Record #: R2019-334   
Type: Resolution Status: Adopted
Intro date: 5/29/2019 Current Controlling Legislative Body:
Final action: 5/29/2019
Title: Tribute to late Alpheus Ywain Fields
Sponsors: Beale, Anthony
Attachments: 1. R2019-334.pdf
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, This august Body wishes to extend its heart-fclfesympathics and condolences to the family and friends of Ywain Fields upon his passing on May 1 8, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Alpheus Fields was horn March 19, 1962 lo Alpheus H. Fields and Willie Doris Fields. l;rom an early age he was affectionately known by his middle name, "Ywain"; and

WHEREAS, Ywain attended elementary school at O'Keefe and Frank I. Bennett, graduating from middle school in 1975. He went on to graduate from Mendel Catholic High School; and

WHEREAS, Ywain attended Illinois State University from 1979 to 1981 before transferring to Columbia College in Chicago, from where he graduated in 1984 with a Bachelor's Degree in Radio and TV Broadcasting. While at Illinois State, Mr. Fields was the Head Director ofthe Interdenominational Youth Choir. The choir toured various universities, gospel music workshops and in 1980 recorded a gospel album entitled "Make a Joyful Noise"; and

WHEREAS, Music was a passion of Ywain from an early age. He studied the Suzuki Music Method; and

WHEREAS, In his formative years, Ywain enjoyed the music.of The Jackson 5 and James Brown; and

WHEREAS, Ywain joined Chicago radio station WVON in 1983, interning for legendary radio personality and co-owner of WVON, Pervis Spann; and

WHEREAS, Ywain's talent, creativity and strong connection to music and the church led him to his first on-air position at WVON as a gospel music host,.where he became affectionately known as "Deacon" Ywain Fields; and

WHEREAS, Ywain's 36-year career at WVON would find him holding a number of positions and excelling in all of them due to his talent and his love of music and radio; and

WHEREAS, He spent his last eight years at WVON as the overnight jock. He changed his name from "Deacon Ywain" to "Insane Ywain" and renamed the overnight show "The B Sides"; and

WHEREAS, Ywain's legacy in Chicago radio is legendary and his contributions to the field of music and radio will not be forgotten...

Click here for full text