Kansas City’s Radio Heartbeat: WHB Still Signals Through the Decades

The Origins of WHB: Kansas City’s Sonic Pioneer

A Century of Sound, Soul, and Signal Strength from the Heart of the Midwest

Long before Spotify algorithms curated playlists or podcasts buzzed in our earbuds, there was WHB—one of America’s pioneering voices on the airwaves. Born in 1922 amid a backdrop of innovation, jazz-age optimism, and a rapidly industrializing Midwest, WHB didn’t just broadcast sound. It helped forge Kansas City’s identity.

WHB began as an experiment in airwaves by the Sweeney Automotive School, a local institution more known for its garages than gadgets. At the time, radio was less entertainment and more marvel—a new frontier where electricity carried music and messages invisibly through the sky. With the school’s practical bent and a touch of promotional genius, the station’s call letters—WHB, for “We Have Broadcasts”—felt as much like a prophecy as a slogan.

The station’s initial broadcasts were modest: music, news, a few local announcements. But the thrill of voices crackling through static across kitchen tables and shop floors galvanized the city’s attention. Radio in the 1920s wasn’t background noise—it was an event, and WHB was at the center of it.

By 1930, WHB had passed into the hands of the Cook Paint & Varnish Company, whose ownership may seem unlikely today but was in line with a broader trend: businesses recognizing radio’s persuasive power. Cook Paint didn’t just advertise on WHB—they owned the message, shaping content and identity in tandem. This gave the station a more polished tone and expanded its reach throughout the region.

WHB’s technical prowess also set it apart early. It was one of the first broadcasters west of the Mississippi River to receive a “W” prefix—a quirk of licensing chronology that still raises eyebrows among broadcast historians. In an era when most stations in the western U.S. carry “K” call signs, WHB’s “W” is a quiet badge of honor, denoting its first-mover status and importance.

By the 1940s, with twin towers broadcasting from Pershing Road and the city’s culture humming with energy, WHB had transcended novelty. It had become the voice of Kansas City—reporting news, airing big band concerts, and forging community identity, one broadcast at a time.

WHB in the 1950s: The Birth of Top 40 and a Cultural Awakening

By the dawn of the 1950s, WHB had already established itself as a Kansas City mainstay. But what happened next would ripple far beyond the city limits. Under the visionary leadership of Todd Storz, WHB became the crucible for a revolution in radio programming: the Top 40 format.

Storz, a young and restless broadcaster with a keen ear for popular taste, took over WHB in 1954 through Storz Broadcasting. He noticed something simple but profound—people loved hearing the same hit songs over and over. Inspired by jukeboxes and diner waitresses who played the same records repeatedly, Storz theorized that repetition wasn’t a flaw in radio—it was its secret weapon.

So he flipped the script.

Gone were the days of eclectic, unpredictable playlists. In their place came a tightly curated rotation of the most popular songs, played frequently and enthusiastically. WHB became one of the first stations in the country to adopt this model, and it worked like magic. Ratings soared. Teenagers tuned in religiously. And the Top 40 format was born.

But WHB didn’t just play the hits—it packaged them. The station’s DJs were more than announcers; they were personalities, tastemakers, and companions. Names like Johnny Dolan, Phil Jay, and Joe McCabe became household fixtures. Their voices were warm, witty, and omnipresent—guiding listeners through sock hops, drive-ins, and late-night study sessions.

The station’s branding was equally innovative. WHB jingles were catchy and omnipresent, and its countdown shows created a sense of anticipation and community. The station even published printed Top 40 charts, handed out at record stores and soda fountains, turning radio into a tangible part of youth culture.

Technologically, WHB was ahead of its time. Broadcasting on 710 AM, it had a strong signal that reached deep into the Midwest. Its twin towers on Pershing Road became a Kansas City landmark, a physical symbol of the station’s growing influence.

Culturally, WHB was a mirror and a megaphone. It reflected the optimism and energy of postwar America, while also shaping the tastes and attitudes of a new generation. Rock ’n’ roll, rhythm and blues, doo-wop—it all found a home on WHB’s airwaves. And in doing so, the station helped usher in the modern era of pop music.

By the end of the decade, WHB wasn’t just a local success—it was a national model. Stations across the country began copying its format, and Todd Storz became known as the “father of Top 40 radio.” But for Kansas City, WHB was more than a trendsetter. It was the soundtrack of a golden age.

 Sidebar: Battle of the Decades — WHB’s Golden Years

Verdict: The 1950s may have sparked the fire, but the 1960s kept it burning bright—both decades mark WHB as a station that didn’t just follow culture… it shaped it.

WHB in the 1960s: The Soundtrack of a Changing City

If the 1950s were WHB’s coming-of-age, the 1960s were its golden hour. As the world shifted beneath the weight of civil rights marches, space races, and rock revolutions, WHB stood tall as Kansas City’s cultural compass—broadcasting not just music, but a mood.

Still operating on 710 AM, WHB had by now perfected the Top 40 format it helped pioneer. The station’s programming was tight, energetic, and relentlessly in tune with the tastes of its audience. Every hour was a carefully orchestrated blend of chart-toppers, local news, and the kind of DJ banter that made listeners feel like they were part of something bigger.

The DJs were bona fide celebrities. Phil Jay, Johnny Dolan, Bob Elliot, and Mike Shannon weren’t just voices—they were personalities with fan clubs, public appearances, and a direct line into the hearts of Kansas City’s youth. Their on-air personas were upbeat and approachable, but they also carried a certain authority. If WHB played it, it was cool.

The station’s jingles became iconic—bright, brassy bursts of harmony that punctuated every hour and made WHB instantly recognizable. And the contests? Legendary. From “Name That Tune” giveaways to car raffles and concert tickets, WHB knew how to keep its audience engaged and loyal.

PAMS Series#15 | Living Radio | 1960

Audio Digitally Remastered by USA Radio Museum

But WHB wasn’t just about fun. It was also a trusted source of information. The station’s news team delivered hourly updates, and during major events—like the assassination of President Kennedy in 1963 or the moon landing buildup—WHB shifted gears with grace, offering sober, reliable coverage that kept Kansas Citians informed.

Behind the scenes, WHB was a well-oiled machine. Its studios were state-of-the-art for the time, and its signal reached far beyond the city limits, blanketing the Midwest with a sound that was unmistakably Kansas City. The station’s influence extended into local politics, business, and even fashion—if WHB mentioned it, people noticed.

By the end of the decade, WHB had become more than a radio station. It was a cultural institution, a daily ritual, and a shared experience. In a time of upheaval and transformation, WHB offered a steady beat—a rhythm that helped Kansas City dance, dream, and define itself.

WHB 710 | Bob Elliot | May 2, 1060

Audio Digitally Remastered by USA Radio Museum

WHB’s Iconic DJs of the 1950s & 1960s

Johnny Dolan – A cornerstone of WHB’s Top 40 revolution, Dolan’s smooth delivery and magnetic presence made him a fan favorite throughout the ’50s. He helped define what it meant to be a radio personality in the rock ’n’ roll era.

Phil Jay – Known for his warm voice and impeccable timing, Jay was a mainstay through both decades. His on-air charisma made him one of the most recognizable voices in Kansas City radio.

Joe McCabe – A versatile and engaging host, McCabe brought energy and humor to the mic, connecting with listeners across generations.

Mike Shannon – A key figure in the 1960s, Shannon’s voice became synonymous with WHB’s enduring popularity. He helped the station maintain its dominance even as musical tastes evolved.

Don Laughnane – As Program Director in the early ’60s, Laughnane not only hosted shows but also helped shape the station’s sound and strategy during a pivotal time.

Allen Shaw – A thoughtful and compelling voice, Shaw hosted Night Beat, a late-night talk show that tackled deeper topics and gave WHB a more reflective edge.

Sam Babcock – Known for his easygoing style, Babcock was part of the station’s daytime rotation and brought a steady, familiar tone to the airwaves.

Lee Vogal – Another Night Beat host, Vogal’s voice carried a quiet intensity that resonated with late-night listeners during the station’s more introspective programming hours.

These names weren’t just part of the lineup—they were part of people’s lives. They narrated first kisses, heartbreaks, Friday night cruises, and Saturday morning chores. Their voices were the soundtrack of Kansas City’s youth, and their legacy still echoes through the city’s airwaves.

Flashback: When WHB Helped Bring the Beatles to Kansas City

The Beatles performing at Municipal Stadium, Kansas City. September 17, 1964 (Credit: Bob Bonis)

September 17, 1964—Kansas City wasn’t supposed to be on the Beatles’ U.S. tour schedule. But after a staggering $150,000 offer from Athletics owner and showman Charlie Finley, the Fab Four agreed to play a one-night-only set at Municipal Stadium. The result: a Beatles concert that nearly didn’t happen, in a city that would never forget it.

WHB was the megaphone behind the madness.

In the lead-up to the show, WHB’s DJs went into full Beatlemania mode. They flooded the airwaves with Beatles tracks, ran contests for concert tickets, and delivered breathless news flashes about the band’s arrival. DJs like Phil Jay and Johnny Dolan whipped listeners into a frenzy, turning what could’ve been a low-key mid-tour stop into a Kansas City happening.

Though only about 20,000 fans attended—leaving patches of empty seats in a 35,000-capacity stadium—the energy was electric. The Beatles opened their set with “Kansas City/Hey-Hey-Hey-Hey”, tipping their Liverpool mop tops to the town that had paid a premium for their presence.

It wasn’t just a concert. It was a declaration: Kansas City belonged on the global music stage. And WHB made sure the city believed it.

WHB in the 1970s: Holding the Dial as the World Changed

As the 1970s dawned, WHB found itself in a complex position—still the titan of Top 40 in Kansas City, but now navigating cultural aftershocks from the ‘60s and competition from a new force in broadcasting: FM radio.

Yet WHB didn’t fade—it fought. With its pulse still wired to teen trends, local happenings, and musical momentum, the station continued to dominate the 710 AM frequency. But if the ‘60s were about rock ‘n’ roll innocence, the ‘70s marked a period of pop experimentation and social reflection—and WHB kept the beat.

WHB DJs adapted brilliantly. Mike Shannon, a longtime fan favorite, anchored the station’s identity with his signature voice and quick wit. New personalities joined the lineup, keeping things fresh and fun while still honoring WHB’s classic vibe. The playlist followed suit—blending glam rock, soul, disco, and early punk with just enough old-school flavor to keep longtime listeners engaged.

Meanwhile, the station’s iconic printed Top 40 charts evolved into collector’s items, still distributed weekly at local record stores and burger joints. Teens in bell-bottoms and Camaro drivers alike kept them folded in their pockets like little roadmaps to cool.

But under the surface, change was in the air.

FM radio was no longer a novelty. It offered superior sound quality and more room for genre-specific programming. Kansas City’s youth were beginning to flip the dial—seeking deeper album cuts, longer tracks, and a break from the tighter Top 40 rotation.

WHB responded with resilience. The station leaned into localism, increasing its community coverage and investing in local contests and call-in shows. Its news department remained robust, and sports reporting became increasingly central—a preview of the pivot to come.

Even as trends shifted, WHB’s twin towers still stood tall, and its AM signal still pulsed through dashboard speakers and bedside clock radios. The station may have begun to feel echoes of its eventual transition, but in the 1970s, WHB was still very much a part of the Kansas City soundtrack.

It was the end of an era—but not the end of the story.

WHB in the 1980s: Echoes of a Giant, Whispers of Reinvention

As the calendar flipped to 1980, WHB found itself at a cultural crossroads. The once-undisputed king of Kansas City radio was now navigating an era that was louder, glossier, and increasingly FM-dominated. But if the ’80s demanded reinvention, WHB met the challenge head-on—with grit, nostalgia, and a refusal to fade quietly.

The battle wasn’t just one of sound quality—though FM’s stereo fidelity made it increasingly appealing to music aficionados—it was about identity. WHB had built a legacy on Top 40 dominance, but by the early ‘80s, audiences were fragmenting. Youth gravitated to niche stations that gave them new wave, metal, and hip-hop without dilution. WHB’s broad format suddenly felt… a little too broad.

So the station evolved. The once relentless pop playlist grew more eclectic. WHB began layering in more talk programming, experimenting with oldies blocks, and leaning into community voices. Some longtime DJs stuck with the ride, others made exits as the airwaves grew more competitive. By mid-decade, WHB began to sound like a station trying to remember who it had been—and who it might still become.

Culturally, though, its signal still carried weight. Baby boomers who’d grown up with WHB in the ‘50s and ‘60s found comfort in its familiar cadence. It was still the station you’d flip on during a drive to the Plaza or through the West Bottoms. There was trust in those call letters, even as trends shifted.

By the late 1980s, the writing was on the wall: the Top 40 dream that WHB pioneered was waning on the AM band. The station stood at the edge of transformation, readying for the boldest reinvention in its history.

And though its Top 40 flame would soon flicker out, WHB’s signal—strong as ever—was just taking a breath before its next act.

WHB in the 1990s: From Pop Charts to Playbooks

By the early 1990s, WHB was a station in search of a new identity. The Top 40 glory days were long behind it, and the AM band had become a tougher sell for music listeners. But rather than fade into static, WHB made a daring pivot—one that would redefine its legacy and reestablish its voice in Kansas City.

The transformation began in earnest in 1999, when Union Broadcasting acquired the station and moved it to 810 AM, a clear-channel frequency with a massive daytime reach. This wasn’t just a frequency change—it was a full-blown reinvention. WHB reemerged as Sports Radio 810 WHB, and with that, it found its new calling: sports talk radio.

The timing was perfect. Kansas City was a sports town hungry for deeper coverage, local voices, and a platform that treated its teams with the passion they deserved. WHB delivered. The station built a lineup of bold, knowledgeable hosts who weren’t afraid to speak their minds. Shows became must-listen events, and call-in segments gave fans a direct line to the conversation.

Soren Petro, Kevin Kietzman, and Jason Anderson became the new voices of WHB—analytical, opinionated, and deeply connected to the KC sports scene. Whether it was breaking down the Chiefs’ draft picks, celebrating a Royals win, or dissecting a Jayhawks upset, WHB was there with insight and attitude.

The station also secured affiliations with ESPN Radio, Sporting KC, Kansas Jayhawks, and UMKC Kangaroos, among others—cementing its role as the city’s sports authority. And with its powerful 50,000-watt daytime signal, WHB could be heard across multiple states, turning it into a regional force.

But perhaps most importantly, WHB didn’t just report on sports—it became part of the culture. It hosted live remotes, sponsored events, and gave fans a sense of community. In a media landscape increasingly dominated by national voices, WHB doubled down on local.

By the end of the decade, WHB had pulled off one of the most impressive reinventions in radio history. It had gone from spinning records to calling plays—and in doing so, it secured its place in Kansas City’s heart all over again.

WHB in the 2000s and Beyond: Legacy Meets Live Coverage

As the 21st century unfolded, WHB didn’t just survive the digital revolution—it adapted. With streaming, podcasts, and social media reshaping how audiences consumed content, WHB leaned into its strengths: local sports, trusted voices, and real-time connection.

Still broadcasting from its 810 AM perch, WHB doubled down on its identity as “Sports Radio 810.” The station expanded its coverage of local teams—becoming a go-to source for Kansas Jayhawks, Sporting KC, UMKC Kangaroos, and Kansas City Mavericks fans. It also remained a vital voice for Chiefs and Royals coverage, offering pre- and post-game analysis, insider interviews, and fan call-ins that turned every game into a community event.

WHB’s personalities became even more central to its brand. Soren Petro’s “The Program” offered sharp analysis and fearless takes. Jason Anderson brought energy and insight to midday slots. And Kevin Kietzman, though no longer with the station, left a lasting imprint on its tone and reach. These weren’t just hosts—they were KC sports institutions.

Technologically, WHB embraced the times. The station launched a robust website, began streaming live broadcasts, and offered podcasts of its most popular shows. It also simulcasted on 103.7 FM and 101.1 KCFX-HD4, ensuring fans could listen however they liked—on the road, at work, or from across state lines.

And speaking of reach—WHB’s 50,000-watt daytime signal still blankets the Midwest, stretching from South Dakota to Arkansas. It remains the primary Emergency Alert System entry point for Kansas and western Missouri, underscoring its role as both entertainer and public servant.

Through it all, WHB has stayed true to its roots: local, passionate, and proudly independent. In a media world increasingly dominated by national syndication, WHB’s commitment to Kansas City has made it more than a station—it’s a hometown heartbeat.

In 2025, WHB continues to operate under its legendary call letters, a rare and proud holdover from the earliest days of American broadcasting. Now known as Sports Radio 810 WHB, the station has not only preserved its identity—it has sharpened it, becoming a dominant force in sports radio and a trusted voice across the Midwest.

Broadcasting from its powerful 810 AM frequency, WHB boasts a 50,000-watt daytime signal that blankets more than 42,000 square miles, reaching into Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. That reach isn’t just technical—it’s cultural. WHB remains the largest all-sports radio station in the country, and its influence is felt in locker rooms, living rooms, and tailgate parties across the region.

The station’s programming is as robust as ever. It continues to serve as the official radio home of Sporting Kansas City, having recently extended its broadcast partnership through the 2026 Major League Soccer season. Matches are aired live on 810 AM and 103.7 FM, with post-game coverage on The Final Whistle and exclusive interviews featured on The Program with Soren Petro. WHB’s commentary is also available on the Sporting KC and 810 apps, and even as an alternate audio feed on Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass—bringing the station’s local flavor to a national platform.

Behind the mic, WHB’s voices remain deeply rooted in the community. Play-by-play announcer Blake Aerni and analyst Jon Kempin—both Kansas natives—bring authenticity and insight to every broadcast. Their presence underscores WHB’s commitment to local storytelling, even as the station covers national events like the Super Bowl, NBA Finals, and NCAA championships.

In 2024, WHB was named Kansas City Radio Station of the Year by Media Mix, a testament to its enduring relevance and excellence. And with the FIFA World Cup coming to Kansas City in 2026, the station is poised to play a central role in what promises to be a historic moment for the city’s sports culture.

So yes, WHB is not only alive—it’s thriving. A century after its first broadcast crackled through the Kansas City air, it remains a vital, evolving, and beloved part of the city’s identity.

WHB 810 | Top 40 transitions to Sports | October 1, 1999

Audio Digitally Remastered by USA Radio Museum

Why WHB Still Matters

In a world of rapid scrolls, fleeting headlines, and streaming playlists measured in seconds, WHB stands as a beacon of something slower, sturdier, and deeply rooted. It is a radio station, yes—but it is also a living institution, a storyteller, and the enduring voice of a city that has grown up with it.

It mattered in 1922 when Kansas City first marveled at the miracle of music from a box.
It mattered in the 1950s, when teenagers clutched WHB Top 40 charts like gospel and fell in love to Elvis under the glow of dashboard lights.
It mattered in the 1960s, when civil rights, war, and change swept the nation—and WHB was there to keep the city anchored in song and sense.
It mattered in the 1990s, when the station reinvented itself with the boldness of a fourth-quarter comeback, turning sports talk into a new kind of hometown communion.
And it matters today—streaming through Bluetooth speakers, echoing from stadiums, carried by voices who still believe in local truth and local passion.

WHB didn’t just adapt—it evolved with dignity. It didn’t surrender its identity to algorithms or syndication. It chose to remain unmistakably Kansas City. That’s the difference. That’s the magic.

Ask someone from KC what WHB means, and you won’t get the same answer twice. For some, it’s a teenage memory. For others, it’s the soundtrack to Super Bowl Sundays. And for many, it’s simply home—a frequency that still rings clear, steady, and proud.

Radio stations come and go. WHB endured.
It became a city’s voice, a heartbeat in AM waves, a past and present held in perfect harmony.
And in a time when “local” is an endangered species, WHB is living proof that legacy, loyalty, and a little Midwestern grit still matter.

So here’s to the call letters that never blinked.
To the DJs who became legends.
To the listeners who never changed the dial.
And to the century-old signal that still makes Kansas City proud.

_____________________

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