When I arrived at KHJ Radio in March 1965 I wasn't ready for how huge the physical plant was. There we were in an anonymous pink bunker surrounded by the Desilu, Columbia and Paramount Studios. The address was 5515 Melrose Avenue--before that street got "hip." Of all the employees I dealt with as a member the new management team, the longhaired, grass smoking, rock and roll, Top 40 crew brought in to conquer Los Angeles Radio--no one was more driven than I to make it to the top. And then, much more difficult, to hold the #1 ratings we drove ourselves so hard to achieve during my watch as Program Director, through the summer of 1969.
As with all theatrical illusion, the radio that stirred people's imaginations in the 1920s through the end of the Second World War was something that hooked me as a kid. It blew my mind that I had a Big Time L.A. AM Radio to play with for the entertainment of Boss Angeles and all of Southern California—and the pride of leading a winning team.
As I have said for the past 45 years, the person who convinced me that I had really arrived in Hollywood, the man who taught me so much about life while perfectly executing his role as the Old Pro was Bill Mouzis, Chief Production Engineer on our Production Team: Ron Jacobs, Writer/Director and Robert W. Morgan, Chief Announcer.
Mouzis, now past the meridian of octogenarianism, has adapted to 21st century technology as quickly as he learned to operate a telegraph key that transmitted and received Morse code. I have written elsewhere of my great respect for the man who, since his retirement and lack of golf, has assiduously issued email proclamations, historical reminiscences, radio anecdotes, forwarded Old School “humor,” political rants, war stories, tales of the tundra where he was born, all the obligatory Hallmark holidays and his (at least) monthly letter to the editor of the Los Angeles Times.
And he remembers stuff, his hits keep coming. Below is an email I just received from Mouzis. He and Nancy still live in the same house he bought when he joined KHJ after serving in the United States Navy in the Atlantic Theater. It is a pleasure to post Bill Mouzis' thoughts about Boss Radio on its 45th anniversary this week.
The date May 5th, 1965, the place Los Angeles, California, the time 3pm. Pioneer radio station KHJ, 930 on your AM radio dial since 1922 goes “rock and roll”. It is now “Boss Radio-93/KHJ.
Forty-five years ago today the biggest quake ever to hit Los Angeles was felt throughout the entire area when Boss Radio hit the airwaves with a thunderous presence, the likes of which never heard before. It all began with The Real Don Steele rock and rollin’ up a storm as the hits just kept on comin’. We soon learned that Tina Delgado was alive, alive, and that there were fractious Fridays with Anita O’Day and Francis Faye. Morning listeners were being entertained and Morganized by irascible Robert W. Morgan. Roger Christian followed with the aura of The Beach Boys enveloping his very soul. Then there was Gary Mack with that boyish grin and a peanut butter sandwich safely tucked in a brown paper bag. The volume was next turned up a few decibels as the Real Don Steele came at you like a hurricane with a handcrafted air product all his own for three solid hours. After-shocks came in the evening with professorial Dave Diamond continuing to play the hits for those on their way home. Channel Nine TV star and genial host Sam Riddle followed Dave with the sincerity and warmth of a real pro. Finally, Johnny Williams, who had a loft of his own and a heart of gold, kept us rock and rollin’ in our sleep all night long.
Ladies and Gentlemen, it was the new KHJ and listeners knew who we were once we hit the airwaves with the quickness of a panther. Under the brilliant leadership of genius Program Director Ron Jacobs and Consultant Bill Drake the station captured the hearts and minds of thousands of Angelinos, the sounds of which blanketed beaches, blasted through transistor and car radios and achieved market superiority in ratings within six months. It was not only phenomenal but fresh, exhilarating and entertaining. What a gas to hear that program directors from all over the country were flying into the city to air-check the station, intent on copying it. They never quite figured it out but nevertheless DJ monikers of Morgan and Steele soon popped up at stations all over the country.
As the production engineering supervisor for 93/KHJ and the RKO chain of stations nationwide I was fortunate enough to have filled a niche in the station’s ten year run as the top radio station in the country – probably the world. In these the golden years of my life, I remember it all so vividly and fondly and to a great extent sadly. Forty-five years cannot erase the inseparable bond that developed between all of us involved during this memorable period - a lifetime experience. The sadness I feel is shared with Ron Jacobs, who as a homey, born and raised in Hawaii, remains happily entrenched these days amid the beauty and sunshine of Paradise. He and I speak often of the very talented and dedicated people who played such a pivotal role in the success of Boss Radio, too many of whom have passed away over these 45 years. We all shared a friendship that went far beyond simply a working association and we miss them everyday of the year. I can’t help but think they are having a ball cavorting with our good Father in “rock and roll heaven”
To hear the 1965 intro by The Beach Boys
“It’s The New KHJ” go to www.93khj.com.
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