Rewound Radio Salutes WCFL: March 7 & 14

Chicago’s Rock & Roll Powerhouse

A Two-Part Salute on the Rewound Radio DJ Hall of Fame

This coming March, the USA Radio Museum proudly joins Rewound Radio in saluting one of the most innovative personality stations in radio history — Chicago’s legendary WCFL.

While WCFL began playing contemporary music in the mid-1960s, it shocked listeners on March 15, 1976, when it made the dramatic switch from Rock & Roll to Beautiful Music. It was a remarkable run — and one that helped define an era of personality-driven Top 40 radio.

From “The Voice of Labor” to Rock & Roll Giant

WCFL signed on in 1926 as a listener-supported station operated by the Chicago Federation of Labor. For decades, it carried a variety of programming, but everything changed in 1965.

Under the visionary leadership of Programming Director Ken Draper, WCFL transformed into a Rock & Roll powerhouse. Draper built a station driven by personality, production innovation, and aggressive music programming — a true challenger to Chicago’s dominant “Big 89,” WLS.

Broadcasting with 50,000 watts, WCFL’s signal blanketed much of the eastern United States and parts of Canada at night. For over a decade, it provided formidable competition to WLS, combining high-energy music with strong news commitment.

WCFL was also instrumental in breaking local talent. Early airplay went to Chicagoland favorites including:

• The Buckinghams

• The Cryan’ Shames

• New Colony Six

• The Ides of March

• Chicago

The station’s creativity extended beyond music. Comedy producer Dick Orkin created the wildly popular “Chickenman” series at WCFL. The character became so successful that it was syndicated nationally and internationally — proof that CFL wasn’t just competing, it was innovating.

The Shift That Marked the End of an Era

By the mid-1970s, AM radio faced new challenges. FM stations offered static-free stereo sound, and listeners increasingly migrated to the FM band for rock music.

On March 15, 1976, WCFL ended its Rock & Roll era and transitioned to Beautiful Music — a format change that stunned loyal listeners. It marked the end of one of the most dynamic chapters in Chicago radio history.

Nearly 50 years later, the impact of that moment still resonates.

In recognition of its influence, WCFL was inducted into the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 Radio Station Hall of Fame this past year — an honor long overdue and richly deserved.

A Two-Part Tribute on Rewound Radio

Rewound Radio’s DJ Hall of Fame will present a special two-week salute to WCFL this March.

Part One – March 7

Noon–3pm Eastern

We revisit the golden years, 1966–1972, featuring classic airchecks from WCFL legends including:

• Barney Pip

• Jim Stagg

• “King B” Ron Britain

• Joel Sebastian

• Bob Dearborn

• “The Wild I-tralian” Dick Biondi

Listeners will also hear historical reflections and insights from many of these personalities, along with a tribute to the comedic genius of Dick Orkin, Chickenman and top commercial producer.

Part Two – March 14

Noon–3pm Eastern

The salute continues just one day before the 50th anniversary of WCFL’s format change.

The program begins with a 2009 edition of Radio Recall, produced by Jim Hampton of the USA Radio Museum, featuring a compelling interview with Ken Draper. Draper shares the behind-the-scenes story of how WCFL was built into one of the most innovative personality stations of its time.

Then, we travel back to March 15, 1976 to hear:

• Bob Dearborn’s final words

• Larry Lujack’s last DJ show on WCFL

These historic broadcasts capture the emotional close of WCFL’s Rock & Roll era — just before the station signed off on Top 40 forever.

The tribute concludes with a fast-paced DJ montage featuring virtually every major air personality who helped define WCFL from the mid-1960s through the mid-1970s. It moves quickly — so be sure to listen with both ears.

“Big Ten WCFL” — and Later, “Super CFL”

WCFL was more than a station. It was a movement. A training ground. A proving ground. A rival that forced excellence from its competitors.

From “The Voice of Labor” to “Big Ten WCFL” to “Super CFL,” its influence on personality radio remains undeniable.

Join Rewound Radio’s DJ Hall of Fame on March 7 and March 14, Noon to 3pm Eastern, as we celebrate a station that helped shape the sound, style, and spirit of American Top 40 radio.

Because while formats may change, great radio never fades.

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