 The station first signed on April 18, 1961 as KMUZ with a beautiful music format.It was originally owned by William H. Buckley, doing business as Tri-Counties Communications Inc.

On June 18, 1970, Tri-Counties Communications sold KMUZ to The Schuele Organization Inc. for $106,500.Carl Schuele, principal of the latter group, previously was owner and president of Broadcast Time Sales, a radio station consulting firm.