Blues on the Radio in Chicago
There are really very few radio stations that JUST broadcast the blues these days. This is true even in Chicago, where you would think things like blues and jazz would be on the air all the time. It must be that there are just not the ad dollars in broadcasting 24-hour blues and jazz. That’s why you usually find blues and jazz relegated to the non-commercial, listener-supported area of the FM band.
So, where can you tune into some great blues music in Chicago? Well, you have to kind of plan things a bit. You can’t just tune in anytime you want. No, in Chicago, listening to the jazz or, in this case, the blues on the radio requires planning. Most of the radio stations have only a few hours or so dedicated just to blues music.
So, here is a list. A list of the radio stations where you can find blues music radio shows.
WBEZ 91.5fm, Chicago, “Comin’ Home” with Niles Frantz, Saturday 9pm-Midnight; ”
WDCB 90.9fm, Glen Ellyn, Hambone’s Blues Party Thursday 10pm “Hambone’s Blues Party’ Blues Before Sunrise” Sunday Midnight-5am R&B recordings.
WGCR, Chicago, “Blues Bank” with Rick Stevens, Monday-Friday 7:30pm cst
WHPK 88.5fm, Chicago, “The Blues Excursion” with Arkansas Red, Saturday 7pm–Midnight
WNUR 89.3fm, Evanston Blues every Sunday from noon – 2pm.
WXRT 93fm, Chicago, “Blues Breakers” Monday 9-10pm, hosted by Tom Marker
There are, of course, countless online-only blues radio stations. You can find those all over the place. However, you can’t listen to those when you are sitting in your car. Of course, some of these station are so low-powered that you may not be able to hear them on your car radio anyway.
Still, it’s nice to know they’re out there.
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