[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 19 (Monday, February 6, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E143]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING LIN BREHMER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE QUIGLEY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 6, 2012

  Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, on January 24, 2012, longtime radio host 
Lin Brehmer received honors recognizing his 20th anniversary on 
Chicago's 93.1 WXRT FM, as the station also celebrated its 40th 
anniversary on the air.
  Chicago is a city of many treasures.
  From the architecture to the museums and cultural institutions, from 
the sports teams to our food, there are many, many reasons to celebrate 
The Windy City.
  But with so much to do, see, and eat, some of our city's finest 
features do not make it onto most tourists' To Do Lists. But if you 
want to share with a visitor some of the true heart and soul of 
Chicago, drive down Lake Shore Drive with the Lake on one side, our 
beautiful skyline on the other, and 93 WXRT on the radio.
  I have tried to explain to my children about the vast wasteland that 
was music radio in Chicago before XRT. Forty years ago, all you had was 
the same ten songs on AM radio. Then came XRT, with a rich, diverse 
playlist. With a passion and integrity unmatched even today.
  No coincidence it became a 24 hour station in 1976, demonstrating our 
city's unique commitment to independent thinking, and an unbridled 
celebration of art and music.
  Like many others, XRT linked me to a new world.
  XRT encouraged me to leave my sterile environment and travel to the 
Earl of Old Town to listen to Steve Goodman--and my first concert at 
The Aragon Ball Room to see Mott the Hoople, the New York Dolls. Not to 
mention other famous haunts that played host to greats like Iggy Pop, 
David Bowie, Muddy Waters, Frank Zappa, Roxy Music, and the like.
  Thank you XRT, for 40 great years. You made me a better person.
  So tell your kids to turn their FM radio dial to 93.1, WXRT; they 
will find Lin Brehmer, ``Your best friend in the whole wide world.''
  Lin has been the morning voice on XRT for the last 20 years, and is a 
Chicago institution unto himself. For 20 years, Lin has been there with 
us to celebrate all things Chicago; from commiserating another Cubs 
loss, to suggesting the perfect restaurant for a post-concert dinner.
  He shares with us the best of the city and makes sure we better 
understand the world, with ``Lin's Bin.'' He helps us discover new 
sounds, rediscover old favorites, and provides an unparalleled 
soundtrack to our days.
  A celebrated fixture in radio, Lin has received a variety of honors 
throughout his illustrious career. In 1990 he was also honored as 
``Music Director of the Decade'' by Hard Report.
  Lin's musical sensibilities are nicely summed up by his motto, 
borrowed from the writing of Gerard Manley Hopkins, ``Flesh fade and 
mortal trash fall to the residuary worm, you and I might as well Rock 
and Roll.''
  Dubbed the ``Reverend of Rock and Roll'' early in his radio career, 
Lin sought to put together a radio program unlike any other. Now, more 
than 35 years since he first hosted a radio show in Albany, New York, 
Lin has succeeded in doing that, and so much more.
  Radio isn't Lin's only passion; he is also quite the accomplished 
Foodie, never going anywhere without a Zagat guide in his car and his 
self-described ``eating pants,'' an outfit with enough ``give'' to 
accommodate another Chicago meal at the Weiner's Circle.
  His favorite restaurants in Chicago include a wide variety of 
cuisine, for an even broader array of occasions. His recommendations 
have included ``Best Upscale Mexican For When You Want To Leave The 
Kids At Home'' or the very specific ``Best Late Night Steak Burrito.''
  I'm sure he also enjoys splitting a cinnamon roll with our friend and 
his colleague Teri Hemmert, another Chicago jewel, at her favorite 
table at Ann Sather's Restaurant on the northside.
  Lin Brehmer is a man who helps us to discover the best about Chicago, 
and in doing so, has become a Chicago treasure himself.
  We appreciate and applaud his career as one of our city's finest 
radio personalities and most recognizable voices, and look forward to 
the music, experiences, and food he will help us discover in his next 
twenty years.
  Thank you, Lin, for always reminding us why ``It's great to be 
alive.''

                          ____________________