WLS
MUSICRADIO 89 
http://MusicRadioWLS.cjb.net
http://MusicRadioWLS.musicpage.de
Here are your memories
of WLS . . .
"AHHHH, the memories!! I remember the days
vividly of growing up in southeast Arkansas and listening to WLS radio
while I came of age in the 70's.I listened to it on my little AM radio
while waiting to go to sleep. Later, I (uh, we) listened to it while making
out in my mom's 1976 Monte Carlo with my long-term high school girl friend.
With friends I listened to it during impromtu parties from a symphony of
mono car radios on "Party Road" - a gravel logging access road behind the
University Of Arkansas at Monticello. Of course, the station drift didn't
seem to matter. The static would only last awhile, and then the signal
would come back in like gang busters. One just had to be patient. And,
of course, "Boogie Check, Boogie Check, OH, AH!!" was a call that would
lead to instant and loud echoes among my classmates in the halls of my
high school. I remember one thing that I thought strange - especially in
these days of world wide internet access where one can listen to crystal
clear signals from around the world - of talking to my cousins about the
stations they listened to. They lived in Madison, Wisconsin and also were
big fans of the station. I thought that was fascinating, that is, to listen
to the same station in Monticello, Arkansas that my cousins were partying
to in Wisconsin. They also listened quite frequently to a station in Little
Rock, Arkansas (KAAY, another 50,000 watt powerhouse)which put on a program
at 11:00 at night called "Beaker Street" which played "underground music"
and other album cuts. I still remember the deep bass voice coming over
KAAY at night proclaiming, "Greetings Cuba, Greetings Honduras, Greetings
Nova Scotia, from 50,000 watt clear channel, KAAY, Little Rock, USA". Those
stations made the world seem much smaller to an average guy in the middle
of nowhere. My nostalgia becomes that much greater in times like these
when I've just gotten the news of the death of another friend from those
days. She lost her life in a car accident on Thursday, January 7th. Another
in the long line of friends that I've lost that way. I'll always remember
Marty for her gorgeous, smooth voice, bubbling fun personality, and, of
course, the fantastic way she looked in that majorette outfit - way back
in 1976. How will I explain the magic to my son of listening to a top 40
station, far, far away and of how the static didn't seem to matter? It
told us high school kids that there was a huge world out there waiting
for us and left indelible memories of good times and good friends. I miss
those days. I really, really miss those days. ... M Pomeroy 1/11/99
"In response to Jim: The Chickenman series was created
by Dick Orkin in 1967 for WCFL. I don't think it ran on WLS. Reel Top 40
Radio Repository has several episodes. Go to http://www.reelradio.com and
enter Chickenmania in the Find It feature ... Bob Sharp 1/11/99
"I lived in the south and used to listen to
Art Roberts at night. The signal was very strong, crystal clear in the
cold of winter. I'm wondering if any other listeners from that era remember
the ads for Mr. Norms Speed Shop (3300 West Grand Avenue, if I recall)and
the ads for the drag strip in Union Grove Wisconsin (SUNDAY, SUNDAY, SUNDAY
!) Are those places still in business ? ... Dixie 1/10/99
"Does anyone know where you can get the chickenman
comedy series that used to be on WLS in the early sixties? It used to be
on a record (atco label) I think. I would like to hear it again on any
medium tape, record or otherwise. Thanks. This site is great. I used to
listen to wls from Grand Rapids Michigan when Dick Biondi used to be dj.
It would fad in and out but I loved the station and the music. God love
you all. ... Jim 1/06/99
"Does anyone who listened to WLS in the early
to mid 70s remember hearing a unique version of the Kraftwerk song "Autobahn"
sung with english lyrics? I used to have a cassette recording of WLS radio
from around 1974 that featured a track with the music of the song Autobahn,
however, the lyrics were different. They were all based on Chicago area
roads... (i.e. "drive drive drive on the Lake Shore Drive" and "flyin'
flyin' flyin' on the ol' Dan Ryan", etc.) I may be mistaken that this was
played on WLS. I *think* it was. If anyone has a copy of this track, I'd
love to hear it again after all these years.
... Tom 1/03/99
"I believe it was on the third Animal Stories
album in which Uncle Lar tries to hypnotize Little Tommy like he did to
a chicken in their movie. I've heard their three albums, but have not seen
their movie. As with the availability of their albums, is there any availability
to their movie? Also, is there only three albums? ... Rick T 12/29/98
"Does anyone remember a part time dj named
gary harmon at WLS in the early 70's? ... Steve 12/27/98
"Here's the poop on Animal Stories. According
to reelradio.com, there has been talk of re-releasing the three albums
on CD's. That rumor has been around for a couple of years though. I'm hoping
that Uncle Lar and Lil' Tommy will find it in their heart to share these
gems. Besides, I'm willing to pay to have them on CD (or vinyl). I'm sure
you are too! Rob Calhoun 12/21/98
This is always the hot topic ! I have spoken
to Tommy Edwards. Disney (the current owner of ABC radio & WLS will
not let them become available. It is not Tommy or Larry keeping them out
of circulation. Jeff
"HI CHICAGO I WAS THE NUMBER 1 GUEST DJ ON
WLS DURNING THE GUEST DJ PROMOTION ON THE ART ROBERTS SHOW. IT IS GREAT
TO SEE SUCH A GREAT WEB SIGHT. STILL ON RADIO FOR 30 YEARS AT up 105.7
WUPY. SEE YOU ALL LATER CHICAGO AND ALL OVER THE COUNTRY WLS ART ROBERTS
AND DICK BIONDI ARE TO BE THANKED FOR MY RADIO BOUGHT. THEY ARE THE GREATEST
EVER ON RADIO. ... Cliff Edwards 12/20/98
"Dear Jeff... I really enjoyed your WLS page,
and seeing pictures of some of the DJs I listened to and never knew what
they looked like. I listened to WLS in the early '60s, even though I then
and still do live in Tampa FL. I had bought a short wave radio thinking
it could pick up AM stations better and came across WLS.& It was one
of the few distant rock stations I could pick up then, in 1961. I listened
to Dick Biondi, Clark Weber, and Bob Hale into the wee hours of the morning
since I had to do homework until then. Biondi made it a lot easier. I can
remember the jingles: " W-LS-----in Chicago", and even some of the commercials.
Back then, you could hear different songs on different stations around
the country, as radio had not become "homogenized" as it did later. You
could hear songs on WLS or WTIX and WNOE in New Orleans that you couldn't
hear in Tampa. It was exciting! In the early 1960s, popular music was still
a blend of rock and roll and "popular" music; it was more of a mixture
than it became later, when rock took over. You could hear a jazz song like
"Midnight in Moscow" or Dave Brubeck's "Unsquare Dance", as well as novelty
songs like "Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport." Or you could hear Vic Dana's
"Little Altar Boy." Clark Weber probably played more of the latter than
Biondi, on Weber's Show, "East of Midnight." At this time, WLS still sounded
like a conservative station, even though it played rock. The news would
be introduced by the announcer saying, "This is (Stan Dale) and I have
news for you!" followed by the ABC musical intro. After the news, they
would introduce the dj with, "It's the good time for the good sound of
music, with (Dick Biondi)". It's funny how I can still remember this stuff
after over 35 years. I think radio was a lot more exciting then, and FM
will never equal the excitement of AM, where you could pull in a distant
station, and the thrill of knowing that the station was over1000 miles
away. I was somewhat of a 'DXer", because I liked to listen to distant
stations. Cuban stations getting northern ones more difficult. Later in
the '70s, "Top 40" radio reduced to the Top 20, with a lot more repetition,
and it wasn't as much fun By the time FM took over, the excitement was
gone. I have fond memories of WLS, and your site has brought back and amplified
them" ... Charles Heffelfinger 12/17/98
Here is an email I received from Art Roberts
& Family 12/16/98
"the roberts xmas 98
What
can I tell ya.
I’ve got DJ in my DNR.
Makes ya relocate every 2 years.
So, Bobbi and I moved to Minden, NV.
6 miles down the road. The choice was
either moving or cutting the grass. Moving won.
Met a lot of
friends on the net.
Mostly from reelradio.com
Best thing to happen for radio
since MacLendon conquered Dallas.
The neatest thing is we grew up together
and still have so much to share. Awesome.
Continue to work with our local fm station, KGVM.
I did a special during "Hot August Nights" at KOH, Reno.
An annual celebration dedicated to old cars and Rock ‘n Roll.
Thinkin’ about giving the internet a whirl in ‘99. Some
folks talkin’
to me about production, programming, and sales intensive stuff.
Alway’s
said "you never can tell the depth of the well by the length
of the handle on
the pump."
On the "all in the family"
side.... our magnificent five
plus 10 grandkids are doing well.
Chris joined the Air Force, and getting
married. Scott is our computer genius. Bill
is into clay figure animation. (Those are Cher’s 3.)
Bob’s pride and joy is Lou. She’s ready to plunge into
Theater and Dance. Give her regards to Broadway... or L.A.
Colleen is in college. Sean climbs mountains. Caitlin
cheers them on.
(Those are Pam’s 3.) Jonathan is into math. Steven is
into being 13. And
Matthew is into Everything. (Dahleen done good.) Wayne
is still in
Milwaukee. Still a good lookin’ bachelor. Moved my Mom ‘n
Dad here in
October. Mom passed away on December 6th. She was 90.
Her journey was over.
Have a wonderful Christmas or Hanukah
and a tickle-me-Elmo 1999.
Art and Bobbi
and Shelties 3
"Growing up in joliet ill., this guy was my FAVORITE dj, SUPERJOCK
if you will. I'm looking for ANYTHING related to his show including, but
not limited to, playlists, airchecks, surveys, animal stories related items
(lp's for sure) peak years 76-87, ANYONE WHO CAN HELP ME OUT, please email
me. rocktron1001@hotmail.com. thanks ... *trooper* 12/14/98
"Any hints on how to get a hold of ALL or ANY recordings of Ol'
Uncle Lar and his sidekick Li'l Snotnosed Tommy? I would really like to
get some information on how to find any recordings, albums, or memorobilia.
Thanks for any help you can provide, ... Nick 12/13/98
"I recently got some surveys from a guy named Jim (yer package is
on the way :)) from 79 and up and i was hoping someone could help with
finding some playlists from 79-85 or anything having to do with ole' uncle
lar. write to me and help me out , thanks ... *trooper* rocktron1001@hotmail.com
12/12/98
"These WERE the best jingles on radio...hands down!! Does anyone
have the COMPLETE assortment of WLS jingles in a "package" anywhere?...
Shookie. shookie@rocketmail.com Seattle 12/09/98
"Jeff... Nice work on the tribute pages. Having grown up in Philly
and Harrisburg (and having worked on-air in Williamsport, York, and Harrisburg
before moving to L.A.) I remember listening to those great stations in
the sixties and seventies. For info and updates on WLS you may want to
check with a friend of mine at WBBM in Chicago. He's the new overnight
news anchor and can be reached at radio2@bigfoot.com I believe. WBBM may
also have a website through which you can contact him. His name is Gene
Davis... lifelong Chicago resident, lifelong radio geek, in his early forties."
... Russ Schell 12/07/98
"I am looking to acquire old WLS Silver Dollar Surveys. I need some
in early 1964 and earlier. I also am looking for certain 1974 and later.
I have all in between. I am looking to fill in the missing surveys. My
surveys have been used on Bob Sirrots oldies TV show. I am also looking
for some WCFL surveys also. I can fax or E-Mail an exact list of the ones
I am in need of. Thanks. ... Bill B Hengels@aol.com 12/03/98
" How many years ago did WLS move out of 3? Now WLS is at 190 N
State,but I wonder what now occupies their old studios on the 4th(WLS-FM)
-&- 5th(WLS-AM)floors in the old Stone Container Building at 360 N
Michigan.I think Paul Harvey is on the 5th floor." ... Charles 11/27/98
"FM 94.7 was WENR(1966?-69) WLS-FM(1969-71) WDAI(1971-80) WRCK(1980-81)
WLS-FM(again 1981-85) WYTZ(Z95,"Hell94.7",Hot94.7 1985-91) WLS-FM(yet again
1991-96) WKXK("Kicks Country"1996-97) and WXCD(CD 94.7 1997-) Danae Alexander(currently
at WNUA-FM Chicago) seems to have been at FM 94.7 the longest IMO,starting
in 1973 when it was WDAI,staying through the WRCK era and the first 2 years
of the second incarnation of WLS-FM before leaving in 1983(she was so popular
that she went by only "Danae" back then)." ... Charles 11/27/98
"Jeff, Thanks so much for this site-gosh, the memories it brought
back. Standing in my kitchen in downstate IL at night, doing dishes and
listening to Boogie Check. Every time I hear Pink Floyd's "Money" I remember
hearing it on LS for the first time. I live in Lewistown, a small town
southwest of Peoria, and when I was in high school in the seventies you
didn't go to school in the morning till you heard Animal stories
(I still have my LP). Lujack was the best, and I can still hear him saying
HEELLLOOO in his deep voice when he answered the phone. I have a cassette
of his last 15 minutes on the air, and I've kept it but I can't listen
to it-breaks me up. I had left IL and when I came home to learn he was
retiring, I thought it was a bad omen - almost enough to make me turn around
and leave again. Tuning to LS when Lennon died, because you knew they would
understand. I remember the Stones' "Some Girls" getting banned in some
markets because of it's lyrics, and Lujack goes "This album was just banned",
then he played "Beast of Burden" twice in a row. The "Magic Bus" jingle
in the summertime, and sending to Chicago to get my "Fantastic Plastic
Card" because I wanted to be the first person around here to do it. Thanks
again for the memories" ... Christy Picton 11/25/98
"Great site!! I grew up in Chicago, and still remember when 'LS
played Top 40 (and I mean REAL Top 40). You brought back some wonderful
memories....thanks again. (The site's well -designed, too....and easy to
navigate.)" ... Kathy Cline ...WSOY AM 1340, Decatur, IL 11/23/98
"The host of the show was Brother John (St. John I believe). It
was and still produced by the Southern Baptist Radio Television folks.
Despite the source, it very non-denominational. It plays current hits and
offers sound advice without being preachy. You can still find it on various
CHR and AC stations around the country." ... Rob Calhoun 11/21/98
(That's
John Rivers) ... Jeff
"I am a freelance writer doing research on the White Horse Ranch
of Naper, Nebraska. The ranch was internationaly known and their White
Horse Troupe traveled all over the U.S. At one point the ranch joined forces
with WLS and radio personality Sunny Bernet served as announcer and booking
agent for the ranch. Does anyone know anything about Sunny Bernet? Or what
kind of contract the ranch would have signed with WLS? I'm not sure of
exact dates, but I know they worked together for several years. This would
have been in the '40s and '50s. Any help would be greatly appreciated."
Thank you, ... Sherry siwinski@cconline.net 11/15/98
"I grew up in Memphis and was only able to get WLS late at night
or on weekends. There was a program -- possibly on Saturday nights
-- where the host took contemporary music and related it to Christianity.
I think his name may have been J. Richard ________, but I am not sure.
Does anyone else remember this?" ... C Blaydes 11/15/98
"It's great! I almost cried. :) Really! I was born and raised in
the burbs of Chicago. I listened to that station from around 1970, until
it went talk radio. I can't remember what year that was. Do you know?"
Mrs Debbie Layfield 11/13/98
"I`M GLAD THAT THERE IS A WEB PAGE FOR ALL THOSE FANS WHO GREW UP
IN CHICAGO TO LISTEN TO WLS IN THE 70`S-80`S. THE ONE THING THAT I WILL
ALWAYS REMEMBER THOSE JINGLES TO INTRODUCE THE NEXT SONGS.TREMENDOUS KEEP
UP THE GOOD WORK I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR WEB PAGE. AGAIN THANKS FOR
THE MEMORIES"...ART VALADEZ SPOKANE,WA 11/13/90
"WHO WAS THE WINNER OF THE FANTASY CONTEST WLS RAN IN 1973? AND
WHAT WAS THERE FANTASY?" ... Bill Evans 11/12/98
"The ABC FM in Chicago, that was WLS sister station, has had many
calls ... including WENR-FM, WLS-FM, and I believe now is using the WXCD
call... it's located at 94.7" bob 10/28/98
"Do you know how/when WLS switched to newstalk. Was it 100% music
up until the end or did it experiment with a music/talk mix? Thanks." Glenn
10/25/98
"Hi, Jeff...it's always great to check in on your site. Interesting
to see Kevin Orput's 8/23 mention of Bill Bailey; I've had very vague memories
of this guy holding down the morning drive shift prior to Lujack, but hadn't
been able to find any references to him anywhere...until last week, when
one of his airchecks from Louisville popped up on the "Reel Radio" site.
A quick listen revealed this to be the guy I remember listening to.The
clip had him signing off for the last time before moving to Chicago, and
was dated June 1969; so I think he must have been on the air for no more
than six months, because he was gone by the time I started collecting WLS
surveys in January 1970. He was my favorite jock during this stretch of
time, but must have either bombed big-time or really offended somebody
in the front office; weird to see someone in such a high-profile slot and
then seemingly expunged from station history. I'd be interested if
anyone knows the ins-and-outs of "the Duke's" brief stay in Chicago. Making
things even more confusing is the fact that I think there was ANOTHER guy
named Bill Bailey who worked for WLS a couple of years later...overnight
shift, I think, but definitely not the same guy... someone else mentioned
Dick Orkin's "Tooth Fairy" series...I know this definitely aired on WLS
in 1971. Might have aired on WCFL at some point, too; I wasn't really plugged
into them until around 1973... R.C. Price, Mesa, AZ 10/24/98
"Bill had one of the greatest voices.
He wasn't at LS long but he sounded great" ... Jeff
"I LOVE YOUR PAGE, BEING A CHICAGO NATIVE, AND HAVING A BAND IN
THE 60'S I HAD CLOSE CONTACT WITH THE WLS PERSONALITIES.. I ALSO REMEMBER
THE WLS "BEEP LINE", I HAVE SOME GREAT HORROR MEMORIES FROM THAT... THANKS
FOR THE MEMORIES" ... DOC FITZ 10/16/98
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