This four-book series features full-size facsimiles of WLS Musicradio surveys. Explore the early, mid, and late 1970s to witness the evolution of playlists and popular artists. Delve into the cultural impact of WLS surveys highlighting the station's significant role in shaping Chicago's music scene.
This series features full-size reproductions of WLS Musicradio surveys, providing a week-by-week account of Chicago's evolving musical landscape. These surveys document the changes in popular genres, ranging from the British Invasion and Motown to rock and early disco, showcasing the rise of legendary artists through the lens of Chicago's most influential radio station. Discover the impact of iconic DJs such as Larry Lujack and John "Records" Landecker and witness the transformation of the "Silver Dollar Survey" into the "WLS Hit Parade." Explore Chicago's unique local music scene and the vital role of radio stations and venues in helping local bands succeed. This series offers a nostalgic journey into an era when radio and physical records held significant influence, highlighting WLS's lasting legacy.
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.
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.comor contact: Rich Gardner, rich.gardner@poptoptunes.com
This is the fourth installment in a series of books providing full-size facsimiles of the surveys sent to record stores and collected by record buyers weekly. These WLS Musicradio Surveys feature Chicago's most popular songs and albums, upcoming concert events, and radio station details.
The WLS Music Survey from 1976 to 1979 experienced s
This is the fourth installment in a series of books providing full-size facsimiles of the surveys sent to record stores and collected by record buyers weekly. These WLS Musicradio Surveys feature Chicago's most popular songs and albums, upcoming concert events, and radio station details.
The WLS Music Survey from 1976 to 1979 experienced significant changes compared to the first three-quarters of the decade, highlighting shifts in popular genres, emerging artists, and evolving musical tastes. These trends illustrate the diverse and dynamic nature of the music scene in the late 1970s, with various genres and styles coexisting and influencing each other.
Step back to the golden era of Chicago radio with this captivating collection of facsimile surveys. It delves into the vibrant history of WLS-AM 890, a powerhouse Top 40 station that shaped the Midwest’s music scene. Relive the dynamic shifts of the early 1970s, when WLS faced fierce competition from rival WCFL, only to reclaim its throne
Step back to the golden era of Chicago radio with this captivating collection of facsimile surveys. It delves into the vibrant history of WLS-AM 890, a powerhouse Top 40 station that shaped the Midwest’s music scene. Relive the dynamic shifts of the early 1970s, when WLS faced fierce competition from rival WCFL, only to reclaim its throne as Chicago's leading station.
Discover how Program Director Tommy Edwards revitalized the station's sound, introduced engaging personalities like Bob Sirott, Steve King, and Yvonne Daniels, and refined playlists to reflect the diverse genres of the time—pop, rock, soul, and emerging disco. Explore iconic moments like the "Musicradio Lips" sticker campaign, listener contests, and the beloved "Animal Stories" segment, a hallmark of Larry Lujack's tenure.
WLS was a dominant Top 40 station from 1970 to 1972, featuring diverse music genres. The station's playlist included artists such as the Jackson 5, the Beatles, and Carole King. The survey format evolved, reducing listings from 40 to 15 by 1974, with no printed surveys from March 1972 to July 1973. Notable DJs included Larry Lujack and Jo
WLS was a dominant Top 40 station from 1970 to 1972, featuring diverse music genres. The station's playlist included artists such as the Jackson 5, the Beatles, and Carole King. The survey format evolved, reducing listings from 40 to 15 by 1974, with no printed surveys from March 1972 to July 1973. Notable DJs included Larry Lujack and John “Records” Landecker, who contributed to the station's popularity. The Silver Dollar Survey was a key feature from 1960 to 1972 and was rebranded several times. The survey's format changed over the years, reflecting the dynamic music landscape. WLS utilized creative contests and jingles to engage listeners and build loyalty.
WLS was a prominent radio station known for its vibrant personalities and music surveys. The document of survey facsimiles
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.
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.
The WLS Silver Dollar Surveys Series: The Sixties 1960-1969 is a captivating three-volume series that provides a deep dive into the history and profound cultural impact of the WLS Silver Dollar Survey on Chicago's dynamic music scene throughout the transformative 1960s.
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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