Posted by chicagomedia.org on March 05, 2009 at 10:23:07:
In Reply to: Chicago Legend Richard Pegue Passed posted by chicagomedia.org on March 03, 2009 at 14:40:36:
Richard Pegue 1944-2009
Richard Pegue, 1944-2009: Disc jockey who spun dusties on Chicago radio
By Trevor Jensen | Tribune reporter
March 5, 2009
Richard Pegue, best known as an on-air spinner of "dusties" on Chicago radio, was also a savvy promoter and station manager who contributed to WGCI's rise to a ratings power.
Mr. Pegue (pronounced like McGee), 64, died of heart failure Tuesday, March 3, according to WVON, one of his former stations. He was a resident of South Holland.
Mr. Pegue most recently worked the midnight-to-6-a.m. Sunday shift at WKKC-FM 89.3, playing his familiar mix of rhythm-and-blues hits from the 1950s through the 1970s, backed by knowledgeable patter about the artists and arrangements, program director Al Greer said.
He called his show "The Best Music of Your Life," as he had since his days as one of the disc jockeys known as the "Good Guys" at WVON, where he became music director in 1968.
Over the years, he worked at a number of stations. But most notably, he had a lengthy stretch at WGCI, where he worked as program director and operations manager in addition to filling in on-air through the 1980s and 1990s.
"He's the guy I really credit with the success of WGCI today," said former WGCI president and general manager Marv Dyson, now director of operations at WKKC. "He's the guy who created the magic."
Mr. Pegue helped organize citywide treasure hunts for miniature WGCI buses, which when found through on-air clues led to cash rewards. The promotion was so popular, people were digging up yards and turning over cars, Dyson said.
"We had to start hiding them in plain sight," he said.
Another promotion offered gas at 50 cents a gallon, now a common stunt but not so at the time, Dyson said.
Mr. Pegue also helped assemble a roster of on-air talent that included Tom Joyner and Doug Banks and brought back radio legend Herb Kent during a lull in Kent's career, Dyson said.
Somewhat cantankerous, Mr. Pegue was never afraid to tell people what was on his mind, colleagues said.
"We called him a crotchety old man," Dyson said. "He was 64 years old. Richard acted like he was 90."
But at the annual Dusty Record Convention he organized each year, Mr. Pegue was the life of the party, spinning old favorites at a sellout BYOB buffet and dance.
Growing up on the South Side, Mr. Pegue started playing music at high school dances after getting a reel-to-reel player from his grandmother. His father, also named Richard, was a Chicago Park District police officer who was shot to death in 1946 by a suspected rapist.
At Hirsch High School, Mr. Hegue started a doo-wop group and wrote music. He later wrote "I'm Not Ready to Settle Down," which was recorded by the Cheers.
His best-known composition is likely the long-running jingle for Moo & Oink markets: "Wave for catfish—Moo & Oink! Scream for ribs—Moo & Oink!"
The jingle was replaced in 2006 by a rap number to appeal to younger people.
"They talk a different language," Mr. Pegue said philosophically in a Tribune story. "I'm more into the classics."
Mr. Pegue is survived by his wife, Sevina; four children; 14 grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in Robey Park Manor Funeral Home, 2510 Chicago Rd., Chicago Heights. A two-hour wake will precede services at 11 a.m. Monday in Apostolic Church of God, 6320 S. Dorchester Ave., Chicago.