“Pappy” Dave Stone, born David Proctor Pinkston, was a country-radio pioneer whose Colorado Springs operation became part of a much larger legacy in American country broadcasting.
After beginning his radio career at KSEL in Lubbock, Texas, Stone helped establish KDAV in 1953, widely recognized as the first station to program country music full-time. He later established other all-country stations, including KPIK in Colorado Springs, bringing the format to the market and remaining on the air there for decades.
At KPIK, Stone personally hosted a daily show and used the station to stage large country-music promotions and talent events. In 1972 KPIK launched the Pappy Dave Stone Country Music Festival, a multi-day event built around a regional talent competition.
Stone was inducted into the Country Radio Hall of Fame in 1999. He died February 18, 2004, in Colorado Springs at age 90.
Southern Colorado stations: KPIK, KPIK-FM.
Sources: Country Radio Hall of Fame; Texas State Historical Association; Associated Press obituary coverage; Cash Box (1972–1973).
Awards & Recognitions
Documented awards, honors, and finalist or nomination recognition associated with this station or broadcaster.
- 1999InductedCountry Radio Hall of FameHall of FamePappy Dave StoneCountry Radio Seminar
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