J.J. JEFFREY NEEDS YOUR CARDS AND LETTERS
J.J. JEFFREY NEEDS YOUR CARDS AND
LETTERS
This note from WLS personality Chuck Knapp...
One of my very closest radio buddies of all time could use a card or letter from you.
J.J.Jeffrey retains his "JJ" humor and spirit as he settles into assisted living in
his beloved home state of Maine. I'm sure a shout out from you filled with love,
stories and silliness would be appreciated by him.
His caregiver will make it happen.
Address your festival of remarks to:
J.J. Jeffrey
Box 1440
Yarmouth, ME 04096
Prayers appreciated for his cancer.
Thanks & God bless
WLS CELEBRATES 100 YEARS!
April 12, 2024 marks the 100th anniversary of WLS Radio!
Click on our official Facebook page to see photos from over the years.
Click here for special 100th Anniversary audio (updates frequently).
JIM DUNBAR - 1930-2019
(04-22-2019)
We are sad to report that one of the original "Swingin' Seven" WLS
personalities has passed away.
Jim Dunbar, who signed on WLS on May 2, 1960 as a contemporary music staion, passed away on Monday, April 22, according to his daughter, Brooke Dunbar. Jim was 89. Jim stayed at WLS for three years before moving to San Francisco to sister ABC station KGO. He held down the midday shift at WLS and also acted as Assistant Program Director. Out west, Jim acheived big fame and great ratings and a legendary run at KGO, where he practically invented the news-talk format. According to a story in the San Francisco Chronicle, Dunbar was the first San Francisco radio personality to be inducted into the Radio Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 1999. "Jim Dunbar is in both the local and national radio halls of fame for good reason," said Ben Fong-Torres, a Bay Area radio historian and contributor to The Chronicle. "He changed the Bay Area radio landscape by helping turn KGO from an also-ran into the greatest powerhouse on the dial, with a 30-year run at the top of the ratings."
Dunbar's radio career started in 1956 at jazz station WDSU in New Orleans, as both station manager and disc jockey. Remarkably, he replaced radio personality and future television star Dick Van Dyke, who had been lured away to Broadway. It was in New Orleans that he met and married Beth Monroe -- a marriage that lasted 60 years. Later, while working at WLS, Dunbar found a job at KGO, in hopes that Beth would stop complaining about the Chicago weather. "I told my wife we'll be here for a year and then we'll be gone," he recalled in an interview with The Chronicle upon his retirement in 2000. "When I came out here KGO was in terrible trouble. It had tried every format from German bund music to bird calls."
Dunbar added, "There were stations doing news and stations doing talk, but nobody put it together quite the way that we did." KGO became so successful that the station later expressed regret that it did not copyright the slogan "NewsTalk." Dunbar's daughter Brooke said, "Dad took that station from dead last to No. 1 for 25 consecutive years. I don't know anyone else who has that kind of record." Jim retired from radio after 60 years. Services are pending. [KGO Photo credit: Scott Sommerdorf / The Chronicle]
CHECK OUT THE WLS ROCK HALL OF FAME
Each Memorial Day, WLS would count down the 500 biggest songs as voted by you!
JRL TO GO INTO THE HOF!
Congratulations to
John Records Landecker on his impending induction into the National Radio Hall
of Fame!
John will be inducted, alongside eight other radio greats on November 2 at the
Museum of Broadcast Communications at 360 North State Street.
More details here
THE WLS BIG 89 COUNTDOWN AND MUSICRADIO MONTAGE
The highlight of New Years Eve for many was the year-end WLS Big 89 Countdown. It aired from 1967 through 1986.
Click here for The Big 89 lists.
Click here for the story about the WLS Musicradio Montage and hear it in it's entirity.
Happy New Year from WLSHistory.com!
BERNIE ALLEN - 1929-2015
(11-19-2015)
Bernie Allen, a man who held down the midday shift for most of the 1960's, has passed away at age 86.
Bernie was a kind
and gentle man, very gracious and also very talented as not only a radio
announcer but also as an actor. He was well read,
well spoken and always polite. I enjoyed all of our conversations and took
pleasure in showing him around at several broadcast outlets I worked at. ~Scott
(From Chicagoland Radio and Media)
Born Bernard
Hallenberg, he took the simpler, less ethnic-sounding radio name of Bernie
Allen. A native Chicagoan, his love for radio began at an early age. He began
working in radio while still a high school student.
In the mid-1950's, Allen was spinning the top hits of the day on WIND-AM, moving
over to WJJD-AM in the early 1960s. In 1963, Allen joined the rock/pop radio
powerhouse WLS-AM as its midday host. By the late 1960s, Allen had been moved to
weekends-only. He stayed with WLS-AM through 1971 before moving on to other
radio opportunities.
Over the course of the next decade, Allen could be heard on numerous Chicago
radio stations, including WCLR-FM, WLAK-FM, and WCFL-AM, before re-joining WJJD-AM
in 1983, where he worked for over six more years. Allen also did some fill-in
work on local radio stations in the 1990s, including suburban WAIT-AM.
A fun fact about Allen was that long before his radio career, he was a child
actor. In the late 1930s, he appeared in some of the "Our Gang" (aka
"The Little Rascals") short films.
Allen is survived by two children and two grandchildren.
A memorial service for Allen will be held on December 6th from 12:30pm-2:30pm at
Olson Burke/Sullivan Funeral Home & Cremation Center, located at 6471 N.
Northwest Highway in Chicago.
Bernie and his son Chris in 1966.
THE ADVENTURES OF PETER FUGITIVE
For the first time, WLSHistory.com is proud to feature the iconic series "The Adventures Of Peter Fugitive," which aired during Art Roberts' Friday night show throughout the mid 1960's. Original off-air recordings rediscovered and donated by John Herrbach, we proudly present a full series of the detective feature, produced and voiced by WLS Production Director Ray Van Steen! Click here to relive the adventure!
TOMMY EDWARDS RETIRES AFTER AN AMAZING 54 YEARS!
Citing
that "it's been a great ride," Tommy Edwards signed off from
radio on Friday September 12, 2014. Finishing off his WJMK-FM midday show, Tommy
said "OK... After 54 years, time to sign off. I got to tell you, it's been
a great ride." Tommy's legendary career started at WTOP in Topeka, Kansas
at age 16 and radio eventfully led him him to on-air and radio management jobs
in the top three markets, New York, Los Angeles and of course, Chicago (in
addition to Boston and Washington D.C.). His most famous stint was at WLS
Musicradio from 1972 to 1985, where he spent time as Program Director,
Production Director, midday and afternoon talent. He and Larry Lujack created
and hosted the wildly famous Animal Stories segments. Even today, a version of
Animal Stories still airs as a set of public service announcements for the
Illinois Emergency Management agency on radio stations across the state!
Following Lujack's death, Tommy began thinking about hanging up the headphones,
telling radio columnist/blogger Robert Feder that "Quite frankly, after
losing a good friend, it makes you think about what’s important in life. My
family is real important to me.” In addition to his time in Chicago at WLS,
Tommy previously worked at WKQX, WILV, WRLL-AM (with Lujack) and twice at WJMK.
He will continue his role as the Chicago Bulls public address announcer.
T
Listen to
Tommy's final words on September 12, 2014 as
aired on WJMK-FM (Courtesy of Jeremy Andrews)
LARRY LUJACK 1940-2013
Pioneering WLS air talent Larry Lujack passed away on Wednesday December 18th. He had been suffering for esophageal cancer.
His Chicago career started in 1967 on the all-night show at WCFL-AM (1000). It wasn't long before Larry Lujack crossed the Chicago River and moved down the dial to WLS. He stayed at WLS until 1972 when he returned to Super CFL. After the stations format change in 1976, Larry returned to WLS to host mornings and later afternoons until his retirement in 1987. In addition to having the #1 morning show, Lujack paired with midday host Tommy Edwards for the duo's famous Animal Stories segment, which is etched in the memories of millions of listeners from the 1970s and 80s.
Jan Jeffries, senior vice president corporate/programming for WLS Radio issued the following statement: "The passing of Larry is a loss not only to countless friends across Chicagoland, but to hundreds of thousands of loyal listeners who affectionately referred to him as Uncle Lar'. Larry defined WLS. Bigger than life and legendary. He will be missed as a broadcaster, however, even more as a humanitarian with a heart of gold. Larry would want us to celebrate his life and that is the way will honor his passing. God's speed Larry!"
He is survived by his wife of 41 years Judith Lujack, and two surviving children: Anthony Lujack and Linda Lujack-Shirley.
See our Larry Lujack tribute page here.
DON WADE 1941-2013
Very
sad news as Don Wade has passed away on Friday September 6th.
After 55 years of broadcasting, culminating in 27 legendary years at WLS, only a
devastating health blow could have pried that microphone from his hands. With
his adoring wife, co-host and co-conspirator at his side, Don waged a mighty
year-long battle against the deadly brain tumor which finally silenced him.
Mr. Wade died in Florida, where the couple spent their time since officially retiring from WLS in December, 2012.
He was 72.
More details here.
The Museum of
Broadcast Communications (MBC) celebrated the 89th anniversary of The
National Barn Dance radio show in the actual historic WLS studio on March 23,
2013 at 3pm. The special event featured an afternoon of classic country
music, historic reflections and documentary clips from The Hayloft Gang: The
Story of the National Barn Dance.Filmmaker Stephen
Parry hosted the
anniversary celebration that benefitted The National Radio Hall of Fame, which
is housed inside the MBC.
In 1924, The National Barn Dance made its debut over WLS Radio/Chicago. The show
was the first to blend folk and country music with rural humor. The legendary
Gene Autry, Pat Buttram, George Gobel, Andy Williams and Eddie Peabody were all
regular members of the shows cast The National Barn Dance rapidly grew in
popularity and was the idea behind Nashvilles Grand Ole Opry.
Duke Miglin,
current building owner and noted Chicago developer, made the space
available for the celebration. The historic studio will soon be transformed into
office space.
Celebration attendees received a limited edition poster commemorating the
89th anniversary of The National Barn Dance. The program was inducted into the
National Radio Hall of Fame in 2011.
WLS Radio is a promotional sponsor of the celebration. Rubschlager Baking
Corporation is an event sponsor and provided light refreshments.
Stephen Parry is the writer/producer of the PBS documentary The Hayloft
Gang that chronicles the history of the WLS National Barn Dance. Highlights of
the documentary were presented.
Seminar speakers included:
Scott Childers
radio personality, author of the book - Chicagos WLS Radio and host of -
The History of WLS website.
James F. Evans
retired farm broadcaster, educator and author of Prairie Farmer and WLS: The
Burridge D. Butler Years.
Paul Tyler
musician, folklorist and
historian with the Old Town School of Folk Music and author of the lead essay in
the book The Hayloft Gang; Tyler will also perform live.
David Wyle
historian of The National Barn Dance
and early station history and
contributor to The Hayloft Gang.
Stephen Parry
writer and producer of The Hayloft Gang, will moderate the discussion.
Saturday, March 23, 2013
3:00 pm
1230 West Washington Blvd.
The site of the historic WLS Radio Studio where the National Barn Dance once
originated.
THE 50th ANNIVERSARY OF ROCK N ROLL! 1960-2010
This Sunday May 2nd, marks the 50th anniversary since WLS flipped to contemporary music. It's when it all started, the "Swingin' Seven," The Silver Dollar Survey and eventually The Big 89 and Rock of Chicago. It all began in 1960. And WLSHistory.com will have a special exhibit celebrating the momentous occasion which will feature sounds and images of the era, comments from the personalities and two brand new special podcasts from two of the original jocks: Bob Hale and Dick Biondi!
Click here to view the feature!
Also, Dick Biondi celebrated the 50th anniversary with a special broadcast on the air in from 7 p.m. to midnight Sunday on both WLS-AM (890) and WLS-FM (94.7)!
NOW AVAILABLE!
THE HISTORY OF WLS RADIO - THE BOOK!
Authored by the creator of the
WLSHistory.com website Scott Childers,
this illustrated history of the Big 89 will take you from it's inception by
Sears
Roebuck in the 1920's all the way to last year's Big 89 Rewind! With over
200 pictures, CHICAGO'S WLS RADIO will be a must have for any
radio fan! Part of the Images Of America series by Arcadia Press.
Find it at your Chicago area
Barnes and Noble and other
retailers that carry the Images of America books.
CLICK HERE
FOR INFORMATION ON BOOK
SIGNING
EVENTS THAT WILL WILL BE COMING UP!
Here is just a sampling of the wonderful
images...
Order now from Amazon.com
Click below to order!
June 16, 2008
Welcome back WLS-FM!
Robert Feder's Chicago Sun-Times column announced the return of WLS-FM.
In a
real blast from the past, the fabled call letters of WLS-FM are about to ride
the Chicago airwaves again.
Citadel Broadcasting plans to ask the Federal Communications Commission next
week to turn WZZN-FM (94.7), the "True Oldies" station, into WLS-FM.
If approved, the change is expected to take effect June 26.
The application is considered a formality since Citadel also owns news/talk WLS-AM
(890). Mike Fowler, president and general manager of both stations, said the
call letter change would be accompanied by a new set of on-air jingles recalling
the rock 'n' roll heyday of WLS, along with a new logo. He also hinted at a few
other surprises, perhaps involving some stars from the old days. "We're
going to develop this into the Top 40 WLS of old," Fowler said. "We
want to make it a cohesive package that presents the music in the framework of
when it was all new."
The station's local talent lineup already includes two hosts with strong
associations to WLS' past. Evening star and Radio Hall of Famer Dick Biondi was
part of the station's legendary starting roster in 1960, while morning
personality Brant Miller was on from 1977 to 1991. Fowler said WLS-FM would
continue to be targeting listeners between the ages of 25 and 54 with Top 40
hits mainly from the years 1964 to 1982. "The goal is to put the excitement
back in the music," he added.
The switch coincides with the start of Portable People Meters, Arbitron's
electronic audience measurement system. Since the new devices do not require
listeners to write down a station's call letters, there'll be no chance of
confusion between WLS-AM and WLS-FM.
Under ABC ownership, the 94.7 FM frequency last went by the call letters WLS-FM
in 1995. Since then, it's been called WKXK, WXCD and WZZN.
Read more about the history of WLS-FM here.
CONGRATULATIONS LARRY LUJACK!
On his induction into the 2008 NAB Hall of Fame
See
his acceptance speech
Courtesy of JohnRook.com
The Big 89 Rewind - Memorial Day 2007
For one day WLS - returned to The Rock Of Chicago!
(Well, 2 days - as we rewound again on July 4th!)
All day Memorial Day, The Big 89 turned back to the days of rock with some very special voices!
The Big 89 Rewind Special
with Jeff Davis
5am-6am
Larry Lujack &
Tommy Edwards
6am - 9am
Fred Winston
9am - Noon
Chris Shebel
Noon - 3pm
Jeff Davis
3pm - 6pm
John Records
Landecker
6pm - 10pm
"TK" Tom
Kent
10pm - Midnight
Also Lyle Dean, Catherine Johns, Linda Marshall, Gil Gross and sports with Les Grobstein!
PICTURES, AUDIO AND VIDEO IS A CLICK AWAY - HERE!
December 9, 2006
A hearty congrats to a
true living legend and one of the kindest hearts
we'll ever know - Dick Biondi. Now with his new station True Oldies 94.7
FM
(WLS' sister station), Dick once again has made less fortunate children happy
this Christmas
by hosting his annual marathon Toy Drive at Yorktown Mall. I caught up with him
on
Saturday morning (already 25 hours into the on-air drive) and he had more
energy
than I have when I wake up! What an absolute treasure you are Mr. B!
Dick Biondi funning around with Ronnie Rice -
12/09/06
8/2004:
Congrats to "Uncle Lar," Larry Lujack on his induction into the Radio Hall of Fame!
THE WLS HISTORY BOOKSHELF
Chicago radio veteran Ron Smith
has put together a set of wonderful reference books
based on the WLS Silver Dollar Surveys from 1960-1969
and the WLS Musicradio Surveys from 1970-1979 & 1980-1990.
Click below for more information on it.
Letters, we get letters! This from the email bag (or bin, if you prefer):
Hey Scott,
Thanks for an excellent WLS web site. I grew up in Arkansas in the 1960s and WLS
was like a local station at night. It was fun to hear the inside stories of one
of my all-time favorite stations. Sometime in the mid-70s, the WLS nighttime
signal pretty much disappeared. Although I don't know the details, I was told
that they changed transmitter sites again and the ABC engineering department
blew it. I don't know any details but was wondering about the explanation. I do
know that WLS was still a shadow of its former self, signal-wise, the last time
I checked. Thanks again for a great site!
-H.W. Duncan
We put former WLS Engineer and technical wizard Marty Soehrman on the case, and here's his reply:
I was working for WLS during the time
period to which you refer. WLS has maintained the same transmitter site for more
than 50 years. That doesn't mean that they didn't TRY to move it. The WLS
transmitter site is a pretty "fer piece" from the studio [located
at US Route 45-LaGrange Road and I-80 in Tinley Park]. Off-air reception of
WLS at the down-town studio site has always been difficult and more importantly,
reception in the offices of down-town advertising agencies (where the money came
from) has always been difficult and not as good as the other 50KW AM's. So, they
found a couple of sites in the Addison, IL area. They were not as good as the
rural (at the time) Tinley Park site and national coverage could have suffered
as a result. But, they didn't care about 38 states because the sales department
didn't consider it "saleable". (There were a few exceptions to this
over the years who bought massive overnight coverage for their commercials dirt
cheap) They DID blow the move, however (which was as far as I was concerned, a
good thing) because of zoning problems and ABC's unwillingness to play the
political games required to "earn" favorable considerations from the
city fathers. ABC engineering types never proposed moving the site, but it was
the sales department that wanted it. In fact, the current site was not chosen
for engineering reasons, but because the station owner at the time [1938]
and Prairie Farmer publisher, Burridge Butler, was bickering with Cook County
officials. The site was chosen to be as close as they could get to Chicago, but
be OUT of Cook county. It just happened that this was favorable to coverage of
downstate Illinois which, I suppose, further lent itself to being a "farm
station." None of this is to say that you are imagining things with regard
to your WLS reception, but I am not sure that anybody really can fully explain
this. It probably has something to do with ground conductivity at the
transmitter site and surrounding area. The ground system at he transmitter site
has been upgraded over the years and I suspect it is in pretty good shape today.
I do know that I have observed lower signal areas in the immediate Chicago area
too (although I do not live there now and haven't made my own observation for a
long time). Also, keep in mind that the status of the class 1-A clear channel
has been downgraded considerably, although that didn't start in the 70's, I
don't think. There are now several stations in the US and Canada on 890 (and
other frequencies) at night where WLS used to be by itself. A little
interference can degrade reception in a major way.
- Martin Soehrman, Portland, Oregon
1/29/02
This note from WLS Technical Producer Michael Garay:
Regarding the Silver Dollar Survey. I do know this was a hot topic a
while back. So the answer is... The survey got it's "Silver Dollar"
name from the fact that George Washington threw a silver dollar across the
Patomac River, and that it landed on the other side. This comes from the 16th
anniversary issue of the survey, published on October 9, 1976. .
9/1/01 Read Larry Shannon's wonderful essay, "A Tribute to WLS."
1/29/01 By request!
Fred Winston's Chili Recipe.
The WLS
Schedule from 1960-1990.
1999-2019, Scott Childers and
Munchkin Studios.
