefly to the legendary KOOL-FM 94.5 as Jason Garrett. A short time later he returned to CHR as Kid Corona on KKFR-FM; Power 92 where he dominated the nighttime ratings until 1994. One year later, he produced and hosted, “70s Saturday Night with Jason Garrett” at Nationwide-owned KVRY; Variety 104.7. The 4-hour weekly program was a disco parody, “…broadcasting live on the Polyester Radio Network (PRN).” The public relations and ratings success of that show lasted for two more years until 1996 when KVRY flipped formats and returned to its heritage KZZP calls. Steve Elliott was PD.

Its scoped and short, but definitely showcases some great talent in this early to mid 90s composite. Thanks, Jason!