The radio world lost a giant among broadcasters on October 8 when Charlie Brown passed away at his home in Hillsborough with his wife of more than 50 years, Sue, by his side. Charlie was a revered member of the volunteer staff at WHUP where he hosted The Charlie Brown Show for almost seven years, his last live in-studio stint in a calling that spanned more than six decades.
Best known as the premier ambassador of Carolina beach music, which he brought to the attention of countless listeners throughout his career that reached its zenith during his tenure at Durham’s WKIX, Charlie also produced the syndicated program On the Beach beginning in 2015 that was carried by around 40 stations around the country. A member of the North Carolina Beach Music Hall of Fame, at one time or other Charlie interviewed almost every key figure in that distinct regional genre.
Charlie was known for his kindness and generosity, a warm and generous spirit who never tired of sharing the benefit of his experience to the many WHUP DJs who met him over the years. Though famous for his encyclopedic knowledge of beach music, he was passionate about music of all kinds and had eclectic tastes, which he had the opportunity to exercise at WHUP.
To honor Charlie’s legacy, WHUP is planning a series of retrospective broadcasts and archives of his memorable moments on WHUP that will air during his regular Tuesday 1-3 pm slot. In collaboration with Sue, we also hope to establish a permanent Charlie Brown page on our website that will include interviews he conducted over the years, sound checks and other material. Stay tuned.
He will be missed by all of us.
Love Charley Brown and enjoying The Best of Charley Brown each and every Sunday (twice) on WAEV The Surf Hilton Head Island. You are already missed.
Wonderful man We all will miss him listening to CHARLIE BROWN ON THE BEACH. God Bless the family and friends