Remembering Chuck Auerbach: A Tribute to an Akron Original

By Summit FM General Manager Tommy Bruno

I remember sitting in Chuck Auerbach's car in the radio station parking lot, listening to a new Black Keys record. As the music filled the space between us, he turned to me with unmistakable pride shining in his eyes and said, "He can write a song - I am proud of him." It was such a genuine human moment - one father sharing his pride in his son's accomplishment with another. But this wasn't just any accomplishment; his son Dan had become half of one of the most successful rock duos in the world, The Black Keys.

That was Chuck - unpretentious, authentic, and always celebrating creativity wherever he found it. Our Summit FM family felt a profound sadness upon learning of Chuck's passing on March 29 in Nashville at the age of 75. After suffering a stroke last September, he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer and passed away surrounded by his family.

Chuck wasn't a musician himself, but music flowed through his veins. Though he played no instrument, he meticulously crafted lyrics that made their way onto The Black Keys' 2003 album "Thickfreakness" and Dan's solo record "Keep It Hid." In his later years, Chuck even released his own album, "Remember Me," produced by Dan and featuring top Nashville studio musicians. He also performed at South by Southwest, backed by Akron's Americana group, Grady-Miller.

Beyond music, Chuck built a 45-year career as an antique and folk art dealer, noted for his eye for textiles and "related oddities." He represented outsider artist Alfred McMoore, whose large-scale works will be showcased in an upcoming retrospective at the Akron Art Museum. Like many Akronites who have shaped our city's creative culture, Chuck followed his path, pursuing passions that transcended conventional categories.

Chuck's final request reveals everything about the man - he wanted to see as much live music as possible. His final days were, fittingly, "filled with song and laughter" as he "bebopped and laughed til the end."

Like us at The Summit FM, Chuck was decidedly left of center, quirky in the best possible way, and deeply devoted to the transformative power of music. He understood what we strive to celebrate daily on our airwaves - that music isn't just entertainment; it's essential to our humanity, a universal language that connects us across all barriers.

Chuck's obituary concludes with a request that seems tailored for our Summit FM community: "In his honor, please support your local music scene." That was Chuck—forever championing the authentic, the creative, and the local. As we remember him, let's honor that legacy by continuing to celebrate and sustain the vibrant music scene that makes Akron unique.

We will miss you, Chuck Auerbach - father, art dealer, lyricist, and true believer in the significance of music in the universe. Thank you for helping to make Akron a more creative and authentic place.

Here’s what our local music community is saying:

“Chuck Auerbach was a wonderful light in the Akron music scene. His sense of humor was unparalleled in that dry, sarcastic, slow draw kind of way. Honored to have been a friend of Chuck’s! He poured into his songs and dang could he write a song.”
— Jeff Klemm

“Chuck Auerbach was always incredibly nice to me over the years. I had the opportunity to grab coffee with him every now and then just to talk about Akron, music, working in addiction care, and everything in between. He was a kind guy who for whatever reason took time to check in with me now and then, and I always appreciated it.”
— Dave Rich

“Rest easy Chuck. I miss those open mic days, seeing you posted up at the bar, listening to everyone intently. I really appreciated the times you and Mary cooked for me, and your encouragement when I was trying to find my footing in a new state during a pandemic. You are loved by many!”
— Gretchen Pleuss