On air, online, and in the heart of Detroit, there’s a pulse that beats with the rhythm of the city. That pulse is WDMK-FM, 105.9 KISS-FM. WDMK-FM isn’t just a radio station. It’s a vibrant thread woven into the fabric of Detroit’s musical legacy. Broadcasting from its tower at 221 meters above the city, its 20,000 watts of power carry the sounds of urban adult contemporary music across the Detroit radio market.
WDMK-FM first graced the airwaves on May 26, 1960, originally as WCHD. It served as a sister station to WCHB, Detroit’s pioneering Black-owned-and-operated radio station. While WCHB focused on R&B, WCHD carved its own niche with a dedicated jazz format. This marked the beginning of 105.9 FM’s enduring connection with Detroit’s African-American community.
Over the years, WDMK-FM has transformed, evolving with the city’s changing musical landscape. As WCHD morphed into WJZZ in 1974, the station became synonymous with “Jazz 106,” a blend of traditional and contemporary jazz, hinting at the smooth jazz sounds to come. Imagine Detroit in the 80s and 90s, WJZZ playing the soundtrack to a generation, earning its place as one of the nation’s most successful commercial jazz stations.
The station’s journey wasn’t without its twists and turns. WDMK-FM, under different call signs, experimented with mainstream urban as “105.9 The Beat” and “105.9 Jamz.” It wasn’t until 2005 that the “Kiss-FM” identity, previously on 102.7 FM, found its permanent home at 105.9, bringing with it the smooth R&B and old-school hits we know today. The transition was a musical shuffle, with formats and on-air personalities finding new slots in the Detroit radio dial. WDMK-FM even faced legal battles to retain its talent, a testament to the station’s commitment to its unique voice.
Today, owned by Urban One, WDMK-FM continues its legacy, broadcasting from its studios at 3250 Franklin Street in Detroit. It’s not just about the music; it’s about the community. WDMK-FM connects with listeners through personalities like John Mason, a voice synonymous with Detroit radio. The station’s commitment to local talent and its deep roots in the city’s musical history make it more than just a frequency. It’s a Detroit institution, broadcasting the heart and soul of the city, one song at a time.