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The Southern Super Giant |
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When I was
asked to write a short description that would explain Q-104 to the world,
I immediately thought of a line from a popular 1960's song.."It's like
tryin' to tell a stranger 'bout Rock 'n Roll!" Q-104 epitomized its image
as "The Southern Super Giant" like nothing to come before it. And to
this day, no other radio station has even begun to duplicate its
popularity and appeal to such a wide array of dedicated fans. "The Q", as it was often
called came about at a time when AM was still the "normal" venue for
listening to all the latest Rock 'n Roll from the stars of the era. FM
was the "beautiful music" format. Its programming was mostly taped and
was popular for businesses to play in the background. To suggest playing
Rock 'n Roll on FM bordered on blasphemy. But on January 19, 1976, WQEN
("Beautiful Queen") flipped a switch and kicked off what would quickly
become the highest-rated radio station in the entire state. Q-104 blasted
100,000 watts of static-free, STEREO Rock 'n Roll into 4 states, setting
records that have yet to be broken. In addition to hosting recording
artists from across the nation as studio guests, sponsoring concerts and
staging unprecedented events that made national headlines, Q-104 received
the "Best Small Market Station in the Nation" award of excellence in
1980. Of course, part of the fun of being a "Q-Jock" was the perks and
recognition. Free food, free movies, meeting and rubbing noses with rock
stars, you name it. When the Q-crew arrived for a special appearance any
place within a hundred miles you would have thought we were rock
stars! We had personalized tags for our cars, monogrammed staff jackets
and were always prepared to sign autographs during and after the events.
A lot has changed since those days, and with the vast number of choices
available to today's generation it's safe to say that there will never be
another radio station like Q-104. Even today, mention it around here and
be prepared for long conversations from those who were around then - and
even the younger crowd whose parents told them about it. But thanks to
the dedication and determination of some very special guys who were part
of the dream, it is the goal of this web site to recreate, as
authentically as possible, the magic that was...and is..."The Southern
Super Giant".
Chris Eric Stevens