Where the Music Went

The downbeat, please, Maestro; it is time to hear “The Firebird” by Stravinsky. This dauntless bird emerged from the ashes to soar again.

I recently replayed the audiotaped tribute made by KCRW-FM when KFAC-FM changed formats and became KKBT. It was titled “Requiem for a Radio Station.”

What a joy it was to hear the familiar voices of Thomas Cassidy, the late Carl Princi, Fred Crane and Tom Dixon as they reflected on their decades with KFAC. Although it was sad to hear their reflections on the anger, hurt and sense of betrayal of having their jobs jerked out from under them, they also conveyed a sense of hope that someday Los Angeles would again have a radio station devoted to classical music. KFAC had been that station for about 40 years.

KFAC was bought by a Dallas conglomerate for $55 million because of its powerful signal. The format was changed to urban contemporary. KKGO-FM purchased KFAC’s classical record library and dropped its own jazz format.

Jan. 1 marks five years since KKGO became the new home of classical music in Los Angeles. It now claims to be the most listened to classical music station in the Western United States.

Thank you, KKGO; I wish you countless years of success!

JOHN BRANNON

Cambria