|
I grew up in Coral Gables, Florida, which is part of the Miami area. I was visiting my friend Mikie Lally’s beach house in beautiful Vero Beach, FL. Mikie’s much older sister brought along a friend, Charlie Murdock. Charlie, at the time, was THE rock ’n’ roll DJ on Miami radio. He was with the top station WQAM. As a thirteen-year-old girl I was thrilled to meet this celebrity. During our day at the beach Charlie mentioned the Beatles were coming on their first American tour and would be in the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, FL for a concert. Charlie said there would be a contest for WQAM listeners to win a trip to the concert. He mentioned needing a plane to get the contest winners there. My dad, Dan Brock, was Vice President of National Airlines based in Miami. With cocky assurance I piped in, “I can get you a plane, my dad is Vice President at National.” Charlie said that would be great and when I returned home I relayed this to my Dad and he actually had his staff follow through and arranged for a big commercial National Airlines jet as part of this contest and promotion. Charlie called our home and as a thank you for my efforts he offered to take Mikie and me to the concert on September 11, 1964. Mikie and I were beyond thrilled but my dad absolutely would not agree. He had seen scenes of screaming fans and was worried about my safety. I was crushed and could not understand such a wrong parental decision. I cajoled, begged and I am sure was thoroughly annoying but my dad would not allow me to go. Mikie was crushed because her parents said they would only allow her to go if I went. Now as a parent to three sons I fully understand not sending a thirteen-year-old girl off with a handsome young DJ to a rock and roll concert. Charlie was disappointed for us but said he would bring me back a surprise. When he returned he called and came by my house and presented me with the four Beatles autographs on a 45 record sleeve. His autograph and the date, September 11, 1964 were also on the record sleeve with the Beatles autographs. He said he had interviewed the four Beatles backstage in their dressing room. I have a small photo of Charlie and Ringo that was in my school newspaper, Ponce de Leon Junior High School. Charlie, over the next couple of years kept in touch with me. I would call the station and request songs and was always thrilled when I would be on the radio and Charlie would acknowledge me as a friend and take my record request. Charlie continued to collect autographs for me when he interviewed celebrities from time to time and the ones he collected for me that I still have are Jayne Mansfield, Debbie Reynolds, Tony Curtis and Pat Boone.
Timi Brock Most, Menlo Park, California
timibmost@gmail.com
|
