Draft:WKLR-FM (Toledo, Ohio)

WKLR-FM (99.9 MHz) was an urban contemporary FM radio station in Toledo, Ohio, operating from 1966 to 1986. It was Toledo’s first FM station with a full-time Black-oriented format, branded as "Kooler Radio" and "Home of the Mellow Fellows."

History

In 1966, WTOD-AM (1560 kHz)—a popular Top 40 AM station—began simulcasting on its new FM counterpart, WKLR-FM. Later that year, WKLR-FM separated from WTOD-AM’s programming and debuted an urban contemporary format built around soul, funk and R&B.

WKLR-FM was launched under the ownership of Booth American Company, with Bob Martz as station manager. The station’s on-air staff included:

Calvin "Baby" Richard, later DJ at WOWO (Fort Wayne)

Russ Charles

Boppin’ Bill

Ty Amos

Rita Mur-Ray

Motivating Mark Lawrence, believed to be the station’s youngest DJ

Cultural significance

In its early years, WKLR broke with industry norms such as replacing Black artists’ images on album covers (a process called "whitewashing"). Instead, WKLR celebrated authentic representation of Black musicians.

The station supported major cultural moments in Toledo’s Black community. In September 1967, WKLR covered Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Toledo appearance, where King spoke to over 3,500 people at Scott High School and visited attorney Edward Lamb’s residence."Dr. King Visits Toledo". The Blade. September 23, 1967. p. 1.

Documentation and playlists

An archived July 1968 aircheck chart confirms WKLR's playlist included artists like Hugh Masekela, Peaches & Herb, James Brown and The Temptations."WKLR 99.9 FM (Toledo, Ohio) July 1968 Playlist". las-solanas.com. Retrieved June 11, 2025.

Chuck E. Chuck, a former Toledo radio personality and contributor to SoulfulDetroit.com, recalled WKLR’s impact in an archived forum post. He described the DJs as local celebrities who influenced both community identity and future broadcasters. According to Chuck, WKLR provided critical community announcements, promoted civil rights rallies, hosted local talent showcases and served as a cultural hub during a transformative era for Black Toledo."Toledo Soul History Forum Thread". Soulful Detroit. Retrieved June 11, 2025.

The Sojourner’s Truth newspaper featured Chuck Charles Welch’s reflections on WKLR’s influence as part of its retrospective on Toledo’s African-American broadcasting pioneers."Chuck Welch: Toledo Radio Legacy". The Sojourner’s Truth. Retrieved June 11, 2025.

Audio and archival evidence

A 1960s WKLR-FM soul mix, compiled from surviving broadcast recordings, has been archived on Mixcloud, preserving the station's signature musical style."WKLR Toledo 99.9 FM Mix". Mixcloud. Retrieved June 11, 2025.

Regulatory records

FCC station records confirm WKLR-FM’s licensure beginning in 1966. These regulatory documents establish its operating status and compliance history."Radio History Cards". FCC. Retrieved June 11, 2025.

Later developments

In 1981, WKLR changed formats and adopted the country branding “K-100.” In 1986, the call letters were officially changed to WKKO, which still broadcasts in the Toledo area."WKKO". Wikipedia. Retrieved June 11, 2025.

Legacy

WKLR-FM became a landmark in Toledo radio, remembered for its pioneering urban format, cultural activism and direct involvement in civil rights-era broadcasting. The station helped elevate Black voices and music on a citywide platform and inspired future generations of Toledo broadcasters. Its bold programming, community outreach and cultural imprint continue to define its historical significance.

See also

• WKKO
• Urban contemporary radio
• History of radio in Toledo, Ohio

References

This page will be placed in the following categories if it is moved to the article namespace.

Categories:

• Defunct radio stations in the United States
• African-American history in Ohio
• Mass media in Toledo, Ohio