Don Wade

The Wade brothers (Don on the right).

Born in Manhattan on February 20, 1941 Don Maxfield Wehde began college as an economics major at William and Mary, then segued to Boston University where he got interested in radio.

His two stints at Big D were interrupted by a shift with Uncle Sam. Sometimes called "Long Don Wade," because of his 6'5" height, he was the younger Wade sibling, also known as "Long John's other brother." During his first stint he was known as "The Swinging Six Plus One" and was the summer vacation relief man; the second time he replaced Shannon as the staff utility man, hosting Saturdays from 1-4PM and Sundays 7PM-midnight. Like his brother, Don spent time with the Beatles, shooting home movies as they filmed the movie, "Help!."

Early 1960s at WDCR.

Contest winners were treated to a special showing in August, 1965. After Ron Landry left in March, 1966, "Don Juan" inherited the morning show where his voice characterizations were used to introduce a number of colorful and humorous guests. Don later worked at the Buckley stations in Philadelphia and Seattle.

Don worked at several stations during his career including WTID Norfolk, WHAV Haverhill, WORL Boston, WUPY FM Lynn, WNOE New Orleans, WKBW Buffalo, CHAM Hamilton, KLIF Dallas, WIBG Philadelphia, KOL Seattle, KTAC Tacoma, WUSN and WLS in Chicago.

November 5, 1970.

Don Wade was known in Chicago radio circles for having one of the greatest work ethics. For his show that began each morning at 5:00am, he woke up around Midnight, arriving at the station two to three hours later, and did not leave the station until well into the afternoon. When not on the air, he was preparing for his time on the air, hours before and after each show. There were few in local radio more prepared to cover various topics each day than Don Wade.

On the air, Don Wade could be a divisive personality, whose very conservative opinions, biting sense of humor, and anger at the news did not always sit well with those who may have differing opinions. He took pride in getting a rise of those listeners. However, off the air, he was known to be one of the kindest people around and was rarely seen without a smile on his face.

From 1986-2012 Don, and his wife Roma, woke up Chicago on WLS (except for seven weeks in a 2004 contract dispute). In September 2012, 71-year-old Don had surgery to remove a malignant tumor from his brain. It was announced on December 13, 2012 that Don and Roma would not return to the station. Don died in Florida on September 6, 2013; he was 72.