© 2024 WYPR
WYPR 88.1 FM Baltimore WYPF 88.1 FM Frederick WYPO 106.9 FM Ocean City
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Mike Olesker's "Boogie" celebrates Baltimore's rags-to-riches legend

Michael Olesker is a former Baltimore Sun reporter who was a schoolmate of Leonard "Boogie" Weinglass, and they are still friends. (photo courtesy JMore)
Michael Olesker is a former Baltimore Sun reporter who was a schoolmate of Leonard "Boogie" Weinglass, and they are still friends. (photo courtesy JMore)

And now, a conversation about a guy that back in the day in Baltimore, struggled, scraped and faked his way through school, fought at the drop of a hat, and found himself on the opposite side of legal more than a few times. He was far and away the least likely to succeed. But succeed he did.

Leonard "Boogie" Weinglass was a charmer, a delinquent, a star athlete, a gambler, a partier and a patron. He was a Diner guy, immortalized in Barry Levinson’s classic movie. He was a salesman with a knack for fashion and food who became one of the most successful and transformative figures in American retail.

He founded the Merry Go Round chain of clothing stores, which grew to include 1,500 stores and 15,000 employees. He transformed the fashion industry. And he has lived one of the wildest lives you can imagine.

Published by Apprentice House Press, an imprint of Loyola University Maryland
Published by Apprentice House Press, an imprint of Loyola University Maryland

Tom's guest is Michael Olesker. He has written a terrific book about Boogie Weinglass. It’s called Boogie: Life on a Merry-Go-Round.

Mike will be talking about it at The Ivy Bookshop tonight and Boogie Weinglass, who recently celebrated his 80th birthday, will be there to join in the conversation. Follow the link for event details.

Mike Olesker joins us now on the phone...

Stay Connected
Host, Midday (M-F 12:00-1:00)
Rob is a contributing producer for Midday.