Eddie Chase Hits Big with ‘Make Believe Ballroom’

Eddie Chase Was Famed Broadcasting Pioneer at CKLW Before Top 40 Era

Eddie Chase was a prominent radio personality in Detroit during the 1940s, and 1950s, known for his engaging style and influential programs. He hosted the “Make Believe Ballroom” on WXYZ and later on CKLW, captivating audiences with his music selections and charismatic presence. It was Eddie Chase, along with Martin Block and Al Jarvis, on whom Variety in 1937 hung the phrase, disk jockey.  In 1942, “Ballroom” was introduced to Detroit when Chase joined WXYZ that year.

Early Career in the 1930s

Chase began his career in radio during the 1930s, working in Los Angeles’ emerging broadcast industry. At the time, it was Eddie, who with Martin Block in Los Angeles, founded the famed “Make Believe Ballroom” in the 1930s. In 1935, Chase took “Ballroom” to Chicago, and Block introduced it to New York. His early work helped shape his distinctive on-air personality, which would later make him one of the most recognizable voices in the region.

Milestones in the 1940s

• In the mid-1940s, Chase gained significant recognition as the host of “Make Believe Ballroom” on WXYZ, introducing listeners to popular big band and swing music.
• His ability to connect with audiences made him one of Detroit’s most beloved radio personalities during this era.
• He became known for his smooth delivery and ability to engage listeners with music and artist insights. In 1947, upon joining CKLW, he limited “Ballroom” to only once a week (Wednesdays) and shortened the show for one hour. By that time, he favored more of the conventional-record spinning while on the air at CKLW.

Milestones in the 1950s

• Chase transitioned well with CKLW by the early 1950s. While he limited “Make Believe Ballroom” to one show a week, in further cementing his reputation, at times, he treated his audience with remote field-broadcasts from various visits around the globe, including travels to the Yukon and Africa.
• In January 1952, Eddie Chase ranked #2 in radio name popularity in Detroit by the Detroit Free Press. #1 was Ed McKenzie (WXYZ) and #3 was Bob Seymour (WKMH).
• On March 14, 1952, he was seriously injured (broken back and shattered pelvic, fractured wrist) in a plane crash near Port Clinton, Ohio, while flying on an Island Airlines Ford Tri-Motor aircraft. Chase survived, as well as three of his friends. Despite his injuries, he returned to radio broadcasting, demonstrating his resilience.
• In March 1959, Chase resigned from CKLW in protest of “formula radio,” a rigid broadcasting format that he believed stifled creativity. His resignation sparked industry-wide discussions about the balance between structure and creative freedom in radio.

Influence on Future Broadcasters

Chase’s innovative approach left a lasting impact on future broadcasters. Notably, Casey Kasem, the renowned host of “American Top 40,” cited Eddie Chase’s “Make Believe Ballroom” as a significant inspiration for his own career. At 17, while working at a beer store in Detroit, Kasem heard Chase’s program on CKLW and aspired to create a national countdown show reminiscent of Chase’s format.

Legacy and Family Connections

Eddie Chase’s legacy continues to be remembered by radio enthusiasts and historians. A born-Canadian, he retired from radio and by the early 1960s, he found work with the National TV Log, Inc., selling television ads to newspapers and TV supplements. Eddie was an avid fisherman, as well, according to the Detroit Free Press (archives) September 30, 1973,

His granddaughter, Kathleen Thompson (who also has generously supported the preservation of this site), currently resides in Anchorage, Alaska. In addition to her efforts, the USA Radio Museum has actively reached out to the public in search of recordings of his shows to help preserve his contributions to broadcasting history.

These sources offer valuable insights into Eddie Chase’s impact on radio broadcasting and his enduring influence on the industry today.