KROY (defunct) - KROY Goes Top 40

KROY Goes Top 40

In 1960, KROY flipped to a Top 40 format competing against the stronger-signaled KXOA which had made the switch earlier. This competition would continue through the 1960s with KROY usually winning the ratings. Competition was fierce. Employees switched back-and-forth between the two stations, records were stolen from each other with claims "You heard it first on...", even local favorites The Beach Boys recorded promos claiming "When we're in Sacramento we listen to number one radio..." KROY had also moved its studios to 11th and J Streets (1010 11th Street), occupying the second floor above the Country Maid Restaurant. The KROY transmitter, which had been located in the southeastern part of the city (on KROY Way), was moved to the Sacramento City Dump at 24th and A Streets where the organic materials supposedly increased broadcast output.

KROY would play the top hits of the days by artists including Frankie Avalon, Chubby Checker, The Shirelles, The Four Seasons, The Beach Boys, The Beatles and the music of the British Invasion, Bob Dylan, the sounds of Motown, plus all the various dance sounds of the time; the Twist, The Watusi, and the Mashed Potato. The station became a homing ground for many disc jockeys who would find fame nationwide. Morning drive personalities in these early years included Gary Owens, Don MacKinnon, and Robert W. Morgan. Other notable personalities included Mark Ford, Dick “Buffalo” Burch, Mike Cleary, Buck Herring, Ron Lyons, and Tony Bigg. More important to the station's success was the highly-honored leadership of General Manager Dwight Case. He would run the station well into the 1970s before joining RKO Radio.