| "THE PAUL KALLINGER STORY" Inducted into the Disc Jockey Hall of Fame in 1979, Paul Kallinger had a radio dream that prompted him to enroll for a two-year course in radio announcing following his four-year stint in the Coast Guard during WWII. On completing the study, he barnstormed his way across the country, putting in applications at every radio station he came across. KDLK, a 250-watt facility in Del Rio, TX hired him. A year later, Kallinger moved to KPLC, then a 5,000 watt that ballooned to 250,000 watts a.m. as XERF, where he's remained for more than 30 years. He started his career there in the 2ö6 A. M. slot, then was promoted to the night time country music slot. A telephone survey conducted in 1951, where listeners called in at their own expense, resulted in proof that his show was coming in loud and clear in 43 states plus Canada. In Billboard Magazine's first disc jockey rating in 1954, Kallinger was voted the third most popular. He stayed in the Top 5 such ratings for eight consecutive years plus was named "Country Music Disc Jockey - USA" in Nashville. He has supplied the voice for several TV commercials, recorded for "Lifeline," a syndicated radio program carried on 160 major stations in the U.S. and sponsored by H. L. Hunt. He has enjoyed the advantage of being associated with a large station because of the artists he's been able to help in the launching of their new records. In addition to still playing country and gospel music, Kallinger is also owner and operator of a furniture store. From: The CRB D.J. HALL OF FAME |