Internet Radio Show: The Swingin' Years

Chuck Cecil's radio program, "The Swingin' Years", features music, interviews, trivia and commentary from the 1930s to the 1950s. It has been in continuous production since May 1956. In 2002, Mr. Cecil celebrates 50 years on the air in Los Angeles, 30 years in national syndication and 60 years as radio announcer (except, he says, for the three years he served in the U.S. Navy and the six months he was out of work).

Two years ago, there was a scary moment when KPCC Pasadena switched to an all-talk format. Because of the format change, "The Swingin' Years" lost its home-base distributor in the Los Angeles area practically overnight. But the program has a loyal and fierce following! KPCC's move prompted an intense lobbying effort, during which hundreds of signatures were collected and the program was offered to several stations.

Thereafter, KCSN 88.5, decided to broadcast the program from the San Fernando Valley. Unfortunately, this station can only be heard north of the Hollywood Hills, but not in all of Los Angeles. Shortly afterwards, KKJZ (formerly KLON) added the program, which restores the program's reach to the entire Los Angeles area. (KKJZ is L.A.'s largest jazz station).

When he is not on the radio, Mr. Cecil performs many other functions. For instance, he has been involved with the Satin Ballroom from the very beginning. He is not only our Master of Ceremony, but we also rely on his amazing wealth of knowledge of the music and history of "The Swingin' Years".