Posted by A Fly On the wall on August 28, 2003 at 12:02:32:
What ? ?
To: All Staff
Fr: Jeffrey A. Schmidt
Re: Format Change, WPKR
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have been toying with this concept since the research project began, and it’s time to make the move. The Country Music Federation of America has declared Garth Brooks the “Greatest Country Music Star” of all time. After extensive research on what “niche” WPKR could fill, we have decided to dedicate a radio station to the very best in country – Garth!
Those of you who may not be aware, Garth’s “play list” has far more depth than the usual “top 40” type station, so we are confident that this format will deliver the very best music from the very best artist.
So starting this Friday at 3pm, the switch occurs to “Garth, 99.5, All Garth, All The Time.” Our application for call letter change is in process, so you will only hear the WPKR call letters at the top of each hour, beyond that all on-air references will be “Garth 99.5.”
Not only do we feel this will give us friends in high places and low places, but it will cause the thunder to roll across the valley as we take the market by storm.
As part of this new format and excitement, I’m also pleased to announce that beginning Tuesday September 2nd; Garth will be the host of the 3-7pm show on Garth 99.5.
Here’s some bio information about Garth Brooks:
"If God came down here with the box that had the reason for living in it,
I'd like to find just two words. The Music. That would be neat." -- Garth Brooks
Garth Brooks is not just one of the most popular recording artists in the country music field; he is one of the most popular recording artists in any field. In the first week after his 1991 album, "Ropin' the Wind", was released, it "made music history by becoming the first album to enter both Billboard's country and pop charts at No. 1," reported People magazine. Because of his broad popular appeal, "Brooks has moved more records with greater velocity than anyone ever in Nashville," wrote People's Jim Jerome. After releasing just three albums, his combined record sales "[approached] a staggering 10 million units." 7 albums later, Garth has surpassed an astounding 60 million albums sold, and "Sevens" reached platinum status in less than 2 weeks, breaking the record for first-week sales by a solo artist with over 896,000 units sold.
Not bad for a country boy from Oklahoma.....