The Southern Ontario/WNY Radio-TV Forum / Ex-Jocks John Landecker & Bob Sirott Reminisce About WLS' Glory Days

**Posted by RadioActive** July 11, 2025 2:23 pm

They were part of the greatest rivalry in Top 40 radio, the battles between WLS and WCFL in Chicago. On Thursday, veterans Bob Sirott and former CFTR morning man John "Records" Landecker spent over half an hour reminiscing about their incredible days in rock radio.

Landecker recalls his first night on the air, as well as why the first guy in charge refused to allow him to use his middle name - which really was "Records." While Sirott jokingly (?) laments that by the time they got to WLS, payola was over. And both remember the power of the Big 89's 50K signal.

I love stuff like this: two radio vets having a lot of fun trading stories on the air. Ironically, this show aired on what was once their most staid competition - WGN 720 AM.

For Radio Geeks Only: Bob Sirott and John Landecker team up to share stories from the 1970s

**Posted by RadioActive** July 11, 2025 2:31 pm

My favourite story has to be the part about "Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone" by Bill Withers. I wish I could have heard what they did with it. Hilarious!

**Posted by Binson Echorec** July 11, 2025 2:45 pm

How do you turn a duck into an R&B singer? Put it in the microwave until its Bill Withers.

**Posted by RadioActive** July 11, 2025 2:49 pm

The one I always heard was "Bill Withers - but so would you if they didn't water you enough."

**Posted by RadioActive** Yesterday 2:31 pm

It was a hit a month ago. So they're doing it again.

Former WLS jocks Bob Sirott and John Landecker (also a one time CFTR morning man) are getting back together for a "For Radio Geeks Only" on-air special. But unlike their previous show, this live program will run for a full three hours, as they take calls and reminisce about the glory days of AM rock and roll radio.

It airs Friday night (August 15th) from 8PM-12AM (Eastern) on 720 WGN Chicago. Among the guests: former jock Ron Riley another of the great Big 89 jocks back in the day. And the hosts pledge to play their favourite jingles during the show.

Odd to have one radio station honour a competitor, but the WLS of today is a very different animal than the one from the 60s and 70s.

You can read a preview of the show here and listen live online here.