A Federal Communications Commission construction permit for 105.5 FM was issued to Saul Levine in 1957 as KBCA. However, Levine did not get the station built, even though he would go on to own KKGO and other California stations. Finally, on New Year's Day, 1961, KLFM signed on the air. It was owned by the Harriscope Music Corporation, with Bert Harris serving as president and general manager. The station was initially powered at only 330 watts, keeping its signal restricted to Long Beach and adjacent communities. KLFM's studios were initially located in a trailer adjacent to its transmitter on Signal Hill, moving to Lakewood Center and then to 4406 Greenmeadow Road. KLFM played Top 40 hits in an era where most young people used AM radios to hear their music. In the 1960s, most FM stations simply simulcast their co-owned AM stations, or played easy listening or classical music, often using broadcast automation.