Obituary courtesy of Country Aircheck:
Country Radio Hall of Famer and “Mayor of Music Row” Charlie Monk passed away today (12/19). He was 84. Born Oct. 29, 1938 in Geneva, AL, Monk launched his radio career in 1956 sweeping floors at WGEA-AM/Geneva. He quickly segued to an on-air position before taking jobs in multiple markets across the state, including Troy, Mobile and Tuscaloosa. His passion for country music led Monk to Nashville in the late ’60s, where he served as PD for WMTS-AM/Nashville before eventually establishing a music publishing business.
One of the original founders of Country Radio Seminar (CRS) in 1969, Monk is the only person to have attended every CRS from its formation through CRS 2022, which was his 53rd appearance. For many years, he served as emcee for the New Faces dinner and showcase, opening the night with his famous “Let Us Pray” roasts. He also served on the CRS Board from the organization’s inception. Monk was active in multiple facets of the industry. He penned songs recorded by Eddy Arnold, Jerry Reed, Charley Pride, Jimmy Dean and others and, as a publisher, helped foster the careers of Randy Travis and Kenny Chesney. Monk later moved his on-air talents to host SiriusXM’s CMA Broadcast Award-nominated The Mayor Of Music Row.
Honored with the CRS President’s Award in 2007, Monk was quick with a joke. “They’re not sure I’ll be around next year,” he said of the motivation behind the honor. “They think I’m starting to look a little paisley.” Monk was inducted into the Country Radio Hall of Fame in 2019 (CAT 2/13/19); read Monk’s story in his own words in Country Aircheck‘s coverage of his induction here. In 2021, Monk received the Joe Talbot Award from the CMA and, earlier this year, was inducted into the University of Alabama College of Communication & Information Sciences Hall of Fame. Complete obituary here; arrangements are pending.
Here is what some of his peers are saying today about his loss.
- Carly Pearce – The music industry lost a good one today. I’ll miss our talks, Charlie Monk
- Country Music Association (CMA) – We are deeply saddened by the passing of Hall of Fame radio personality and CMA Joe Talbot Award recipient, Charlie Monk. Our sincere condolences go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.
- Dolly Parton – Charlie and I have always been friends since I have been in Nashville. He was a great man and I love him dearly.
- Exile – Charlie had a few minutes for everyone, and never too busy for some kind words, and usually funny. He made you feel like a friend. Charlie always had that quick wit and a smile, and he was so very accomplished. A unique individual who will be miss The Mayor. Rest in peace.
- Gene Watson – I’m sad to say that Charlie Monk, one of our dear friends and great supporters of Real Country Music has passed away. Charlie was the longtime morning radio host for SiriusXM Willie’s Roadhouse and had a long career in the music business. He will be missed but he left a huge legacy. Our thoughts and prayers to his family at this time. #RIP
- Heidi Newfield – It’s a very sad day in country music and Charlie will be sorely missed.
- Jeannie Seely – My heart is literally in pieces. I simply cannot picture my future without Charlie Monk in it. His support of my career since it’s inception up through my current place at Willie’s Roadhouse has always amazed me, and our mutual love of humor was a personal bond between us. I will miss that, I will miss his voice, I will miss his jabs at me, I will miss his laughter, I will just miss him. Period. He has left us in tears, but there’s a lot more laughter in Heaven tonight.
- John Berry – Charlie was always so supportive of Country Music artists. I always looked forward to and enjoyed my time spent with him. He was a champion and will be missed by all who knew him.
- Linda Davis – This is sad sad news!! Charlie Monk was a character! Since I moved to Nashville in 1982 he had always been at EVERYTHING!! It will be so strange without him. He was proud of me, then he rooted for Hillary and for our Scott family project with Lang and Rylee Jean as well. There’s a huge hole left in the heart of Music Row that only Charlie will ever fill. You’ll never be forgotten Charlie. My deepest condolences to his family.
- Rhonda Vincent – Rest in Sweet Peace Charlie Monk!! He will be missed by the entire Country Music Industry!! Our prayers for peace go out to his family.
- Steve Dorff – So sorry to hear of the passing of Charlie Monk, a true hero for the entire music community of Nashville. Rest in peace, my friend.
- Storme Warren – When it comes to mentors Charlie Monk is on my Mt. Rushmore. From my very first day in Nashville to a phone call two weeks ago his advice,wisdom and humor filled my soul.If you need to find him in heaven,look for the photographer. My hurts for Royce and his entire fam. RIP
- Sunny Sweeney – How sad this is. I always loved Charlie so much …he was so supportive of me from the beginning in my music career and when I took on the morning show at SiriusXM Willie’s Roadhouse
- T.G. Sheppard – It’s such a sad day hearing that my dear friend and SXM host Charlie Monk The Mayor of Music Row has left for home. My thoughts and prayers are with his incredible family, friends and fans. I know he will enjoy his first Christmas in Heaven celebrating with our wonderful Savior!!
- The Oak Ridge Boys – We lost an influencer and long time friend of EVERYONE in the Country Music Business #RIPCharlieMonk