Legendary Seattle Radio Personality Charlies Brown Dies

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, May 15, 2020 | 8:56pm CT

Charlie Brown in the 1980s

Sad to report the death of veteran Seattle radio personality Charlie Brown, who passed away after battling Parkinson's disease and dementia on Monday, May 11. He was 74. Brown's career in radio broadcasting spanned 30 years, beginning at Eastern Washington University's station in mornings. His first professional stint was at KPUG-AM in Bellingham, WA, which led to six years at KJRB-AM/Spokane in mornings.

In 1974, Brown joined KJR-FM/Seattle for mornings, before moving to KUBE-FM as Program Director and an air talent in 1981. He and co-host/news talent Ty Flint teamed for mornings until Brown retired in 1997. In 1993, Brown founded the software firm Audion Labs, which developed digital audio editing products, including VoxPro.

In 2004, the Puget Sound Radio Broadcasting Association selected Brown to receive the "Crystal Soundie" life achievement award for his contributions to the radio industry, honoring the best of creative radio and those who produce it. Brown received the trophy at the annual Soundie Awards at the Red Lion Hotel on Fifth Avenue in Seattle.

In a social media post, air personality Gregg Hersholt said, "Forty years ago when I went to work at KJR, I had the joy of being partnered with Charlie Brown on his madcap morning show every day was a happy experience, full of the laughter and silliness that Charlie shared so generously My heart goes out to Kimberly and the kids. Rest in Peace, Chuck Wuck and Clydie Clyde."