Finding Aid for Homegrown KIO Radio Show Records, ca.1970-2024 | The Sousa Archives and Center for American Music

By Nolan Vallier

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Collection Overview

Title: Homegrown KIO Radio Show Records, ca.1970-2024

ID: 12/9/182

Primary Creator: Fredrickson, Larry (1953-)

Other Creators: Leake, David (1961-), Miller Brown, Terry

Extent: 7.2 gigabytes

Date Acquired: 05/06/2024. More info below under Accruals.

Subjects: Blues-rock music, Business Records, Champaign, Illinois, Interviews, Local History, Popular Music--Illinois--Urbana-Champaign, Radio Station, Radio Station -- WKIO, REO Speedwagon, Rock Music, Rock musicians United States, Urbana, Illinois

Formats/Genres: Sound Recordings

Languages: English

Scope and Contents of the Materials

Consists of digital administrative records including audio files of interviews conducted by Larry Fredrickson and David Leake with local musicians; research about and weekly playlists featuring the work of local artists and groups; and both studio and live audio recordings used on the show, documenting the Homegrown Radio show on KIO since 2021. Of note are interviews with members of Feathertrain, Alan Gratzer of REO Speedwagon, Mark Hamby of the Ship, and John Baruck of John Baruck Management and Azoff Management.

Collection Historical Note

Homegrown is a radio show and podcast, which was founded by Larry Fredrickson and David Leake in August 2021. Broadcasting on KIO Radio (originally on 107.1 and then on 105.5 FM) every Sunday night at 7pm, the show features musical selections from Champaign-Urbana music scene from the 1960s to the present including bands and artists like REO Speewagon, Alison Krauss, the One Eyed Jacks, the Elvis Brothers, Braid, and American Football. In September 2021, Fredrickson and Leake began interviewing individuals connected to this scene on a KIO podcast of the same name. Portions of these interviews were played on the weekly radio broadcasts.

Biographical Note

Larry Fredrickson (1953- ) graduated from Champaign Centenial High School in 1970. As a high school student, Fredrickson was active in the band and orchestra, earning a position in the ILMEA All-State Orchestra as a tympanist his senior year. He briefly attendended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for Music Education in 1973, but left the university to join the band Ginger, which included Terry Luttrell of REO Speedwagon. He performed drums with the group until 1976. In 1981, he continued his studies in music performance and business administration at Illinois State University. After graduating in 1983, he joined Newstalk 1400-WDWS AM, Lite-Rock 97.5 WHMS, and Classical Hits 107.9 WKIO Radio Station as an account executive. He worked at the station until his retirement in 2021. Between 2002 and 2016, he also performed drums with the Tons O'Fun Band. Beginning in 2021, he served as co-host of the KIO Radio Show "Homegrown" with David Leake.

Subject/Index Terms

Blues-rock music
Business Records
Champaign, Illinois
Interviews
Local History
Popular Music--Illinois--Urbana-Champaign
Radio Station
Radio Station -- WKIO
REO Speedwagon
Rock Music
Rock musicians United States
Urbana, Illinois

Administrative Information

Repository: The Sousa Archives and Center for American Music

Accruals: Full radio shows from 2025 were donated by Leake on September 12, 2025.

Acquisition Source: David Leake

Acquisition Method: Gift

Box and Folder Listing

Browse by Series:

[Series 1: Administrative Records, 2021-2024],
[Series 2: Audio Library, 2021-2024],
[Series 3: Homegrown Radio Show Playlists, 2021-2024],
[Series 4: Homegrown and CU Bands and Fans Podcast Interviews, 2021-2024],
[Series 5: Radio Shows, 2021-2025],
[All]

Series 1: Administrative Records, 2021-2024

Consists of digital administrative records created in support of the Homegrown radio and podcast program, including artist research; master programming lists; background music, sound effects, and non-interview clips used for broadcasts; and library catalog records. Materials are arranged batch upload and alphabetically therein.

Digital Folder 1: Radio Show Records, August 2021 - April 2024

Digital File 1: Homegrown Artist Background Information, May 21, 2023: Word document containing short introductions and biographical information for the featured artists.
Digital File 2: Homegrown Master Songlist, March 1, 2024: Excel file containing master list of program audio library.
Digital File 3: Homegrown Week by Week Radio Show Plan, August 2021 - April 2024: Excel File documenting the scope of radio shows and containing information related to podcast interviews.
Digital File 4: John, Steven - Frozen Through Time, 2003: MP3 file.
Digital File 5: Leake, David - Eye on the Sky Demo, 2020: MP3 File.
Digital File 6: Strater, Gary - Bass Lesson and Solo Mix, undated: MP3 File.
Digital File 7: Strater, Gary - Bass Lesson Introduction, undated: MP3 File.
Digital File 8: Third Trip - Illinois Game Blooper, undated: MP3 File
Digital File 9: WDWS Weather Jingle, undated: WAV File.