Mitch Michaels

Mitch Michaels (born Richard Salchow in Cleveland, Ohio on March 20, 1948) is an American rock and roll radio disc jockey who has helped define the Chicago radio landscape for more than 45 years.[1] Known for his contributions to many spots on the Windy City radio dial, he is most prominently known for helping start WXRT-FM and for his work at WKQX-FM, WLUP-FM "The Loop" and WCKG-FM in Chicago. Mitch has been on the air since his first radio job at WHFS-FM in Bethesda, MD in 1968.[2] He is currently the afternoon drive host on WERV-FM 95.9 "The River" in Aurora, IL.[3]

Personal life

Mitch is father to five children Jennifer, Jeffery, Mitchell, Spencer (d:3/10/2015) and McKenna and a Grandfather of six as well. He married his high school sweetheart Lynn Julian in August 1967 but the couple split in 1974. In 1981 he married Chrissie Lucas (no children). The two divorced in 1984 and in 1991 he married for the third and final time to Danielle Silva.[1] They ultimately parted in 2004.

Professional life

Mitch began his radio career on the air at WHFS-FM in Bethesda, MD. in November 1968 stepping in on numerous occasions for host Abby Lincoln on her jazz show when she was unable to perform. Later, while a student at Kent State University, he worked in Cleveland radio starting at WGAR-AM in 1969 and then on to WNCR-FM and WMMS-FM.[4] He remained in Cleveland until an offer from WGLD-FM brought him to Chicago in late 1971.[5] Mitch has been on the air in the Chicago market ever since with a list of call letters longer than Dr. Johnny Fever's, the difference being Mitch's are all in Chicago.[6] He is currently ‘Doin’ the Cruise” from 3p-7p at 95.9 “The River” WERV-FM in Aurora, IL.

In addition to his radio life, he has a wide variety of interests, music of course, gardening, cooking and golf. Mitch and his third wife owned Modern Simplicity, an upscale clothing business from 1997 – 2001 with locations in New Buffalo, MI and Naperville, IL.

September 5, 2017 he released his memoir entitled: "Doin The Cruise" Memories From a Lifetime in Radio and Rock n Roll (Eckhartz Press)

References
  1. "Q & A with Mitch Michaels - West Suburban Living - January 2015 - Elmhurst, IL". www.westsuburbanliving.net. Retrieved 2015-10-09.
  2. "Chicago Radio Veteran Mitch Michaels Joins WRXQ-FM". Chicagoland Radio And Media.
  3. "Chicagoland Radio and Media".
  4. "A Rock Of Rock". tribunedigital-chicagotribune. Retrieved 2015-10-25.
  5. http://chicagoradioandmedia.com/news/8654-broadcasting-legend-mitch-michaels-celebrates-his-45th-anniversary-in-chicago-radio
  6. http://illinoisentertainer.com/2015/11/media-november-2015/
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