Chris Larko’s Radio Odyssey

Chris Larko’s Radio Odyssey

The Little Guy with a Big Dream: Chris Larko’s Radio Odyssey On the gritty south side of Fort Wayne, Indiana, where perseverance was as common as the hum of factory shifts, Christopher “Chris” Larko came of age with scant resources but an unquenchable thirst for the airwaves. Nurtured in a single-parent household by his devoted mother, Roberta Louise (Brodbeck) Larko, following his father's departure, Chris navigated the challenges of a modest upbringing. Yet, amid the constraints, he discovered a boundless […]

August 25, 2025 47 7

5

Radio Legends

The Wild Ride of Bill Hennes

A Radio Icon's Decades-Long Journey Through the Airwaves In the pantheon of radio personalities who shaped the sound of Top 40 and beyond, few names evoke the raw energy and programming prowess quite like Bill Hennes. Known on-air as "Wild Willy" or "Wild Willy Mitchell," Hennes embodied the rebellious spirit of rock 'n' roll radio in the 1960s and '70s, transitioning from a high-octane DJ to a visionary program director and consultant. His career, spanning over six decades, took him […]

August 24, 2025 40 5

7

Radio Legends

Ronald Lee Gregory

Fort Wayne’s Radio Legend and Voice of Connection Dead at Age 77 On August 22, 2025, Fort Wayne, Indiana, bid farewell to Ronald Lee Gregory, a radio icon whose warm voice, quick wit, and genuine love for broadcasting touched countless lives. Passing at age 77, Gregory left behind a 45-year legacy that defined Midwest radio. Known for his versatility—wearing hats as a host, mentor, ham radio enthusiast, and station owner—Gregory’s journey from a college DJ to a beloved “WOWO Legend” […]

August 24, 2025 62 7

13

Radio History

Art Vuolo: Radio’s Best Friend

In the kaleidoscope of radio broadcasting, where voices crackle through the airwaves and personalities shape cultural moments, one man has stood quietly behind the scenes, camera in hand, preserving the heartbeat of an industry. Art Vuolo, Jr., affectionately dubbed “Radio’s Best Friend,” has spent over five decades capturing the essence of radio through his lens, amassing an unparalleled archive of video airchecks, radio conventions, and special events. His contributions extend far beyond mere documentation; Vuolo has woven himself into the […]

August 17, 2025 32 13

Radio Legends

Maxanne Sartori Rocked Boston and Beyond

In the buzzing world of Boston radio during the 1970s, one DJ stood out not just for her killer playlists but for her sheer guts and ear for the next big thing. Maxanne Sartori, with her infectious love for rock 'n' roll, turned afternoons on WBCN into must-listen hours, helping launch careers and proving women belonged behind the console. Her story is one of passion meeting opportunity, and it's still inspiring folks in the booth today. Sartori's radio journey kicked […]

August 17, 2025 32

1

Radio Legends

The Saga of Ed Christian

The Saga of Ed Christian: A Radio Pioneer’s Enduring Legacy In American radio broadcasting, few names resonate as powerfully as Ed Christian. As the founder, chairman, president, and CEO of Saga Communications, Christian’s career spanned over five decades, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. His journey from a teenage disc jockey to a titan of radio was marked by a relentless commitment to localism, innovative programming, and a leadership style that blended iconoclasm with compassion. Christian’s passing on […]

August 8, 2025 10 1

113

Radio History

WLS-AM: The Rock of Chicago

Pull up a chair, grab a coffee (or a slice of deep dish, if you’re into that sort of thing), and let’s talk about WLS-AM. For those of you too young to remember the glory days of Top 40 radio in Chicago, WLS was the “Rock of Chicago” for over two decades starting in the 1960s. It had legendary DJs, unforgettable stunts, and a format that many people turned to for their daily dose of new music. Today, we’re going to dive into […]

July 26, 2025 123 113

Radio History

KROY Radio: Sacramento’s Top 40 Station

KROY Radio: Sacramento’s Top 40 Station of the 1960s and 1970s KROY Radio (1240 AM) is one of Sacramento, California’s two most popular Top 40 radio stations of the 1960s and 1970s. Its selection of high-energy sound recordings, popular disc jockeys, and effective promotions earned the station an important place in the city’s cultural and musical history during its heyday in the area. This article is a retrospective review of the KROY Radio station, including its history and profiles […]

July 25, 2025 42

Radio Eras

Allentown’s Top 40 Powerhouse in the Lehigh Valley

The Golden Age of WAEB: Allentown’s Top 40 Powerhouse in the Lehigh Valley In the vibrant tapestry of American radio history, few stations capture the essence of a community’s spirit and the dynamism of the Top 40 format quite like WAEB in Allentown, Pennsylvania, during its peak in the 1960s and early 1970s. Known as “Music Radio 79 WAEB,” this AM station, broadcasting at 790 kHz, dominated the Lehigh Valley’s airwaves, becoming a cultural touchstone for the region’s youth and […]

July 3, 2025 43

Barry