The calls, KNUS FM 99, in Dallas first appeared in the summer 0f 1966, as a Progressive Rock station. It was part of the legendary McLendon group of station. Gordon McLendon is widely credited for perfecting the commercially successful Top 40 radio format, during the 1950s and 1960s. By 1971, the station had morphed into a rock-based Top 40 station. KNUS eventually transitioned into a more mainstream Top 40, and it actually passed KLIF in the ratings by fall 1975, becoming one of the first FM Top 40 stations to defeat its AM competitor. By the end of the 1970s, however, KNUS had fallen out of the top ten. Gordon McLendon sold KNUS to the San Juan Racing Corporation in May 1979. San Juan Racing also owned WKTU New York, WYSP in Philly, and other stations in Washington, Cleveland, & Houston. This aircheck is from the Top 40 era of the late 1970s, with Dave Collins on air.
Since 1979, Ellis has been on the radio, mostly hosting morning radio shows across the country, from Philly to Salt Lake City, Tampa to Seattle, and for the last 25 years, has been waking Orlando & Daytona Beach.
That sounds like the same Dave Collins who worked at 99-X (WXLO) in New York City in the mid to late 70’s…