Special Screening of Dick Biondi Doc at Lyric Theater Blue Island

Think you know radio history?

Think you know radio station call letters like WLS or WCFL?

Think you know the on-air talent that filled Chicago airwaves dating back to the 1960?

Then get over to Beverly Records to answer fun trivia questions and win tickets to The Lyric Theater Blue Island for a private showing of “The Voice That Rocked America®: The Dick Biondi Film” - a one-hour documentary.

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

“The Voice That Rocked America®: The Dick Biondi Film” – will be screened Thursday, June 12, 2025, co-hosted by Beverly Record and featuring special guest appearances. Doors open at 6 p.m. for the all-ages show in the exquisite theater located at 12952 S. Western Avenue in Blue Island. Ronnie B. Elvis will open with a live performance at 7 p.m. and the film is scheduled for 8 p.m.

Enzweiler will moderate a question-and-answer session with the audience after the documentary.

“Dick loved engaging the crowds and would have wanted every question answered in a discussion after the film,” said Jack Dreznes, owner of Beverly Records. “When you hear Dick Biondi’s voice crackle through the speakers it takes you back to sock hops, Mustang convertibles, the Twist and the most exciting records defining a rock ‘n roll era.

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

“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.

Tickets for seat or booth selections are accessed at:

The Lyric Theater

https://www.lyrictheater.com