WFUV’s ‘The Big Broadcast’ Celebrates 35 Years on the Air

The Big Broadcast, a radio program that airs on New York’s listener-sponsored WFUV (90.7 FM, wfuv.org) every Sunday evening, will celebrate its 35th anniversary on January 6th at 8:00 PM. The Big Broadcast features classic jazz and pop tunes of the 1920s and ’30s. Over the course of 1,790 broadcasts throughout 35 years, The Big Broadcast has expanded from one to four hours and now claims online listeners as far away as Hawaii and Australia.

“It’s amazing how many great songs were written and wonderful records made during the 1920s and 30s,” says host Rich Conaty. “It’s a rare week that I don’t turn up something that’s ‘new’ to my audience and me.”

Throughout January, Conaty will replay excerpts from his interviews with some of the artists featured on The Big Broadcast, including Cab Calloway, Connie Boswell and Arthur (“The Street Singer”) Tracy. All three appeared in the 1932 Paramount motion picture The Big Broadcast, which was the first film to star Bing Crosby.

The Big Broadcast is a birthday-driven program and January’s programs will salute 22 singers, songwriters and instrumentalists, including early crooner Russ Columbo, guitarist Django Reinhardt and the composers of “Charleston,” “Ol’ Man River” and “As Time Goes By.”

Originally Published January 2, 2008