- Hosted 20+ game shows including 7-year run on 'Tic-Tac-Dough'
- Conducted first televised Elvis interview in 1956 Memphis
- Awarded contestants over $7M during peak TV era
- Pioneered radio-to-TV transition with ad-lib broadcasting skills
Winston 'Wink' Martindale's six-decade entertainment career bridged radio's golden age with television's game show boom. The Tennessee native, who began as a $25/week radio DJ at 17, developed signature hosting techniques through Memphis stations that shaped early rock 'n' roll history. His WHBQ colleague Dewey Phillips first played Elvis Presley's debut single in 1954, with Martindale later securing the King's crucial early TV exposure.
Martindale's game show philosophy emphasized simplicity and contestant engagement. His 1972-1976 CBS hit 'Gambit' averaged 12 million daily viewers by combining blackjack mechanics with family-friendly pacing. Though ultimately overshadowed by 'Wheel of Fortune,' the show's success demonstrated Martindale's knack for transforming casino games into mainstream entertainment.
The broadcaster's career rebounded spectacularly with 'Tic-Tac-Dough' (1978-1985), which made history through Navy officer Thom McKee's 88-win streak. Current game show producers note this record-breaking run influenced modern formats like 'Jeopardy! Masters' by proving audiences would follow extended contestant arcs.
Martindale's Memphis radio roots proved vital to his TV success. His WHBQ morning show developed rapid-fire interview techniques later showcased during Presley's 1956 'Top Ten Dance Party' appearance. Industry analysts credit this regional broadcasting background with creating Martindale's relatable persona that resonated with Middle American audiences.
Beyond hosting, Martindale left lasting industry impacts through production innovations. His 1985 creation 'Headline Chasers' pioneered current-events quiz formats later refined in shows like 'Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!' Though canceled after one season, the program demonstrated Martindale's commitment to educational entertainment nearly 20 years before 'Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?'
Survived by wife Sandy and three daughters, Martindale's legacy extends beyond television. His 1960s charity work with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital established the template for celebrity-philanthropy partnerships, while his 2012 Christmas music specials remain holiday radio staples.
