terri hemmert

For more than 30 years, Terri Hemmert has been playing “Chicago’s Finest Rock” as a disc jockey on WXRT/Chicago. Hemmert studied speech at Elmhurst College in Illinois and began her professional broadcasting career in 1970 at WGLD/Chicago. In 1972, Hemmert went to WCMF/Rochester as an all-night disc jockey before returning to WGLD in 1973.

Later that year, Hemmert moved to WXRT, where she worked the overnight shift and doubled as Public Affairs Director. Eventually, she moved into the afternoon slot before becoming Chicago’s first female morning drive personality in 1981. In 1992, Hemmert moved to the mid-day position, which she has held ever since.

Hemmert’s affection for the music of the Beatles is particularly well-known. For many years, Hemmert hosted WXRT’s annual day-long “Rampant Beatlemania” feature; in 2002, she became host of WXRT’s Sunday morning program, Breakfast with the Beatles.

A noted humanitarian and activist, Hemmert has served on the Board of Directors for the Peace Museum, volunteered on behalf of the AIDS Pastoral Care Network and worked with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra to create music education programs. She also serves on the advisory board of the Elmhurst College station, WRSE.

Terri Hemmert was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2010.