During the heyday of Personality radio in Chicago, WLS had a number of legendary names that graced the mighty halls of ABC radio. Ron Reiley was on that most listeners from that era will never forget. A staple on WLS for many years, Riley turned on a generation of teenagers to the most hip music they’d never forget, during a time for social upheaval that they and the world would soon never forget.
The recording is somewhat muddy, but gets a bit better as it gets rolling. See if you can make out the sparsely used WLS jingles.
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Bad quality for sure.
but remember… you get what you pay for
Bob,
Are you nuts?? This is pure classic material! I remember exactly what I was doing that month in 67 Chicago. I was also a “Riley Rebel Raider,” and the references to Clark Weber really bring back memories of the rivalry with the dreaded “Weber Commandos.”This was probably recorded off of a radio speaker at home on a tape recorder. That is what I used to do, and the only way to really still have anything like this available.
Bill Supernaw
Roosevelt High School (at that time)
Wow…what memories. I listend to WLS in Iowa on an old radio that was permanently tuned to 890. The tuning knob had broken and I didn’t mind. Used to also listen to KAAY and KOMA as they were also 50,000 watt night timers that came in loud and clear in the SE part of the Hawkeye state. Must have been inspired by Art Roberts, Dex Card, Ron Riley and Clark Weber…I went on to become a military radio/TV broadcaster for 23 years.
Thanks for posting this – what a piece of classic WLS. I don’t mind the quality, that’s what WLS ALWAYS sounded like where I lived.
I believe Ron Riley was gone from WLS soon after this aircheck. John Rook had arrived in 1967 and didn’t fire anyone right away, but early in 1968 Chuck Buell replaced Rockin’ Ron, who followed Clark Weber to WCFL.
Steve – It looks like this aircheck is from December 10 – Ron mentiones the date after “Daydream Believer” (a little past half way through)
Good stuff !!
I still have my Ron Riley Batman Club pin.
I think it was 7pm to 9pm that Ron was on WLS. In rural NE Louisiana I treasured my little 9 volt radio that was locked on WLS. There isn’t the
caliber of personality Ron Riley and Art Roberts provided to their listeners.
It’s the music of my life and the time of my life. Thanks Ron!!!