Every great radio station has a voice that becomes part of its identity.
For 97.1 The Drive in Chicago, that voice has always been Bob Stroud.
When the station launched its Classic Rock format in 2001, Stroud was the first personality listeners heard. More than two decades later, he’s now delivering his final broadcast, bringing one of Chicago radio’s most enduring careers to a close.
His retirement marks far more than the departure of a midday host. It closes a chapter that stretches back more than 40 years, during which Stroud became one of the city’s most trusted storytellers of rock music. His signature features, including “Ten at 10,” “One 45 at 1:45,” and the legendary “Rock and Roll Roots,” became daily traditions for listeners who tuned in not only for the music, but for the stories behind it.
Long before podcasts made music history fashionable, Stroud was connecting generations of fans with the artists, albums, and moments that shaped classic rock. His passion for the music never sounded scripted. It sounded personal, and that’s what kept listeners coming back year after year.
His farewell “Ten at 10” serves as a reflection of that remarkable journey, featuring songs that helped define both his career and the station he helped build from its very first day on the air.
Radio has changed dramatically over the past four decades. Formats have evolved. Technology has transformed the industry. Listening habits have shifted. Through it all, Bob Stroud remained a constant, proving that great broadcasting isn’t measured by how loud someone is—it is measured by how deeply they connect with an audience.
As Chicago says goodbye to one of its true broadcasting legends, one thing is certain.
The first voice of The Drive may be signing off…
…but his place in Chicago radio history was secured long ago.
Congratulations, Bob Stroud, on an extraordinary career, and thank you for helping provide the soundtrack to countless lives.
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On The Dial covers breaking radio industry news, including layoffs, programming changes, talent moves, and broadcast trends across the United States.