Willis Conover

Although hardly ever heard in america, Willis Conover was probably one of the most essential radio broadcasters in jazz history. He worked well in Washington D.C. and NY radio through the 1939-54 period nonetheless it was his association with Tone of voice of America (beginning in 1954) that was most crucial. Conover’s broadcasts presented jazz to Western european (specifically East Western european) listeners through the Cool War, paving just how for trips by American performers in the 1960s and 70s. Pianist Adam Makowicz was among literally an incredible number of listeners who initial noticed jazz on Conover’s present. The broadcaster also offered as emcee for the Newport Jazz Celebration for over a decade, created Duke Ellington’s 70th birthday concert on the Light Home in 1969 and was the important chairman from the jazz -panel of the Country wide Endowment for The Arts. Willis Conover’s importance in dispersing the jazz message worldwide can’t be overestimated.