The news wasn't released until Saturday Night ...
But legendary disc jockey Dick Biondi died last Monday (June 26th) ...
Legendary Chicago area personality Richard ‘Dick’ Biondi died on Monday, June 26th, at the age of 90.
Biondi’s passing was announced Saturday Evening by the station he was most associated with in his career, Cumulus’ “Big 89” WLS Chicago.
The Endicott, NY, native began his career in upstate New York at WINR Binghamton and WCBA Corning before spending time in the 1950s at stations including KVOB Bastrop, LA, KSYL Alexandria, LA, WHOT Youngstown, OH, and WKBW and WEBR Buffalo, NY.
Biondi would join WLS in 1960 as its night host at a time when the station could be heard nearly coast-to-coast. He would move to KRLA Los Angeles in 1963 shortly after being the first US personality to play the Beatles on the air. After briefly hosting a syndicated show, Biondi would return to Chicago in 1967 on 1000 WCFL and then 670 WMAQ. He would then depart the city in 1972, spending time at WBZ Boston, WSAI Cincinnati, and a decade at WNMB North Myrtle Beach, SC, where he launched a syndicated Oldies show.
After a brief stint at WBBM-FM Chicago, Biondi would join Oldies 104.3 WJMK in 1984 and remain until its format change to “Jack-FM” in 2005. He would then join 94.7 WLS-FM for a late night show in 2006 before moving to weekends in 2015 until his retirement in 2017 due to illness.
Biondi was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 1998 and is also a member of the Illinois Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame and part of the radio exhibit of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Richard Orlando Biondi, 90, of Chicago, died peacefully at home on Monday, June 26th.
Dick was born September 13, 1932, in Endicott, New York, to Mike and Rose Biondi.
Loving husband of Maribeth, cherished brother of Geri, dear
brother-in-law of Ron and Larry (Kathleen), special uncle and cousin of
many.
He spent most of his 67 year career entertaining the greatest
radio audience in the greatest city in the world, Chicago! Heard on
WLS, WCFL, WMAQ, WBBM and WJMK, his Radio and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
voice will remain as part of the soundtrack of our lives.
A private family interment has been held.
Very sad as I type this ... I think somehow I always knew that he wouldn't live to see this film in wide release ... but hopefully fans from all of the country will get the chance to see it and come to appreciate what a major talent he was during the earliest days of rock and roll. (kk)
Ironically, I had all of this already set up to run in this week's Sunday Comments Page before I heard the news ...
From Pam Pulice, director of the Dick Biondi documentary “The Voice That Rocked America” …
Dear Friends!
Our Sneak Prevue of ™️THE VOICE THAT ROCKED AMERICA: THE DICK BIONDI
STORY at the Hobart Art Theatre in Hobart, Indiana was an incredible
success! It is heartwarming to watch the film bringing laughter and tears from
the audience and to know that it is shining a light on this great radio man and
his groundbreaking influence on rock n' roll and radio.
A pat on the
back to Tom Lounges Entertainment for a great show … and to Shane Evans of BrickArtLive.com, who
attended to our every request at his beautiful Hobart Theatre. Special thanks to
our fabulous performers, Buddy Holly Tribute Artist, Kenny James, and our good
buddy Joe Cantafio of Jade 50s, and to the awesome Dick Biondi Film Team: Jan
Oliver, Linda Ulreich, Ginger Tripp, Marlene O'Malley, and Mike Wolstein. To my
dear friends and co-producers Stephanie Serna and Patty Wisniewski,
and my amazing sis Bev Boynton, without your love and support this film
would never have been made. And that includes Brian Kallies, Tom Desch, Steve
Zagata and so many unnamed heroes. With funds from our auction and raffles
combined with ticket sales, we were able to raise over $4K at
this spectacular event!
Thank you all for your hard work -- we couldn't have pulled this off without
you!
OUR NEXT SNEAK PREVUE JULY 9
WILL BE AT THE ACORN THEATER IN THREE OAKS, MI! TELL YOUR FRIENDS!
Folks in Harbour Country, here's your chance to see the feature-length
documentary film about the world's greatest disc jockey in ™️THE VOICE THAT
ROCKED AMERICA: THE DICK BIONDI STORY.
Sunday, July 9, 2023
Doors open at 11 am CDT with music by the brothers Gnari
The film starts at Noon CDT, followed by a Q&A
Seating is limited. Get tickets
Learn more: https://www.acornlive.org/events/dick-biondi/
Or call the Acorn box office, which typically opens at 3 pm CT on show days) - 269.756.3879. Keep in mind the Acorn Theatre is only 15 miles from the Central Time Zone so check your time on Directions.
So sad 😞 and what a wonderful guy ... as well as a major contributor to the success of so many artists … obviously the New Colony 6 included, sigh 🥺! Blessings my friend,
Ray
I heard about Dick's passing just a couple of hours ago. I'm glad the movie has had more screenings, and hope it's launched to a much larger audience. Dick was one of a kind for sure. It's interesting that the announcement of his passing was delayed several days.
David Lewis
I think the family wanted to keep it private so they could have their own service and period to grieve. Hopefully (but sadly), the news of Dick's death may spark more people to see the film ... and perhaps entice PBS to air it sooner than currently planned.
I am happy to have had the chance to know him ... and seeing and hearing the outpouring of the love of his fans shows what a mark he made on his listeners over the years. (kk)
RIP Dick, you were wild.
JR Russ
RIP, Dick
Timmy
This is sad news, Kent. Not totally unexpected, as he has been struggling for some time. I spoke to his brother in law about a month ago, as he was going to try to get Dick to do a promo for us, but his health did not allow.
Sad news of another deejay's passing ...
kk …
Connie Shannon Announced The Death Of Her Husband, DJ Bob Shannon On FACEBOOK ... 74 Years Old.
Let's See How Good Your Memory Is Kent ...
Back In 2012, I Wrote To You Complaining About The Disappearance Of Bob Shannon From WCBS-FM --- Without Explanation. First I Thought He Was On Vacation ... Too Long For That.
Next Guess … Leave Of Absence? Why No Announcement?
Looking Back, It Was The Start Of A Long Illness.
As I Write This E-Mail, I'm Listening To Bob Shannon's Top 20 Countdown Of April 11, 1962.
#20 - "DREAM BABY" / Roy Orbison.
#19 - "SOUL TWIST" / King Curtis.
Bob Got To New York By Way Of Syracuse & Pittsburgh.
He Went From Overnight On Weekends -- To Nights – To Afternoon Drive Time.
#18 - "LOVER PLEASE" / Clyde McPhatter.
1980 - 2012 = Bob Shannon Started On The Old WCBS-FM. After The JACK-FM Failure (2005 - 2007), Bob Returned With The New WCBS-FM.
#17 - Connie Francis / "DON'T BREAK THE HEART THAT LOVES YOU"
#16 - "SHE CRIED" / Jay Traynor & Americans
I Think I Told You This Story ...
When Bob's Wife Gave Birth To A Boy, I Asked My Mother To Knit A Blue Sweater For The Baby.
Bob Read My Letter & Thanked My Mother For The Sweater.
#15 - "WHATS YOUR NAME" / Don & Juan.
#14 - "I WISH THAT WE WERE MARRIED" / Ronnie & Hi Lites.>
Like Wild Wayne Always Says, R-ock / I-n / P-aradise, Bob Shannon.
FB
While I can’t say that I have ever considered myself a fan, I do have to tell you that I am feeling some pain and sorrow on behalf of Gene Simmons, who is winding down the very last appearance of Kiss.
Gene has extended the invitation on several occasions now to have former Kiss originals Peter Criss and Ace Frehley join him on stage to perform together one last time for the fans … but both have offered only resounding “No Thanks” to the offer.
It’s a shame … a way for the classic band to go out in style for the fans who have stuck with them for nearly fifty years. (Kiss placed nine tunes in the National Top 40 between 1976 and 1979, including the Top Ten Hits “Beth” (#7, 1976), “Calling Dr. Love” (#10, 1977) and “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” (#5, 1979).
The band will perform their final pair of shows on December 1st and 2nd in New York … and Simmons has amended his offer to allow for this reunion in whatever capacity would allow this to happen, even if that means just coming out one last time for the encore “for the fans.”
In an interview with Linea Rock, Gene said:
For the fans … the ones who’ve been around for 50 years, they’re old, and some of them want to see Ace and Peter. The newer fans never saw them and they don’t know, but the older fans wonder about Ace and Peter.
I asked both Ace and Peter a few times, 'Do you wanna come out for the encores? Do you wanna do some shows?' … and they both said no. So, I don’t know what to say about that.
There are many other big stars, superstars, who want to jump up onstage and play a song (to make the final shows special – kk), but we’re not sure about that. Maybe the best thing to do is to end the way we started: four guys, with guitars. No keyboards, no synthesizers – nothing. Just playing.
There’s still a little bit of time for Frehley and Criss to reconsider … and one can only hope that they would, rather than end the band’s run on such a sour note. Otherwise, who knows … maybe we’ll see Kiss jammin’ with Garth Brooks for their final show!!! (kk)
Big news last week when Madonna was hospitalized with a bacterial infection that interrupted her Celebration tour. (Madonna was scheduled to be on tour between July 15th and December 1st … so this can be considered a major setback.)
No word yet as to when (or if) the tour will resume … but Madonna spent several days in the ICU while doctors treated her. There really haven’t been any updated reports since this statement released last week:
On Saturday, June 24th, Madonna developed a serious bacterial infection which led to a several-day stay in the ICU. Her health is improving, however she is still under medical care. A full recovery is expected. At this time we will need to pause all commitments, which includes the tour. We will share more details with you as soon as we have them, including a new start date for the tour and for rescheduled shows.
>>>As a former Wheel Of Fortune contestant (I was on in January, 2020), I experienced first-hand how Pat Sajak uses his wit and humor to help myself and fellow contestants relax when the cameras are on. Believe me - it's a much different situation when you're trying to figure out puzzles and you know millions of people are at home yelling at you from their living rooms. Anybody can tell contestants how many Rs are in a puzzle and what the wheel landed on ... I'm hoping Ryan Seacrest is able to make the same connection with the contestants like Pat can. Back in the 80s, Wheel used to have a daytime version, which Pat also hosted. After he left, a couple hosts filled his role until that version was cancelled in 1991. As much as I'm skeptical about Ryan taking over, I wish him success for the future of the show. (Colin Donahue)
>>>VERY cool! I have always considered myself a pretty good player … at home, of course, without the pressure and the lights … and I will admit to yelling at contestants during nearly every episode I’ve ever watched! (lol) But what everybody reading this wants to know is … how’d you do??? Did you win any money??? And how’d you manage to get on??? (kk)
To answer your questions - I recorded a minute-long video explaining why I thought I'd be an ideal contestant. My wife "directed" that video, so credit goes to her for how it turned out. At that time that was the first step in the application process.
A few days later, I received an email invitation from the show to attend an in-person audition in Chicago, where I competed amongst sixty other hopefuls. The audition included playing mock rounds of the show and a written test in which we were each presented with fifteen partially completed puzzles and given five minutes to solve as many as possible. The contestant coordinators also expected to see a high energy level for the length of the session, so I don't think any one of us stopped clapping or cheering for the duration of the mock games.
Then came the dreaded waiting game. At the end of the audition, we were told that if we were selected to appear on the show, we'd receive a letter within a few weeks. If we weren't, we wouldn't hear anything. Obviously, I was immensely relieved when the letter came but those three weeks seemed like forever.
Contestants are not given much advance notice of their taping date, however - a producer called me one evening and told me that my taping date would be two weeks from his phone call, so it was then a scramble to book our flights, hotel, etc.
I wound up being the big winner of the night, with $60K in cash! My opponents - who were both wonderful, by the way - each won over $10K in cash and prizes, so it was a great night for everyone.
Here's a highlight video that Wheel put together for me. Enjoy!
Colin
Good Vibrations: The Beach Boys Channel is back on SiriusXM for a limited engagement (tune in now through July 28th — sorry, not all summer long) on Channel 104. Subscribe to SiriusXM right now for $1 for three months: https://www.siriusxm.com
More info and
ticket links: https://www.aljardine.com/shows
Check out this cool new interview with Al on the Area 831 Podcast straight
outta Santa Cruz: https://www.area831podcast.com/episodes/al-jardine
For more Al Jardine interviews: https://www.aljardine.com/media
Have a beachin’ 4th!
Spud
That’s so cool … I was just thinking the other day, “Well, we’ve just had our First Day of Summer … I wonder if The Beach Boys Channel will be back on Sirius XM any time soon … so this is great to hear! Definitely adding this to my playlist! Thanks, Spud! (kk)
Something else to look forward …
On Dolly Parton’s first rock album (out November 17th), she performs the Lynyrd Skynyrd classic “Free Bird” as a duet with the record’s original lead vocalist Ronnie van Zant, who died in that tragic plane crash in 1977.
Thanks to modern day technology (and permission from Ronnie’s widow), a brand new duet was created for Dolly’s album.
In her own words:
Ronnie’s widow allowed that, and I was so happy we got to use his real voice. They just dropped it in the way they manipulate those things now.
It made it so special … I get chills every time I hear it.
I'd already sung my version, and I didn't know his voice enough, but then our phrasing turned out to be almost just exact when we were singing on the song! That's such a classic. And it just goes on forever; Lord, it's a 10-minute song! At least five or six minutes is guitar. I remember getting so lost in the music, just singing wherever I felt it.
Dolly Parton
In addition to a few new songs that Dolly has written for the LP, she performs a number of rock classics as duets with the original artists, including Elton John, Paul McCartney, Steve Perry, John Fogerty, Stevie Nicks, Ann Wilson, Peter Frampton and more. I can’t wait to hear the whole thing! (kk)
Another new release of possible interest …
Buddy Rich’s “Birdland” LP To Be Re-Released On Limited Edition Translucent Red Vinyl July 21, 2023!
Lightyear Entertainment and Lobitos Creek Ranch, in association with Scabeba Entertainment and the Buddy Rich Estate, have announced the release of a special limited-edition version of the best-selling live album “Birdland” featuring Buddy Rich and his Killer Force Band at the peak of their performing years.
The new release will be a 180-gram audiophile translucent red vinyl collector’s edition. It will be released July 21st through Virgin/Universal Music Group and will temporarily replace the original black vinyl version, which has sold out after multiple re-pressings.
The “Birdland” album was seen in the Academy Award winning film “Whiplash,” in the hands of the young star Miles Teller, who played an extraordinary drummer who idolizes Buddy Rich. Cathy Rich, CEO of Scabeba Entertainment and Buddy’s daughter, was a consultant on the “Whiplash” film. She is currently on tour with her Buddy Rich Big Band Machine, featuring drummer Gregg Potter.
The original black vinyl version of “Birdland” was released in 2015.
I have to admit that I totally loved the film
“Whiplash” … and have gained great appreciation for the music contained
within. Here’s your chance to pick up a
limited edition commemorative keepsake.
(kk)
Billboard is reporting that for the first time since 1981, the top two songs in the country are by country artists …
Morgan Wallens’ “Last Night” holds down the top spot for the 12th consecutive week …
While Luke Combs’ version of the Tracy Chapman hit “Fast Car” moves up a spot to take over the #2 position.
The last country duo to do it?
Eddie Rabbitt and Dolly Parton, who sat at #1 and #2 with “I Love A Rainy
Night” and “9 to 5” respectively. “9 to
5” ultimately topped the chart as well … and there’s a good chance “Fast Car”
will as well. (kk)
Talk about your vintage photos …
Check out this one that Timmy just sent us! (kk)
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From FH Reader Tim Kubat ...
Today marks the 70th Anniversary of ...
And finally, the other day we told you that Sirius XM's 70's on 7 Channel was counting down the Top 1000 Fan Favorites from the '70's thru the 4th of July.
Well, as it turns out, this is the same countdown they ran last year ...
So we can provide you with the full list so you can follow along and be sure to tune in for your favorites! (kk)
