Radio Active

You know you're getting old when many of your former colleagues and acquaintances in this business begin forming a line that leads to that big radio station in the sky.

Recently, we lost another great one. Wally Phillips, who for more than 20 years held the number one spot in the Chicago radio market, passed away. He was 82.

Wally arrived at WGN Radio from Cincinnati's WLW in 1956. He was accompanied by Bob "Bozo the Clown" Bell who wound up on WGN's TV side and, although I really can't consider Wally a colleague as we never actually worked together, we would often meet at a local restaurant on Chicago's north side. A relaxing breakfast and each of us would depart for our respective radio jobs.

Phillips was often considered to be the "inventor" of the modern radio talk show -- although my mentor Howard Miller would probably disagree -- he'd say it was he!

So, farewell, Wally. We'll dearly miss you. Many are saying, it's the end of an era. When I go, folks will simply say, it's the end!

Dave Allen, Radio Daddio