Beverly Records Brings Legendary Dick Biondi Film to BAC November 14th

When radio was king in the 1960s, and rock ‘n’ roll was pushing the airwaves and formats in directions unforeseen, Chicago disk jockeys at Chicago powerhouse AM stations WLS and WCFL were nearly as popular as the artists.

Dick Biondi was just such a DJ and is the primary subject of “The Voice That Rocked America®: The Dick Biondi Film” - a one-hour documentary about the Hall of Fame radio disc jockey premiering in long form in the Baffes Theatre at host Beverly Arts Center Thursday, November 14, 2024, co-hosted by Beverly Records.

“Dick would have wanted a party, music and a heady discussion following the film,” said Jack Dreznes, owner of Beverly Records. “We have all of that and a community that embraces nostalgia and all the cool vibes that come with it.”

Filmmaker and director Pamela Enzweiler-Pulice brings the special screening to the community before it enjoys a broader release in coming months. She also serves as the film’s narrator.

The evening begins at 6 with a reception in the atrium, complete with catered food from 115 Bourbon Street, a cash bar and refreshments. At 7 p.m. the Fab-tones will play an extended set of 60’s hits in the Baffes Theatre, followed by a 7:30 screening of the film in its entirety. At 8:30 Chicago radio talent Scott Childers will moderate a discussion and field questions from audience members.

Enzweiler-Pulice will also share her life altering experience in meeting her idol, Biondi, decades earlier.

“Dick’s connection with audiences endured for six decades, and the bands he promoted have never forgotten his generosity,” said Enzweiler-Pulice.

“The Dick Biondi story we’ve weaved together is told through archival photos and footage, re-creations, and interviews with recording artists, and, of course, the master DJ himself or as he called himself the The Wild I-Tralian.”

Beach Boys founder Brian Wilson and Al Jardine are joined on film by Frankie Valli, Tony Orlando, entertainer Tom Dreesen and Chicago broadcasters Bob Sirott, John Records Landecker and DJ Scott Childers, as well as fans and friends. Stories of Little Richard and other artists whose careers were launched with the keen ear for talent of Biondi are shared in the film.

Biondi swooned Chicago audiences when transistor radios were as ubiquitous as today’s ear pods. With his distinctive voice, natural zest for life and an image akin to Buddy Holly, Biondi held sway over teens and young adults, many of whom would venture to the Chicago downtown studios where they could watch through the glass as their favorite DJs spin vinyl.

Biondi, a broadcasting living legend during his 67-year career, seemingly had his finger on the pulse of rock ’n’ roll in America. He died June 26, 2023. He was 90.

In the Chicago Sun-Times’ obituary penned by long-time media writer Robert Feder, Biondi was at his “peak as a nighttime personality on Top 40 powerhouse WLS 890-AM from 1960 to 1963. Biondi commanded an unheard-of 60 percent share of all listeners, attracting millions of adoring teens in 38 states and Canada. During that time, he was twice voted the No. 1 disc jockey in America by Billboard magazine.

“Influential in advancing the careers of Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly and Jerry Lee Lewis, among many others, Biondi was the first disc jockey to play the Beatles on American radio, debuting “Please Please Me” in February 1963. He emceed the Beatles and Rolling Stones in concert.”

Enzweiler-Pulice grew up listening to Dick Biondi on a transistor radio under her pillow and later started a Dick Biondi Fan Club.

“In 2014 Dick agreed to let me tell his story, and gave me a list of his friends to interview, including celebrated radio and television stars,” said Enzweiler-Pulice.

According to reports, Biondi, who claimed to have been fired from 25 radio stations over his lifetime, never wanted to retire and rarely took vacations. Until he was sidelined with health issues in April 2017, he was still kicking out classic hits at WLS 94.7-FM.

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A merchandise table for official film swag and raffle items will be available. Get a free raffle ticket at Beverly Records, 11612 S. Western or Nicky’s of Beverly 105th & Western Chicago, IL.

Beverly Arts Center

2407 W 111th St., Chicago, IL 60643

Phone: 773-445-3838

For tickets, visit: https://beverlyartscenter.org