The 93 KHJ-LA Complete Boss 30 - 1972

KHJ 1972 (Community Appeal)
In the realm of AM Radio, KHJ seems to have been leading edge for so many BOSS concepts that would eventually shape all things radio. Their influence can still be heard wherever one tunes in...although many of their inspirations have been passed over for the sake of staying fresh and modern. Some of their ideas have been lost in the wake of format radio. Some have become antiquated as the world itself changes and tries to stay efficient. Many of the BOSS characteristics have been sacrificed due to world politics. 

However, the KHJ BOSS model was very good at maintaining an appeal that was as broad as radio has ever known. This can be traced to various strategies and well-planned objectives that were distinctly their own. Starting with the TOP 30 playlist, KHJ was supremely acute in terms of keeping their finger on the pulse of modern music. 

Focusing on a mere 30 songs every week served to magnify the station's prowess in regards to something it is seldom recognized for. KHJ had an affinity for holding everyone's air-wave attention. Their playlists represented virtually every category of music and the net result was a huge listener-ship. By avoiding specialization their efforts resulted in a brilliant cross-section of new music in general...not just rock and roll. 

Today that is an unheard-of notion that is no longer anywhere to be found. But, for KHJ, the practice worked well for the music business and for its own BOSS ends. It was the exact opposite of what exists today...and there was an inherent side effect of the TOP 30 at KHJ. Their playlists represented all members of Los Angeles' community. Young, old, commercial, esoteric, Beatles/British, baroque, rock, folk, soul, reggae, beat, pop, classical, comedy, romance, protest, surf, country, western, vocal, instrumental, middle of the road, novelty, Latin, blues, local, international, spoken word, and seemingly every other category that one can think of. Perhaps there was no electronica or industrial or thrash or grunge...these types of music had not been invented yet. 

It was all very melodic and in retrospect, this open-minded approach to genre bore many aspects that may not have been planned. Nevertheless, their omnipresent influence had undeniable effects that were a joy to behold. KHJ in all of their strategizing had created perhaps the most friendly place to ever represent Los Angeles. 

For, the broad range of music found on the TOP 30 was an accidental unifying agent for the entire community. It not only allowed everyone a way to keep abreast of all new music...it gave them a unified platform to tune into and feel a sense of belonging to. That might have been naive and innocent but everyone was included. Nothing like it exists nowadays...and that may be why this series seems so magical. It reaches out to everyone...and, Los Angeles has not been so unified as a community since. KHJ BOSS Radio wasn't just a station to play while driving the car...it was a foundation that represented everyone! - Kwai Chang


1971 to 1972    Yandex    Zippy
1972 Part 1 (January-February)    Yandex    Zippy
1972 Part 2 (March-April)    Yandex    Zippy
1972 Part 3 (May-June)    Yandex    Zippy
1972 Part 4 (July-August)    Yandex     Zippy
1972 Part 5 (September-October)   Yandex    Zippy
1972 Part 6 (November-December)   Yandex    Zippy

This begins phase 3 of the KHJ project; phase one was to go back to the beginning from the first KHJ survey (65-66-67). phase two was to upgrade my original posts with more airchecks and update as many tracks as possible the actual single versions, or if I got really lucky, mono promo mixes of stereo singles (68-69-70-71).  It wasn't until 1971 was originally being put together that I realized how this series was supposed to be presented. But I knew that would take a lot of work. And it has.

Phase 3 finishes the story, so 1972 is the beginning of the end.  I plan to end the series at 1974 - by then KHJ was beginning to show its age, playlists were getting tighter, and it seemed the music was getting to be a bit corporate. Less about magic and more about moving merchandise. Nevertheless, I have an idea that should make 1974 a stunner. You'll see.

To be honest, airchecks for these years were a huge problem. As I was beginning to assemble 1972, I found more airchecks for 1972 and1973. Whew. But................ some of the airchecks suffer in quality.

I never really know what these projects are like until I finish and start listening. And I'm really happy with the way this turned out. There are some sections of this that really sound like you're listening to AM Top-30 radio in 1972. Also, the group that has been assisting me really came up with the goods and there are A LOT OF hard-to-find original single mixes here. Also included are a (very) few songs that made the national top-10, but were ignored by KHJ. And the music holds up pretty well!  This is a great time for soul groups and one-hit wonders.  Prepare to be surprised. This one's a winner. Take a long drive with 1972 KHJ  blasting through your speakers, even better, annoy the neighbors with this playing while having a backyard BBQ. It will a time-warp for everyone!

Finally, I need to give a big public thanks to a small team of people who have been supporting this project with their time and collections. What I made alone was good. With their help, it has been astounding. When the series ends, two posts from now, They will be thanked by correctly.
Blank Frank