Dick Biondi, the longtime Chicago radio host who rose in prominence to become one of America's most recognizable disc jockeys, died earlier this week, according to a longtime family friend.
Biondi, who became widely known as the "Wild I-tralian," moved to Chicago in 1960 and began working at WLS radio where he introduced listeners to rock and roll in 40 states through the radio station's powerful 50,000-watt signal, according to the Radio Hall of Fame.
While he made stops in Buffalo, New York, Los Angeles and South Carolina, the radio legend spent the majority of his 67-year career in Chicago. Biondi was the first U.S. disc jockey to play the Beatles, which he did on WLS in February of 1963. He was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1998.
Dave Plier, the board chair of the Chicago-based Museum of Broadcast Communications, released the following statement on Biondi's passing, calling him a "true radio legend."
"We lost a true radio legend. Radio Hall of Fame inductee Dick Biondi was one of the nation's most recognizable disc jockeys with an amazing career that spanned over nearly six decades. He was the first to make an impact on rock radio in Chicago and around the country via WLS radio's 50,000-watt signal. Biondi is credited as the first U.S. disc jockey to play the Beatles, on Chicago's WLS 890 AM in February of 1963. He was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1998. He was a great friend and longtime supporter of the Museum of Broadcast Communications and will be missed by radio listeners across the country."
Biondi died June 26 peacefully at home, his family friend.
Feeling out of the loop? We'll catch you up on the Chicago news you need to know. Sign up for the weekly Chicago Catch-Up newsletter here.
