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Remembering radio’s John Felz, a stalwart of Southern California programming

June 26, 2023

John Felz began his radio career in 1971, working in the mail room of KMPC (now KSPN, 710 AM). In the small world department, one of his colleagues in the mail room was future KMET (now KTWV, 94.7 FM) newscaster and personality Pat “Paraquat” Kelley, whose father Bob Kelley was the play-by-play announcer for the Los Angeles Rams.

After a time, Felz was moved to the newsroom as an assistant, supporting the newsroom staff by sorting and compiling stories that came across the teletype machines from the various news services of the time, including the Associated Press and United Press International. His duties also included writing sports and weather reports for news anchors and station personalities such as Dick Whittinghill, Ira Cook, Johnny Grant, Gary Owens, Geoff Edwards, Johnny Magnus, Wink Martindale and Robert W. Morgan.

Eventually, he expanded into more programming elements both within the station and as part of the Golden West Broadcasters Radio Network — Golden West owned KMPC and the station was its flagship — which carried games for the California Angels, the Rams, and UCLA football and basketball. Felz was in charge of producing in-studio and in-stadium broadcasts for the network affiliates.

He moved on — and up — to hold positions in management, including Operations Director, Assistant Programmer, and producer for the morning show.

He left KMPC in 1995 and worked at a few stations, notably KRTH (101.1 FM), KIEV (now KRLA, 870 AM), and the Music of Your Life Radio Network.

Felz passed away on June 11th at the age of 78; no details on the cause of his death were released but friends say he had been having a series of health complications that most likely played a role. Friends and family will gather for a remembrance of his life on July 1st in Sherman Oaks.

Bebop Deluxe

No, not the band. After a year of preparations, KKJZ (88.1 FM) has launched a full-time bebop jazz sub-station, which can be heard online (look for the special button at jazzandblues.org) or on a digital HD radio tuner on 88.1 HD2.

While I am certainly not an expert, I do know that bebop is a style of jazz that’s generally fast tempo, uses many chord and even key changes, and a lot of improvisation. This came about due to a younger generation of jazz musicians pushing the creative boundaries of the genre in the early to mid-1940s. Unlike much of the music of the time, bebop was not intended as being danceable; instead, it was to be heard. Charlie Parker, Sonny Rollins and Miles Davis are among the influential bebop artists and composers.

Station consultant Saul Levine says that the music is being compiled by the KKJZ staff and directed by Jose Rizo. “We are fulfilling a need for jazz lovers, and we thank the California State University, Long Beach — owner of the station — for its support of our efforts.”

“We are doing this in honor of Chuck Miles and the great bebop music of the past,” he said.

Hayes Out

The rumors proved to be true … I had heard rumors from absolutely reliable sources that KABC (790 AM) programmer and market manager Drew Hayes had parted ways with the station and owner Cumulus Media, but I could not get confirmation from any of the players involved.

Turns out the rumors were true. AllAccess.Com confirmed that Hayes left the station earlier in June after many years with the station … this being his second stint.

Hayes has extensive experience in the format and in radio, having worked at WLS/Chicago, ESPN Radio and KABC itself for the last ten years in addition to his first time at the helm back in the late 1990s.

Where this takes the station is unknown. It has been years since KABC has been any type of force in the market, and conditions have gotten worse as owner Cumulus continues to shed costs .. and stations. I cannot even remember the last time I saw an ad for KABC … the last one I can remember featured Ken (Minyard) and Bob (Arthur) … meaning it was decades ago.

With all the choices for stations and non-radio entertainment, a marketing plan is imperative. KABC has not seemed to have one in a long time, and the results speak for themselves.

Richard Wagoner is a San Pedro freelance columnist covering radio in Southern California. Email [email protected].

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Orange County Register

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Remembering radio’s John Felz, a stalwart of Southern California programming

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