MEET THE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL DISC JOCKEY WHO CHANGED RADIO: Dick Biondi
In the 1950’s and 60’s rock n’ roll took America by storm, fueled by the power of radio. But disc jockeys held the real power. DJs decided what records to play; they could make or break an artist’s career. In many ways, DJs were more popular than the artists they played. With bands vying for airplay and DJs fighting to be number one, an original and irreverent voice cut through the airwaves: the Wild I-Tralian, Dick Biondi.
Biondi was a hit maker
He broke The Beatles and The Beach Boys and championed young artists like Elvis Presley, Little Richard, Bobby Darin, and The Rolling Stones. Biondi’s rebellious on-air style clashed with management and he was fired from dozens of radio stations. But kids adored him.
If rock n’ roll was the soundtrack of hot-blooded teenage America, Dick Biondi was its voice.
May 1, 2010 "Dick Biondi Way" street naming. Photo courtesy of Cheryl Osinski Brown.
About the Film
THE VOICE THAT ROCKED AMERICA® is a one-hour documentary about Hall of Fame Radio Disc Jockey, Dick Biondi. Dick’s connection with audiences endured for six decades, and the bands he promoted have never forgotten his generosity. His story is told through archival photos and footage, re-creations, and interviews with recording artists, broadcasters, fans, friends and Dick Biondi himself. The film is narrated by Pamela Enzweiler-Pulice, whose life changed when she met her teenage idol.
Film interviews include Dick Biondi, Frankie Valli of The Four Seasons, Brian Wilson and Al Jardine of The Beach Boys, Paul Shaffer (The Late Show with David Letterman), Tony Orlando, Walt Parazaider (Chicago), Frankie Avalon, TV & radio personality Bob Sirott, John Records Landecker (Hall of Fame Broadcaster), Jim Peterik (The Ides of March and Survivor), Carl Giammarese, Dennis Tufano, and Nick Fortuna (The Buckinghams), Comedian Tom Dreesen, Jimy Sohns (The Shadows of Knight), and more.
The Voice That Rocked America® has played to thousands of fans and rave reviews in Chicago theaters. We continue to seek funds for distribution, marketing, and entry into film festivals. Learn more.
CelebratE the golden age
of rock 'n' roll
In-person and virtual programs for libraries, senior communities, and other organizations, presented by Filmmaker Pamela Enzweiler-Pulice
Photo courtesy of Jim Summaria Photography
Book Pamela to come to your organization to lead a lively discussion about the early days of rock ‘n roll. and treat your community to two programs:
Program 1. Dick Biondi, The Voice That Rocked America and the History of Chicago radio: a prevue of her documentary about the DJ who changed radio, and was the first to introduce America to the Beatles.
Program 2. The Beat that Changed the World: a musical journey through the early years of rock ’n’ roll