John Landecker and Bob Sirott Reunite on WGN to Talk WLS and Chicago Radio Glory Days Radio history came alive on WGN Radio recently as two of Chicag
John Landecker and Bob Sirott Reunite on WGN to Talk WLS and Chicago Radio Glory Days
Radio history came alive on WGN Radio recently as two of Chicago’s most iconic voices—John Records Landeckerand Bob Sirott—joined forces for a special show fittingly titled “For Radio Geeks Only.” The program was a nostalgic deep-dive into the golden era of Chicago broadcasting, with a particular focus on their shared time at the legendary WLS MusicRadio 89.
Broadcast live from WGN’s studios, the conversation between Landecker and Sirott was less an interview and more an animated reunion between two longtime friends and colleagues who helped define what Top 40 radio sounded like in the Midwest during the 1970s and early ’80s.
Landecker, known for his high-energy delivery and signature catchphrase “Records truly is my middle name,” was a prime-time fixture at WLS during its Top 40 heyday. Sirott, who would later become a TV news anchor and host, got his start as a WLS “Silver Dollar Survey” DJ before transitioning to television—and now hosts mornings on WGN.
“For Radio Geeks Only” lived up to its name as the duo traded stories about WLS’s electric atmosphere, the pressure of reaching millions of listeners across 38 states, and the creative freedom they had in an era before corporate playlists and automation. They recalled legendary promotions, outrageous stunts, and the sheer power of AM radio before FM took hold.
Listeners were treated to behind-the-scenes stories about working with fellow legends like Larry Lujack, Tommy Edwards, and Fred Winston. They laughed about call-in pranks, hotlines that rang directly to the control room, and how jingles, carts, and reverb helped define the WLS sound.
For fans of radio history, the show was a treasure trove of anecdotes and personality. For Landecker and Sirott, it was a chance to reflect on a time when radio was king—and they were at the center of it.
“Back then, it wasn’t just a job,” Landecker said. “It was a mission. We were in people’s cars, bedrooms, kitchens…we were part of their lives.”
“And we did it with vinyl,” Sirott added with a grin.
While both men have evolved with the times, their passion for radio hasn’t faded. The show ended with calls and messages from fans across generations—some who grew up with them, and others who discovered them later. For one night on WGN, the magic of WLS returned, carried by two of the voices that helped make it unforgettable.
Take a listen.
