[Description by Mike Lynch] KFI began when Earle C. Anthony set up a homemade 50-watt radio transmitter in his garage and started broadcasting on 640 AM in 1922. Initially, KFI gained a reputation for broadcasts of live events from the Los Angeles Opera House. In 1927, the first coast-to-coast transcontinental sportscast originated from KFI when the station aired the Rose Bowl game between Stanford and Alabama. By the mid-thirties, one notable afternoon personality was syndicated columnist and comedian Will Rogers. From the November 25, 1977 issue of Radio and Records: WHAT’S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE? KFI/Los Angeles recently blanketed the L.A. metro area with billboards. Amazingly enough one of the beautiful KFI boards was posted directly across from the KHJ/Los Angeles studios. Apparently the temptation was just too much as the billboard was “edited” by “Midnight Grudge Productions” and the result can be seen above. By the mid 1960’s and continuing into the mid 70’s, KFI was renowned for outstanding personalities like Lohman & Barkley, Sweet Dick Whittington, Dave Hull, Emperor Bob Hudson and Perry Allen while placing a heavy emphasis on News and Sports. In late 1976, KFI surprised the industry by venturing into the top forty arena to do battle with KHJ and 10Q. The initial lineup featured Lohman & Barkley in morning drive, Eric Chase and Mark Taylor splitting the midday, Bob Shannon in afternoon drive, and Dave Diamond, Charlie Fox and Danny Martinez at night. Official KFI Publicity Photo for Lohman and Barkley This aircheck spotlights two of the funniest people to ever grace the L.A. Market, Al Lohman and Roger Barkley. Their tremendous success at KFI lasted for almost 20 years, making them one of the most popular morning teams ever. Al Lohman came to KFI in 1968 after stints at WABC and KFWB. From KFI, Al went on to the legendary KRLA. He passed away October 13, 2002, at the age of 69. Roger Barkley arrived at KFI in 1968 after stops at KIMN Denver and KFWB, Los Angeles. Roger earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He passed away on December 21, 1997, at the age of 61.