Quigley Honors 93XRT, Lin Brehmer On House Floor
WASHINGTON (CBS) -- U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.) read a speech on the House floor Tuesday, honoring 93XRT for its upcoming 40th anniversary, and Lin Brehmer for 20 years on the air at the station.
"With so much to do, see and eat, some of our city's finest features do not make it onto our tourists' to-do lists," Quigley said. "But if you want to share with the visitors some of the true heart and soul of Chicago, drive down Lake Shore Drive with the lake on one side and our beautiful skyline on the other, and 93-WXRT on the radio."
WXRT first went on the air in 1972, originally as a night-time only station. By 1976, the station had gone 24 hours, bringing variety to a local radio scene that had been limited to "the same 10 songs on AM radio," Quigley said.
"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 and listen to Steve Goodman, and my first concert at the Aragon Ballroom to see Mott the Hoople and 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," Quigley said. "Thank you, XRT, for 40 great years. You've made me a better person."
Quigley also honored Brehmer for his dedication both to music and to the city.
Quoting Brehmer's own catch-phrase, Quigley said, "When your kids turn their dial to 93, they will find Lin Brehmer, your best friend in the whole world.
"For 20 years, Lin has been there with us to celebrate all things Chicago, from commiserating another Chicago Cubs loss to suggesting the 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."
And, Quigley added, "Lin's musical sensibilities are nicely summed up from his motto, borrowed from the writing of Gerard Manley Hopkins – 'Flesh fade and mortal trash fall into the residuary worm – you and I might as well rock and roll.'"
Brehmer is also an accomplished foodie who so enjoys that passion that he goes out with extra-size "eating pants," Quigley said.
"Lin Brehmer is a man who helps us discover the best about Chicago, and in doing so, has become a Chicago treasure himself," Quigley said.
Brehmer also talked about his 20 years as morning host on 93XRT this past Friday with Harry Porterfield and Roseanne Tellez on the CBS 2 News at 11AM. Watch that here:
