Cumulus Media announces the launch of its 50th Anniversary celebration of KQRS/Minneapolis, one of the original Progressive/AOR radio stations in the U.S. The station will mark its Golden Anniversary by recognizing and thanking 50 years of loyal KQ listeners with special events scheduled through year-end.
Since its debut in 1968, KQRS has grown into one of America’s leading Classic Rock stations with heritage personalities having a combined tenure at the station of over 140 years, anchored by National Radio Hall of Fame inductee Tom Barnard, host of the “KQ Morning Show” since 1986.
Highlights of KQ’s 50th Anniversary celebration include: 12 consecutive days broadcasting live from the Minnesota State Fair and a listener party hosted by Barnard in KQ’s private suite at the September 4th Metallica concert. Listeners can participate in a contest called “Be a Metallica VIP with Tommy B.”
The 50th Anniversary celebration will culminate in KQ’s 50th Anniversary Concert with Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band on December 12th at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, MN. KQ listeners have the opportunity to experience VIP seating and win autographed vinyl albums from throughout Seger’s career.
Scott Jameson, VP of Classic Rock for Cumulus Media/KQRS PD said, “We’re celebrating 50 incredible years of loyal listeners by thanking them with exciting events and premium experiences, and by broadcasting classic KQ moments throughout the year.”
He added, “In tandem with KQ’s 50 years on-air in the Twin Cities, we’re partnering with Bob Seger and Punch Andrews to celebrate “50 Years of Bob Seger,” highlighting his amazing career that also began in 1968. This terrific opportunity to recognize Bob’s contribution to Rock radio will be shared across other Cumulus Classic Rock stations nationwide and through our national network, Westwood One.”
Mike McVay, EVP of Content & Programming for Cumulus Media and Westwood One, said, “There is a certain pride that lives on in the music as it is played on KQ. We’re blessed to have the heritage of a great brand that has evolved over the years and continues to evolve today.”
The KQRS digital design team has created a special 50th Anniversary website that captures the spirit and legacy of KQ’s past, which launches online at www.kqrs50.com this month. The site features “The KQ Museum” where fans can see videos, hear clips and interact with KQ’s past, and a “Show Us Your KQ” section where listeners submit photos, videos and share their personal KQRS memories using #KQRS50.
If you or someone you know has a connection with or worked at KQRS, please reach out to KQ’s 50th Anniversary archivist Jay Philpott at kqrs50@gmail.com.
