Fifty Years of Rock, Saluted In Seattle

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On February 12, 2020, a Seattle FM will officially kickoff a yearlong celebration of its 50 years serving the Pacific Northwest’s biggest metropolis with rock ‘n’ roll music — and a little talk, too.


Today an Entercom Communications station, KISW-FM 99.9 is celebrating its longevity in Seattle with “The 50th Anniversary Weekend.”

Special programming will pay tribute to the station’s legacy with stories and memories from KISW alumni; local civic, sports and business leaders; and bands and artists from both Seattle and around the world.

KISW debuted as an Album-Oriented Rock station on February 14, 1971.

Guests are set to include bands Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, Nirvana, Greta Van Fleet, Heart, Alice In Chains, Disturbed, Judas Priest, athletes from Seattle Mariners, Seahawks, Kraken and Sounders, Mayor of Seattle Jenny Durkin​, singer-songwriter Sammy Hagar, and actors Joel McHale and Rainn Wilson​.

“There are only a handful of radio stations that can brag about thriving for 50 years in a particular format, and KISW is one of them,” said Jack Hutchison, SVP and Market Manager for Entercom/Seattle. “KISW is synonymous with Seattle. We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the many talented people who have been and still are part of this journey. They know the secret to our success has been to – first and foremost – recognize and immerse ourselves within the community. We’re not done, so stay tuned for the next 50 years. They are going to be fun.”

Dave Richards, Entercom’s Rock Format Captain, added, “To be able to celebrate a milestone like this is a rarity, and we don’t take that lightly. We celebrate this golden anniversary with everyone who has been along for the ride.”

Back in 1971, KISW was owned by Kaye-Smith, with Frank Sinatra a minority owner. Like many rockers, it started out with a progressive rock feel before evolving.

Over the years, personalities and shows like “Robin and Maynard,” “Langan and West,” “Crowe and West,” “Bob Rivers Twisted Radio,” Howard Stern, “BJ and Migs” and “The Mens Room” have helped KISW attract listeners.

Now, it is looking back as it sets to enter its sixth decade of service.

1 COMMENT

  1. Long time listener over the years love this station gotta be a true rocker to enjoy and respect all the people behind the scenes who made all this possible over the years wanna say thank you all so much for making Seattle the most respected station in the northwest we never wanna take this for granted.big shout out to all the bands for those who inspired you to keep on your journey of jamming.thank you all for music which touches everyone in this life.all the disk jockeys who made the journey possible thank you for all the laughter through the years. Keep on rocking you rockaholics to all you bitchollas rock on……kiss rock on foranother 50 years.

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