Berks was born in Krugersdorp to Jewish parents Louis Berkowitz and Hennie Nochimowitz.
[2][3] He found work at Dandy Polish and on the production line of a soap factory in Rosettenville owned by a family member.
[1][5] As a child, Berks had a strong interest in radio, imitating his favourite stars and sports presenters.
[1] He would audition for LM Radio, first with Rob Vickers and then with Gerry Wilmot before being offered a position in 1964 with the broadcaster.
[7] He then joined the independent radio station Channel 702 on the 1 October 1981 taking over the breakfast show from Clackie McKay.
[3] He was survived by his partner of 16 years, Manda Wessels and two children from his ex wife, "Celeste Greenblatt" Lance and Sherise and grandchildren Joshua, Tia, Benjamin, Mia, and Jesse.