KLIF 1190 Dallas – Elliot Field – November 28 1956
Courtesy: Steven Green
If you know about the history of Top 40 radio, then you know the name Gordon McLendon. McLendon was the owner of 1190 KLIF, and was considered the man who perfected Top 40 radio on KLIF. In 1954, the era when network radio was fading away because of TV, McLendon introduced the Top 40 format to the station and, as a result of this change, KLIF enjoyed dominance of the Dallas radio ratings in the 1950s, 1960s, and into the 1970s. At one point, more than half of the people listening to the radio in Dallas, were listening to KLIF! KLIF had a tight playlist, exciting promotions & contests, and bigger than life DJs. Some of the legendary personalities that worked at KLIF include… Jimmy Rabbit, Paxton Mills, Michael O’Shea, Dick Heatherton, Chuck Murphy, Ron Chapman, Johnny Dark, Hal Martin, Rod Roddy, Cizzin Lennie, Brant Miller, John London, Randy Robbins, Russ Knight, Jim O’Brian, Chuck Dunaway, Ken Knox, George Michael, Deano Day, Gary Mack, Jay Lawrence, Gary Owens, and the voice heard on this aircheck, Elliot Field.
Elliot spent a few years on the mighty 1190, before moving on to KFWB in Los Angeles. Elliot also spent time on air at KTSA in San Antonio, KILT in Houston. His published book, “Last of the Seven Swingin’ Gentlemen,” talks about his days at KLIF, KFWB, and about his broadcast career. -Ellis
The Elliot Field book is a must read.Lots of interesting nuggets.