The Alamobile

Before 1960, no disk Jockey had ever experienced anything comparable to the KONO Alamobile. Sure, disk jockeys broadcast from remote locations, usually sponsored by a car dealer or large retail store. However, the Alamobile was unique because it was a complete, self-contained broadcast facility with a glassed-in front to not only display the DJ on duty, but also the console, turntables, tape machines, etc. Furthermore, it was air-conditioned, had a built-in bathroom, a small kitchen and WHEELS!

Some DJs at KONO hated it, but I loved working in that vehicle.

The longest continuous 24/7 operation of the Alamobile was downtown on Alamo Plaza for Fiesta. The KONO DJs worked in the Alamobile all week long. With the Battle of Flower parade and the Fiesta Flambeau parade going right past the Alamobile and bleachers all around the Plaza, KONO market exposure was unsurpassed, and I had a BALL!

I had two embarrassing Alamobile moments. The first happened when the Alamobile was in its usual position in the front of Joe Freeman Coliseum for the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. One night (or was it daytime?) while a record was playing, I swiveled my chair to get a commercial tape cartridge and I hit my knee on the corner of the unused turntable. I PASSED OUT! When I revived, my head was on the unused turntable and the record had not ended. People were all around but seemed unaware that something unusual had happened, so I continued to set up the next commercial spot set as if nothing had happened.

The second embarrassing Alamobile episode happened during Fiesta Week as I was departing at midnight after my air shift. The “GreenGo” was parked across the street and as I approached the ’39 Plymouth I realized that someone was sitting in the seat on the passenger side. I quickly learned my wanna be passenger was a “lady of the evening.” I had to do some fast shuckin’ and jivin’ to convince her that I was not a candidate for her services and she had to depart the “GreenGo.” Finally she left and I went home to Jivin’ Jean a bit more nervous than usual.

Skinny Don Green

The Alamobile

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