Bobby Ocean

Bobby Ocean was the one constant in a sea of jock changes at KHJ between 1975 and 1980. Having come from KFRC in San Francisco, his first appearance on the survey was in May 1975. He worked the Noon - 3PM shift until 1979 when he moved into the afternoon drive slot. His final appearance on the survey came in January 1980.

KYNO

as Johnny Scott

Bobby at KCBQ in San Diego on May 26, 1971. [ LISTEN ] (10:19)

This is fairly early in Bobby Ocean’s career, before he went on to stardom at KFRC San Francisco, and all the talent is there...

...and this one finds Bobby at KGB on April 12, 1972. [ LISTEN ] (28:21).

Bobby as Johnny Scott at KYNO

At KHJ in the late 1970s, the music, especially during Bobby Ocean’s show, was mostly slow, Adult Contemporary fare – although that format name didn’t yet actually exist. Osh is… well, himself. Perfect timing, that voice smooth as glass, but something wa missing. Perhaps the indicator of how dreadfully boring KHJ became under this ‘new format’ is exposed in how they presented their station I.D. Just a singular, “KHJ” was spoken. Nothing else, no song intro. No jingles, either. Nothing.

Bobby Ocean (& John Sebastian), “Position 93” at KHJ in Los Angeles on April 14, 1978. [ LISTEN ] (16:14)

So much has been written all over the web and this site about the possible reasons why KHJ removed the personality approach and went to less talk, more music. And still, we have few concrete answers. Its easy to look back and come up with reasons in our own mind, but then, we’re reminded that the programmers at RKO General didn’t have the benefit of over thirty years of history to look back and make an informed decision. In 1978, there was stiff competition from no less than three other AM stations, notably the one station with the most momentum at the time, 1020 KTNQ.

Mucho Morales and Bobby Ocean, at KHJ in December, 1978. [ LISTEN ]

Deejay Morales starts things off, and Bobby comes in about halfway through this 8-minute scoped aircheck.

Ten-Q had The Real Don Steele, Machine Gun Kelly and others, an exciting, rapid format and plenty of personality. KMPC had the older audience.

KFI was Top 40 and just sitting there, waiting to pounce. But KHJ still had Bobby Ocean, and many others, echoing over the airwaves. But KHJ's heydays were winding down.

Bobby Ocean's Career Timeline: WDLP, Panama City, FL; 1963: Position - DJ, mid day; name used - Ray Farrell. KMBY, Monterey, CA; 1963 - 1965: As night jock using the name, "Radio Ray" Farrell. KKIS, Pittsburg, CA, from approx 1965 to 1967: Mornings, mid day, as "Captain Turntable."

PHOTO LEFT: Bobby with Shaune Steele, (The Real Don Steele's much better half.)

First Drake-consulted station: KYNO, in Fresno. CA: as 1968 began. He was sent "to school," as Mr. Drake referred to KYNO; as night jock, Johnny Scott. Next, KGB, in San Diego, CA: he worked there twice begining in 1968, returning in Fall of '73. He used the name Bobby Ocean and assumed Production and Image duties. KCBQ, San Diego (Santee, CA): The other station he worked while down south. 1971, for a halk a year, during which time we soared to number one ratings. In addition to mid-day DJ duties as Bobby Ocean, he was in charge of station Image.

KFRC: Bobby sitting in with Dr. Don 1986

KFRC, San Francisco: Bobby arrived in 1973, and worked off and on, hired and either fired or left for another offer, eight different times, through 2004.

Bobby at KFRC in San Francisco on August 8, 1986. [ LISTEN ] (1:03:03)

Its a Friday afternoon and Bobby helps close out the Top 40 era at KFRC, as he airs his final afternoon drive show.

Started as fill-in, but they put him in mid days permanently. KOIT-FM and HD-1, San Francisco; 2005-present: He's a part timer at this number-one rated light Rock station, doing all shifts - from mornings, mid days and nights to weekends.

In 2008, having stuck with his youthful choice to be an all-California jock after over 5 decades, Ocean was winding down, less DJ stuff, more voice image work - and still living in Northern California about 25 minutes north of San Francisco.

He's known as one of the few Boss Jocks that worked all four of the Golden State's Drake consulted stations (KYNO, KGB, KFRC and KHJ). Ocean formed his own Broadcast Image Voice and Production company over 30 years ago, still thriving. He has stated that he found most satisfaction as Station Spokesman, telling a station or person's story, and helping others get their act refined.

As of 2020 Bobby is still very much active and producing incredible voice work for many radio stations including Classic Hits JFRC.

Some materials found on this page were originally published by the following: Airchexx, Ellis Easter.