Explore the vibrant musical history of Chicago with the launch of a groundbreaking three-book series, "The WLS/Z-95 1980s Music Surveys." This collection features full-size facsimiles of the iconic surveys that defined the city's music scene from 1980 to 1990.
This series showcases the vibrant music scene of 1980s Chicago through detailed weekly surveys. It highlights the influence of radio, record sales, and listener preferences. The distribution of WLS Music Surveys in record stores illustrates the dynamic relationship between radio airplay, sales, and audience tastes. Airplay on WLS and inclusion in the survey significantly increased exposure for local artists and helped advance their careers, fostering a sense of community among music fans.
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
The first book in the series captures the essence of the early 1980s, featuring the weekly WLS Music Surveys distributed to record stores and eagerly collected by fans. These surveys are more than just lists of popular songs; they are tangible artifacts that reflect the power of radio, the influence of record sales, and the tastes of a
The first book in the series captures the essence of the early 1980s, featuring the weekly WLS Music Surveys distributed to record stores and eagerly collected by fans. These surveys are more than just lists of popular songs; they are tangible artifacts that reflect the power of radio, the influence of record sales, and the tastes of a generation. This volume provides a unique window into the past, showcasing the dynamic interplay between radio, record sales, and listener preferences.
The second installment explores the mid-1980s, a transformative period for popular music. This volume emphasizes the significant impact of the WLS Music Surveys on the local music scene, including their role in boosting songs and albums to greater popularity and solidifying artists' success. It also analyzes how these surveys cultivated a
The second installment explores the mid-1980s, a transformative period for popular music. This volume emphasizes the significant impact of the WLS Music Surveys on the local music scene, including their role in boosting songs and albums to greater popularity and solidifying artists' success. It also analyzes how these surveys cultivated a sense of community among Chicago music fans, providing a shared experience and connection to the vibrant local music scene.
The final book in this series transitions to the late 1980s and early 1990s, highlighting the Z-95 Music Surveys. Despite their eventual disappearance, these surveys are important in Chicago's musical history. They provide a valuable insight into the musical tastes and cultural trends of the era, maintaining a tangible connection to the p
The final book in this series transitions to the late 1980s and early 1990s, highlighting the Z-95 Music Surveys. Despite their eventual disappearance, these surveys are important in Chicago's musical history. They provide a valuable insight into the musical tastes and cultural trends of the era, maintaining a tangible connection to the past. Collectors and music enthusiasts will appreciate this volume as a tribute to the enduring appeal of popular music and the influence of radio. t poptoptunes, we have a team of talented writers, editors, and designers who are passionate about books and literature. Our team is dedicated to bringing you the latest news, reviews, and recommendations.
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 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 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.
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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