Rockin' Rev returns to airwaves

As the song "Heat Wave" began playing on the sound system inside KPTL studios Tuesday morning, Ken Haskins piped up: "Martha and the Vandellas, 1965."

Haskins is overflowing with knowledge when it comes to the classics of the '50s and '60s.

Haskins, known as the Rockin' Rev, will share once again his knowledge of doo-wop classics and other forms of music from the beginning of the rock 'n' roll era, as he returns to the airwaves of KPTL 1300 AM radio on Friday afternoon.

"The future is bright at KPTL," Haskins said. "I see some positive changes taking place in the next few months and this is just the beginning."

Haskins went on the air at KPTL in 1986 after winning a trivia contest. His show, "Oldies Challenge," and later called "Oldies Spotlight," was a favorite of locals for more than 14 years.

Through station ownership changes, Haskins found himself without an audience. His show was not renewed.

"People would see me out in the community and ask me, 'When's the show coming back?' Plus, I'd get two or three calls a week with the same question."

After several talks with new owners, Holder Hospitality Group, Haskins has returned to his second love -- music and record collecting. His first love is the church. He is pastor of First Christian Church in Carson City.

Haskins, 48, is married to Cathy and has two daughters, Monica and Ronnie, and two grandchildren.

"I missed the interaction with the people of Carson City. I enjoy bringing music to the people for them to enjoy. I also like the new time for the program, I think more people will be able to enjoy it."

Haskins will begin his show, now called "Reminiscing with the Rockin' Rev," with, "They should have been hits."

"These are songs that should have charted higher than they did," Haskins said. "But they either weren't promoted properly or were released as singles.

"They're obscure songs by well known artists. Hopefully, people will find a lot of new hits through this topic. It's music they may not hear anywhere else. I think I love it as much as they do."

Haskins said he enjoyed the rapport he had with the community and is looking forward to reestablishing it. He said listeners would call the station and tell him, "I like that," and, "We're listening today."

"Growing up the first record I ever bought was 'Opportunity,' by the Jewels. I found I enjoyed '50s music more than the '60s. What is known as doo-wop now, then was just being called rock 'n' roll."

Haskins feels that similar to clothing trends, music styles make a comeback.

"Some of it has come back. Look what Brian Setzer and his Orchestra did with 'Jump, Jive and Wail.' A song that was popular once, you hear it in different ways and you like it again. Good music will always last."

Haskins will also interview a special guest from this music era on his debut show Friday.

"I'm not going to tell you who, you have to tune in to find out," he teased.

ON THE AIR

WHO: The Rockin' Rev

WHAT: 'Reminiscing with the Rockin' Rev'

WHEN: 2-6 p.m. Fridays

WHERE: KPTL 1300 AM

CALL: 882-KPTL (5785)