Don Roberts was a Denver radio and television personality whose career ran from the big band remotes of the 1950s to the top-rated morning show on KLZ in the 1960s. If you grew up on Denver radio in those decades, there’s a good chance he was part of your day.
Colorado radio career
Don started at KFXJ in Grand Junction after World War II. In the 1950s he moved to KIMN in Denver, where he hosted live big band remotes for the Mutual network from the Trocadero Ballroom at Elitch Gardens. He joined KOA radio and television in 1958, including a stint anchoring the 10 p.m. news.
KLZ mornings and back to big band
Through the 1960s Don hosted the top-rated morning show on KLZ. After 1972 he went back to his big band roots, programming the music on KAAT, KKBB and KEZW. He was inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers of Colorado Hall of Fame in 2017.
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1958: Don Roberts joins KOA
Don Roberts, who had hosted big band remotes on KIMN from Elitch Gardens' Trocadero Ballroom, joined KOA radio and television in 1958. His KOA work included anchoring the 10 p.m. news before he moved on to host KLZ's top-rated morning show in the 1960s.
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