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WCZY 95.5 FM (1970s – 1980s)
- 1970s: WCZY 95.5 FM started as a beautiful music station. It played a mix of orchestral music, light classical, and some popular music. The station was known for its high-fidelity sound and was a popular choice for listeners looking for “good music.”
- 1980s: By late 1979, WCZY transitioned to a Contemporary Hit Radio (CHR) format, focusing on Top 40 hits. This change was part of a broader trend in radio during that era, where many stations shifted to more contemporary and popular music to attract younger audiences. For nearly a decade, the station featured popular DJs and was known for its energetic and upbeat playlist. The ‘CZY DJs spanning a decade, were: Dick Purtan, Dave Prince, Tom Dean, Marc Avery, Lou Roberts, Ed Barrett, Kim Carson, Roy Stephens, Paul Brian, Steve Kelly, Brian Patrick, Bob Carlton, Doug Dunbar, and famed Detroit sportscaster Larry Adderley on sports.
- In today’s USARM (USA Radio Museum) aircheck feature we recall the voice of WCZY personality, Randy Carr, from May 13, 1980.
Transition to WKQI
- 1989: The station rebranded to WKQI and continued with the CHR format. The new branding was “Channel 955,” pronounced “nine-five-five,” and it became a staple in Detroit’s radio landscape. WKQI was known for its hit music and engaging radio personalities.
Today, WKQI still operates under the “Channel 955” branding and continues to be a popular Top 40 station in the Detroit area.
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NEW! A special THANK YOU to Randall Carr, of Commerce Twp., MI., for recently having contributed his own WCZY memory from 1980. This aircheck will be archived into the USA Radio Museum aircheck repository. (Photo courtesy: Randall Carr)
AUDIO REMASTERED! This audio recording was digitally enhanced by USA Radio Museum.
