(Time 7:25 p.m. : Chuck Brinkman rushed into the studio lobby - we quickly
exchanged introductions -- and then into the office for an on-the-spot-interview
7:26
p.m.: I questioned Chuck on the history of his career.
7:27
p.m.: We chose studio photos depicting his work at the mike to be used
in this article.
7:28
p.m.: 2-minutes before the interview would have come to a close. We make
some last minute arrangements to pu together biographical material.
7:29
p.m.: The Chuck Brinkman theme song was heard coming over the air waves
-- a quick goodbye and thank you.
Then,
7:30 p.m.: Chuck Flew into the control room to his place behind the microphone
and HERE HE IS ........ CHUCK BRINKMAN.)
The
musical tones of 'Mrs. Brown You've Got a Lovely Daughter' filter the air
and its time once again for another evening on the job. A typical four-hour
show consists of the announcement of the 'Secret Word Sweepstakes' clue,
followed by strains of "The Freddy" recorded by Freddy and the Dreamers.
After
a brief spot commercial its time to play the 'No. 1 Song of the Week.
Now
Chuck gives the Tri-State weather report followed by the musical notes
of the No. 4 tune, 'Silhouettes," the super hit line.
"Tickets
are now on sale for the "Herman Hermitt Spectacular" to be held at the
Syria Mosque Monday, May 4 ......" continues Brinkman. "Get in step and
get your tickets now."
(click above for larger
picture)
|
Time out for five minutes of the latest news and back into the second swinging
hour with 'The Instant Action Song,' "Last Night When I Saw Laurie." ........
And
off he goes into the night with the original sounds and hits entertaining
teenagers young and old with the top hits of today and yesterday.
Chuck's
first job in radio came while he was still attending Ohio University, Athens,
Ohio. He worked for station WAND in Canton. Then his first real break into
the medium came in 1956 in New Haven, Connecticut. Chuck obtained an afternoon
disc jockey job for station WELI, sending out over 5,000 watts.
After
joining the National Guard in 1958, Chuck spent six months of active duty
at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He then returned to Cleveland and in 1959 worked
as a newsman - announcer for station WJW in downtown Cleveland.
The
staff of KQV opened their arms to a new memeber in 1960 when Chuck arrived
as an all night disc jockey. Nine months later his hours were switched
to split early evening shifts.
But
as the result of a new Berline Crisis, Chuck was recalled to active duty
in 1961, this time for nine months. Then in August of '62 he returned to
KQV and started his present time slot - 7:30 o.m. to midnight.
"I
find the most interesting part of my work is in receiving recognition in
public appearances for ideas or sayings that I have been associated with
on the air." states Chuck. He has become well know for such sayings as
"a little bit of this - and a little bit of that."
Although
he is on the air for 4 1/2 hours music preparation is needed. He doesn't
just select the tunes he wants to play, but he must work toward musical
balance. He tried to achieve a flavor that is current, unusual and controversial.
People like to hear the days hits but, Chuck feels there is always room
for something brand new in the field, a new style or trend. "It is always
satisfying to think you might have helped bring it to life. So you stick
your neck out on a few records hoping the publiuc will accept it well."
The most thrilling part of his career so far was last March when he flew
to England for interviews with 12 top British groups. One week before this
flight, he flew to the Bahamas with the Beatles, whom he also introduced
at their Civic Arena concert here last September.
"Another
interesting part of my job," Chuck concluded, is the different people you
meet at various functions, from telethons to record hops, and personal
appearances."
Chuck
Brinkman was born in Pittsburgh in July 1935. He is married and has three
children: Charles L. Brinkman IV, age 3; Lisa, age 2; and Jonathon, age
6 months. |
