March 31- Goodbye to Wally

Near the end of last week, word came out that a true Chicago radio giant –Wally Phillips- had passed away. Though enough time has passed that there are people who aren’t familiar with Wally, the man is truly a legend-his work at WGN radio was really the cornerstone (along with Cubs games) of the great success of the station, and it is still thriving off the momentum he created.
When Wally was first here in town, he used to do comedy bits on TV with Bob Bell- yes, the same Bob Bell who was Chicago’s definitive Bozo! His greatest fame came as morning personality at WGN, though-and his astronomical ratings have yet to be surpassed.
I was only around Wally a couple times- once being at a “Taste of Chicago” broadcast. For the many who have only heard me as a guest on WGN radio, with my friends like Steve and Johnnie, Nick DiGilio, and Dean Richards, you might not know that I had a few go-rounds as a fill-in personality at that station (my joke has always been that I was “disowned” from the “WGN Family” more times than anybody else!) When I was doing fill-in, I’d sometimes use the same sound effects that I’ve used in all my TV shows. A management type there took me aside one day, and said that it really wasn’t a good idea. “Why?” I asked, confused “I’ve used those on all the radio and TV stuff I’ve done!” The person explained that listeners would think I was trying to crab Wally’s act, since he used  “drop-ins” as they were called all the time. I argued that TONS of radio guys used them, and that it wasn’t just an exclusive deal to Wally- and the person replied, quite logically “Yes, but to a lot of people who listen to our station- all they’ve ever known was Wally.” It was true- these people weren’t “button-pushers”- all they listened to was WGN, and Wally.
He was a very clever guy in his hey-day, which makes the reports that he was suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease before his passing even sadder. Though many of us would parody him, joking about giving people the loads of freebies in his “prize list”-he undeniably made a personal connection with his many listeners, who appreciated his warmth and humor. He provided something that so much morning radio  (and radio in general) lacks these days- both entertainment and service to his listeners. He didn’t have to convince a wacky sidekick to eat a light bulb, or play cruel tricks on people. The man was a true professional.
I always remember a great story about him- the record companies used to send pre-recorded “interviews” to stations,
With a script so the air personality could insert the questions and make it seem like the star was really there with him. Wally had one of these with Doris Day, and, when it came time for him to read the scripted line asking if she had a new record out- Wally simply said “Well, you certainly have a good head on your shoulders!” To which pre-recorded Doris replied, “Yes, in fact- I have two!” You gotta love it- so long, Wally. You’ve done something that all us other broadcasters can only hope for- you really meant something to Chicago.