He died in 1993 but on Thursday, October 11, 2018 a long overdue honor was bestowed on Charlie Parker, WDRC's longtime vice president and program director. His colleagues at the Connecticut Broadcasters Association recognized Charlie's long service by inducting him into ther CBA's Hall of Fame.

During their annual convention at the Sheraton Hartford South Hotel in Rocky Hill, the broadcasters listened to a tribute produced by WDRC Production Director Rob Ray.

A Connecticut native, Charlie joined WDRC as a control room operator in March 1944 after a stint in the U.S. Navy.

He worked in engineering, promotions, sales and production before being named program manager in October 1958. Ill health forced him to retire in June 1983.

The award was proudly accepted by Charlie's children, Kathy Morgan and Steve Parker.

Charlie was the promotional genius behind WDRC AM & FM's switch from CBS affiliation to an independent music station in August 1960. The world of rock and roll music was young and The Big D took direct aim at cross-town competitor WPOP, which had been airing rock for several years. Charlie's biography can be found here.

Read more on the program wisdom of Charlie Parker from Bill "FM" Stephens and Jack Lawrence.

Click here for Growing Up Parker, an interview with Charlie's children, Kathy and Steve.