The Jazzcat

The Master of Jazz Radio in LA has left to join the ranks of our

other fallen jazz angels. Chuck Niles, Carlitos Niles, Chucky baby, the

one voice in Los Angeles synonomous with the words jazz and radio is no

longer with us to share stories and spin great jazz music.

Chuck was one of the greatest characters. Every time I saw him he

was always in the best of spirits. Full of jokes. I did not get to see

him too often because his schedule was the exact opposite of mine at

the radio station but, it seems like every moment I did spend with him

there was humor involved.

I never knew about the station KBCA which turned into the KKGO that

we all knew and loved. I had just started getting deep into jazz music

and I, as well as many of you, learned about the greatest in jazz music

from the only cat with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!

I listened to KKGO until the moment it went off the air at midnignt

and turned into a classical station. I found Chuck on 540am radio but,

it was so hard to get a decent signal. I heard him again on KLON and

really started enjoying the music the way he presented it. He is one of

the cats that made me think about getting into jazz radio. An Icon for

the music!

Talk about a guy on the scene, Chuck had more stories and all of

them seemed funny. He may have been telling stories but, this was

actual history, and he was there. Back in the day and up to this very

day March 14, 2003, the greatest supporter of the music and one of the

biggest fans of jazz music. What a legacy. A beautiful life of love,

laughter, respect, appreciation, stories and jazz music. We will all

miss him very much and we are certainly honored to have had his love

and passion for the music here in Los Angeles. He did so much for the

musicians and the music. The soul and spirit of one of the most

historic cats in jazz radio will live on forever.

Much love Chuck, may your days in jazz heaven be spent with the

legends who have made this music what it is, and what it will always

be. We love you and will miss your spirit immensly!

Peace and Love

LeRoy