It's radio's greatest fish story, but unlike most fish stories, this is true.

Born April 18, 1944 in Kearney, Neb., Art Ferguson became Charlie Tuna at KOMA Oklahoma City in 1966 when Chuck Riley - who used the moniker for just one show - left the station. The rest is Top 40 radio history. Tuna went on to star at WMEX Boston, KCBQ San Diego and Los Angeles stations KHJ, KROQ-AM, KKDJ, KIIS, KTNQ, KHTZ (later KBZT), KRLA, KCBS-FM, KODJ, KMPC, KIKF, KBIG and KRTH. Tuna, whose TV and radio syndication and voice credits could fill a phone book, was voted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2008.

Known for his quick wit, Tuna had the honour of replacing legendary KHJ morning man Robert W. Morgan when the latter went to WIND Chicago in 1970. The gig only lasted until Morgan returned to the Los Angeles station in 1972, but it was memorable and just another feather in Tuna's cap (fin?)

Charlie Tuna died February 19, 2016. He was 71.

Enjoy Charlie Tuna on KHJ (unscoped) here.

Enjoy Charlie Tuna on KHJ (unscoped) here.
 

Enjoy Charlie Tuna on KHJ (scoped) here.

Enjoy Charlie Tuna on KHJ (scoped) here.
 

(The Tom Howard Collection)
 

More 1971 airchecks here!

Talent: CHARLIE TUNA
Station: KHJ Los Angeles
Date: March 13, 1970
Time: 8:23

The great wit and charm of Charlie Tnna is on full display on this Friday the 13th aircheck about halfway through his first stay at KHJ. Tuna shows the stuff that would get him named to the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2008. Tuna never lets up cracking wise as he fills in, first for Rober W. Morgan and then for Bill Wade. Charlie Tuna for Robert W. on KHJ? Those really were the days.

Charlie Tuna died February 19, 2016. He was 71.
 

Enjoy Charlie Tuna on KHJ here.

Enjoy Charlie Tuna on KHJ here.
 

(The Don Shuttleworth Collection)
 

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