Charlie Lockard Receives KBA for Commercial Radio
On February 3, 2007, the Billtown Blues Association’s own Charlie Lockard, better known throughout the region as “Goodtime Charlie”, received the Blues Foundation’s “Keeping the Blues Alive” Award for his years of service as a Blues DJ in the Susquehanna Valley. The award was presented during the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tenn. 

Having loved the music from his youth, the idea of being a DJ had been a long-term dream. “Goodtime Charlie” is living proof that dreams can and do come true. He has been living his dream since January 1990. “Goodtime Charlie” and his partner “Mojo Mary” (Bonnie Tallman) began playing on Eagle 108 in Williamsport. Since that time he has played on Kool 95 in Linden, WUNS in Lewisburg, WRLC - Lycoming College, WQSU - Susquehanna University and WZXR in Williamsport. He lists his major influence and inspiration as George “Hound Dog” Lorenz, who had a show on WKBW in Buffalo in the mid 50’s and beyond.  DJs of old were personalities in their own right, interjecting their own personalities into the show, peppering the shows with historical information, jokes, fun facts, contests and more, thus giving life to the music. Thanks to the DJ, the musician became known to his listening audience. Music is played by some wonderfully colorful characters, and a good DJ brought those characters to life. Music, as a result, becomes more than just entertainment emanating from a box. 

“Goodtime Charlie” adds those “old-time” attributes to his shows, in the process, securing his own “personality” status. In many respects the DJ is larger than life, an authority on the music. Charlie manages to fill those shoes well. Not only is he well versed in the music and it's history, he has an undying love for the music, those who make it happen and the process as a whole, from start to finish. We at the Billtown Blues Association have been honored to have Charlie as a consultant, a contributor, and as a friend. Congratulations on a job well done. 

Click here for information about the KBA Awards.