Big Ron O’Brien on WCFL | 1976
1976 - The final year that WCFL played Top 40. Before flaming out, this was an incredible station - fast paced, screamin’ jocks, and a harder edge to the music than even crosstown WLS, which billed itself as the “Rock of Chicago”. Unfortunately for all of us who loved the format, the American Federation of Labor Union that owned the station was pretty much finished with playing radio, and WCFL was just about done with Rock music in general. That story we’ll tell at another time.
By 1976, WCFL had fallen substantially in the ratings race, due to increased visibility and promotion by both WLS, and the emergence of FM Rock stations which were gaining prominence. You’d never notice if you were a listener to the Voice of Labor though, as you’ll hear in this short but high-energy scope of the late Big Ron O’Brien. This station was hotter than a firecracker.
This aircheck, we guarantee, has NEVER been shared with anyone before, and we thank contributor Keith Teicher for passing this never heard before recording along via our good site friend Matt Seinberg. Many thanks indeed!



Loved WCFL, Grew up with up it, and all the disc jockeys
Hi! Big Ron O’Brien SuperCFL Chicago, Listening To Unscoped Or Scoped Radio What’s On Radio! Love Christopher He Died Big Ron O’Brien April 27 2008 Last Sunday Is What’s Going On Passed Away!
Fantastic music
Fantastic deejay
Fantastic station
So sad the way radio has devolved.
Rest in Peace Big Ron ! I grew up listening to you on cfl …
Man, I thought it was ‘76 all over again!!!
Big Ron was awesome! So cool and so smooth!