Art Roberts



Art's radio career began in Atlanta, Texas in 1953. In 1956, Art Roberts joined the legendary KLIF in Dallas. In 1959, Art worked in Buffalo at WKBW before joing WLS in 1961. Art stayed at WLS for 10 years before heading to San Francisco's KNBR in 1971, Other career stops included WCFL, WOKY, and KLUV. Art's final radio stop was KGVM in Reno in 1998, Art Roberts suffered a stroke in October 1999 and passed away on March 6, 2002.

Art began his WLS years in 1961 on the air from 12:30 - 3:00 pm when Mort Crowley moved to mornings. In September 1963, Art moved to nights (9 - midninght) on WLS. In 1969 Art moved back to midday (10 - 2 pm), before making the move to mornings on WLS in 1970.

Art's book Thinking Out Loud is still available through Larry Shannon at Texas Radio Hall of Fame.



Art Roberts
Art  with Tommy Roe
Art with Gary Lewis
Art Roberts
Art with Dex Card
Art with Dick Clark


Sadly, Legendary WLS Personality Art Roberts has passed away.
(the following is from www.artroberts.com)
e-mail Art's family
roberts_work_of_art@msn.com

RadioDailyNews.com is publishing tributes from those who
knew and worked with Art during his lifetime.  The tributes
are located at www.radiodailynews.com/artroberts.htm


(WLS's Ron Riley and Don Phillips, along with Art Roberts and the Beatles)
Arts Bio
Many of the radio stations with which Art has been associated are recognized as legendary call letters in the broadcast industry. His experience has encompassed all areas of broadcasting: talent, operations, sales, station manager and general manager... (more)

Listen to Art
1966 WLS Chicago
1967 WLS
1968 WLS
Special thanks to Richard W. Irwin and the Reel Top 40 Radio Repository

"To the family and friends of Art, we wish you all the best during this trying time. Rock 'n Roll Heaven now has one amazing addition to the Air Staff and Programming department."   Jeff

From the WLS Website
Radio Legend Art Roberts dies

     It is with extreme sadness we announce the loss of one of the great disc jockeys of WLS' music years, Art Roberts. Art passed away at 10:30PM on March 6th.
     Art was best known throughout the United States as the 9 PM - Midnight DJ during those amazing years when the Beatles were breaking in America, and the entire country listened to WLS to hear the best in music and personality.
     Current WLS Director of Programming Mike Elder said, "Art was a giant in the industry, a great wordsmith and thinker, a true communicator, and a kind and gentle man whose passion for the industry was strong until the very end."
     The thoughts and condolences of the entire WLS Staff are with Art's family at this time.

From Scott Childers
   "Art was a wonderful broadcaster who worked for legendary stations such as WOKY, KNBR, WKQX, KLUV, WCFL, and of course, over ten years at WLS.
     His love for music and dedication to creating a great and entertaining show was only surpassed by his affection for his listeners, co-workers and colleagues.  He treated them all with respect, never talking down to them, always interested in what they had to say.  In addition, it was clear that his family was always number one, followed closely, I suspect, by his horse!
     I had the pleasure of meeting Art in person about 2 years ago.  Art and his family were back in Chicago for a wedding and I had invited him to visit Windy 100 and to lunch.  I figured that he would be very busy and politely decline, but to my surprise Art was more than happy to stop by.  When he arrived, he was an absolute delight.  He had lots of questions about our stations and the technology we used. We talked about the current state of radio and he was happy to chat with some of the staff.  Afterwards we had lunch and swapped some great stories. I was thrilled to spend the afternoon with a radio legend.  He wouldn't even let me pay the restaurant check!
     After a cab ride back to the train station, Art was on his way and I was left with a good feeling.
    As time passed, we continued to chat.  Then the news that Art suffered a stroke, but he came through strong with the support of family and friends.  And even though his physical body didn't move the way it used to, Art's mind was as sharp as ever!  I always enjoyed trading stories and pleasantries with him via email. And his website was always a treat to read as Art offered advice, support and his special brand of wit.
     Unfortunately Art suffered another stroke this past February and it was obvious that his family was very concerned. One of his daughters wrote that she wished that the news was good, but....
     Art passed away on March 6th near his home in Nevada.  Services will be held on March 16th. 
     I always told Art how I looked forward to his return to Chicago for another chance to pay for lunch. 
     I sure hope he knows how much I appreciated his kindness, concern and friendship.

~Scott"

John Rook said it very simply
  Lost another great friend....Art Roberts