Introducing the Definitive Collection of WLS Surveys 1960-1990: 9-Book Series

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Introducing the Definitive Collection

WLS Silver Dollar surveys 1960's (Three-Book Series )

This three-volume series meticulously chronicles the history and cultural impact of the WLS Silver Dollar Survey on Chicago's vibrant music scene during the transformative 1960s. Volume 9 delves into the survey's origins and evolution from 1960 to 1963, highlighting WLS's pivotal shift to a Top 40 format.

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The Sixties (1960-1969) WLS Silver Dollar Surveys Series Vol. 9, Vol. 8 & Vol. 7

This series delves into the significant cultural impact of the WLS Silver Dollar Survey on Chicago's vibrant music scene in the 1960s. Key highlights include WLS's transition to the Top 40 rock and roll format, the establishment of its influential early DJs, and the innovative Silver Dollar Survey, which served as an essential marketing tool. The survey is a crucial document of Chicago's growing music culture, charting the rise of rock, the British Invasion, and soul music. It fostered a sense of community, and its collectability emphasizes its historical significance. The series concludes the decade with a complete collection of the WLS Hit Parade. During this era, social and political upheaval was reflected in the music, alongside the ongoing influence of the British Invasion. The emergence of the "Chicago Sound" was marked by bands like The Buckinghams and Chicago.

About The Author

  Rich Gardner is a passionate music enthusiast who has been deeply connected to radio and music since the 1960s. His love for music began in childhood when he listened to WLS-AM 890 and WCFL, often accompanying his father in the family car. This early exposure sparked a lifelong hobby of collecting phonographs, records, music surveys, and memorabilia. Rich's connection to the music is profound. He actively pursued his passion by collecting WLS Surveys from the 1970s through the 1980s, compiling his lists from countdown shows, and placing ads in the Chicago Reader during the 1980s to locate older surveys. He went to great lengths to preserve and recreate missing surveys using modern technology, demonstrating his dedication to documenting and sharing the history of Chicago radio and music for others to enjoy.

Rediscover the music that defined a generation. Order your copies today!

  

Each WLS/Z-95 Music Surveys volume (1-9) is available in Kindle, paperback, and hardcover formats. 


Whether you're a longtime fan of Chicago's music scene or a new enthusiast, this collection is essential for anyone interested in the rich history of popular music.


Available from

Independent Book and Record Stores

or

www.amazon.com/author/poptoptunes


Contact Information For more information, datasheets, review copies, or interview requests, please click on  www.poptunes.com or contact: Rich Gardner, rich.gardner@poptoptunes.com

Three Book Series

WLS Silver Dollar Surveys Vol 7. 1967-1969 WLS’ OFFICIAL PLAY LIST

WLS Silver Dollar Surveys Vol 7. 1967-1969 WLS’ OFFICIAL PLAY LIST

WLS Silver Dollar Surveys Vol 8. 1964-1966 The bright sound of Chicago Radio

WLS Silver Dollar Surveys Vol 8. 1964-1966 The bright sound of Chicago Radio

Vol. 7 chronicles the history and significance of WLS radio surveys, focusing on Chicago's music scene from 1967 to 1969. It includes a complete collection of facsimiles.


The late 1960s in Chicago were marked by social and political change, reflected in the shifts in popular music, including the British Invasion and the rise of various gen

Vol. 7 chronicles the history and significance of WLS radio surveys, focusing on Chicago's music scene from 1967 to 1969. It includes a complete collection of facsimiles.


The late 1960s in Chicago were marked by social and political change, reflected in the shifts in popular music, including the British Invasion and the rise of various genres. WLS transitioned to a Top 40 format, competing with WCFL, which adopted a similar format. The surveys remain vital to Chicago's radio history, highlighting the competitive AM radio landscape.

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WLS Silver Dollar Surveys Vol 8. 1964-1966 The bright sound of Chicago Radio

WLS Silver Dollar Surveys Vol 8. 1964-1966 The bright sound of Chicago Radio

WLS Silver Dollar Surveys Vol 8. 1964-1966 The bright sound of Chicago Radio

WLS Silver Dollar Surveys Vol 8. 1964-1966 The bright sound of Chicago Radio

The eighth installment continues to explores the significance of these WLS Silver Dollar Survey facsimiles between 1964 and 1966, Chicago music culture, and their impact.


The WLS Silver Dollar Survey is a significant cultural artifact that documents the evolving music scene in Chicago. The survey reported the rise of rock, British Invasion

The eighth installment continues to explores the significance of these WLS Silver Dollar Survey facsimiles between 1964 and 1966, Chicago music culture, and their impact.


The WLS Silver Dollar Survey is a significant cultural artifact that documents the evolving music scene in Chicago. The survey reported the rise of rock, British Invasion, and soul music during the 1960s. It fostered community and shaped identities as WLS DJs became influential tastemakers. The survey's collectability highlights its historical significance and connection to the transformative music of the decade. WLS's success in the Top 40 format sparked competition, leading to WCFL's switch to the same format in 1965.

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WLS Silver Dollar Surveys Vol 9. 1960-1963 CHICAGO AUTHENTIC

WLS Silver Dollar Surveys Vol 9. 1960-1963 CHICAGO AUTHENTIC

WLS Silver Dollar Surveys Vol 8. 1964-1966 The bright sound of Chicago Radio

WLS Silver Dollar Surveys Vol 9. 1960-1963 CHICAGO AUTHENTIC

 The ninth and last volume chronicles the history and significance of the WLS Silver Dollar Survey's evolution from 1960 to 1963 in Chicago's Top 40 radio.

WLS transitioned from agricultural programming to Top 40 rock and roll in 1960. WLS became a leading Top 40 station in Chicago with a powerful 50,000-watt signal. The first DJs included

 The ninth and last volume chronicles the history and significance of the WLS Silver Dollar Survey's evolution from 1960 to 1963 in Chicago's Top 40 radio.

WLS transitioned from agricultural programming to Top 40 rock and roll in 1960. WLS became a leading Top 40 station in Chicago with a powerful 50,000-watt signal. The first DJs included Mort Crowley, Dick Biondi, and Ron Riley, among others. 


The Silver Dollar Survey, first issued on October 14, 1960, listed the top 40 songs weekly and was integral to the rise of Chicago's Top 40 radio. The survey became a cultural artifact reflecting the tastes of 1960s youth culture and solidified WLS's position as a dominant voice in rock and roll, creating a sense of community. Its presence in local music scenes highlighted the survey's impact on shaping musical tastes.

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DOWNLOAD data sheets

Whether you're a longtime fan of Chicago's music scene or a new enthusiast, this collection is essential for anyone interested in the rich history of popular music.

WLS Silver Dollar Surveys Vol 7. 1967-1969 WLS’ OFFICIAL PLAY LIST (pdf)

Download

WLS Silver Dollar Surveys Vol 8. 1964-1966 The bright sound of Chicago Radio (pdf)

Download

The WLS Silver Dollar Surveys Vol 9. 1960-1963 CHICAGO AUTHENTIC (pdf)

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Check out the 1970 and 1980 series

WLS Hit Parade Music Surveys Series: The Seventies 1970-1979

WLS Hit Parade Music Surveys Series: The Seventies 1970-1979

Chicago WLS / Z-95 Music Surveys Series: The Eighties 1980-1990

Chicago WLS / Z-95 Music Surveys Series: The Eighties 1980-1990

The WLS Hit Parade Music Surveys Series: The Seventies 1970-1979 immerses you in the golden age of Chicago radio with this meticulously curated three-volume series, presenting full-size facsimile reproductions of WLS Musicradio surveys from the pivotal 1970s.

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Chicago WLS / Z-95 Music Surveys Series: The Eighties 1980-89

Chicago WLS / Z-95 Music Surveys Series: The Eighties 1980-1990

Chicago WLS / Z-95 Music Surveys Series: The Eighties 1980-1990

Chicago WLS / Z-95 Music Surveys Series: The Eighties 1980-1990

The Chicago WLS / Z-95 Music Surveys Series: The Eighties 1980-1990 captures the vibrant 1980s Chicago music scene through full-size weekly surveys. These artifacts reveal radio's power, record sales influence, and listener tastes, offering a valuable glimpse into the cultural trends of an era dominated by radio and physical media.

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Also See...

WXRT Featured Artist Cards 1976-1988

The monthly Featured Artist Card was a printed promotional item carried by leading record stores in the WXRT broadcasting area. These popular cards were a unique way for fans to stay on top of their favorite established artists while learning about new and up-and-coming artists.  

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Chasing the Top 40 Front Cover
America's Hits (1970-1988) Weekly Countdown

"Chasing the Top 40"

Discover the latest music trends, artist spotlights, and exclusive content at poptoptunes. Join our community of music lovers and explore the sounds that inspire you!

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