DICK BIONDI

Known as the “Wild I-tralian,” Dick Biondi began his broadcasting career in Corning, New York at station WCBA. Biondi spent two years with WKBW/Buffalo before moving to WLS/Chicago in 1960.

Thanks to WLS’ powerful 50,000-watt signal and his own exuberant personality, Biondi quickly became one of the nation’s top disc jockeys. His show introduced rock and roll to listeners in nearly 40 states and parts of Canada as well. His own fame led to his recording a novelty record, “On Top of a Pizza,” which sold over 11,000 copies.

In 1963, Biondi left Chicago for KRLA/Los Angeles. The following year, he joined the Mutual Broadcasting System for a syndicated program heard on over 125 stations. During this time, he launched the Dick Biondi Road Show, bringing young acts to local schools throughout Southern California.

Biondi returned to Chicago in 1967 for a five-year stint at WCFL/Chicago and headed to South Carolina in 1973 for a decade at WNMB/North Myrtle Beach. Biondi returned to Chicago once more in 1984 to help launch WJMK, the oldies station where he is still heard six days a week.

Dick Biondi was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1998.

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