Hour-long preview screening and discussion with filmmaker Pamela Pulice and journalist Robert Feder.
A full replay of the September 14 event.
Join us for a fascinating journey into the life and career of the legendary radio personality, Dick Biondi! You’ll be treated to a preview screening of excerpts from the upcoming documentary The Voice that Rocked America: The Dick Biondi Story. Get ready to be entertained and captivated as we delve into the stories and experiences that made him an icon in the music industry. And that’s not all! We are thrilled to have filmmaker Pamela Pulice and journalist Robert Feder (who is featured in the film) joining us, adding their unique insights and perspectives. So, mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable event!
Dick Biondi: the Voice That Rocked America
In 1950 Richard Orlando Biondi began his career playing “race” records in the deep South and soon after discovered rock’ n’ roll. At his early record hops, he introduced Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bobby Darin, and Paul Anka and continued promoting many artists’ careers. In Buffalo, his Wild I-Tralian persona and ‘sticking it to the boss’ routine earned Biondi a reputation for being a rebel deejay. Finally, in 1961 and 62, Dick’s dreams came true at WLS-AM in Chicago when his wildly popular radio show made him America’s #1 Disc Jockey. In February 1963, Biondi became the first deejay to play a Beatles record in the U.S. In LA, he introduced the Beatles and the Rolling Stones in concert. Dick was proud to say he’d been fired 25 times during his 6-decade career, often due to his hot temper and clashes with management. Yet, through the years, Biondi maintained his love of radio and music while creating a lasting bond with his audience.
Biondi’s remarkable story has been captured in a new documentary film spearheaded by former fan club president Pamela Enzweiler-Pulice, who met Dick in 1960 and has remained a lifelong friend. Among the many high-powered interviewees are singers Tony Orlando, Frankie Valli, Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell, Beach Boys co-founders Brian Wilson and Al Jardine, David Letterman’s sidekick and bandleader, Paul Shaffer, Comedian Tom Dreesen, Lead Singer Carl Giammarese and former lead singer Dennis Tufano of The Buckinghams, Grammy award-winning songwriter and artist Jim Peterik, and entertainment industry powerhouse, Ron Onesti. THE VOICE THAT ROCKED AMERICA: THE DICK BIONDI STORY is slated for release in 2023 for broadcast on PBS, film festivals, streaming, and DVD.
To learn more or to donate to help fund the completion of the film, visit their website.
Pamela Enzweiler-Pulice
Pamela Joy Pulice is an independent documentary filmmaker and the owner of Reel Stories Productions, LLC. Inspired by a special disc jockey who touched her young life in the sixties, Pam is currently producing and directing a documentary about the Wild I-Tralian, Dick Biondi. Largely self–taught, she came late to filmmaking and found her passion. Pam is a boomer who believes age can’t stop a woman on a mission — and her mission is to bring the Dick Biondi story to the screen for all to enjoy.
Robert Feder
Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. The revered John Callaway called him “one of the most powerful persons in Chicago broadcasting.” His authoritative and news-breaking column was considered a must-read throughout the industry. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here: https://robertfeder.dailyherald.com/
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