KNIX

An August 9, 1968 article in the Bachelor's Beat on KNIX-FM's Phoenix debut playing Progressive Rock. (Courtesy: Mike Femyer)

KNIX began in the late 60s as Phoenix’s first full-time FM country station. Country music artist Buck Owens purchased AM 1580, originally KTUF, in 1967 and newly established progressive rock formatted 102.5 KNIX-FM a year later for a reported $75,000, which then went to country.

KTUF-AM and KNIX-FM competed against several other local country stations in Phoenix including KHAT and KJJJ.

KTUF AM 1580 and KNIX FM 102.5, circa 1971. (Courtesy: Jim West)

Stand up for your country, say KNIX. (Courtesy: Jim West)

In 1973 KTUF-AM became KNIX-AM.

Jim West at KNIX in the 1980s. (Courtesy: Jim West)

Trademark Buck Owens KNIX guitar logo. (Courtesy: Mark Chubinsky)

Beginning in 1980 with the John Travolta Urban Cowboy movie craze, and an increased advertising and promotional budget, KNIX would see its ratings as number one in the Phoenix market. For the next 20 years, KNIX ended up being the top country station and a top competitor against all other stations in Phoenix.

KNIX AM and FM staff photo. TOP ROW (L-R): Don Cristi, W. Steven Martin, Larry Daniels (Program Director), Steve Wood, John Buchanan, Layback Lennie Roberts. BOTTOM ROW (L-R): Jim West, Dan Schaffer, Dutch Shultz. (Courtesy: Jim West)

1980s KNIX staff photo. (Courtesy: Jim West)

The station and its on-air personalities would super-serve the local market. The station seemed to be everywhere– rodeo events, big grand openings, nightclubs, concerts, and more. KNIX concentrated on the local aspect of serving Phoenix, Arizona.

KNIX presents Willie Nelson with a birthday cake at an Arizona State Fair show with Waylon Jennings in the Coliseum. Each person in the audience got a piece of cake. Circa 1985. (Courtesy: Jim West)

KNIX Country Jam, October 2, 3, 4, 1987 at the Wesley Bolin Plaza, celebrating 20 years. (Courtesy: House of Broadcasting Museum)

Not only was KNIX a top Phoenix radio station, but it became well-known in the national country music scene and in Nashville, becoming a benchmark station of the country format. Major national country music singers and artists knew they had truly made it in the music industry if their song was in KNIX’s rotation.

Buck Owens' guitar, outfit, and record, currently located at the House of Broadcasting in Scottsdale. Owens was longtime owner of KNIX. (Courtesy: House of Broadcasting Museum, Photo by: Lauren Polanski)