Wake Up Chicago!... The Art Hellyer Story

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This video runs for 72 minutes, so grab some snacks, a sandwich, a soft drink, and then sit back, relax, and get ready for a swingin' time!

ART HELLYER has been a legend in Chicago broadcasting for more than half a century. I listened to him on various Chicago radio stations from the 1950's until I moved to California in 1986. Art always loved big band music and played it often.

Art Hellyer is relaxing before he emcees
the annual Senior Citizens Picnic
in Grant Park, Chicago (1982)

Art and I met in 1982 while I was working as assistant director of the Mayor's Office of Special Events. For our summer Neighborhood Festivals, I booked a different big band for each Festival at major parks around the city on Sunday afternoons. To kick off the season, I invited Chicago disc jockeys who played big band music to appear at Mayor Byrne's official announcement of these Festivals in Daley Plaza in May 1982. There weren't many big band deejays on the air in 1982, perhaps a half dozen. They all showed up, including Art Hellyer.

Recently, Art finished his book of autobiographical essays, The Hellyer Say, which you can order by clicking here. It is a wonderful book. If you are a Chicagoan or from Chicago, Art's book will bring back many, many memories. If you are not from Chicago and never heard of Art, you will still enjoy Art's great wit and his lifelong battles with the many nitwits who have run most of our radio stations -- and still do!

If you like, you can order the above video on a DVD, only paying $7.00 U.S. for shipping and processing. Send a check or money order to: Art Hellyer Productions, P.O. Box 6012, Naperville, IL 60567-6012. This video is only available in the United States. (By the way, the video's title is the same as the title of this post.)

Art Hellyer and his five children on Father's Day, June 15, 2008.
Left to right, back: Mike and Larry;
Left to right, front: Vickie, Art, Debbie (Denson), and Jeff.

Art and his late wife, whom he always calls "The Lovely Elaine," parented five children. When you read Art's book, you immediately become aware of Art's enduring love for Elaine and for his children. His devotion to them is apparent throughout his book. Art's greatest achievment in life has been his wonderful family. He has been blessed indeed....

One of his sons, Jeff, produced this amazing video about Art's life and his incredible career. Jeff Hellyer has more than 15 years of editing experience. He has taught Video Production at the University of Illinois at Chicago and at Avid Editing (Chicago filmmakers). His work on "Holy Water-gate" earned a CINE Golden Eagle Award. The documentary is now running on Showtime. Be sure to visit EDIT HOUSE CHICAGO (Jeff's company) to learn more about him and his company's array of creative services.

Enjoy!

George Spink
Moderator - The Palomar
Los Angeles, California
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