America's 1st female rock jock on AM radio in Chicago--1st female in America to broadcast live on HD radio in 2005--Written into the U.S.Congressional Record. Connie tells how she lost that ABC-TV gig to Oprah; surprised Elvis, and had a date with Neil Diamond. She emceed shows for Wayne Newton, Tom Jones, & Bobby Vinton and partied with Elton John, Stevie Nicks and more. Over 200 photos and memorabilia include Chicago radio stations--WCFL, WIND, WSDM (the station with the girls), WJJD, WJEZ, WUSN (US-99), WJMK, and WJMK-HD2. A Chicago Sun-Times cover story captioned her "The Woman Who Invented Strip Radio." Dubbed "Chicago's Polish Princess," Connie is also a portrait artist and author; and refutes that--"DJ's are too lazy to work or too dumb to get another job." "Top Rock Girly Jock"-Autobiography of air personality, Connie Szerszen, a Chicago native, and pioneer woman in radio.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Szerszen's words sizzle, sparkle brightly,
This review is from: Top Rock Girly Jock (Paperback)
Deep in the heart of Chicago radio history is a quiet, unassuming brilliant woman, whose entry into the world of broadcasting began because with no fanfare whatsoever, she dared to dream. The combination of her quick mind, witty conversation style, and faith in the goodness of people roll into one in the book "Top Rock Girly Jock," released this summer. At first read the book takes you into the world of Chicago neighborhoods, some of the best days of radio wars battling for ratings, and some pretty broadminded men, back in the day, who saw her indefatigable spirit and propelled Connie Szerszen into the spotlight so fast it surprised even her. If you've ever been one of those teenage girls who wondered what it would be like to meet Elvis, date Neil Diamond, or hang out with Elton John...Connie has, and invites us all to hear about it. If you are a guy who knew every lyric to every song on the radio back in the day, this is your book, too. Szerszen moved smoothly from radio station promotion to on-air spots and later took ratings notice away from the senior statesmen behind the mike, and is as gracious as she can be in talking about those who might have preferred she not enter their lair at all. After many great years behind the microphone, Connie added "artist" to her list of credits and developed a reputation as a sought-after portrait artist who still finds time to DJ private events in her so-called spare time. A role model for how to be over 50 and be as busy as a 30-year-old, Szerszen's effervescent writing style leaves a good impression. You feel like you went to a great party because you read who all was there, what they were saying, and who talked to whom there. After reading Szerszen's book, my first thought was, I hope there's a part deux in the works. Top Rock Girly Jock, indeed! First-class, fast read.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gotta love her,
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This review is from: Top Rock Girly Jock (Paperback)
I read this book over a period of several days. I read it slowly because I wanted to savor it. It is an easy read, but it took me back to those days when AM radio ruled my world. It was where I got my news, my entertainment and the sound track that I still play. I enjoyed trying to recall where I was, what I was doing, even who I was back then ... back when she recounts her stories.I do not remember the first time I heard Connie on the radio but it was when she was on WIND. However, I do recall how strange I thought it was that she was a DJ. She sounded so sweet, and natural - and I have to admit I thought she had a very sexy voice, but in a G-rated sort of way (if that is possible). After that I followed her around the radio dial. I suppose I was expecting a more superficial work so I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that she does not hide nor try to minimize her faith. Particularly, I related to how she could sense, and in fact credits, the Holy Spirit for helping and guiding her through the challenges and opportunities that He presented. I love that about her - she's Polish, she's Catholic - She's Connie. From her earliest days on West Chestnut St., all through school, through all the twist and turns she just seems to keep saying yes to the possibilities as they present themselves. Her faith and trust in God is apparent and is in stark contrast to the offering of today's media elite. Chicagoans, especially those old enough to remember the original Mayor Daly, will find her story quite interesting, even remarkable. Especially since she tells it with the same style and grace that her fans learned to expect from the "Polish Princess" - Chicago's "Top Rock Girly Jock".
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great read,
By Andy E (Chicago) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Top Rock Girly Jock (Paperback)
I listened to Connie back in the day too. She has a unique radio voice that sparkles - that's about the only way I can describe it.This book is an easy read and there's a great flavor of the Northwest Side when she was a kid. Fascinating information about the inside of radio and its air personalities. As much as the book is about things that happened, the real guts of it are all the people she's known and been friends with over the years. A must read for any Chicagoan.....
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