R.I.P.: Top40 Radio Personality Chuck Brinkman Dead At 83

Chuck Brinkman, a KQV 1410 AM mainstay in the 1960s who became one of Pittsburgh’s most popular Top 40 DJs, died Friday surrounded by family at his home in Plano, Texas. He was 83.

Brinkman’s son, Jonathon Brinkman, confirmed the death to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He said his father had suffered from Parkinson’s disease.

Chuck Brinkman

Brinkman, born July 19, 1935, was a DJ with KQV from 1960 to 1972, and doubled part of the time as a music director.

In 1964, he introduced the Beatles to the crowd at the Civic Arena — the band’s only Pittsburgh concert.

Brinkman was one of the most popular Top 40 DJs here in the 1960s. He was part of then-Top 40 station KQV’s “Fun Lovin’ Five,” which also included Hal Murray, Steve Rizen, Dave Scott and Dexter Allen.

Chuck moved from KQV to WTAE Pittsburgh in 1972 for middays.  Around 1982, Chuck went across country to KOGO 600 AM in San Diego.  After a short time on the West Coast, Chuck returned to Pittsburgh after a short interval to do mornings and PD at WHYW 96.9 (formerly WLOA and then WFFM).

Chuck spent 17 years as the program director and afternoon drive personality at oldies,  KLUV-FM in Dallas, Texas. Chuck left KLUV on December 28, 2005. Chuck spent some time at 770 KAAM as well.

Brinkman was inducted into the Pittsburgh Rock ‘N Roll Legends class of 2017.