“Guess Who” – 1170 KCBQ San Diego | January 26, 1971

KCBQ was in the midst of morphing from what it was in the 60s to what it became – a 70s powerhouse Top 40 station known for its one shotgun jingle, and what became known as the “Q” format.

This is Bobby Ocean’s KCBQ. You hear a jock who sounds, if one could draw an analogy, much like Dick Robinson of WDRC fame. Its the voice and personality. The news guy sounds a bit like Terrence McKeever (WHBQ, KOUL), but nobody identifies themselves, just the music. Lots of promos that mention the new Q, and one which reminds listeners to send in the list of voices to name in the “Guess Who Q” contest. No wonder nobody says their name!

Does anybody remember this contest? Was it a format change of sorts? New staff hirings? We just don’t know, but someone out there does… so thats what our comment feature is for.

Rich Brother Robbin, KCBQ San Diego | June, 1973

Found on a tape we thought we’d already processed was this gem. From the Summer of ‘73, here’s wildman Rich Brother Robin apprearing in what sounds like his return to KCBQ (we never knew he left!). Perhaps he’d just been on vacation. No matter, Rich Bro is the poster child for high energy Top 40. Right up there with Jack Armstrong, Bill Lee and other screamers, Rich Brother Robin doesn’t let us down in this nine-plus minutes of scoped AM Top 40 heaven.

It really didn’t get much better than KCBQ in ‘73. This is more proof.

Rich “Brother” Robin: West Coast Composite | 1980s

Here’s a tape that Rich Brother Robin gave to me when we worked together at Citadel Memphis Radio Group. It shows him doing some of his best work out on the west coast.

Jimi Fox, KFMB-FM B-100 FM San Diego | August, 1975

San Diego must have been ahead of most markets with the evolution of FM. By 1975, KFMB-FM was hot top 40, with a shotgun approach to personality hit radio that makes us pine for the good old days. Jimi Fox sounds great here and runs a TIGHT show!

Eddie Martinez on XHTZ “Jammin’ Z-90″ San Diego | December 1990

Returning to the Robyn Watts collection, here’s a refreshing look at the San Diego market from one of those border blaster stations, er, well one of those FM stations that didn’t have to worry about the non commercial restrictions imposed on US stations broadcasting from 88.1 to 91.9 MHZ. Sure, it’s really in Tijuana, but the studios of this CHR station are squarely in San Diego proper.

This station really sounds like it coulda been programmed from New York City. Awesome production elements are heard all throughout… great imaging, a tight presentation, and Eddie Martinez sounds fantastic. Yes, your webmaster always knew that the San Diego market was the west’s best kept secret. You’ll really love this, originally recorded by East Coast Airchecks – an entity that apparently no longer exists, but one that Robyn Watts graciously donated to our archives. Thanks again, Robyn!