Title...
Proclamation honoring in memoriam Mr. Craig "Porky" Chedwick, a member of the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame, and affectionately known as 'Daddio of the Raddio.'
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WHEREAS, on March 2, 2014, Craig "Porky" Chedwick, Pittsburgh's beloved "Daddio of the Raddio" passed away of natural causes at the age of 96; and
WHEREAS, in 1948, Mr. Chedwick joined WHOD-AM in Homestead and started "The Porky Chedwick Show" playing old rhythm & blues and gospel records that he had collected and played at well-attended record hops and dances over the years. In 1956, WHOD became WAMO under new ownership, and Mr. Chedwick continued to play what he referred to as his "dusty discs" since he would literally have to blow the dust off the 78s before he could preview them at the record stores; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Chedwick is responsible for making Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania the "Oldies Capital of the World" and for making the city a testing ground for new R&B from the early 50s through the 70s; and
WHEREAS, many famous artists, including Bo Diddley, Smokey Robinson, and Little Anthony, have credited Mr. Chedwick with giving their recordings their first airplay; and
WHEREAS, in 1996, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, Ohio recognized Porky's status among other legendary disc jockeys in the "Dedicated to the One I Love" exhibit; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Chedwick never received the notoriety, or the paycheck, of many DJs who followed in his footsteps, however his accomplishments are an indelible part of the American musical landscape;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Allegheny County Council does hereby recognize and honor in memoriam Craig "Porky" Chedwick for his pioneering contributions to radio and rock and roll and for bringing joy to the world through music, friendship and inspiration. As a treasured member of our community his legacy will live forever in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County.