Musically, 1997 was a year of transition for B96. In comparison to previous years, the station began phasing out much of the Dance music that had defined its sound over the prior decade or so. Yet, at this time, B96 still positioned itself as “Chicago’s Dance Beat”, fueling the launch of a suburban competitor earlier in the summer.
Podcast: Embed
It’s amazing how much the station changed around this time. I have an air check from almost one year earlier (8-11-1996 / also with Terry Foxx) and it’s almost night and day different.
I loved the “Party Radio” days, but I was so disappointing in the “Dance Beat” days. The “Dance Beat” tag was just enough to keep me tuning in, but…the actual “dance music” was so far and few between…
Regardless, thanks for posting this.