San Francisco’s Last Top 40 Disc Jockey is the memoir of longtime programmer, air talent and educator Don Sainte-Johnn, whose extensive career included hosting the last top 40 airshift on RKO’s legendary AM Top 40 powerhouse KFRC. Sainte-Johnn came to San Francisco as PD of Oldies KFRC-FM (K106), now Hip-Hop/R&B KMEL. In 1975, PD Michael Spears, prompted by hearing an aircheck of St. Johnn on R&B WJPC Chicago, asked him to cover for an ailing weekender, beginning his journey to first African American host of a daytime shift on the station. Here’s an excerpt from Sainte-Johnn about his first shift on KFRC.
As I reflected on the praise I had received for my past on-air work, the opportunity to be a part of KFRC, even if only for four hours, was overwhelming. Forty-eight hours later, I was about to touch down—after having my head in the San Francisco fog—brimming with abundant energy, a natural high, wonder, and eager anticipation for my first show.
After driving the 21 miles from my San Rafael abode, I arrived in San Francisco, where the city’s emblematic Golden Gate Bridge offered a warm greeting, its cables cradling me in a giant hug. The misty fog whispered its mysteries while the perfectly tuned station played in the background, crafting the perfect ambiance for a transformative experience.
Electric anticipation surged as a single thought took hold: “It’s my time—I’m ready to take the mic at 610 KFRC!” The urge to dive in was unstoppable, and my excitement built to a thrilling crescendo. I experienced a heightened state that I could only describe as surpassing nirvana. All the while, I was listening to the Bay Area’s dominant trendsetter, 610 KFRC. I was—to use the popular idiom—on top of the world!
As the clock ticked closer to ten, a palpable surge of energy electrified the air. Show time! I stepped up to the mic, slipped on the cape, and prepared to unleash my most energized performance.
Entering the control room, set to precisely seventy-three degrees, I breathed in the rarefied air as I moved closer to the Shure BK-5B microphone, squeezing and caressing its neck. As I moved in closer to the mic, I joked, “This is my first rodeo, and if you’re listening—congratulations—you’ve survived my training wheels! I’m here to make the evening smoother than the transition from nervous wreck to slightly confident. Buckle up; it’s going to be a fun ride! It’s just a little after 10 o’clock [I emphasized the ‘O’], and this is The Sainte—Don Sainte-Johnn. Be gentle; it’s my first time (blah-blah-blah).”
It was my lightning-in-a-bottle moment!
After my premiere show was in the books, I received my critique and passing grades that would lay the foundation for something big. Within a week, I accepted the offer to take over the late evening slot. Once again, I aimed for more than the typical night shift given to African Americans. Yet, I agreed and joined the crew.
- Dr. Don Rose, 6–9 a.m.
- John Mack Flanagan, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
- Rick Shaw, 12–3 p.m.
- Chuck Buell, 3–6 p.m.
- Mark McKay, 6–10 p.m.
- Don Sainte-Johnn, 10 p.m.–2 a.m. (replacing “Big” Ed O’Brien) (Editor’s note, Sainte-Johnn would eventually move to early middays)
- Shana, 2–6 a.m.
Even if I had tried, the dream could not have been more perfectly scripted. Because of the utility air personality’s illness, I could take the night shift. Sadly, I do not remember who the talent was, and in my haste, my hustle, I forgot my manners: “Thanks a lot, man! I owe you one.”
Spears was known for favoring and hiring former PDs to serve as air personalities because they knew the station’s greater responsibility, including its core values, identity, and targeted demographics. They could also provide fresh input, innovative ideas, and unconventional problem-solving approaches. Since the on-air team had management experience, they could see the justification for carrying out actions in a certain way—the RKO Way. Former PDs were also a fantastic resource for providing additional feedback when required or requested. They would know how important it was to adhere to the FCC’s programming rules and procedures, as well as Spears’ programming standards.
Spears was a natural psychologist who remembered important milestone events like birthdays, marriages, anniversaries, and graduations—not just for the on-air celebrities but also for their spouses and children. With laser-like concentration, he effectively managed the on-air professionals.
Unlike one of my DJ friends, I didn’t need to be in the spotlight to feel good. Spears noticed our contrasting styles and mentally cataloged the little details that set us apart. He arranged a mini-birthday party for the other personality because he craved the limelight. Still, when my birthday came around, he asked if I preferred the festivity or two Benjamins, the out-of-pocket cost for a mini celebration. My supervisor’s genuine concern for his staff and their preferences impressed me. Incidentally, I chose the latter option, allowing me to contribute to my son’s summer camp expenses.
Don SainteJohnn is a writer, broadcaster, educator, and media consultant whose career spans major markets including San Diego, St. Louis, Sacramento, Chicago, and San Francisco, where he spent twenty years at KFRC in both its Top 40 and Adult Standards era, as well as Oldies successor 99.7 KFRC-FM. He is an inductee of both the Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame and the National Black Radio Hall of Fame. San Francisco’s Last Top 40 Disc Jockey is his just-published memoir.
