He's back -- "Rockin' Rev returns'

Ken Haskins -- aka The Rockin' Rev -- returns to the airwaves of Northern Nevada 2 p.m. Saturday on KBDB, AM 1400.

Haskins' show, "Reminiscing," will be aired from 2-6 p.m. Saturdays.

For a relative newcomer to the airwaves and a somewhat a small station, Reno-based KBDB has a steady audience, said Haskins, a pastor at Carson City's First Christian Church.

"KBDB has shows with some very strong and loyal followings," he said. "I think this arrangement will work out very well."

Haskins was a mainstay at KPTL in Carson City for 14 years. After a revival of his show in August 2002, Haskins pulled his program after just five weeks.

"It was, in principle, my decision. It seemed the station was picking up and headed in the right direction. Then they fired the station manager, and the station was not headed in the right direction. So I made the choice to pull my show."

Haskins said he has received many calls from his followers asking when he would return to the air.

He was a guest on "Nevada Matters," a program hosted by Eddie Floyd on KBDB. When discussing radio shows, the station manager was interested to hear Haskins was no stranger to the business.

After a luncheon meeting to discuss time slot and program day, the Rockin' Rev was reborn on KBDB.

"I feel this is a natural fit," Haskins said. "The station already features a lot of old eras like big-band, swing and ballads of Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra. My music may be more closely aligned with them."

Haskins' show features music of the '50s and '60s. It's mostly vocal recordings and the doo-wop era.

"I love the music, and I feel that's what drives the show," he said.

Music for the show is from his personal collection. Each week's show will have a theme. His first will be "They Should Have Been Hits."

"These are songs that didn't chart as well as they should have. I'll also have Best of the Blues and the Doo Wop Inn. Every week will be different.

"I have quite a collection, and there's quite an extensive music library at KBDB. I think we have a similar philosophy, and we're meeting a niche in music no one else plays."

Haskins has always said if the music's good, it's going to last.

"Just because it's older doesn't mean it's less desirable."

ON THE AIR

Who: The Rockin Rev

When: 2-6 p.m. Saturdays

Where: 1400 AM, KBDB