KQRS Hits The Big 5-0
• Cumulus Media proudly lights the fuse to launch the 50th Anniversary celebration of the legendary KQRS/Minneapolis, one of the original Progressive/AOR radio stations in America. KQRS will mark its Golden Anniversary by recognizing and thanking 50 years of loyal KQ listeners with special events scheduled through the rest of the year. Since its debut in 1968, KQRS has grown into one of the country’s leading Classic Rock stations with heritage personalities, anchored by market icon (and National Radio Hall of Famer) Tom Barnard, host of the KQ Morning Show since 1986.
Highlights of KQ’s 50th Anniversary celebration include: 12 days broadcasting live from the Minnesota State Fair and a listener party hosted by Tom Barnard in KQ’s private suite at the September 4th Metallica concert. The celebration will culminate in KQ’s 50th Anniversary Concert with Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band on December 12 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. KQ listeners will have the opportunity to experience VIP seating and win autographed vinyl albums from Seger’s legendary career.
Scott Jameson, who doubles as VP of Classic Rock for Cumulus Media and PD of KQRS, 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.” Jameson 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 contributions to Rock radio will be shared across other Cumulus Classic Rock stations and through our national network, Westwood One.”
Mike McVay, EVP, Content & Programming for Cumulus Media and Westwood One, remarked, “There is a certain pride that lives on in the music as it’s 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 talented KQRS digital design team created a special 50th Anniversary website that captures the spirit and legacy of KQ’s past. The site, kqrs50.com launches this month and features “The KQ Museum,” where fans can watch videos, listen o clips and interact with KQ’s past, and a “Show Us Your KQ” section where listeners can submit photos, videos and share their personal KQRS memories using the hashtag #KQRS50. If you or someone you know has a connection with or has worked at KQRS, please reach out to KQ’s duly deputized 50th Anniversary archivist Jay Philpott at kqrs50@gmail.com.
