Back in the day, Winston arguably made WFYR radio, and starred on stations including WLS and WCFL. Fred Winston went to WLS in 1971 after 3 years at KQV in Pittsburgh. Fred replaced Scotty Brink in the 3-6 pm shift when he first arrived at WLS.
In 1972, Fred moved to the 12-3 pm slot when J.J. Jeffrey moved into afternoons on WLS. In 1973, Fred Winston replaced Charlie Van Dyke in morning drive. In 1976, when Larry Lujack returned to WLS, Fred moved to WFYR. Fred returned to WLS in 1983.
Jingles, Contests, & more, 1971-76.
WLS Frisbee promotion, 1972. Bill Bailey, Chuck Knapp, Charlie Van Dyke, Fred Winston and John Records Landecker.  |  |
After almost six years there, he started his trek all across the Chicago radio dial, with stops at WMAQ-AM, WFYR-FM, WCFL-AM, back to WLS-AM, WJMK-FM, WLUP-FM, WPNT-FM, WXXY-FM, and WJMK-FM/WJMK-HD2. His time in radio came to an end after CBS Radio decided to remove the entire staff at Oldies 104.3 to make way for Jack-FM, and sent all of the big name talents to do Oldies radio on the WJMK-HD2 station.
A year later, in July of 2006, CBS Radio fired all of the DJs from the HD-2 station. Since then Fred Winston did some freelance work for WGN-AM and filled in at WLS-FM, until getting the call to rejoin the station in the summer of 2012.
Fred's booming voice was on commericals all over the country. You've probably heard his spots for Alberto Culver, Kraft Foods, Kroger Supermarkets, and Old Style Beer and many others.
Fred spent a number of years doing afternoons at WJMK in Chicago before being forced out due to a format change in 2006. Fred returned to 94.7 WLS-FM. Fred Winston returned to WLS-FM as a weekend and fill-in jock.
DOMINIC'S ALL MEAT WIENERS!
"Listen to this..." Even a pro like Fred just couldn't make it through this live read for Dominic's all meat weenies, "...a one pound package holiday priced for only 79 cents."
A few months later, he was promoted up to full-time, taking over the juicy afternoon shift of 2:30pm-6:00pm. Then, just over seven months after coming back to WLS-FM, he was fired - for no obvious reason.
 If you've seen Ferris Bueller's Day Off, then you've heard Fred. He is the first voice that is heard in the movie. In 2001, Fred was inducted into the Nebraska Radio Personalities Hall of Fame as a Legendary Personality. |  With Jim Bohannon and staff in the early 80s. |
As of 2018, Winston continues to look at the world through his own lens, literally. His photography can be found at The Fred Winston Poltroon. He's also been an avid participant in the Northcentral Maltese Rescue.
Some of the materials found on this page were originally published at the following: WGN Radio, Steven Weyhrich.
