WKTK 105.7-FM was Baltimore’s predominant ‘70s progressive rock station. Formerly a country station in the 1960s known as WBMD, the format changed to underground in the early ‘70s. Styled like a free-form college station, WKTK (W–Koast To Koast) was where you could hear cutting edge and progressive album cuts and songs that were too progressive for Top-40 radio. WKTK also played up and coming local musicians as the station took an active role in promoting the local music scene.
A local music feature series included interviews with local bands (i.e. Little Hans, Annie Oakley, Legend, Felix…) and playing their music on the air. On August 27, 1972 KTK personalities Joe Buccheri and Larry Alan sponsored a flood relief benefit concert in wake of tropical storm Agnes. The show was held at Steelworkers Hall and featured Coyote, Joshua, Jake, Cain, Jabez Stone, Easy, Momma Max, Queen’s Chapel, and Springweet.
WKTK hosted annual ‘Happening’ conventions at the Baltimore Civic Center that showcased the latest fashions, fads, trends, and music.
Some of the personalities on WKTK included Pete Larkin, Chuck DuCoty (later of WIYY), Lou Krieger, Joe Buccheri, Tony Colter, Steve Cochran, Scott Stephans, Ann Thomas, Ed Watts, Ed Dylan, Midnite Mark, Chris Washington… WKTK announcer Steve Cochran could be seen as an emcee hosting the Quarter Deck’s Gong Show in 1975. He continued as morning man when the station became known as Hot Hits K-106-FM… Also, on K-106 was Towson State grad Kathy Whiteside who started in radio at WFMD-Frederick. Moving to K-106 she continued through the transition to Mix-106.5, and later moved to WBIG in D.C.
In 1978 the station produced an album consisting of original music by various local artists. Proceeds from the sale of the $1.50 album were donated to a local scholarship fund.
Ann Thomas, Chris Washington, Lou Krieger, Chuck DuCoty
With 98 Rock firmly entrenched as Baltimore’s top AOR station WKTK switched formats to tap in the flourishing dance music scene. Much to the dismay of long-time listening audience in spring of 1979 the station became known as Disco 105 KTK with “50,000 watts of disco power.” This format was short-lived, and rock music soon returned to the station.
In 1981 as part of a national campaign called the “Big Music America Contest” local bands submitted their demos of original songs. Eleven groups were chosen to represent the Baltimore / Washington area in a competition launched at similar stations across the country. The songs were released on an album titled “Maryland Music ’81.”
1978(LP) WKTK-1 Baltimore’s Best Rock
1981(LP) Starstream 80105 Maryland Music ’81
The frequency 105.7 transitioned to become known as K105, the format included a weekly Sunday evening “Journey into Jazz” program hosted by Jim Murphey. Around 1983 the station became WQSR featuring “Good Time Oldies.” In 2001 WQSR moved down the dial to a stronger signal at 102.7-FM trading places with “V-103.”
