KSO

BILL BRIGGS 1967

In the mid 1960s, the KSO studios were moved from "The Fishbowl" at 19th and Ingersoll to the transmitter site at 3900 NE Broadway. When the station made the move, the old late 40s equipment was moved to the transmitter site. It was several years later that new equipment was installed.

Bob Briggs got into radio at a very young age and is seen here at age 16.

It was quite common for the jock to read news too, especially on night and weekend shifts. This usually meant "ripping and reading" the news directly from the wire service with little time for preparation. In many cases, the jock also did minor engineering duties too. This was a great way for a young person like Bob to learn various aspects of the business.

Bob got interested in radio at a very early age, having his own low powered phono oscillator transmitter and even an acetate disc cutter at his home.

From the top: Bob Briggs at RCA board, reading copy in KSO newsroom, and ripping news from the wire.

KSO: DECEMBER 30, 1968

Stoner Broadcasting had recently acquired ownership of KSO and consequently ran this full page ad in the Des Moines Register to promote their staff and a promotion called the "KSO Sturdy Box." We don't know exactly what the "Sturdy Box" campaign was all about, but the ad shows the KSO staff standing on the boxes touting the station as "The Big One."

The station's format was "Middle of the Road."

KSO staff supported by "Sturdy Boxes" circa 1968.

One side of a 1972 promotional postcard featuring jocks Tad Murray, Steve Randall, Perry St. John, Cazzy James, D.J. Marlowe and newsman Vern Walker.

Here is a collection of early 60's Artest Voicers including Freddy Cannon, Donnie Brooks, Paul Anka, Frank Sinatra, Annette, Jimmy Rodgers and many more. [ LISTEN ] (6:14)

CW McCall produced a short jock lineup song for Great Country KSO in 1974. The people named in the song represent the first lineup for the brand new country format. The "CW McCall" character was actually William "Billy" Fries - is the voice on the albums and the person in the TV apearances. Chip Davis was involved in the jingle production, then later went on to form Mannheim Steamroller. [ LISTEN ]

Promotional Rock n Roll Special Products LP with jock pictures - from the early 1970s.

Gary Wade c.1974.

Memorial Days 1971-72.

The station switched from Top 40 to a traditional country format in the Spring of 1974. New TM jingles with the "Great Country" theme were put on the air.

Ray Dennis, joined the KSO staff just days after the switch coming from a Top-40 format station, KSTT in Davenport. Ray didn't know "diddly squat" about country music, and when he reported in to Program Director Perry St. John to do his first show, he was informed that Johnny Tillotson would be sitting in with him (with Ray's airname Gary Wade). He was able to fake his lack of knowledge of country music by having a country expert on with him.

Curtis King c.1975.

Gary Wade on the air on July 17, 1974. [ LISTEN ]

The control room housed the Collins 5,000 watt transmitter and listeners could hear the transmitter blower in the background with the teletype machine in the tiny newsroom, just off to the side of the control room.

KSO GIRL WATCHERS

In the early 60's, during the time that Dick Vance was the program director, the KSO jocks issued an official KSO Girl Watcher Card to those who wished to participate in that wonderful pastime.

Gary Wade soon went into morning drive and stuck around about 7 months before leaving to work for the new owner of KRNT/KRNQ. The airname was retired at that time. John France took over the air slot, later to be followed by John Leslie and Tom and Jerry. For a short time, Gary Wade and Ray Dennis were listed in the newspaper radio schedule at the same time on the two different stations.

Sketches promoting KSO on air personalities.

Burt Powley c.1960s.

Frank N. Stein

During the Dick Vance era in the early 1960's, KSO had an on the street windowed studio named the "KSO Fishbowl." A visual presentation accompanied the on-the-air sound. DJ Burt Powley, dressed up in a Frankenstein monster costume, complete with makeup and did his program as Frank N. Stein. This was a big hit with kids as they scooped the loop and drove by the Fishbowl.

Some materials found on this page were originally published by the following: DesMoines Broadcasting.