Chicago's WLS Radio, Illinois (Images of America Series) »

Scott Childers, a lifelong Chicagoan, grew up under the influence of WLS. Childers produced the History of WLS Radio Web site, a comprehensive look at the station's rich past. He delivered news and traffic on WLS in the mid-1990s and in 2007 was tapped as the lead historical consultant for the daylong Big 89 Rewind special on Memorial Day. He has also served as a consultant for many television projects that have focused on WLS and The National Barn Dance.

From its early days as the farmer's companion to over a quarter century as the nation's premier rock-and-roll station, WLS has touched the lives of millions of listeners. Many well-known celebrities, like Gene Autry, owe their careers to the Big 89, through the famous Saturday night program The National Barn Dance. Local personalities such as Dick Biondi, Larry Lujack, and John Records Landecker became household names thanks to Chicago's 50,000-watt blowtorch. The images in Chicago's WLS Radio scan the entire history of the station, featuring engaging hosts, the biggest stars, and lots of fun. The book also covers WLS's move in the 1990s to become a leader in the news and talk format.