Quigley Delivers Floor Statement in Remembrance of Lin Brehmer

Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) spoke on the House floor in remembrance of Lin Brehmer, famed radio host of WXRT, who passed away this weekend.

To view Quigley's floor speech, click HERE.

Below are Rep. Quigley's full remarks:

"Almost eleven years ago today, I spoke on the anniversary of two Chicago treasures: radio station WXRT and one of its beloved hosts, Lin Brehmer.

This weekend, we lost Lin at the age of 68, after a long battle with cancer.

Lin was a Chicago icon, a poet, a Renaissance man and a friend.

For my colleagues who have not lived in Chicago, allow me to explain: In the movie Almost Famous there's a scene where the protagonist's older sister has left him her record collection, she tells him, "Look under your bed. It'll set you free."

That was what WXRT did for us in Chicago, and that's what Lin did for me and so many Chicagoans.

Before WXRT, AM radio, a dry, repetitive desert, was our only option. After XRT, we were transformed.

WXRT became a 24-hour station in 1976, demonstrating our city's unique commitment to independent thinking, and an unbridled celebration of art and music.

Like many others, XRT linked me to a new world.

XRT encouraged me to leave my sterile environment and travel to the Earl of Old Town to listen to Steve Goodman – and my first concert at The Aragon Ball Room to see Mott the Hoople, the New York Dolls.

Not to mention other famous haunts like the Metro, The Vic, Checkerboard Lounge to see greats like Iggy Pop, David Bowie, Muddy Waters, Frank Zappa, Roxy Music, and so many others.

Lin became music director at WXRT in 1984 where he helped introduce us to new music, new genres, and new emotions.

Today, when so much of music is driven by algorithms and data, it can be difficult to imagine a time when a station could be steered by a single man's eclectic tastes, but that's what Lin did.

He played what he wanted to hear and somehow, he always knew what the city needed to hear. Lin opened my eyes to the true power of music.

He taught me that music can show you new worlds, can help you understand new perspectives, it can soothe during difficult times and inspire you to explore where you had never considered exploring before.

Lin Brehmer was my friend, but I recognize that I am far from the only one who would claim that coveted title.

Lin was born a New Yorker. He began his radio career filling in at his university's student-run radio during a summer semester.

The first song he ever played was The Beatles' "Within You Without You." Later, he would explain that he chose it because "I've always felt that life flows within you, but most of all without you."

At Albany's WQBK-FM he became known as the "Reverend of Rock ‘n' Roll" for his penchant for reciting poetry during song introductions.

He came to Chicago in 1984 to become music director for WXRT and his taste left an indelible mark on the station and on the entire city. He hosted morning drive for more than thirty years, talking to thousands of Chicagoans over the years on their daily commutes. He loved the Cubs, Chicago's music, theater and dining and shared those loves with us.

From Lin, we learned about the best restaurants in the city, we shared in the Cubs' wins and losses, and gained new perspectives from his essays in "Lin's Bin" – a rare combination of nostalgia, humor, empathy, kindness and spirituality.

I was honored to have lunch with Lin at some of Chicago's most iconic locales like Manny's and Ann Sathers, and to have spent a memorable Cub's game at his side. As he himself described, he regularly went out in his "eating pants," an outfit with enough ‘give' to accommodate another Chicago meal at places like the Weiner's Circle.

Last July, Lin shared with his listeners that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and began a leave of absence to undergo treatment. This November, I know I was not the only Chicagoan who was delighted when he briefly returned to the airwaves.

During Lin's time with XRT, he was named "Music Director of the Year" by FMQB three times and was voted "Music Director of the Decade" by readers of Hard Report.

He was so much more than just a radio host. Lin was Chicago's best friend in the whole world.

Usually, when something big happens in Chicago, we would turn to Lin for his take on the events.

Whether celebration or tragedy, he knew what to say.

Now, in the wake of this loss, we turn to the dial wanting.

Lin was married to his college sweetheart, Sara, and they shared a son, Wilson. They were both at Lin's side in his final moments.

My thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family – and with all Chicagoans as we mourn this loss.

In closing, as Lin always reminded us: Never take anything for granted, it's great to be alive.

I yield back."