KQRS Radio Aircheck (11/8/1969) – Format evolving from Middle of the Road to Freeform Rock

In this KQRS radio aircheck from November 8, 1969 (92.5 FM and 1440 AM, Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN), the sound quality is a bit rough due to the age of the recording. But it’s interesting to hear how this radio station’s format was evolving in the late 1960’s from a Middle of the Road (MOR), soft adult contemporary, smooth jazz format to a Freeform Rock format. The change didn’t happen overnight for KQ. It was a process. In this 11/8/1969 clip (the 6 o’clock hour of his Saturday night 6pm to Midnight shift), the DJ Don DuChene’s playlist contains an eclectic variety of song genres… rock, jazz, folk, R&B, country, orchestral ballads, standards… you name it! In our modern 21st century era, it seems most radio stations are highly segmented with each station (or channel on satellite radio) now serving only one niche. But back in the day, in the early years of FM radio, KQ played it all. On this night in ‘69, you can hear the Beatles share the spotlight on KQ’s airwaves with Elvis, Blood Sweat and Tears, and Neil Diamond. The traditional folk sounds of Judy Collins are immediately followed by the smooth soul groove of Isaac Hayes. A quirky yet catchy orchestral cover by band leader Hugo Montenegro of the popular instrumental Classical Gas by Mason Williams is then followed by the Kenny Rogers country song, Reuben James. Variety was the name of the game as KQ’s sound evolved. KQ “News Beat” segments occur at 02:04, 08:44, and 16:08, including updates on Vietnam war protests, college football scores, and the Apollo 12 astronauts’ preparations for their space flight (the 2nd to land on the moon) scheduled to take off “next Friday” November 14, 1969. Also, at 13:34, listeners are reminded that The Association will appear live in concert at St. Thomas College on Thursday evening, November 20, 1969. Get your tickets for $3.50. DJ’s Playlist: Elvis Presley (Suspicious Minds) Blood Sweat and Tears (And When I Die) The Sound Symposium The Beatles (Come Together) Neil Diamond (Holly Holy) Judy Collins (Early Morning Rain) Isaac Hayes (Walk On By) Pat Williams (Eleanor Rigby) The Flying Machine (Smile a Little Smile For Me) Burt Bacharach (Alfie) The Winstons (The Greatest Love) Hugo Montenegro (Classical Gas) Kenny Rogers (Reuben James) Another KQRS aircheck from this era can be found here:    • Vietnam War, abortion and drug pushers - K...