Douglas (Bronzeville) in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Al Benson

"The Swingmaster"; 1908-1978

— Bronzeville Walk of Fame —

Al Benson Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, August 14, 2026

1. Al Benson Marker

Inscription.
Syndicated radio innovator

Erected 1996 by City of Chicago.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Communications. In addition, it is included in the Bronzeville Walk of Fame series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1908.

Location. 41° 50.655′ N, 87° 37.026′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Douglas (Bronzeville). It is on South Martin Luther King Drive 0.2 miles south of East 26th Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chicago IL 60616, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Jack L. Cooper (within shouting distance of this

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marker); Anthony Overton (within shouting distance of this marker); Claude McKay (within shouting distance of this marker); Charles Sumner Duke (within shouting distance of this marker); S.B. Fuller (within shouting distance of this marker); Walter T. Bailey Giles (within shouting distance of this marker); Maudelle Bousefield (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); John Moutoussamy (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

More about this marker. Roughly 100 Bronzeville Walk of Fame markers are found around the neighborhood along Martin Luther King Drive between 25th and 35th Streets.

Also see . . . Al Benson: The Godfather of Black Radio in Chicago. From the In Dangerous Rhythm blog (Submitted on August 15, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, August 14, 2026

2. Al Benson Marker

Al Benson Marker on the east side of King Drive image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, August 14, 2026

3. Al Benson Marker on the east side of King Drive

Credits. This page was last revised on August 17, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 15, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 15, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.