Elect Dick Biondi Mayor

Red, white and blue background with yellow and blue text and white stars and an brown illustration of buildings

Richard "Dick" Biondi (1932–2023) was a legendary radio disc jockey, best known as one of the original rock ’n’ roll DJs and for helping shape Chicago’s radio sound. Nicknamed “The Wild I-tralian” for his high-energy style, quick wit, and playful personality, Biondi became a household name in 1960 at WLS-AM 890, where he was among the first U.S. DJs to play the Beatles. Over his seven-decade career, he worked at powerhouse stations across the country, including KRLA Los Angeles, WIBG Philadelphia, WKBW Buffalo, and WCFL, WJMK & WLS-FM in Chicago. Beloved by listeners and artists alike, Biondi was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 1998. His larger-than-life presence, boundless enthuasm, and passion for rock ’n’ roll earned him the title of “The Screamer” and made him one of radio’s most enduring icons.
The “Dick Biondi for Mayor” movement began after a September 30th, 2010 episode of the Late Show with David Letterman. During a discussion of Rahm Emanuel’s announced run for Chicago mayor, Letterman began thinking of name of past Chicago Mayors, during which the Late Show bandleader Paul Shaffer shouted “Dick Biondi!” as a joke. The joke inspired WLS Historian and radio personality, Scott Childers to create the campaign button and the image was posted allover social media. Though Biondi had no plans to run for Mayor of Chicago, the button was a fun piece of radio memorabilia.