Audio digitally remastered by USA Radio Museum
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WKMH 1310 in Dearborn, Michigan, was launched on December 29, 1946, by Fred Knorr, William McCoy, and Harvey Hanson. Initially, it operated during daytime hours with 2,000 watts of power at 1540 kilocycles on the AM radio dial.
In the late 1940s, Robin Seymour joined WKMH and became a significant figure in its programming. By 1955, he was known for his engaging style and for being one of the first DJs to ask listeners for their opinions on new records. And he became one of the first disk jockeys in the Motor City to heavily play rhythm and blues recordings on his show. Seymour’s show, “Bobbin’ with Robin,” quickly gained popularity.
On October 31, 1963, WKMH changed its call letters to WKNR and rebranded as “Keener 13”. This change marked a significant shift in the station’s format and approach, leading to a rapid rise in popularity. WKNR became known for its tight playlist, creative promotions, and energetic announcers, making it one of the most popular stations in Detroit during the 1960s.
PAMS (Production, Advertising, Merchandising Service) in Dallas provided jingles for WKMH during the period of 1960-1961. PAMS was known for creating memorable and catchy jingles for many radio stations across the United States during the 1960s. These jingles played a significant role in establishing the station’s identity and enhancing its appeal to listeners.
In 1961, PAMS released “Series 18”, known as the “Sonosational” series. This was notable for being the first jingle package to utilize the Sonovox, a device that made any sound source seem to be speaking or singing. It was quite innovative for its time and added a unique touch to the jingles.
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