The Rick Dees Papers span the years 1967 to 2003, with the bulk of the material from 1989 to 1998. The materials have been broken down into seven categories: advertising, awards, clippings, correspondence, "Disco Duck," and photographs. The materials in this collection chronicle Dees' career as a popular radio personality and late night talk show host. Highlights of the collection include Dee's 1967 FCC Radio Operator's Permit, a copy of Dee's handwritten lyrics to the hit song "Disco Duck," and thank you letters from Presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush. The photographic materials, which include photographs, 35mm slides, and negatives, comprise the largest section of the collection and provide images of Dees' 1990 late night talk show <title render="italic">Into the Night</title> and showcase television personalities of the era, as well as popular musicians of the time. Featured in the photographs are David Bowie, James Brown, Cher, Genesis, Janet Jackson, Julian Lennon, and Little Richard. This collection gives researchers insight to Dees' career as well as his private life. Seen in a broader context, the collection provides a look into the career of disc jockeys in the mid-1970s to the early 2000s, and the kinds of recognition and career opportunities that were available. The Rick Dees Papers are arranged first by type of material and then chronologically where possible.
Biography / Administrative History
Comedic performer and radio personality Rick Dees has made a mark in the entertainment world with his internationally syndicated radio show, "The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40," which is heard each weekend by more than 70 million people around the world, including virtually every city in the United States, 125 countries, 27 ships at sea, and on the Armed Forces Radio Network. Dees is also active in other areas of the entertainment industry: he has appeared in movies, television shows, and has recorded several comedy albums.
Timeline
1950 March 14: Rigdon "Rick" Osmond Dees III is born in Jacksonville, Fla.
1972: Graduates from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelors Degree in Radio, TV and Motion Pictures.
Late 1970s: Begins career as a radio show personality in Memphis, Tenn.
1977: Records hit song "Disco Duck."
1981 July: Begins hosting morning show on KIIS-FM in Los Angeles.
1984: Receives Grammy nomination for his comedy album "Hurt Me Baby - Write Me Bad Checks."
Early 1990s: Hosts late-night show, "Into The Night Starring Rick Dees," on the ABC television network.
2004: Leaves KIIS after 23 years due to a contract dispute.
2006 August: Returns to Los Angeles radio as the morning show host on Movin' 93.9.
Notes
Acquisition Note: The Rick Dees Papers were received by The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. as a gift from Rick Dees on November 2, 2009.
Processing Information: Processed by Rachel Somerville, Project Archivist. Completed December 30, 2010. Descriptive sources and standards used to create this inventory: DACS and local processing manual.
Citation: [Identification of item], Rick Dees Papers, Library and Archives, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.
Separated Materials: Episodes of the "Rick Dees Weekly Top 40" have been transferred to the library collection. Please search the library catalog for the "Rich Dees Papers" for a list of our holdings. If you are unable to find what you are looking for, consult the Library and Archives staff to ensure these materials are available.
Exhibition History: July 2011-September 2020, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum: On the Air: Rock and Roll Radio.
Access
Collection is open for research. Patrons must sign the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibility and Privacy Rights statement on the Researcher Registration form before using this collection. Please contact staff before visiting the Library and Archives to use this collection.
Use
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. For more information, please consult the staff of the Library and Archives.
