John Russell

John “Radio” Russell, an Indiana University graduate is a veteran of over 50 years of local broadcasting having worked at 15 Chicago and suburban radio, TV stations, and newspapers.  John has also written 15 books including “Valley Voices” the history of Northern Illinois and Northwest Indiana Radio.  He retired from public relations for the Illinois Department of Transportation and was the voice of IDOT on the state’s expressway low-power traffic radio stations.  In addition, John did live on the air traffic reports for Chicago stations WLS and WMAQ.  In 2009, John received an honorary lifetime membership in the American Federation of Musicians, Chicago Chapter 10-208, for his promotion of local musicians, bands, and performers. He also received a RAMI Community Service Award in 2012

For over 20 years, John has hosted “Midwest Ballroom” on the College of DuPage radio station WDCB.  “Midwest Ballroom” airs nightly on WTPB LP at 8:00 P.M.

Dr. Murray Hanson

Dr. Murray Hanson is Pastor Emeritus of Third Presbyterian Church of Rockford and is the Radio Station Manager of WTPB-LP. He and his wife, Mary, are originally from Southern Minnesota. They have two children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandaughters – all living in Rockford. Murray was the driving force behind the development of WTPB-LP, completing the license application with the Federal Communications Commission in 2000. WTPB-LP aired its first program in the spring of  2005.

Mike Williamson

Mike Williamson has been entertaining Rockford Audiences for over 30 years with his smooth, rich vocal style. His “Magic Monday” benefit for the American Cancer Society ran for 16 consecutive years playing both the Metro Centre and the Coronado Theater. He is excited to be a part of the WPTB family and his show, “Mike Williamson & Friends” will spotlight many regional singers and musicians.  Also included will be some of his favorite album cuts from concert performers that he’s seen in Chicago and Las Vegas. In April, 2015 Mike received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the RAMI Ceremony (Rockford Area Music Industry) and he also was presented with Composer Of The Year along with musical collaborator Bruce L. Warden.

He performs regularly at The Butterfly Club in Beloit, WI and on the last Friday of each month at Rockford’s Stockholm Inn. Mike may be contacted at www.MikeWilliamsonMusic.com

David Fagen

Enjoy Rockford’s David Fagen’s Only Oldies show at 9 AM on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday mornings David has featured on each show the music of one of his favorite “Oldies Artists,” including Glen Campbell; Bobby Vinton; The Mamas and Papas; The Carpenters; Louis Armstrong; Peter, Paul, and Mary; and dozens more! Recently DJ Dave has extended an invitation for listeners to join him for “A Little Night Music.” Dave says, “Join me Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday nights at 7 PM. Start your evening with music that made memories.”

Don Ferguson

Don Ferguson has been a fan of WTPB-LP since it went on the air.  He is a retired university administrator and industrial executive.  In his youth, he managed several movie theaters as well as directing and performing in community theater.  In 2016 he and his wife Katherine volunteered to host a monthly series of classic movies at the Beloit Public Library.  Don and Katherine have lived in Rockford since 1985, have two children and one grandson.   Don’s shows on WTPB-LP take several different formats: 1) Cast albums of Broadway and Hollywood musicals; 2) Profiles of famous performers and special topics; 3) Original radio stories told with music; 4) One-hour compilations of “Songs That Tell A Story.”  He sincerely hopes you share his enjoyment of musical storytelling and history!