Country Radio Hall of Fame Inducts Executive with Roots at KENM

By Rachel Bass

This June, Country Radio Seminar (CRS) will induct ENMU graduate and radio executive Jim Slone (BA 59) into the Country Radio Hall of Fame. A self-made multi-millionaire whose radio experience began 60 years ago at KENM in Portales, Jim went on to head a major five-station conglomerate in Tucson, Arizona.

“I am happy that the Country Radio Hall of Fame considered me worthy of this honor,” Jim expressed.

And worthy he is, although he didn’t always plan to pursue a career in radio. A hometown boy who was born and raised in Causey, New Mexico, Jim grew up on his parents’ farm 33 miles southeast of Portales and went to school with six other kids in his class.

Jim Slone

“I’m so thankful to have been raised in Causey because that gave me some roots that have served me well through the years,” Jim said.

During his time at Eastern, Jim met his wife Norma Lozier (BA 59) and worked at the local radio station, KENM. He also became known for his singing voice, and after graduating with a degree in industrial management, he went on tour as the lead singer for the trio ‘The Shy Guys.’ Their hit song “The Girl with the Flaxen Hair” received national radio play, but after their brush with fame, Jim returned to New Mexico and started his professional radio career at KRZE in Farmington.

“It was a benefit to me that ENMU was a smaller school because I got to know everybody and I worked at the local radio station there. I wouldn’t have had that opportunity anywhere else.”

In 1972 Jim purchased his first station, KCUB-AM in Tucson. It was a risky decision, but he transformed the nearly-bankrupt station into Billboard Magazine’s “Grand International Station of the Year.”

He bought KIIM-FM 11 years later and immediately launched it as a country station. It proved to be another great move; KIIM garnered national recognition and Jim grew his portfolio to El Paso and Lubbock, eventually owning nine stations altogether.

Jim (left) and Norma (center) pose with another student in front of Golden Library during a photoshoot for Glamour Magazine in 1957.

In 2001 Jim was inducted into the Arizona Broadcasting Hall of Fame. That same year he sold Slone Boadcasting; however, he briefly returned to ownership in 2006 before retiring in 2009.

A generous supporter of his alma mater, Jim made it a priority to give back to ENMU and the music program where he spent so many years.

“Eastern was the perfect school for me as I loved music and they have a terrific music department. My activities at ENMU gave me confidence which was very important in my professional career.”

Jim also received ENMU’s Outstanding Alumni award in 1977 and was Philanthropist of the Year in 2003. He has donated a variety of instruments to the music department, including a brand new grand piano, and has funded two $50,000 scholarship endowments, one specifically for vocal scholarships.

Country singer Luke Bryan, CMA’s Entertainer of the Year, introduced Jim and several other honorees during the 2016 CRS opening ceremonies in February. CRS will officially induct Jim this June during a dinner and awards ceremony in Nashville honoring his achievements.