Obituary: Chris Edwards (BARHOF 2018) | Bay Area Radio Museum & Hall of Fame

Chris Edwards

Chris Edwards was a well-known radio voice and figure in the Bay Area broadcast market for over 45 years, recognized as both an on-air favorite and a radio media authority. Once described by a local radio columnist as a “radio fanatic par excellence” and “walking encyclopedia of national and local radio,” Chris worked virtually every radio format during his long career.

Chris got his start in radio in the early 1960’s at University of Florida’s WRUF as evening show host, and at the United Nations as sound control studio operator. After an engineer stint for WMCA (NY), Edwards took his FCC First Class Radio Telephone License to WHEW (Palm Beaches, Fla.) in 1965 to act as both chief engineer and disk jockey. His on-air popularity there paved the way for his major market break in 1967 at WFUN in Miami, where his broadcast career skyrocketed.

Two photos of Chris Edwards: at UN Sound (1962) and at WHEW (1966). — Two photos of Chris Edwards: (left) as a UN Sound control studio operator in Oct. 1962; (right) at WHEW, Palm Beaches, Fla., in April 1966.

Chris arrived at San Francisco’s original KYA (1260 AM) in early 1968 as the morning man – by then known as “Big Fat Chrissy Edwards.” He later moved to afternoon drive, where his show enjoyed the highest ratings in station history.

An avid promotor of KYA during his on-air years, Chris’s energy carried over to sales, where he moved full time in 1976. In his first year he was awarded the prestigious Robertson Advertising Account Executive of the Year award, presented annually in recognition of the Bay Area’s most successful radio sales person.

Chris Edwards at KYA Radio in San Francisco (two photos) — At left, Chris Edwards on the steps outside of KYA’s studios at No. 1 Nob Hill Circle in San Francisco (1968) and, at right, on the microphone at KYA in the early 1970s.

In 1980 Chris moved to K-101 (101.3 FM) as Account Executive and host of the highly rated “Chris Edwards Solid Gold Time Machine,” playing hits of the 1950’s-60’s era. During this time Chris became known as the radio voice for Tower Records, while also performing voice overs for other station advertisers.

Chris Edwards at K-101 and KSFO/KYA-FM (Photos) — Chris (at left) in K-101’s “Solid Gold Time Machine” in 1982, and (at right) in the KSFO/KYA-FM studio in the early 1990s.

He moved to a similar dual role in 1988 at simulcast KSFO (560 AM) / KYA (93.3 FM) as Account Executive during the week for the “Rock and Roll Classics” station and host of the 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday morning shift.

Chris continued to enjoy a highly successful second career in radio sales during the next 20 years, working for, among others — KFRC (“Magic 61”), KABL (as Station Manager), KKSF and other stations operated by Clear Channel and CBS Radio. With the re-launching of Classic Hits KFRC (106.9 FM) in the summer of 2007, he returned to his favored oldies format when brought in by CBS Radio management to represent the legendary station.

Chris wrapped up his long-time Bay Area broadcasting career by retiring in 2011, while with KGO (810 AM). Chris Edwards, born Edward Christian Reinholtz, passed away on January 31, 2014. He was elected to the Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2018.