Pervis Spann, ‘the BLUES man,’ legendary Chicago disc jockey, dead at 89 of Alzheimer’s disease; (NEW: Public viewing, services)

Legendary WVON-AM disc jockey Pervis Spann, who helped build a Black radio powerhouse in Chicago, died Monday at 89 at his South Side home from complications of Alzheimer’s disease.

Mr. Spann’s melodious voice and catchphrase on the overnight shift — “Pervis Spann, the BLUES man” — helped countless fans, workers and college students get through all-nighters by listening to their transistor radios.