Wink Martindale, who passed away today at age 91, may be best known for game shows like Tic-Tac-Dough and Gambit, but his life in music was nothing short of remarkable. Before he became a television icon, Martindale was making waves on the radio, cutting hit records, and shaping pop culture in ways few remember today. Here are five musical facts you (probably) didn’t know about the man behind that unmistakable voice and winning smile.
1. He Was in the Studio the Night Elvis Presley Changed Everything
On July 10, 1954, Wink Martindale was in the WHBQ studio in Memphis when DJ Dewey Phillips dropped the needle on a brand new song called “That’s All Right.” It was Elvis Presley’s debut recording, and the switchboards lit up. Martindale helped track Elvis down at a movie theater, convincing his parents to bring him to the station. The resulting interview—Elvis’ first—went down in history. Martindale didn’t just witness rock and roll’s birth; he helped deliver it.
2. He Had a Top 10 Hit with a Spoken-Word Classic
Before William Shatner or Baz Luhrmann ever tried their hand at spoken-word pop, Wink Martindale took a surprising path up the charts in 1959 with “Deck of Cards,” a solemn tale of a soldier using playing cards as a makeshift Bible. It reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and sold over a million copies, proving that sincerity—and a little theatricality—could still go platinum. In the U.K., it returned to the charts four years later and became a beloved novelty staple.
3. He Was a Major Figure in the Early Los Angeles Radio Scene
Martindale moved west and became one of L.A.’s most trusted voices. Starting at KHJ and later moving to KRLA and KFWB, he played the hits and interviewed the stars during the golden age of Top 40 radio. He wasn’t just spinning records—he was helping shape the tastes of a generation. When he later returned to radio formats like Music of Your Life and The History of Rock ‘n’ Roll, it was a full-circle moment for a guy who never stopped loving the sound of a great song.
4. He Worked with Game Show Legends and Music Icons Alike
Sure, he hosted some of the most beloved game shows of all time, but Martindale also rubbed shoulders with everyone from Sam Phillips to Merv Griffin. He co-produced music-themed game shows like What’s This Song? and developed TV specials that brought music into American homes in a big way. His crossover from disc jockey to TV personality was seamless—and he often used his platform to spotlight artists and songs he believed in.
5. He Never Let the Music Stop
Even in his later years, Martindale kept the music playing. In 2021, he launched a new version of The History of Rock ‘n’ Roll, a syndicated radio show that blended interviews, trivia, and classic hits. He filled it with fun facts, deep cuts, and that signature Wink charm, proving that at 87 years old, his love of music—and his desire to share it—was still going strong.
Wink Martindale wasn’t just a game show host—he was a music man through and through. He spun records before Elvis was king, topped charts with a song about prayer and poker, and dedicated his golden years to keeping the spirit of rock and roll alive. Somewhere out there, a neon jukebox just played “Deck of Cards,” and you know Wink is smiling.
