WQXI Spawn the Golden Top 40 Era of Atlanta Radio Radio was more than just a medium in the 1960s and 1970s—it was a cultural force. Few station
WQXI Spawn the Golden Top 40 Era of Atlanta Radio
Radio was more than just a medium in the 1960s and 1970s—it was a cultural force. Few stations captured this era’s energy quite like WQXI-AM, “Quixie in Dixie,” and few radio personalities embodied it better than Dr. Don Rose. His signature rapid-fire humor, barnyard sound effects, and unforgettable personality made him a morning radio favorite, while WQXI stood tall as one of Atlanta’s top radio stations.
The Rise of WQXI as a Top 40 Powerhouse
WQXI officially transitioned to the Top 40 format in 1960, embracing the movement that swept AM radio stations across the country. Atlanta, a city exploding with new music and cultural shifts, became the perfect landscape for a station like WQXI to flourish.
With energetic DJs, hit-driven playlists, and innovative promotions, WQXI quickly rose through the ranks, competing with powerhouse stations like WSB-AM. The station wasn’t just about playing the biggest hits—it was about creating an experience that kept listeners engaged morning, noon, and night.
Its legendary promotions and contests further cemented its reputation, including:
- The Ramblin’ Raft Race, an annual tradition where thousands floated down the Chattahoochee River in homemade rafts.
- The infamous Turkey Drop Stunt, later immortalized in WKRP in Cincinnati, inspired by an actual WQXI promotion where turkeys were dropped from a helicopter (only for organizers to realize—too late—that turkeys don’t fly).
- Countless cash giveaways, hidden money contests, and on-air challenges that kept listeners tuning in daily.
Dr. Don Rose: The Maestro of Morning Radio
Dr. Don Rose, 1967
Born Donald Duane Rosenberg on July 5, 1934, in North Platte, Nebraska, Dr. Don Rose had radio in his blood from an early age. He got his first taste of broadcasting as a teenager, reporting on a Boy Scout Jamboree, which ignited his lifelong passion.
His career officially kicked off in 1955 while attending the University of Nebraska, but radio pulled him away from his studies for good. After working at various stations across Nebraska, Texas, and Iowa, he landed at WQXI in the late 1960s, bringing his unique humor and on-air antics to Atlanta.
Rose’s morning show became a must-listen, featuring:
- Corny jokes delivered at rapid speed, keeping audiences laughing.
- Wacky sound effects, often barnyard animal noises, adding a goofy charm.
- On-air antics, making him one of the most engaging morning radio hosts of his time.
His style was one-of-a-kind, unapologetically goofy, yet endearing and relatable, making him a favorite for commuters, families, and young listeners alike.
WQXI | Dr. Don Rose | 1967
Audio Digitally Remastered by USA Radio Museum
The WQXI Dream Team & Influence on WKRP in Cincinnati
Dr. Don Rose wasn’t alone in making WQXI legendary. He was surrounded by a stellar lineup of radio personalities, including:
- “Skinny” Bob Harper – A Detroit transplant who became a major on-air talent at WQXI and beyond.
- Jim Jeffries – Another WKNR alum who brought high energy to WQXI.
- Gary McKee – A longtime morning show host who later became an Atlanta radio legend.
- Scott Shannon – Who went on to launch Z100 in New York.
- John Leader – A respected DJ and program director.
- J.J. Jackson – A standout radio voice before his time with MTV.
WQXI was also a major inspiration for the hit TV sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati. The show’s general manager, Arthur Carlson, was based on WQXI’s real-life GM, Jerry Blum, and several WKRP promotions and hijinks were drawn from actual events that took place at WQXI.
The Decline of Top 40 on WQXI
Despite dominating the Atlanta airwaves, WQXI began shifting away from Top 40 by the mid-1980s. The rise of FM radio posed challenges for AM music stations, as FM’s superior sound quality made it the preferred choice for listeners.
By 1974, WQXI’s FM counterpart (94.1 FM) became its primary focus, branding itself as “94 QXI-FM,” later “94 Q”. The AM station gradually transitioned to oldies, then adult standards, before ultimately becoming a sports talk station in 1997.
Dr. Don Rose’s Later Years & Legacy
Dr. Don Rose’s career continued to soar after leaving WQXI in 1972, joining WFIL in Philadelphia, where he won Billboard Magazine’s Disc Jockey of the Year in 1973. He later moved to KFRC in San Francisco, dominating the morning radio scene until 1986.
However, his career was plagued by health issues, including a heart attack in 1972, which he suffered while on air. Despite this, he remained dedicated to his craft, entertaining audiences for decades.
Dr. Don Rose officially retired in 1986, but his influence on radio broadcasting remained strong, with DJs and industry professionals continuing to reference his iconic style for years to come.
Dr. Don Rose passed away on March 30, 2005, at the age of 70, in Concord, California.
Skinny Bob Harper: The Radio Maverick Who Inspired WKRP’s Johnny Fever
Skinny Bob Harper, 1968
Born Robert Blake Harper in 1939, Skinny Bob Harper was a Canadian-born radio personality who made a lasting impact on American broadcasting. His career began in Shenandoah, Iowa, where he worked at a local radio station to pay for college expenses.
Harper’s big break came when he landed at WSAI-AM in Cincinnati, where he quickly became a standout DJ. His offbeat humor, rebellious attitude, and unpredictable on-air antics made him a fan favorite. However, his wild personality sometimes got him into trouble—he was fired from WSAI in 1965 after multiple speeding convictions and disorderly conduct issues.
WQXI & Atlanta Radio Stardom
In the late 1960s, exiting WKNR in Detroit, Harper moved to Atlanta and joined the staff of WQXI-AM (“Quixie in Dixie”), where he became one of the station’s most recognizable voices. His bold, irreverent style made him a dominant force in Atlanta radio, alongside other greats like Dr. Don Rose.
During his time in Atlanta, Harper worked at seven different radio stations, including WIIN, WPLO, WGST, WLTA, WKLS, WAKY, and WSB. His fearless approach to broadcasting earned him a reputation as one of the most daring DJs of his era.
The Inspiration for WKRP’s Johnny Fever
Harper’s wild persona caught the attention of WKRP in Cincinnati writer Bill Dial, who had worked with him at WQXI. Harper became the real-life inspiration for the sitcom’s Dr. Johnny Fever, played by Howard Hesseman.
While Johnny Fever was portrayed as a laid-back, pot-smoking DJ, Harper was more energetic and unpredictable. He was known for stunts like riding a bull, belly-flopping into an ice cream sundae, and even getting drunk on-air to prove the dangers of drinking and driving.
Later Years & Legacy
After leaving WSB in 1991, Harper transitioned away from radio, working in corporate communications for Delta Air Lines, MARTA, and Underground Atlanta before retiring.
“Skinny” Bob Harper passed away on July 22, 2003, in Atlanta, Georgia, after battling lung cancer. His impact on radio remains legendary, and his influence on WKRP in Cincinnati ensures that his legacy lives on in broadcasting history.
WQXI’s Lasting Legacy
Though WQXI has changed formats, its legacy remains undeniable. It was more than just a radio station—it became a cultural phenomenon in the 1960s and ’70s. From its legendary promotions to its influence on WKRP in Cincinnati, WQXI shaped the course of radio history during it’s glorious reign on the dial in Atlanta.
And at the heart of it all was Dr. Don Rose, whose humor, energy, and passion for broadcasting cemented his place as one of radio’s greatest entertainers.
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