I sent you a congrats note when the Hall of Fame announcement was first made, but I welcome the opportunity to send another one now that it has happened!!!
Scott St, James Official Website: www.scottstjames.com
Biography Received: 11/09/2008 @ 11:58am PST
From: Randy Schmidt
Charlie,
We were in touch some time ago (YEARS ago!) when I compiled and edited the Carpenters "Yesterday Once More" compendium of articles, interviews and more. You were such a great help in allowing me to include your 1976 interview with Karen and I am hoping you will extend the same to a new project I am working on. It's a Karen Carpenter biography called "A Song for You," due out in late 2009 or 2010 from Chicago Review Press. I would like to include some of Karen's quotes from that interview and another you sent me on the subject of love and love songs (should a quote be found appropriate for the project). Any help is greatly appreciated...
Randy Schmidt
PS: Is there any chance a photo of you with Karen exists? I am seeking previously unseen and rare photos to include in the book, too.
I am sure your having a great time is Chicago celebrating your national Hall of Fame for radio. I want to congratulate you.
Jennifer Strigle
Congrats on Hall of Fame induction Received: 11/08/2008 @ 11:19am PST
From: Paul Kennedy
Hi Charlie, Way to go ... so well deserved and you're far from done yet. I will tune in the induction this evening. Weekend radio has never sounded so good, current and entertaining. Thanks for introducing me to my favorite singer - Frankie Valli - back in 67 at WMEX .. (I recall you doing a split shift back then). And, thanks for being a terrific roll model and a class act all these years. Paul Kennedy Halifax, Nova Scotia
you're the best Received: 11/08/2008 @ 7:47am PST
From: Norm Jacobovitz
Hi Charlie,
I want to congratulate you again on being inducted in to the National Radio Hall Of Fame this weekend. There are not enough words to say how important you are to all of your fans and friends. You have been part of our lives and our memories for many years and I just want to say it's an honor to have know you for over 35 years. Again, thanks for everything
Your friend, Norm Jacobovitz
Old fan checking in again...20 years later Received: 11/07/2008 @ 11:30pm PST
From: Tom Zsenyuk
Hi Charlie,
How the technology has changed! The last time I spoke with you, was at KRLA off-air on the telephone, and we shared Lyle Alzado stories. I still remember the "cheap skate" anecdote you told. It's good to hear you on R&R again, although the C&W stint was very nice too. A real pro you are.
Do you pod cast? I was half-dazed last Saturday, when you played the original Monster Mash, and had a taped interview with Bobby "Boris" Pickett. It was really interesting, but I only remember fragments. It would be nice if I could re-listen.
Finally, I'm sure that you keep in touch with Charlie Van Dyke. He's still got the pipes! I would like to email him a story from my childhood in Detroit. I'm probably one of very few that recalls of the weirdest incidents in broadcasting, and Charlie Van Dyke was a part of it.
I'll tell you the story with hopes that you'll cut and paste it, and forward to Charlie, or pass along his address.
I think it was in the late 60's, maybe 1968, and it was a Sunday. Cold and plenty of snow on the ground. Charlie had a normal weekday shift at CKLW. A frustrated Detroit Red Wing fan unbeknownst to most anyone, had taken a chain saw to the guy wires of the giant FM/TV stick co-located with the CKLW studios on Riverside Drive, West on the Detroit River in Windsor (corner of Riverside Dr., W. and Janette). At that time, the radio studios were at that building as well as the TV and the FM. Police evacuated the building, and all of CK's ops went black - or silent, depending on the medium. Everything was sudden and no explanation/alert was given. I was listening to the AM side when it went silent. I figured it was a technical glitch, was would be fixed in a moment or two.
I kept listening to silence for about an hour (or maybe more). It didn't matter that much, because I think I was doing my homework anyway. Then, lo-and-behold, the radio came to life again. I could swear it was the voice of Charlie Van Dyke. He apparently had been contacted at home by management, and drove out to the country (Harrow, Ontario) where the AM antenna farm was located. He had jerry-rigged a studio there to get back on the air! I don't remember if he was able to play records, or if he was confined to jabbering. I'm sure there wasn't any way to intersperse spots.
The fan, I recall, was arrested to "dry out", and the tower never fell and no one was hurt thankfully. But that was something.
Like I said, I hope you enjoyed the story; perhaps you even knew it. I'll be tuning-in as always, although I don't get home from work until around 3 am on Saturdays (now you see why that interview was a little "foggy"). Keep up the Hall of Fame work.
Sincerely yours,
Tom (The Pharmacist) Zsenyuk Laguna Niguel
Museum of Broadcast Communications Received: 11/07/2008 @ 9:56pm PST
From: Louise Huebner
Charlie:
Congratulations!
I was probably a guest on many several hundred radio shows between Los Angeles and New York, and you are the only DJ/Host my kids and I hold dear to our hearts. "Charlie Tuna" is the name we remember. The others blur. You're an Icon. To us you are 'Radio'.
You were always a fun guy.
You're very deserving.
When the email announcement arrived tonight ~ I was thrilled.
Good Luck!
Louise
The Official Witch of Los Angeles
Age 3
You Are The Greatest Received: 11/07/2008 @ 7:58am PST
From: Yolanda Soto
Hi Charlie, I just want to congratulate you for being the greatest D.J. alive. I really enjoy listening to you on the weekends I just can't seem to get enough of you. I even look forward to Sat and Sun. I wish KRTH 101 FM would have the sense to put you in a weekday spot. Please come on the air daily. America needs you to continue to make us smile.
You make my day. I love you.
Sincerely, Yolanda Soto Monterey Park
Big weekend Received: 11/07/2008 @ 7:44am PST
From: Patti and Howard Johnson
Charlie..
Congrats on your big ceremony.
Well deserved, and a great honor.
Enjoy your weekend.
I'm trying to find a channel that's carrying the Westwood syndication so we can follow along.
Best wishes
Patti and (The REAL) Howard Johnson
Congratulations, again Received: 11/05/2008 @ 5:15am PST
From: Pat Barker
Charlie;
I just wanted to take one more opportunity to again congratulate you on your nomination to the Radio Hall of Fame. I can't think of anyone who deserves it more. You've been the number one disc jockey for years, and not only that, you have always given back to the community through your charitable drives.
You richly deserve this honor and it's been a long time coming.
CONGRATULATIONS from all the Barkers!
Memories Received: 11/02/2008 @ 5:24pm PST
From: Rhonda Atlas Garside
Many years ago, I attended an advertising function with my late husband (Myles Atlas), my most treasured keepsake from that evening is a photo of me taken with Charlie Tune, and a couple of other guys named Evelle Younger and some guy named Pat Brown.
To this day, I tell people that " I had my picture taken with Charlie Tuna", and only mention the other two.
Rhonda Atlas Garside
Re: Finding a song you mentioned Received: 11/02/2008 @ 1:18pm PST
From: Jeff J. Miller
Charlie, I was listening when you played a clip of a variation of "We didn't start the fire". I thought you said it was posted on the website but I can't find it. Can you please point me in the right direction. Thanks
Jeff Miller Chairman my soundDNA™: Making Music for Money| Jimmy Buffett
NOTE TO JEFF: Sorry, it was an older post than I thought...It was on my October 13th “News” link. Just scroll to Monday, October 13th "NEWS"! You’ll be able to view it there
Airchecking Received: 11/02/2008 @ 7:24am PST
From: Thom Whetson
I was transferring some of your AFRTS work and came upon this.
I had to send a copy.
THANK YOU for doing the work on the shows that you did for them (us), it meant a lot to us in the field. I did two tours in the field with AFRTS and have been looking for the recordings for the longest time.
Recently I found someone who was a “radio kid” in Germany, recorded hundreds of hours (mostly of your program 1976-92) AND SAVED THE TAPES. I’ve been transferring them to digital (cd quality)
I’ve also heard from a couple of Germans that learned English from AFN, that did great transfers also.
Thom Whetston
NOTE TO LISTENERS AND READERS: Thom sent me a clip from one of my 1982 Armed Forces Radio Network shows (That's what AFRTS stands for...the "T" is for "Television). It was my then 2 year old son Bryan in my studio, who loved to dance and sing-a-long to "Freeze Frame" by the J. Geils Band. And as a lot of you know, Bryan is the one who grew up to, among a zillion other things, to design this website of mine you're visiting! My older son Daniel, who started my initial charlietuna.com site, built my home studio, taught me everything I know about computers and tech stuff, and is my IT guy I couldn't do radio without, introduced Bryan to a lot of the music and musical instruments too, so much so that Bryan started his own band in high school (LastFalling.com), and Daniel does the recording and mixing of Bryan's band still recording and playing today. You can hear the Bryan clip on the November 3, 2008 "CLIP" archives on this website!
HELLO Received: 11/01/2008 @ 8:01am PST
From: Lorraine Kirby
Charlie, I just tuned in to you on-line (on very low where only I can hear) while in the classroom of the driving school where I teach drivers ed. every Saturday morning. Got a few minutes while the students are studying and I just wanted to say Hi! Listen to you every chance I get.
Lorraine from Anaheim
Rain in Palmdale, So Cal Received: 11/01/2008 @ 7:21am PST
From: Rich Kancel
Good Morning Charlie,
Here in Palmdale, I'm in the garage cleaning my 1964 Impala SS and listening to your show. This is a great way to spend a Saturday morning, considering that Palmdale is receiving intermittent rain showers, punctuated by brief moments of sunshine. Have a great day!
Cheers, Rich
An old listener Received: 11/01/2008 @ 6:33am PST
From: Steve Niebergall
I used to listen to you in Germany, on AFN, from 1974 to 1992. It’s great being able to listen to you again!
Steve
Your show on AFN Received: 10/30/2008 @ 12:54am PST
From: Karl-Franz Tretter
Dear Charlie,
I'm from Kaiserslautern, Germany, and I used to listen to your show on our local AFN Radio-Station, when I was a little younger! It was part of my day, no way to miss it! So I can't forget the end-title of your show, it became a part of my youth, I have it always in my mind. But still I would like to know, where I can hear it again or - even better - get it on CD or as a download. Can you help?
Many greetings from Germany,
Karli from K-town
(NOTE TO KARLI: The theme I used at the end of the show was from the album titled "The Official Music of the XXIIIrd Olympiad Los Angeles 1984" and the album cut was from the Boxing matches. It was "Moodido" by Toto. As luck would have it, someone has posted it on YouTube, so just click and play below and there's your memory!)
Congratulations on your induction into the Radio Hall of Fame. You are joining the ranks of some very special and talented people, including some whose voices I listened to along with my breakfast Cheerios before school in North Carolina—Fred Fletcher, for one, if I remember correctly.
Helen Baker
Long time listener Received: 10/27/2008 @ 5:34pm PST
From: Larry Tunforss
Charlie
We have spoken before. Like 27 years ago when I left Lakewood and moved to Bullhead City to be Larry Tuna I really got the nick name Tuna from a band teacher who said “I’m not saying Tunforss everyday for four years. You are Tuna.”
Well, radio in Bullhead City was ok. When I moved here I also joined the fire department as a volunteer. 13 years ago I became the Public Information Officer and Public Education Specialist. Now, I’m just the PIO.
But I enjoyed you on KHJ. Caught you once in a while on K-big. NOW, I play K-EARTH every weekend. I bought wireless speakers that plug into my lap top. It’s you all Saturday and Sunday. I would love to call in, however, your 800 number is not accessible from AZ. Is there another number a long time caller can call one in a while that is not toll free?
Larry Tunforss
(NOTE TO LARRY: I didn't realize about the 800 access had changed. It's probably the result of the economy and companies cutting expenses where they can. Economics most likely dictated that they restrict the 800 number to Southern California callers only because it's a more expensive plan for worldwide availability. Unfortunately there is no other number for listeners, but you can always email just like you did.)
Steve from "Goldmine" Magazine checking back Received: 10/24/2008 @ 3:21am PST
From: Steve Orchard
Hi Charlie,
Several months ago I left a message on your site and you responded back to me via email. I'm the guy with a ton of those AFN shows you did from years back. In fact,looking into my archives,I have shows from as far back as 1973 through the early part of 1992. Found a former AFN jock with time on his hands who is now transferring a lot of the cassette shows to CD that I have. He lives in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. Whats interesting is that for as many AFN airchecks and shows are available,alot of the AFRTS stuff is just hard to come by. Makes me glad I hung onto that stuff over the years.
The one feature I think I enjoyed the best was "The Unbelievable." I'd love to incorporate something like that into my current radio gig. Never fails to elicit a chuckle from me!
Steve Orchard Results Broadcasting,Iron Mountain,Mi Free-Lance writer for Goldmine Magazine,Iola, Wisconsin
I just found out that you are going to be inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame.
Congratulations!! That is so exciting. You deserve it. This is such a wonderful accomplishment based on all your hard word and achievements you have done throughout the years.
All the best to you,
Always,
Sharon Reifman
The world's greatest DJ Received: 10/18/2008 @ 7:55pm PST
From: Wayne Maeshack
Dear Charlie Tuna,
I have been a fan of yours since I first heard you while I was stationed in Germany during the beginning of the 80’s. They aired a one hour segment on AFRTS which I always made time for if I could. I remember you telling a Halloween joke that I have told over the years and always got a laugh. It goes like this, One day Charlie Tuna and little Charlie Tuna went trick or treating as pirates. At the first house they stop a woman came to the door and said “My, what cute pirates you are, where are the rest of your buccaneers?” Little Charlie Tuna replied, “Underneath my buccan-hat!”
I want to say thanks for your support of the troops of the past and present! As a vet of the first Gulf War we truly appreciated the support we received from home. Hearing the talents from home made our travels overseas comfortable when we had time to relax. Now, I just moved to southern California and I heard you on the air and had to drop you a note to say HI, and thank you!
A true Fan,
Wayne Maeshack USAF (Hon. Discharged)
hi BFF it's little Edna Received: 10/18/2008 @ 6:53pm PST
From: Edna Cerritos
HI BFF Charlie,
Look i rode on the plane and got to drive a little while. The pilot was great and fun! I wanted to share with you! I hope your doing well!
Love Little Edna
Nice to have you back! Received: 10/18/2008 @ 6:59am PST
From: Uwe Juelich
Hi Charlie,
my telephone is working now, and I said I want to call you, now I did. Good to to on the answering machine, you can hear, I am very excited, as I am a FAN of Radio.
Very long time ago I heard you here in Germany on AFN after 9 in the morning, really good old times. I was 13 years old. Time is running, now i might get 43, and it is really great to hear you again on KRTH via the Internet.
Maybe you find the time to answer me, so I can ask you as they did in the old shows, MR. MUSIC. It is a song from 1987 "Talk of the Town" but I do not know who sang it. You might be able to help!!!!
Greetings from Uwe
(NOTE TO UWE: I love hearing from my international listeners too, and in answer to your question, "Talk of the Town" was a hit by a couple of artists in the 50's, Perry Como and The Four Aces, and then decades later, totally different songs, but same title hit the charts with The Pretenders, and also Jack Johnson.)
FW: Funny!!! Received: 10/16/2008 @ 5:37am PST
From: Kathy Nickelson
Morning Charlie,
You may have already seen this, but I think it is quite funny! With the crazy downer things going on with the stock market etc. a little laughter is nice to come across!
Sure love listening to you on weekends, you are such a delight and a great story teller on the history of past artists and help bring my younger days back!
