By Bruce Warren, Program Director for WXPN

WIBG – Philadelphia’s Top Music Men

Philadelphia has always had some of the greatest radio stations in the country. And growing up in Philly during the Sixties and early Seventies you had two incredible AM radio stations to listen to – either “Famous 56″ – WFIL or “WIBG” aka “Wibbage.”

Me? I was mostly a WFIL guy. Like millions of Philadelphians I would flip back and forth over the years; however, I always had a preference for “Wiffle” and their incredible line-up. My favorite “Boss Jocks” were George Michael and Long John Wade, but I grew to have an affinity for many of the others including: Banana Joe, Hy Lit, Joe Niagra, Brother Lee Love, “Diamond Jim Nettleton”, Jim O’Brien, Jay Cook, “Dandy” Don Donovan, Tom Donahue, Dave Parks, Dr. Don Rose, J.J. Jeffrey, Jerry Stevens, and our very own Geator With The Heater, Boss With The Hot Sauce. WFIL also launched the careers of Bob Horn and Dick Clark, who went on to host “Bandstand”, and George Michael went on to host “The George Michael Sports Machine”.

I have always said that the mark of a great station is that you feel like you missed something if you didn’t tune in on a particular day, and I never wanted to miss anything on WFIL. I listened morning and night. I loved their contests and promotions. Who could forget the May 1975 “Helping Hand” marathon with special guest John Lennon? And who could also forget the classic jingles? I can still remember their “Call For Action” telephone hotline jingle and the number itself – “Greenwood 7 -5312″.

These days, WFIL and WIBG are both Christian radio stations; however, back in the day, it was all about the music. The personalities were as large, if not larger, than the music itself. And to this day when you meet any Philadelphian who grew up during this time, the conversation sparks huge debates amongst WFIL and WIBG listeners. Tell us which one of these stations was your favorite and share your memories about your favorite Boss Jocks with us.

Related links:
Philaradio.com
“Famous 56″ – WFIL
Philly’s Legendary “Boss Jocks”
Classic WFIL Airchecks
Philadelphia Radio Broadcast Pioneers
Classic WIBG airchecks

Pictures:

Dr. Don Rose

WFIL Double Decker Bus

WFIL playlist from 1967

WFIL’s classic Boss Jock lineup

Hy Lit with The Beatles (standing behind the Beatles, far right)