[Description by Uncle Ricky]
The Duke of Louisville, Bill Bailey, (WKLO, WAKY) is heard in this rare aircheck of WLS/Chicago, from August 1, 1969. Contributor Bob Jones writes that when he recorded this, he didn’t realize Bailey had only been on The Big 89 for a few days. Bailey left WKLO in Louisville for WLS, and returned to WAKY in Louisville after Chicago.
If you never heard WLS during the day in 1969, you may be surprised at the heavily “adult” focus of this morning show. The fidelity is very narrowband, but the quality of performers here is outstanding. In addition to the distinctive voice of The Duke, this aircheck includes complete features from ABC Radio veterans Howard Cosell, Paul Harvey, and Lyle Dean.
Bill Bailey suffered a stroke in 2004 and was partially paralyzed until his death on January 14, 2012.