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Rockin In The Cradle Of Liberty!!
The Home Of WFIL Radio, In The 60s & 70s.
Over 177,000 Visitors To This Site. Thank You!!!
(Updated October 25, 2008)
Audio Update
Here's another installment from the WOGL Radio Greats Reunion from 1996. On this aircheck you'll hear legendary Philadelphia DJ Joey Reynolds. Special Thanks to Bill Langill for contributing the WOGL Reunion Tapes.
On November 21, 2008. George Michael and the late Dr. Don Rose will be inducted into
The Broadcast Pioneers Of Philadelphia Hall Of Fame!
1971 2008
(2008 Photo courtesy of Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia)
Don Rose 1971
For more info, and additional inductees, visit The Broadcast Pioneers Of Phila Website.
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56.Com" Has Been Shut Down!
All E-mail should now be addressed to famous56@live.com.
Please Update Your Address Book! Thanks!
WFIL TV Spot
Check out the following WFIL TV Spot from the mid 1980's!
(Clip Courtesy Of TechnerVideo)
Double - Click Middle Arrow To Watch!
( You Must Have "Flash" In Order To View. Visit Adobe To Get Free Download)
More Rare Material
Thanks to the kindness of former WFIL PD Kevin Fennessy!
Here's a Montage of the WFIL Jingle Package "You" which was recorded in 1975 by TM Century Dallas, Texas.
Special Thanks To Harry Smith Of Daytona, Florida For This Contribution
Phila Radio Documentary Link
The folks at Rowan University have produced a great documentary about "Classic Philly Radio." You'll hear airchecks from WIBG, WFIL, etc., and interviews from those who remember the rivalry between the two stations. This is presented courtesy of
(Right Click & select "Save Target as" for future listening)
Special thanks to Frank Hogan for allowing the download to be shared on Famous56.com!
Recently Discovered Airchecks!
Updated September 19!
One of the highlights of the 2006 reunion was a huge contribution of material from former WFIL engineer Joe Gallagher. Joe was kind enough to donate over 30 airchecks from his own personal collection from his days at WFIL.
This week it's Banana Joe Montione From April 1975, Part 3.
Due to the over 30 minutes of audio, I've decided to break the aircheck into three parts.
Click Here To Listen To Part 3
Next Update Coming Soon!!
Banana Joe Comes Through With Rare John Lennon Airchecks
Banana Joe Montione was kind enough to hand me some John Lennon cuts from the 1975 Helping Hand Marathon. Here is a sample directly from the first CD, with a bit of added production by your webmaster.
By the way, you can purchase a 2-CD set of the airchecks from that historic day by visiting Banana Joe Radio.com.
Remember This??
This was taken by Jim Macino, of Columbia City, Indiana, from a bus in 1967. Jim was on his way to serve in Vietnam.
WFIL Coverage Maps
Thanks to Dave Shayer and Art Wilson for sending these for the website. WFIL was only 5000 Watts!
What Happened To The WFIL Double - Decker Bus??
Then....
Now....
This was taken in 1993 by Vince, of WAMS/WRJE. The bus was located in a field on Route 50, in Easton, MD.
What Happened To The "Other Boss Bus"?
Here is a great story sent to me recently by Gary Bowker.....
In 1984 I worked for Borkon Truckarama on Route 73 in Maple Shade N.J. In the back right hand corner was a big red Double Decker bus. As I walked up to the bus I could clearly see the "WFIL" logo and as I entered I saw a small sign with "boss bus #2 I remember seeing boss bus #1 and #2 and the mustang on the old albums. One day I asked the manager about the bus. Whoever owned it after WFIL, owed Jerry Borkon owner of Borkon Truckarama some money. He did not have the money and Mr.Borkon took the bus He just put the bus in the back and forgot about it.
One day the manager asked me to go out back and cut it up into pieces with the torch. I really did not want to do this. It's a part of Philly history. But I got to do what they tell me to do so I spent 2 days cutting it up into pieces. It was in real bad shape...no glass, the steps were rotted out (found this out the hard way) I wish I took some pics back then. I remember looking into that bus thinking of all the fun people had in it.
Thanks to Charlie Mills for this great photo, from the 1968 Philadelphia Inquirer.
Randy Roberts WFIL Production Is Back.
I've decided to put this special presentation back on my home page. It really captures the feeling of Famous 56. Produced by former WFIL/WUSL Jock, Randy Roberts. A must to listen to!!
Capturing The True Sound Of Famous 56! Click Here To Listen.
Don't forget to take a second to sign my guestbook. I'm always interested in who is visiting my site, so I can personally "Thank you."
Site Contributors
A Special "Thank You" to all who have contributed to my site, especially Chuck Gagliardi, Bruce Northwood, Marc Howard, Randy Roberts, John Pizzi, Mel Klawansky, Frank Hogan, Ralph Michaels, Robert Arden, Joe Flaska, Diane (John) Heiler, John Flack, Bruce Rubin, Dave DeCaro, Paul Kovacs, Bob Hickerson, Eddie Coyle, Steve Ross, Roy Akins, Charlie Mills, Gary Hendler, Bill Langill. Ted Winkler, Jake Schwartz, Tony Davis, Les Waas, Bob Hamilton, Bill Cain, Rich Franklin, Carmen Malizia, Tracy Carman, Gene Vassall. Cindy Brumm, Bob Kravitz, Dave Shayer, Joyce (Haverdink)Klawansky, Banana Joe Montione, Joe Gallagher, Jim Macino, Wayne Cabot, Harry Smith and Kevin Fennessy.
Also, special thanks to Paul Venuto, who spent countless days "breaking" me into the world of computers. If it wasn't for him, this site would have never been created.
Thanks, Paul!
To listen to any audio on my site, you will need the "Realplayer", which is available as a free download below.
A Brief History,Rockin In the Cradle Of Liberty, WFIL,Philadelphia, Non-Stop Music, The Pop Explosion, The Helping Hand Marathon. These are just a few examples of what made WFIL, so famous in the late 1960s, and in the 1970s. Hello, I'm Ron Turner, and welcome to my small piece of cyberspace. WFIL was such a large part of my life , that I found it appropriate to dedicate some web space to it. If you grew up in the Delaware Valley Area, I'm sure you remember " Famous 56". Who could ever forget George Michael welcoming us to a Friday night? The morning antics of Dr. Don Rose, and LU-LU Belle? Not to mention, the Unforgettable voice of "Allen Stone, WFIL, News". And of course, Who could ever forget Jim O'Brien.
The "Pop Explosion" was born on September 18,1966. WFIL, was up until then, a "middle of the road" station, playing standards, with a little rock and roll mixed in. But on that fateful morning in September, WFIL began its' journey to become one of the greatest stations in the nation. With a tight format, great personalities, and fantastic jingles, WFIL took over the number 1 spot in Philadelphia radio, a spot formally occupied by WIBG. The list of greats that graced the microphones of WFIL is much to long to list. The ones' listed here, had a lot to do with the success of the station. Unfortunately, sooner or later, all good things must come to an end. In 1977, WFIL changed formats, to reflect what management felt was the needs, and desires of the Philadelphia listening audience. Disco, and FM stereo, were taking over at the time. WFIL switched to an early type of A/C station. This , however, didn't work either. Next, it was time to try a country format. "Philly 56 Country" was born, and lasted for a year. Then came various other formats, until one night, on September 3, 1983. At 6pm, The "Boss was Back"! Famous 56 had been reborn. It seemed like a great idea at the time. The radio market in Philadelphia was boring, to say the least. Why not bring back "Famous 56"? It was a gallant attempt, but just wasn't the same. The glory days of WFIL could not be recreated. Now in 2007, WFIL is now broadcasting a religious format, and is now owned by Salem Communications in Lafayette Hills, Pennsylvania.
Behind The Scenes
In addition to the air talent, there were many folks behind the scenes that helped make WFIL the success that it was. One of the most important was a man by the name of Jerry Donahue. Jerry was Production Director at WFIL for over 30 Years. It seems that everyone who worked with Jerry over the years has a story or two to tell. All of which end with a warm smile and a fond memory. Even though Jerry is no longer with us, his contribution to the history of WFIL is one that will live on forever.
Site Navigation
WFIL Record Album Covers
2006 Family Reunion Photos
The WFIL Boss Chicks
WFIL Boss Jocks
WFIL Memories
Where Are They Now?
The 1975 Helping Hand Marathon Featuring, John Lennon
Jim O'Brien Tribute
WFIL Engineers
WFIL News Team
Here Comes The Prize Patrol
WFIL Scrapbook Page 1
WFIL Scrapbook Page 2
WFIL Scrapbook Page 3
WFIL Scrapbook Page 4
WFIL Scrapbook Page 5 - The Mel Klawansky Collection
WFIL Scrapbook Page 6 - The Randy Roberts Collection
WFIL Scrapbook Page 7 - The Gene Vassall Collection
WFIL Scrapbook Page 8- The Bruce Northwood Collection
WFIL 2002 Family Reunion
WFIL Surveys
The Boss Is Back?
WFIL Aircheck Index (Listen To Your Favorite Boss Jock!!)
WFIL Jingles (The Song Between The Songs!!)
Sounds Of Philadelphia
My Favorite Radio-Related Websites
Sign My Guestbook
If you have a special memory of WFIL, or if you would like to contribute something, such as pictures, airchecks, surveys, etc., please send me an e-mail. Thanks!
Don't Forget To Check Out The Classic Philadelphia Radio Website, For More Info On WFIL, WIBG, Etc. Just Click The Banner Below.
Please note; This site is in no way affiliated with WFIL, owned by Salem Communications, and broadcasting a religious format on 560 AM, in Philadelphia.Famous 56.Com Protected By Federal Copyright
Please keep in mind that this, and all pages on my site are ©1999-200
8 Ron Turner. The jingles, and airchecks are used by permission, from their various copyright holders, if known, and may not be used without the consent of the webmaster. No claim is made for material that has been donated to me, for use on my site. For more information, or to report an offender, please contact;Library of Congress
Copyright Office
Register of Copyright
101 Independence Ave., S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20559-6000
This material is presented as an historical tribute, and complies with current copyright laws, regarding "Fair Use", and "Incidental Use" of copyrighted material. Information presented at this site is for research and enjoyment.
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