About Terri Hemmert
Terri Hemmert has been at WXRT for over 30 years. Starting as overnight announcer and Public Affairs Director in 1973, Terri became the first female morning drive personality in Chicago in 1981. In 1992, Terri moved to the 9AM to noon time-slot, and in 2002 became host of Breakfast with The Beatles, 8 to 10AM on Sundays.
Prior to joining WXRT, Hemmert was an air personality at WCMF in Rochester, NY and also served as program coordinator for WGLD (currently WVAZ) in Chicago.
She has served on the Board of Directors of the Peace Museum, Facets Multimedia and other not-for-profit groups. She teaches the History of Rock and Soul in the broadcasting department of Columbia College Chicago, where she has taught for 30 years, and was an advisor at the student radio station, WCRX. She volunteers with the Inner City Teaching Corps, Latin School of Chicago, and other schools, teaching classes on the Roots of Rap, Women in Music, Classical Music’s influence on Rock and Soul and other musical topics. Terri works on music education programs with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and co-hosts The Classic Encounter Series. She serves on the advisory board of WRSE-FM (the Elmhurst College student radio station.) She is also an active volunteer with the AIDS Pastoral Care Network and St. Clement Catholic Church. Hemmert has hosted Chicago’s Fest For Beatles Fans for nearly 30 years. In her spare time, she loves surfing the net, reading, listening to music, living with two dogs and two cats, and visiting her family in Ohio.
Terri Hemmert resides in Chicago and is a graduate of Elmhurst College with a bachelor of arts in speech.
Go Beyond the Bio with Terri Hemmert.
Paul D Pierce
April 4, 2010 1:50 am
Extremely sad to say that I can no longer receive Breakfast w/Beatles online. Have not been able to get it for almost 2 months after being a faithful listener for 2 years! This morning when I tried to log on it said, “Sorry, CBS Radio is unavailable in your area.” .I am crushed. Too bad I live and work in Cairo, Egypt. Love ya, PDP
Dave
April 10, 2010 10:07 am
Long time listener whom now has an 8 year old daughter who’s two favorite artists are The Beatles & George Harrison. We listen to Breakfast with the Beatles every morning and her entire room is decorated with new and old Beatles memorabilia, some from Val’s Halla! Wanted to send you a picture of her and her room. Where can i send it to?
Regina
May 26, 2010 1:40 pm
Congratulations on being nominated to the radio hall of fame! Way to go Terri – you’ve earned it! I tried to vote for you today but it’s apparently not open yet. I’ll vote as soon as I get the chance.
I’ve been a loyal XRT listener since 1979. Unfortunately, I can’t listen to radio at work but I do get to hear you host Breakfast with the Beatles on Sunday. And I usually give you a call when you work on Christmas to thank you for working on the holiday for us. =)
Tim
July 17, 2010 9:04 am
Terri,
I went to our Latin Mass at Holy Angels (Aurora, IL). In the his homily the Priest referenced John Lennon from the Dick Cavett Show. The topic of their discussion was world over-population. Lennon’s response (to the surprise of the Priest) was the world needs more people not fewer-people, and people who love one another. This Priest loved what Lennon said and thought is spot on.
How about that?! A Sunday morning Latin Mass referencing John Lennon. I immediately thought of you for more than the obvious. Thanks for your humility and cheery personality you bring to every program.
PAX,
Tim
ann p.
July 20, 2010 10:19 am
Dear Terri;
For a photography course I’m shooting a series about the plight of the unemployed. The theme is being “disconnected–off the grid.” Might you have an opportunity in your busy schedule to suggest some music that would coincide? Something bluesy or folksy would be great. What are your thoughts?
This photo series is especially important because it reflects my own sentiments. I’ve been out of a full-time job for 18 months, and I’ve been spinning myself around and inside out to find a job.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
Ann P.
p
July 24, 2010 9:50 am
Important info for B w/ the Beatles!
From Jonathan Turley (big time Law professor at GWU and MSNBC):
Fab Four Sues Fab Four.
http://jonathanturley.org/2010/07/23/i-wanna-be-your-man-beatles-impersonators-sue-beatles-impersonators-for-their-impersonation-of-beatles/
“I Wanna Be Your Man”: Beatles Impersonators Sue Beatles Impersonators For Their Impersonation of Beatles
Just the way he weaves in all those song titles as he reviews the case is priceless.
Kelly
August 4, 2010 1:50 pm
Way to go Terri-I voted for you because you deserved it. Glad they recognized it as well. Congrats and hope you’re around for another 30+ years
TIM JACKSON
August 4, 2010 4:14 pm
TERRY
Congratulations!! Long overdue. You are such an incredible person and an amazing example to all of us.
God Bless You!
Tim Jackson
Sr. Writer/Producer (ret)
WGN-TV
Olga Stamos
August 5, 2010 7:47 pm
Your Great Terri! Love Ya!
Loren
August 6, 2010 1:19 am
Terri,
I saw you on Chicago Tonight and I have a slight issue with one of your comments. You said that you hated what Pat boone did to the songs of Fats Domino and Little Richard. While it is true that a song like “Aon’t That A Shame” sounds better coming from Domino than Boone, without Pat presenting these songs to the public first it would have been much more difficult for these artist to break in the national spotlight and have their music and sound be accepted by main streem audience. Pat Boone paved the way for many black artist. And they had no right to complain. They made a nice royalty on Pat’s version before their songs ever came to market. Just wanted to make that point.
Mrs. A.
August 9, 2010 10:34 pm
Ms. Hemmert, Best wishes to you but can you please play more Beatles and less of the cover b ands or others doing the Beatles? thanks
Tom McGinniss
August 17, 2010 11:12 am
Hey Terry! Nice meeting you at the Fest. ( You & Deco were in her room and me and my wife, Julie were chatting with you about stuff) I’ve run the Fest recording studio for 19 years, but had never met you. Our son, Josh, who works for Mark just loves you to pieces. Take care, and see you at the next Chicago Fest!
Tom http://www.tjplusproductions.com
Ellen Hemmert
September 12, 2010 2:13 pm
Hello from the other Ellen Hemmert. Ron and I are in Chicago working on the flood/high water damage and wanted to say hello. If you have time, maybe we could get together for dinner/coffee. We will probaby be here another several weeks. El
Jerry Hund
September 25, 2010 9:09 am
Terri,
I am a big fan of yours and of the Beatles. Graduated HS in 1968 and explain today to my students at Bartlett HS how wonderful it was to live the Beatle experience and live with anticipation for the next new album. There experience is that they have they entire collection to live with at once. It is really cool to see my kids really enjoy the Beatles and other 60′s bands when we hear them on the radio in my CAD lab (after my lectures of course). I never saw the Beatles in concert even though I could have when they came to the old Ampetheatre. My uncle at the time was head of food and beverages and he had tickets. He met them. I was just 15 and didn’t drive yet. My how the Beatles sounded great in my basement back then. Speakers place at each end of the room!
Thanks,
Jerry Hund
PS Did you see the AAmco commercial on TV? The last guy explaining his car problem sure looks a lot like Paul in his Let It Be days!
Diana Andrews
October 13, 2010 8:29 am
Congratulations, Terri! You certainly deserve being inducted to the National Radio Hall of Fame! I was able to stream your show for a little while, and totally enjoyed it! Even more, Rick & I thoroughly enjoyed meeting you on the January 2010 LRBC! You are a treasure, and I/we look forward to seeing you again — hopefully BEFORE the 2013 LRBC! Best of success, health & happiness! Love you, Diana
Debbie H.
October 13, 2010 8:39 am
CONGRATULATIONS on your election to the Hall of Fame. If anyone deserves it, you do. You are a great DJ but more than that you are a good person. I am so happy that the Hall of Fame realizes that. I go way back with you and actually had you as my sponsor for one of XRT’s annual smoke out day sponsorship of one person for you and one for (i think) it was Frank E. Lee, but I got you and received calls from you during the day with encouragement to not smoke, i’m sorry to say that I am still smoking. Anyways……….I just wanted to congratulate you and say that I have a lot of respect and love for you. Debbie Hernandez
Penny Zemar
November 28, 2010 2:26 pm
Terri
I moved AZ They don’t have a radio program I miss WXRT
On Saturay or Sunday they have Breakfast with the Beatls rhy suck I alo miss your showCongrats On your award
Take care
Karen Hart
December 12, 2010 10:37 pm
Terri,
I wanted to make sure you knew how appreciative we are of your support for local bands. It’s great to hear from our fans that they heard you talking about the upcoming Karen Hart Band shows. Thank you so much! Hope you have a great holiday and an even better New Year!
Thanks again,
Karen Hart
Kelly
December 21, 2010 8:17 pm
Hi Terri,
Just wanted you to know that you make Chicago great and I’m lucky to get to listen to you every day at work. I just wanted to let you know that it’s so refreshing to hear your voice every morning. Usually there’s a crabby vibe in the air at our office every morning but somehow you cut right through it so thank you. You’re so authentic and Chicago is very lucky to have you. Thank you for all that you do! You are great and you pick me up every day!
stacy
January 10, 2011 8:02 pm
Please help our school win $50,000. Piqua Catholic, Terri’s hometown school needs your support.
Please vote for our grant:
http://www.refreshourschools.com, vote all 3 ways daily this month!!!!
Watch our cute video:
Thank you Chicago!!!!
Lori Grissom Williams
January 10, 2011 8:18 pm
Hi Terri,
Friend from Piqua,Oh. Congrats on your award. I was best friends with your sister Joan. She got me hooked on the Beatles. I have lived in a few parts of the country. Everyone has heard of you. I felt like I knew you by all the posters in your room. Keep up all the good things that you do!
Kelly
January 10, 2011 8:34 pm
I learned about your career successes and ties to Piqua, OH, in a front-page story of the Piqua Daily Call in 2010. Congratulations on your hard-earned awards and accomplishments. Now Piqua has some big news to share with you! Piqua Catholic School is competing in a national voting competition, much like American Idol, to win a $50K grant to replace the tile gym floor. If you’ve seen it, you know why it needs replaced! We entered the month-long competition in December, and came short of a top-10 finish, earning 15th place. We re-entered the competition on January 3rd and currently hold 5th place. Please help us spread the word so we can accumulate enough votes to remain in the top 10 by the end of January. Visit our website http://www.piquacatholic.org and vote for our idea daily! Hometown proud, Kelly
Andy Burner
January 11, 2011 8:16 am
Terri, Congratulations on being inducted into the Hall of Fame. Any more contests with the prize being a trip to Piqua? Keep going with your Beatles beat. We’re proud of you in Piqua!!
James Willett
January 30, 2011 8:59 am
Hey Terri,
Love the b’fast w/the Beatles show. Keep up great work. I’m wondering if XRT gets involved with any Beatles events that would/could incorporate Beatles-related art? My buddy is a Cleveland artist whose been regularly featured in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame & Museum with his line of Beatles art. (See link below). I’d love to help him connect w/your show, if you get involved.
http://billynainiger.com/beatles.html
Anne
February 14, 2011 12:59 pm
Back in the early 70′s, my brother introduced me to XRT and said you had the best radio voice. “It’s sexy,” he said. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Jordan Podolsky
February 16, 2011 8:06 pm
My 8 year old daughter, Jordan, wanted to share this with you:
Dear Ms. Hemmert,
I thought you might like this AWESOME video!
Your BIGGEST fan,
Jordan Podolsky!
reba
February 17, 2011 1:24 pm
I just noticed this week that once an hour you play an instrumental for about 7 or so minutes……….when did you start doing that, and why?????????? sounds like Mario Cart when he falls asleep
Mary Kate McHugh
April 11, 2011 1:40 pm
Dear Terri,
I am a student at York Community High School in Elmhurst and I recently started the first radio program at York. I am working with EC and their studio and have met some amazing people. I was wondering if you might be interested in speaking with some York and EC students alike about radio and how it has impacted your life. We would be so honored to listen to your story. Thank you so much and I hope to hear from you!
Sincerely,
Mary Kate
mary niewinski
April 18, 2011 11:50 am
big fan of the beatles
sari
April 27, 2011 4:55 pm
Happy Birthday Terri!!!!
Mark Kubiak
May 11, 2011 9:19 pm
Hey Terri, … you played a song today, 5/11, that sounded like Joe Cocker? Tag line was “I’m not your Repo Man”
Who was this?
Columbia Grad & loving your show since 1971
mansour moradian
May 22, 2011 10:37 am
hi terri
love you love breakfast with beatles.i’m with you everysundy
today you played FOR NO ONE by different artist
i need the name of the band.thans mansour
Deborah Houtz
June 6, 2011 6:06 pm
The Beatle Brothers will be playing at the 24th Annual Oak Fest 2011 on July 4th from 6:30 to 9:30 pm. Was wondering if you could advertise the fest for us? It is at 159th & Central in Oak Forest. Please email me at pdhoutz@sbcglobal.net if you have any questions! Thanks!
Mary Verschelde
July 3, 2011 11:56 am
Hi Terri,
Wondering if there is still a Beatles Brunch anywhere in the Chicagoland area. I’d sure appreciate a response.
Thanks much
Tom from Austin
August 19, 2011 4:54 pm
Got an I pad, got an I phone. I listen to you and xrt every day terri, now more than when I lived at home in chitown. Life is good!! We’re so lucky to have this station.
Kathy McCabe
October 13, 2011 7:34 pm
Terri, I am trying to reach you to see if you are interested in interviewing Freda Kelly on your radio program. Freda headed up The Official Beatles Fan Club in the UK from 1961-1872, was secretary to The Beatles and Brian Epstein for years, and was in the film Magical Mystery Tour. I am producing a documentary on her called ‘Good Ol’ Freda’ (the line taken from The Beatles 1963 Christmas record) and Freda is doing interviews supporting the project. If you are interested, please get in touch with me on kmccabe44@comcast.net. Thank you! Glad Paul gave you that big hug!!! Kathy McCabe, Producer/’Good Ol’ Freda’/Tripod Media
Kim Kerkbashian
October 19, 2011 5:53 pm
Hi Terri … I wonder if you (or anyone) could help me out here. I was listening to XRT and there was a ‘text in’ to win tickets to see The National in December. Here’s the thing that confuses me…..I could swear that it was said that this would be a great Christmas concert for kids! I’m not familiar with The National but I heard them on XRT just the other night (like them!) checked out their web site and didn’t see much that looked like either Christmas concert-ish or kid-ish. I feel a little silly now ’cause I texted, got an error message back so called the number given, then told a nice young man how great it would be to win ticket and take my 7 year old daughter to a Christmas concert by The National! Thanks, Kim
Chris
November 20, 2011 9:05 pm
Terri,
We love you and your show! You are the best DJ on radio anywhere!
Chris
Gerard
January 1, 2012 10:55 pm
Terri, I never miss Breakfast with the Beatles. Thank you.
Lora Lynn Manning
January 29, 2012 9:59 am
I am so happy that I can finally listen to XRT at my home in Davenport, IA. I’m not that far from home, but listening brings me even closer! Listening to breakfast with the Beatles this Sunday thanks Terri !!! I’ve been a loyal listener for over 30 years and everyday is still fresh and vibrant!