Boston's radio history begins with
pioneering station 1XE/WGI, one of America's
first radio stations, and includes the first station
to receive a commercial license, WBZ; the first
FM radio network, W1XOJ and W1XER; and
one of the first news networks, the Yankee
News Service. Nationally known bandleaders
like Joe Rines and Jacques Renard were first
heard on Boston radio, as was one of the first
weathercasters, E. B. Rideout. The city has
been home to a number of legendary
announcers, such as Bob and Ray, Arnie
Ginsburg, Dick Summer, Dale Dorman, and
Charles Laquidara; talk show giants like Jerry
Williams and David Brudnoy; and sports
talkers like Eddie Andelman and Glenn
Ordway. Many Boston radio personalities, such
as Curt Gowdy, "Big Brother" Bob Emery, Don
Kent, and Louise Morgan, found fame on
television but first established themselves on
Boston's airwaves. Since 1920, Boston radio
has remained vibrant, proving that live and
local stations are as important as ever.
Images of America Boston Radio 1920-2010 is available in book stores throughout New England and online from: