User:Markie Mach
WKLR-FM was a radio station based in Toledo, Ohio, operating on 99.9 MHz during the 1960s. Known as "KOOLER Radio" and branded on-air as "Super Soul KLR," the station was a pioneer in urban contemporary FM broadcasting, serving Toledo’s African-American community with soul, funk, and R&B music.
History
[edit]In the mid-1960s, WTOD-AM (1560 kHz), a popular Top 40 station in Toledo, began simulcasting on its FM counterpart, WKLR-FM (99.9 MHz). In 1966, WKLR-FM broke away from the simulcast and launched its own Black-oriented format, branding itself as "KOOLER Radio" or "Super Soul KLR." This shift made it Toledo’s first urban contemporary FM station, featuring DJs like Calvin "Baby" Richards, who later joined WOWO in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
WKLR was founded by broadcasting entrepreneur Bob Martz, who simultaneously served as the station manager of sister station WTOD-AM. WTOD, at the time, was branded as "Turned-On WTOD" — a screamer-style Top 40 rock station with high-energy programming. One of WTOD’s most popular drive-time DJs was Lee Fowler, known for his dynamic on-air presence.
In 1967, Mark Lawrence Vosko, known on air as Motivating Mark Lawrence, hosted the graveyard shift. During this time, the station aired major soul hits like Aretha Franklin’s Respect and Otis Redding and Carla Thomas’s Tramp. WKLR-FM was a cultural voice for Toledo’s Black community and played a defining role in bringing R&B and funk to northwest Ohio.
Contrary to previous reports, there is no record of a fire or arson affecting WKLR-FM in Toledo. This misinformation appears to stem from confusion with another station of similar call letters — WRKL in Mount Ivy, New York — which did suffer an arson-related fire in 1967. According to news accounts, that fire destroyed WRKL’s temporary trailer studio on Route 202. Gasoline cans were found both outside and inside, and a threat had been received beforehand warning that the station would not be allowed to rebuild. WRKL’s owner, Albert Spyro, subsequently hired an off-duty policeman to guard the site during reconstruction.[1]
WKLR-FM continued broadcasting soul and funk throughout the 1970s. In 1981, the station transitioned to a country music format, rebranding as "K100." In 1986, the station officially changed its call letters to WKKO, which continues today as a country-format FM station in Toledo.
Legacy
[edit]Through its tenure as a soul station, WKLR-FM (KOOLER Radio) played a vital role in Toledo’s broadcast history. It provided a platform for soul and funk music during a pivotal era in American culture and helped shape the city’s musical identity. DJs like Motivating Mark Lawrence and Calvin "Baby" Richards left a lasting impression, connecting deeply with listeners through a format that was bold, progressive, and culturally relevant.
References
[edit]- "WTOD (FM) – Wikipedia." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WTOD_(FM)
- "WWYC – Wikipedia." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WWYC
- Vosko, Mark Lawrence. Personal correspondence and firsthand account, 1967.
- FCC History Cards (via WorldRadioHistory): https://www.worldradiohistory.com/
See also
[edit]- WTOD (AM)
- Urban contemporary radio
- African-American history in Toledo, Ohio
- History of radio in the United States
- ^ "Threat Preceded Blaze at Rockland Station". The New York Times. August 22, 1967. Retrieved May 29, 2025.
- ^ "Threat Preceded Blaze at Rockland Station". The New York Times. August 22, 1967. Retrieved May 29, 2025.