As some of you know I haven't had much time to post on this blog lately due to my involvement in a new Christian radio station in Ocala, Florida. I invite you to visit our webpage at
www.wrge.org to find out about it.
Programming the music for this station has been fun and a challenge. We feature several "talk" segments but of course radio is 24/7 and it requires quite a music library. A friend of mine Don Ward has assisted immensely in reaching into his broadcast archives.
We like to play some of the tried and true hymns sung in churches for years. What's nice about that for me is some of America's most beloved singers recorded much of this music back in the heyday of the Nostalgic Rambler times.
Jo Stafford recorded quite a few hymns and teamed up with Gordon McCrae for some beautiful selections.
Perry Como and Tennessee Ernie Ford were adamant about their Christian beliefs...so much so that they often sang a hymn at the end of their TV show, much to the networks chagrin.
Bing Crosby recorded many songs of faith.
The nice thing about playing these songs on the radio today is that it doesn't matter that these people were beloved popular figures of yesterday. If the listeners recognize Bing or Perry from times gone by, they will find comfort in hearing them again.
If the listeners to the radio station don't know who these voices are, then they are at least hearing some high quality wonderful arrangements and talent.
At Christmas time you will hear most of these artists on most all radio stations as well featuring their "holiday" recordings. There's more to their library than "White Christmas" and "Santa Claus is Coming To Town". I'm glad to put them back in the Christian spotlight, even it's just for a limited audience on the radio in my home town!
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