Throughout the 80’s, KZZP/Phoenix enjoyed incredible success, establishing itself as one of America’s legendary CHRs. Per the station’s Wikipedia page, it “produced a long list of future stars in the radio business”, and offered a music mix that was adventurous for a Top 40 station – as illustrated by the other KZZP montages posted here.
But, like many of its peers in the format, KZZP struggled to adjust to changing pop music tastes in the early 90’s. By the Spring of 1991, the station had morphed into an Adult CHR. This is a lengthy aircheck (recorded 23 years ago today) of the station’s morning show at the time, hosted by Dave Ryan. Included are multiple references to the arrest of Danny Bonaduce (two days prior) — Bonaduce was employed by crosstown Rhythmic CHR KKFR “Power 92” at the time.
Not long after this recording, KZZP’s 11-year run sadly came to an end – owner Nationwide Communications flipped it to AC (making it the fifth station in the market to offer some variation of the format) as KVRY “Variety 104.7″.
As a side note, Dave Ryan moved onto host mornings at KKFR, before landing at the station where he has been for the past two decades: the legendary 101.3 KDWB in Minneapolis.
Podcast: Embed
