The station began life in February 1976 as WEMO ("EMO" standing for East Moline) and playing adult contemporary music.

The format change took effect December 3, 1978, and during this time, the station also featured local high school and college sports, as well as St. Louis Cardinals games.

The station was also known for sponsoring country music concerts at Palmer Auditorium in Davenport, Iowa; the first show featured Donna Fargo and Tom T. Hall, and comedian George Lindsey.

During this time, WLLR began a slow climb toward becoming the Quad Cities market's top-rated radio station, a goal achieved in the late 1980s.

With the demise of the oldies format, several of KUUL's former programs were moved to sister station KMXG, including American Top 40: The 70s, Into the 70s with John Landecker and The 70s with Steve Goddard.