Memories of KEZY

One of my favorite radio stations growing up was KEZY (now KGBN, 1190 AM). Broadcasting from Anaheim — 1190 East Ball Road, the address matching the station frequency — it was in the shadow of Los Angeles. But it was not a “small town” station at all. It managed to sound every bit as big and exciting as its Los Angeles brethren, and in fact helped propel numerous personalities and staffers to jobs in larger markets.

Many personalities moved on to success in Los Angeles, including Mark Denis (KFI, KHJ), Bruce Chandler (KIQQ), Dave Sebastian (KHJ), Mike Wagner (KRLA), Paul Freeman (KIIS-FM, KKGO), Rick Carroll (KKDJ, KROQ), and many more.

What made KEZY special for me was a playlist that was a bit more adventurous than was normal for the time. And it is demonstrated perfectly by an aircheck that can be found on YouTube (youtube.com/watch?v=bKSpaYl_r84). It features Steve Lundy (KRTH, KROQ) filling on for vacationing morning man Big John Carter (KHJ) in February of 1977.

Aah the memories. KEZY advertised itself as playing the full “long” versions of songs, and the songs included everything from the Electric Light Orchestra to Bob Seger, Boston (“Long Time” like you’d hear on the FMs, not just the hits) to Blue Oyster Cult. And a heavy dose of Fleetwood Mac. It’s a full mixture of styles that set the station apart from the competition, and Lundy’s somewhat sarcastic humor is a treat to behold. Also included is a newscast from the late, great Adam J. Demarais who I first heard on KRLA.

Mr. Rock and Roll Author

Brian Beirne — Mr. Rock and Roll to you and me — was a longtime personality on KRTH (101.1 FM). His smooth voice, extensive knowledge, and love of music made his show a must-listen, and helped propel KRTH into the top of the ratings for many years.

Wondering what he is up to these days? In addition to producing concerts through his company Legendary Shows, he’s been doing some writing. “I just finished writing my book, which should be out this September,” he told me. “It’s my history of more than 60 years in the business, and my encounters with The Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Walt Disney, and hundreds more … including playing piano at the age of ten on stage with Fats Domino.”

It’s called “Eleven Down From Elvis,” in reference to his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame being exactly that – eleven down from Elvis. Once it’s available, I’ll let you know.

Readers Respond

I have no knowledge of this, but thought I’d ask you if you remember it ever happening. 

“You are the one guy whose answer I could trust,” writes Ronald Pearson: “Did KRTH play ‘Hotel California’ by the Eagles every hour of every day for a year after the 40th anniversary release of that recording?”

That’s a while ago … in both cases. The album was released in 1976, and November 2017 was when that the band released the “40th” anniversary special-edition album. “Great song,” writes Pearson, “I just can’t stand it ever since!”

I have doubts that it was necessarily planned as a true programming element. But KRTH has been known to have a somewhat repetitive playlist, especially among songs that test well among listeners. I recall hearing the same song almost at the same time every day in cases. 

Do you have a memory of this happening? Let me know.

Jeff Provost wrote in to share a special memory of Wink Martindale.

“Your reader’s reminiscence of Wink Martindale reminded me of my time as a contestant on the reincarnated ‘Tic Tac Dough’ in 1978 — hosted by Wink,” he said. “ Wink chatted us up before and after make-up, mostly to get us to relax, I think. He was personable, genial, gently funny, and absolutely not intimidating at all when we were on camera.

“Quite a few years later, at least six or seven, we were at Universal Studios Hollywood and saw Wink, together with several other recognizable game show hosts, out and about on park grounds. I went up to say hello, mentioning my appearance on his show; he said something to the effect, ‘Sure, I remember you!’

“While I kind of doubt that was true, he was so sincere and gracious I certainly accepted his remark. He was one of the kindest public figures I have ever met; I was very sorry to read of his passing last year.”

Having known Martindale myself and knowing he always asked about my mother whom he met only once, I have no doubt he really did remember you. And as you say, he was definitely one of the good guys!