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 from the gritty studios of Detroit to the helm of legendary stations like CKLW and WKLO, where he not only entertained millions but also mentored a generation of broadcasters. As we profile this enduring figure for our readers in the broadcasting trade, it’s clear that Hennes’ story is one of reinvention, resilience, and an unyielding passion for the medium. (Note: While initial research pointed to variant spellings like “Henness,” exhaustive verification across industry archives confirms the correct spelling as “Bill Hennes.”)

 Early Life and the Spark of a Radio Obsession

Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan—the heart of Motown and automotive grit—Hennes discovered his calling early. As a teenager in the late 1950s, he was captivated by the pulsating rhythms of rock ‘n’ roll emanating from local airwaves. He began his career as a “kid DJ,” honing his skills in small-market Michigan stations. By 1960, he landed at WBRB in Detroit, where his energetic style started turning heads. Stints followed at stations like WLIN in Jackson, WJEF in Grand Rapids, and WTRX/WTAC in Flint, where he built a reputation as a dynamic air talent capable of connecting with listeners through humor, music, and unfiltered charisma.

Hennes’ persona as “Wild Willy” emerged during these formative years—a wild, unpredictable on-air character that mirrored the era’s cultural upheaval. He wasn’t just spinning records; he was creating an experience, blending fast-talking patter with the hits of the day. This alter ego would define his early career, drawing from the high-energy styles of pioneers like Alan Freed but infusing it with his own Midwestern flair. Personal details about Hennes’ life outside radio remain sparse—he’s a private man, now residing in Pompano Beach, Florida—but interviews reveal a lifelong dedication to the craft, often describing radio as his “first love” from childhood.

 Breaking Through: The Louisville and Detroit Years

Hennes’ big break came in 1966 when he joined WKLO in Louisville, Kentucky, as the nighttime jock under the “Wild Willy” banner. Owned by Great Trails Broadcasting, WKLO was a powerhouse Top 40 station with a crisp, great-sounding format that dominated the market. Hennes’ shifts were electric, filled with jingles, contests, and a persona that made listeners feel like they were part of an exclusive party. He left briefly in 1967 for WNHC in New Haven, Connecticut, where he continued as “Wild Willy Mitchell,” but returned to WKLO in 1971 as program director—a role that showcased his strategic mind.

As PD at WKLO until 1973, Hennes transformed the station into a ratings juggernaut, emphasizing tight playlists and personality-driven shows. Colleagues from this era remember him as a leader who fostered creativity while demanding excellence. Key team members included morning man Bill Bailey, middays host Carl Truman Wiglesworth, PM drive jock Mighty Mitch Michaels (Terrell Metheny), and overnighters like Dale Reeves and Jim Schneider during his first stint. In the ’70s run, he worked alongside PM driver Jim Rivers, Jonathan Stone, J.J. Wright, Chuck Stevens, and newsman Dave White. One standout was Chuck Brady, who later praised the “incredible team” Hennes led, crediting him for inspiring a collaborative vibe that made WKLO feel like family.

In 1973, Hennes crossed the border to CKLW in Windsor, Ontario—the legendary “Big 8” that blanketed Detroit with its 50,000-watt signal. As PD, he navigated the station through the competitive ’70s landscape, battling rivals like WDRQ. CKLW, owned by RKO General at the time, was known for its powerhouse lineup, and Hennes’ tenure included working with talents like Pat Holiday, Les Garland, Bill Gable, and Greg Aust, yep… that’s him, Chuck Mckay.

However, challenges arose; a ratings dip from 8.6 to 5.6 in 1975 led to his departure, a common fate in the cutthroat world of AM radio. Still, his programming acumen left an indelible mark, with Aust later recalling Hennes as a “super great programmer and musicologist” who excelled at spotting hits.

Expanding Horizons: Programming, Consulting, and Legacy

Hennes’ career didn’t slow after CKLW. He programmed stations across formats and markets: WIFI in Philadelphia, WGST in Atlanta, WMAQ/WKQX in Chicago, WNDE in Indianapolis, WBEN in Buffalo, KQV in Pittsburgh, WBZ in Boston, and even served as operations manager at WJW in Cleveland and WXYZ in Detroit—coming full circle to his hometown. He held national PD roles for Rahall Broadcasting and consulted for owners like Federated Media and Beasley. Mentors like consultant Bill Drake influenced his approach, teaching him the art of streamlined formats and audience engagement, as seen in Hennes’ involvement with RKO decisions in the late ’60s.

By the 1980s, Hennes founded Bill Hennes & Associates, advising stations on everything from CHR to Country. He served as President/Programming at Westwood One from 1994 to 2001, then launched AllAboutCountry.com in 2000—a pioneering site for Country music news. In 2012, he consolidated his expertise under BillHennesMedia.com, and more recently, created TodayHottestHits.com, streaming current hits and proving his adaptability in the digital age.

As a mentor, Hennes shaped countless careers. Greg Aust, who collaborated with him at CKLW, credits Hennes for guidance during pivotal moments. Reflecting on the ’70s era, many called him a “great consultant” whose strategies elevated stations along the way he has touched and consulted. Mentees often highlight his humor and decency, with one former colleague dubbing him “one of the funniest guys” in the business. While specific mentees aren’t always named, his PD roles at major outlets like CKLW and WKLO positioned him as a talent incubator, influencing broadcasters who went on to lead their own stations.

At his core, Bill Hennes was—and remains—a radio purist. His “Wild Willy” persona was more than a gimmick; it was a reflection of the joy he found in connecting with audiences. Off-air, he’s described as thoughtful and analytical, a “musicologist” who could predict hits and build formats that resonated. In an industry prone to burnout, Hennes’ longevity speaks volumes: from AM glory days to streaming innovation, he’s adapted without losing his edge.

Today, as radio grapples with podcasts and algorithms, Hennes’ story reminds us of the human element that made broadcasting magical. His legacy? A trail of hit stations, inspired colleagues, and a persona that still echoes in the ether. For those who’ve worked with him, Bill Hennes isn’t just a name—he’s the wild heart of radio itself.

Bill Hennes Sits Down With Radio Legend Pat Holiday

The above video features insights from a 2022 interview with Bill Hennes, with of Pat Holiday and Musiccon Academy. The video, titled “Bill Hennes | The Conversation,” is available on YouTube Special thanks to Pat Holiday for this firsthand look at Hennes’ reflections on his storied radio career.