how's charlie?

[John Leeson]

A late, but sincere note from Toronto wishing Charlie good health and a speedy recovery, along with deep thanks for all the knowledge and pleasure I've gained from his work.

I first connected with Charlie in 1972 while living in Tokyo, when I bought Sound of the City. I still have the original paperback, as well as my copy of Making Tracks. They were both superb books and helped me learn much more about the various kinds of music I listened to at the time.

I then lost track of him for many years, and after wandering though some musical wilderness, began listening to world music -- especially African.

One day while surfing the net looking for music, I found a radio show hosted by one of my old favourites. Not only did I reconnect with Charlie, but I was really happy to find him playing the same kind of music I was now listening to. Shouldn't have been a surprise... we both always had good tastes :-)

I then discovered how long and broad Charlie's musical connections had been. I listen to his show every week on the Net, and while I'll miss that, I'm sure I will still be able to connect to, and learn from him in some other form soon.

Ironically, the only time I communicated with Charlie was to drop him an email late last year when he first started playing K'Naan, the Somalian hip hop singer from Toronto. I wrote him then to correct his pronunciation of K'Naan's name (not obvious).

Last month, K'Naan finally came in as the Radio Ping Pong guest. I publicized it among people here in Toronto. So it was particularly sad that that was Charlie's last show... and that he didn't even get to see K'Naan perform the next night.

Again, my best wishes for your health, and thank you for everything.

John Leeson

I also posted an appreciation of Charlie on my website: http://www.to-music.ca/charlie.htm

[Nigel Appleton]

So sorry to hear the news Charlie, thinking of you and hope you get well very soon.

Nigel Appleton.

[Andy Stephens]

I've been away and have only just caught up with the news. Charlie - its sobering to think that you've influenced my record buying for over 30 years now - since Honky Tonk on Sunday mornings. Thank you so much. Take care of yourself. Best wishes, Andy Stephens

[keith goodchild]

charlie, quite impossible to express the sadness of losing your show, it's been a great journey with you over the decades, life changing. more importantly here's wishing you the speediest recovery and take it easy, enjoy all those saturday nights you will now get back . a shed load of thanks to you charlie, keith.

[Jonathan King]

You'll never give up bringing new music to the attention of possible future fans.
Like me it's in your veins and no illness can beat it!
Get well soon and get back doing what you love - finding great music and letting us all hear it (even if sometimes our tastes don't coincide!).
JK

[ben steadman]

Hi Charlie
Saw you at the Westbourne studios not so long ago and you appered in good fettle
I trust you are getting back to health
best to you
Ben

[M. Prince]

As someone who has listened since the Honky Tonk days, courtesy of a big aerial on the roof pointing at London (instead of Dover, much to the aerial man's confusion), I am going to miss the programmes enormously. I have also been taping them for years for a friend without reception and no internet connection.

Although I have never met Charlie in the flesh (we have spoken on the 'phone a few times), I regard him as a personal friend - I suppose like most of the folks who have been listening to him for years.

Get well soon and we hope to hear more of you on the airwaves, albeit in reduced quantity.

Michael Prince

[Guest]

Dear Charlie,

Thanks for everything you are and for everything you have done.

You must be very busy at the moment, so I'll not mither you with my thoughts and emotions.

I'll be in touch soon me ol' marrow and I'll give you a reet talking to.

Until then,
Much love,
Jayne

[gabriely]

wish you good helth[/code][/u][/i][/b]

[patrick rosalba]

hi charlie!

i'm sorry to hear about your recent illness that has caused you to decide to end your saturday show after 11 years. i've been listening and occasionally taping your show over the last 6 years and you've contributed to expanding my musical tastes and horizons, i'm indebted to you. thank you also, for the opportunity for inviting me on occasion as a volunteer helper on the phones. it has been a valuable experience to me.

i hope you are looking after yourself and taking it easy and i wish you a speedy recovery in time for WOMAD 2006.

best wishes
patrick.

[Adam Blake]

Charlie, I'm so sorry to hear your news. How awful, and frustrating for you. I sincerely hope you make a full and speedy recovery. Meanwhile, thank you for being there and being such a friend to music over so many years. You are unique. You take good care of yourself. All the best
Adam

[Iris_Hanika]

I wish you courage and strength and all the best anyway.

[Paul Mac]

Charlie
Many thanks for the 30 + years of bring 1st class music to the ears of the public & particularly myself. Now's the time to reacharge the batteries & get back to full health.May Helen & I wish you a speedy recovery,as you know we too have had health problems in the past but have overcome the difficulties as I am sure you will.
Best wishes to you & your family.

Paul McPherson

[Tony DeMeur]

After 33 years of musical inspiration which has resulted in possibly thousands of poundsworth of vinyl and cds occupying yards of shelfspace, I'll miss your unpushy presentation and musical insight. A cliche, I know, but GET WELL SOON, Charlie. Tony

[ravi (kora)]

to charlie

take it easy and here's to a speedy recovery

in admiration and appreciation

RAVI
www.ravi-art.co.uk