Quigley Speaks in Recognition of Lin Brehmer and WXRT Anniversary
"Chicago is a city of many treasures. From the architecture to the museums and cultural institutions, from the sports teams to our food, there are many, many reasons to celebrate The Windy City.
"But with so much to do, see, and eat, some of our city's finest features do not make it onto most tourists' To Do Lists. But if you want to share with a visitor some of the true heart and soul of Chicago " drive down Lake Shore Drive with the Lake on one side, our beautiful skyline on the other, and 93 WXRT on the radio.
"I have tried to explain to my children about the vast wasteland that was music radio in Chicago before XRT. 40 years ago, all you had was the same ten songs on AM radio. Then came XRT, with a rich, diverse playlist. With a passion and integrity unmatched even today. No coincidence it 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 that played host to greats like Iggy Pop, David Bowie, Muddy Waters, Frank Zappa, Roxy Music, and the like.
"Thank you XRT, for 40 great years. You made me a better person.
"So tell your kids to turn their FM radio dial to 93.1, WXRT; they will find Lin Brehmer, "Your best friend in the whole wide world.
"Lin has been the morning voice on XRT for the last twenty years, and is a Chicago institution unto himself. For twenty years, Lin has been there with us to celebrate all things Chicago; from commiserating another Cubs loss, to suggesting the perfect restaurant for a post-concert dinner. He shares with us the best of the city and makes sure we better understand the world, with "Lin's Bin. He helps us discover new sounds, rediscover old favorites, and provides an unparalleled soundtrack to our days.
"A celebrated fixture in radio, Lin has received a variety of honors throughout his illustrious career. In 1990 he was honored as "Music Director of the Decade by Hard Report.
"Lin's musical sensibilities are nicely summed up by his motto, borrowed from the writing of Gerard Manley Hopkins, "Flesh fade and mortal trash fall to the residuary worm', you and I might as well Rock and Roll.
"Dubbed the "Reverend of Rock and Roll early in his radio career, Lin sought to put together a radio program unlike any other. Now, more than 35 years since he first hosted a radio show in Albany, New York, Lin has succeeded in doing that, and so much more.
"Radio isn't Lin's only passion; he is also quite the accomplished Foodie, never going anywhere without a Zagat guide in his car and his self-described "eating pants, an outfit with enough ˜give' to accommodate a another Chicago meal at the Weiner's Circle. His favorite restaurants in Chicago include a wide variety of cuisine, for an even broader array of occasions. His recommendations have included "Best Upscale Mexican For When You Want To Leave The Kids At Home or the very specific "Best Late Night Steak Burrito. I'm sure he also enjoys splitting a cinnamon roll with our friend and his colleague Teri Hemmert, another Chicago jewel, at her favorite table at Ann Sather's Restaurant on the northside.
"Lin Brehmer is a man who helps us to discover the best about Chicago, and in doing so, has become a Chicago treasure himself. We appreciate and applaud his career as one of our city's finest radio personalities and most recognizable voices, and look forward to the music, experiences, and food he will help us discover in his next twenty years.
"Thank you, Lin, for always reminding us why "It's great to be alive.
