New documentary shines spotlight on iconic DJ Dick Biondi
Dick Biondi doing a 94.7 WLS-FM live remote.
Richard Orlando Biondi was born in Endicott, New York, in 1932 to Rose and Michael Biondi, a homemaker and a fireman. Growing up in the Italian neighborhood known as The Nob, Dick described himself as a kid who was always yakking. A devout Catholic, he intended to enter the priesthood. But things changed when 8-year-old Dick discovered a local radio station. Fascinated, he returned again and again. Until one day, he was invited into the studio and asked to read a commercial on the air. Upon returning home, his family announced, "We heard you on the radio!" Dick's dream of becoming a radio announcer was born at that moment.
In 1950 Biondi began his career playing "race" records in the deep South and soon after discovered rock' n' roll. At his early record hops, he introduced Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bobby Darin, and Paul Anka and continued promoting many artists' careers. In Buffalo, his Wild I-Tralian persona and 'sticking it to the boss' routine earned Biondi a reputation for being a rebel deejay. Finally, in 1961 and 62, Dick's dreams came true at WLS-AM in Chicago when his wildly popular radio show made him America's #1 Disc Jockey. In February 1963, Biondi became the first deejay to play a Beatles record in the U.S. In LA, he introduced the Beatles and the Rolling Stones in concert. Dick is proud to say he's been fired 25 times during his 6-decade career, often due to his hot temper and clashes with management. Yet, through the years, Biondi maintained his love of radio and music while creating a lasting bond with his audience.
A proud Italian-American who kept his real name throughout his career, Biondi brought unique entertainment to generations of radio listeners. He was exciting, fun, and loved to clown around, But Dick had a big heart when it came to young people. At his annual Dick Biondi Toy Drive, Dick brought Christmas joy to countless needy children. Always eager to help, Dick Biondi used his gifts to uplift and support others.
Biondi's remarkable story has been captured in a new documentary film spearheaded by former fan club president Pamela Enzweiler-Pulice who met Dick in 1960 and has remained a lifelong friend. Among the many high-powered interviewees are singers Tony Orlando, Frankie Valli, Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell, Beach Boys co-founders Brian Wilson and Al Jardine, David Letterman's sidekick and bandleader, Paul Shaffer, Comedian Tom Dreesen, Lead Singer Carl Giammarese and former lead singer Dennis Tufano of The Buckinghams, Grammy award-winning songwriter and artist Jim Peterik, and entertainment industry powerhouse, Ron Onesti. ™️THE VOICE THAT ROCKED AMERICA: THE DICK BIONDI STORY is slated for release in 2024 for broadcast on PBS, film festivals, streaming, and DVD.
To learn more, visit our website, watch our trailer, click the DONATE button to make a tax-deductible donation, and sign up for our email newsletter. For information about becoming an official sponsor, visit our Sponsor Page. https://www.dickbiondifilm.com/sponsorships-1 or contact us.
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CONTACT INFO:
Producer/Director Pamela Enzweiler-Pulice: pam(at)dickbiondifilm.com.
Director of Communications & Marketing, Joe Farina: joe(at)dickbiondifilm.com
Dick Biondi with Paul Revere and the Raiders band.
Dick Biondi introducing rock and roll to America’s teenagers.
You’ll never guess who presented Dick with the wild sweater he’s wearing on the cover of his 1963 album “Dick Biondi’s Favorites, The Teenagers”. . . my sister, my girlfriend Joan, and me!
The man behind the microphone, Richard Orlando Biondi.
The Pizza Song was written by Biondi with the help of his listeners. It sold 11,000 copies.
Dick clowning around with the Gayla Girls.
Dick with the Osmonds.
Biondi and fan club President, Pamela Enzweiler-Pulice, 1961.