David Fricke

About David

• When asked if he had a "dream job" growing up, he points to his desk; he's living his dream.
• Grew up in a "golden age" of music; was 15, 16 when the Beatles were releasing what are now considered some of the best records in history.
• Says he lived two lives in school: worked hard in class, spent the rest of his time at a radio station; went on-air as often as possible.
• Graduated with a degree in English but wasn't really pursuing anything; got a job as a stock boy instead.
• Started writing for local paper; they paid him five dollars for a story; never cashed that first check, couldn't believe he was getting paid to write.
• Would write for anyone who'd have him; says he "learned to write" by just sitting down and doing it.
• After getting rejected by the Washington Post, he wrote a review dedicated to critic Ralph Gleason; Gleason's widow wrote him a letter of encouragement.
• Letter said "if you're going to be a writer, you have to be your own person"; he says that letter "told him he was on the right course."