SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) -- You've probably heard the jingles--"13 K!, 13 K! 13!"--on KELO-AM's air. It's part of our celebration of being on the air 80 years in Sioux Falls.
Periodically, we'll be sharing some of that history, much of which was lived by South Dakota Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and long-time KELO-AM DJ, Jon Michaels.
His first rememrances are about a couple of giants in South Dakota broadcasting. For Baby Boomers, Dave Dedrick--Captain 11--was a South Dakota legend.
But for The Greatest Generation, Dedrick was also THE disc jockey in Sioux Falls on KELO-AM in the 1950s and 60s.
"Dave Dedrick would play contempary music like Moon River, Andy Williams, early in the morning" Michaels said. "I used to do a big band show (in the evening) that was introed on tape by Dave Dedrick. It was like Dave Dedrick was here in morning and evening both."
Another famous name is Joe Floyd, the founder of KELO-TV. Until about 20 years ago, Midcontinent owned KELO-TV and KELO-AM and KELO-FM. Joe Floyd was a powerhouse in the business.
Michaels says KELO's early success was because of Joe Floyd and his philosophy: Be the first with the best.
"He was the first to go color (on KELO-TV), He was the first to go to FM (KELO-FM)," Michaels said. "At one time we were KELO-AM stereo."
Stay tuned for more stories on KELO-AM's colorful history.