Los Angeles native Jim Carson got his first big break in radio when KBLA in Burbank needed someone with an FCC license to “babysit” an overnight remote. “That license was my ticket in the door,” Carson commented. “KBLA liked my attention to detail and ended up hiring me as staff announcer.”
Carson’s biggest break came when Bill Drake, who revolutionized radio in the 1960’s, sent him to San Diego station KGB to pay his dues. Before coming to K-EARTH 101, he was a mainstay at Los Angeles station K-Lite, then an oldies-based soft AC station, from 1986 to 1994.
Birthday: December 4
What led me to Los Angeles: I've been here all my life, born and raised. My mom and dad bought in La Cañada before there was a 210 Freeway.
On-air at K-EARTH 101 since: October 25, 1994; on-air in Los Angeles since 1974.
What led me to K-EARTH 101: The station that plays the Greatest Hits on Earth had a rare opening, I started weekends, then the late Robert W. Morgan became ill, and I wound up covering the morning show duties for three and a half years. It’s ironic that I would work Robert W’s shift since in the early stages of my career he took me under his wing, and was very encouraging. I worked the mid-day shift at the old KIQQ for more than ten years, so mid-days helping make the office more productive is a natural.
High school: John Muir, Pasadena, California
My Pet: a dog & cat, Scooter & Tigger
Jim's Favorites
Favorite Actor: Jack Nicholson
Favorite Actress: Jennifer Aniston
Favorite K-EARTH 101 song: "Anything" by the Beatles
Favorite LA Sports Team: Dodgers, Angels, and USC Football -- I'm a Homer!
Favorite Southern California "Thing" to do: Golf and ride my "Road Bike"
Passing along an update of my golfing escapades, it was a Member Guest tournament at my local golf course, so I invited my friend Pete Ware who works for Stargate International, a special effects company to be my partner. Pete may be able create magic in TV and movies, but between the two of us we couldn’t create magic on the golf course. It was a two-man low net affair, Pete shot a frequency conscious 101, and I shot 87, not enough to win Tiger money, or lunch money for that matter, however the camaraderie was worth the outing, and after all we were outdoors breathing fresh air. We were walking “Poster Boys” for don’t quit your day job…
Elise
February 20, 2010 10:47 am
Hello and happy earth day…that’s everyday! Anyways, K-earth’s 101 fm is looking good I must say. Radio-on Jim Carson, see u on the Internet. Elise
Elise
February 20, 2010 10:48 am
Dare 2slo down it’s free!
Hugh Smotherman
February 24, 2010 11:51 am
I love this station, I use to listen to it as soon as i could pick it up, i drove an 18 wheeler into calif once a week for 20+ yrs. I miss it havent been that far west in 8 yrs, but now i listen online, when im on the computer. Keep those oldies coming!!! Im a fan on facebook now.
Hazel F
February 27, 2010 6:09 am
I have been listening to” K- EARTH 101″ for over forty years and I am still a big fan. Through the years, more and more people are tuneing in, and that is good. It has become very hard to get through, to the contests.
Have perserverance is what a person needs. In the mean time, you get good music and good information.
steve
March 4, 2010 7:23 am
this station is AWESOME!i just found it online…..sure sounds great in Augusta Ga……I love it!
jim
March 4, 2010 5:25 pm
Recently left L.A. to move to Washington state after retiring. Can’t say I miss the southland, but the music stations up here don’t even come close to you. Been listening to you since you first started your format with only 4 hours per day back in the early 70’s. I honestly miss you all and can’t express my delight to get you up here. Keep on with all you do. Thanks
Russ
March 5, 2010 5:33 pm
Great to hear Shotgun Tom again we moved away 20 years ago from Chula Vista. Since you not in San Diego anymore I listen via internet radio So good to hear you ( hope your son heal fast)
Russ
March 5, 2010 5:44 pm
Good music to be listened to. Like so manyothers I found K-EARTH while driving to LA from Chula Vista now listen on the internet
Yolanda Soto
March 8, 2010 10:32 am
Hi Jimbo,
If I may call you that. Here I am at the local library borrowing their PC to write you a few lines to tell you how much me and my family and friends love and appreciate your show. I mean I can be in the most unhappy depressed mood and just listening to your gentle mellifluous voice will perk me up and make me want to walk that extra mile. Remember like I always tell you when I call your show, I feel like you are my brother. You are always so helpful and caring, you are the best. Love you Jim.
Smiles and hugs to you and all my loving mighty K-Earth 101 Jocks, i.e. Charlie Tuna, Christina Kelly, Gary Brian, Shotgun Kelly and Sylvia Amarietto etc. Love you all
From a long time K-Earth101 avid listener,
Yolanda Soto
Ron
March 13, 2010 3:14 pm
I grew up in the 1960s with K-Earth type programming… still love it! I live in San Diego and am able to pick up K-Earth quite often on my car radio, depending on my location. Of course, I can always tune in “Loud and Clear” over the Internet.
In fact, my profession takes me to Thailand at least 2-3 months a year, and I find that K-Earth comes in fine online there too, as long as I have a decent connection.
Keep up the excellent programming! When are you going XM?
Teresa Bird
March 17, 2010 8:22 am
I love the station 101