Dick Biondi Obituary: Legendary Chicago disc jockey Dick Biondi, a member of the Radio Hall of Fame, passed away at the age of 90 on June 26, 2023.
Who was Dick Biondi?
Richard Orlando Biondi, known as Dick Biondi, was a prominent American disc jockey specializing in Top 40 and oldies. With the self-proclaimed nickname The Wild I-tralian, he was known for his energetic speaking, including screaming on air, as well as his eccentric behavior on and off the radio.
In a 1988 interview, Biondi revealed that he had been fired 23 times, often because of temper tantrums or jokes that didn’t end well. During his career, he became known for his signature closing line, “God bless, bye, bye, Duke. Thanks so much for reaching out to us.”
Biondi gained national popularity during the 1950s and 1960s while working as a disc jockey on influential AM radio stations in Buffalo, New York; Chicago, Illinois; and Los Angeles, California. Namely, he was among the first DJs who introduced artists such as Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Gene Vincent to a wider audience.
His involvement in the early era of rock and roll included personal appearances at local schools and clubs, known as “record hops”, where he had the opportunity to meet and interact with these artists. One of Biondi’s notable achievements was being the first American disc jockey to play The Beatles on the radio.
In February 1963, he played their song “Please Please Me” on Chicago’s WLS 890 AM, marking a significant moment in music history. During his tenure at KRLA in Los Angeles, he also had the privilege of introducing the Beatles and the Rolling Stones at their legendary concerts at the Hollywood Bowl.
From 1984 onwards, Biondi became a fixture on oldies stations in his hometown of Chicago, cementing his reputation and continuing to entertain audiences with his distinctive style. On May 2, 2010, he celebrated the 50th anniversary of his first broadcast in Chicago, marked by a special 5-hour simulcast featuring memorable moments from his career and celebrity guest appearances.
Biondi’s contributions to the radio industry were recognized when he was inducted into the Chicago Radio Hall of Fame, further cementing his status as a respected figure in broadcasting.
Dick Biondi Obituary
Dick Biondi, a famous radio personality, has died at the age of 90. He lived mostly in Chicago during his impressive 67-year career. The Museum of Broadcast Communications recognizes Biondi as the first American disc jockey to play the Beatles on WLS-AM in February 1963.
Biondi died at his residence on Monday, June 26, and was honored as a member of the Radio Hall of Fame. Dave Plier, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Museum of Broadcast Communications, offered his condolences in a statement, describing Biondi as a true radio legend.
Biondi’s influence on rock radio in Chicago and across the country was significant, thanks to his work on WLS radio’s powerful 50,000-watt signal. In addition to being remembered as the first American disc jockey to play the Beatles on Chicago’s WLS 890 AM, he was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1998. Biondi was a close friend and longtime supporter of the Broadcast Communications Museum, and his absence will be deeply felt by radio enthusiasts across the country.
How did the legendary Chicago disc jockey Dick Biondi die?
Dick Biondi, a highly respected radio personality from Chicago and a member of the Radio Hall of Fame, has died at the age of 90. He made history as the first American disc jockey to play The Beatles on the radio. The news of his death was confirmed by WLS-AM 890, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Known as the “King of Oldies,” Biondi played a key role in introducing classic rock music to American radio audiences. In recognition of his significant contributions to the industry, he was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 1998.
During his impressive 67-year career, Biondi entertained listeners on a variety of radio stations, including WLS, WCFL, WMAQ, WBBM and WJMK. His distinctive voice, which left an indelible mark on the radio and rock and roll scene, will forever be part of the soundtrack of our lives, WLS-AM 890 said in a Facebook post.
Born in Endicott, New York, Biondi began his radio journey at WINR Binghamton and WCBA Corning before finding his successful position with WLS in 1960. In 1963, he moved to KRLA Los Angeles, becoming the first radio personality to play the Beatles on the station. However, he returned to Chicago in 1967, where he worked for WCFL and WMAQ.
Over the years he moved from station to station and eventually started a syndicated Oldies show on WNMB in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. In 1984, Biondi joined Oldies 104.3 WJMK and remained with the station until it was rebranded to “Jack-FM” in 2005. He ended his illustrious radio career in 2006 with 94.7 WLS-FM, where he continued to win over audiences until his retirement in 2017. due to health reasons.
In addition to being a member of the Radio Hall of Fame, Biondi was also honored in the Illinois Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame and featured in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Radio Showcase. Dick Biondi’s passing marks the end of an era in radio broadcasting, and his contributions will forever be remembered and cherished by fans and industry professionals alike.
Dick Biondi Chicago Radio Legend?
Dick Biondi, a legendary figure in the world of Chicago radio, has left an indelible mark on the industry with an extraordinary career spanning nearly six decades. Known as the “King of Oldies,” Biondi won over audiences and gained a following across the country. He passed away on June 26 at the age of 90, leaving behind an influential radio legacy.
Biondi began his broadcasting career in 1950 as a sportscaster at WCBA in Corning, New York. However, his rise to prominence came when he joined Chicago radio station WLS in 1960. This marked the beginning of his legendary tenure in the Windy City, where he helped shape the landscape of American rock ‘n’ roll.
During the 1960s, Biondi played a key role in introducing the energetic sound of rock ‘n’ roll to audiences across the United States and Canada. His work on WLS and later WCFL, both top AM top 40 stations, cemented his status as a DJ pioneer. With WLS’s powerful 50,000-watt signal, Biondi’s voice echoed across the airwaves, reaching listeners in 40 states.
Biondi’s influence on the radio scene was unprecedented. It had an impressive 60% share of all listeners during its peak years from 1960 to 1963 on WLS radio. Billboard magazine recognized his immense popularity by twice naming him the best disc jockey in the United States.
In February 1963, Biondi made history as the first DJ to play a Beatles record in the United States. He spun “Please Please Me” by the Beatles on WLS, exposing American listeners to the British Invasion that would change the music industry forever. The song, released on the then Vee-Jay label, was a significant success on the WLS chart, reaching number five in March 1963.
Biondi’s talent spread beyond Chicago when he made his way to KRLA radio in Los Angeles in 1964. There he hosted “The Dick Biondi Road Show” and launched the nationally syndicated program “Dick Biondi’s Young America.” However, his love for Chicago brought him back in 1967, where he continued to make waves on WCFL with specials like “Pop Goes the Music.”
Throughout his career, Biondi’s influence and contributions have been widely recognized. He was honored with induction into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1998, cementing his status as a true radio legend. In addition, Biondi played a significant role in introducing and promoting renowned bands such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones in concert, further cementing his influence on the music industry.
In 1984, Biondi embarked on a new venture, launching an oldies format on WJMK radio in Chicago. This venture demonstrated his ability to adapt to changing trends while staying true to his roots. In 2006, he returned to WLS, this time on the FM side, and continued to win over audiences until his well-deserved retirement.
Biondi’s contribution to the city of Chicago has been duly recognized. In his honor, the city named an alley south of the old WLS studios “Dick Biondi Way,” a tribute to his immense influence on the radio landscape. Looking back on his career, Biondi modestly expressed the awe he felt standing in front of thousands of people on stage.
He admired his journey, starting from reading commercials as an eight-year-old in Auburn, New York, to becoming a famous radio personality. Biondi believed that the experience of connecting with a live audience was an unparalleled high, surpassing any drug or romance. Dick Biondi’s legacy as a Chicago radio legend, rock ‘n’ roll innovator and pioneering DJ will forever be remembered. His influence on the music industry, his fans and fellow professionals will continue to inspire generations to come.
What happened to Dick Biondi?
Dick Biondi, the famous Chicago radio personality and “King of Oldies”, died on June 26 at the age of 90. The exact cause of his death has not been released, but it’s worth noting that Biondi left WLS radio in April 2017 after being hospitalized for a leg ailment, as reported by the Chicago Tribune.
Biondi’s career spanned an impressive 67 years, during which he made a significant impact on the radio industry. He began his broadcasting career in 1950 as a sports announcer at WCBA in Corning, New York, before finally finding his way to Chicago in 1960. There he joined WLS, one of the city’s top AM top-40 stations, and began a remarkable tenure that would shape his legacy.
Known for his charismatic presence and undeniable talent, Biondi played a key role in popularizing rock ‘n’ roll in the United States and Canada. His work at WLS and later WCFL, another influential station in Chicago, earned him a loyal following and cemented his reputation as a pioneer DJ. Biondi’s stunning voice, amplified by WLS’s powerful 50,000-watt signal, reached listeners in 40 states, making him a favorite among rock music enthusiasts.
Biondi’s influence extended beyond his local Chicago audience. He was recognized as one of the most recognizable disc jockeys in the country, and his contribution to the radio industry was recognized by his induction into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1998. Throughout his career, he represented and promoted legendary bands such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, leaving an indelible mark in concert. on the musical landscape.
After his initial stint in Chicago, Biondi moved briefly to KRLA Radio in Los Angeles in 1964, where he hosted his own shows and achieved further acclaim. However, his love for Chicago brought him back in 1967, and he continued to entertain listeners with his WCFL specials.
Biondi’s passion for radio endured and he remained a well-liked figure throughout his career. In 1984, he started the oldies format on WJMK radio in Chicago, demonstrating his adaptability and dedication to his craft. He later returned to WLS in 2006, this time on the FM side, and continued to win over audiences until his retirement in 2017 due to health issues. During his lifetime, Biondi received numerous accolades and honors, including recognition that the city of Chicago named an alley south of the old WLS studios “Dick Biondi Way” in his honor.
Looking back on his journey, Biondi admired the transformative power of radio and the exhilaration of connecting with his audience. He recognized the privilege of going from a boy reading advertisements in Auburn, New York, to standing in front of thousands of people as a respected radio personality. His impact on the industry, his dedication to music and his ability to create a deep connection with his listeners will forever be cherished.
Dick Biondi’s legacy as a radio legend and rock ‘n’ roll pioneer will continue to inspire and resonate with fans and aspiring broadcasters alike. His contribution to the world of radio broadcasting and his role in shaping the musical landscape will always be remembered.
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