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| The Billy Taylor Show New Audio Podcast Pianist Billy Taylor, who has been actively involved as a broadcaster since the 1960s, has a new vehicle, "The Billy Taylor Show, " a monthly audio podcast. Producer by Bret Primack, each podcast features a selection from Billy's remarkable discography, along with this his incisive commentary. The first podcast in this series is "Conversion, " featuring Billy's longtime bassist, Chip Jackson. "I'm happy to be reaching a new group of listeners using this technology, " Dr. Taylor explains. "Podcasts are radio on demand and its important for people involved with Jazz to utilize digital media to develop and enlarge the Jazz audience." Earlier in his career, Billy Taylor expanded the jazz scene in New York as program director of WLIB radio. His musical knowledge and warm, engaging personality quickly captured a large following on the radio. Although there was tremendous competition for listeners, Billy's show soon became one of the most popular on New York radio. On the heels of his success at WLIB, and while continuing a daily program on the Harlem-based station, Billy became the first black artist to host a daily show on a major New York radio station, WNEW, introducing their affluent audience to Jazz. Thanks to his success on New York radio, Billy graduated to national radio exposure on National Public Radio (NPR), hosting several award winning series, and helping to bring Jazz to a much larger national audience. For over twenty-five years, NPR listeners were treated to Billy's incisive commentary and engaging interviews with performers. Billy Taylor's Peabody Award winning series for National Public Radio (NPR) "Taylor Made Piano, " generated more requests for tapes than any prior NPR show. Billy also won a Peabody Award for his earlier NPR show, "Jazz Alive!" During Taylor's five-year tenure, this show became the nation's most listened to jazz program. He also served as host/narrator for NPR's "Jazz Legacies" series and "The Talking Violin, " "Dizzy's Diamonds" and "Billy Taylor's Jazz At The Kennedy Center." In the 80s, Billy became a Correspondent on CBS Sunday Morning, a popular television program where his message found an even greater audience. Today, Billy is the Jazz Director of the Kennedy Center and the University of Massachusetts Jazz in July Program, as well doing as seminars and appearances. Earlier this month, he received the Lifetime Achievement from the American Jazz Museum in Kansas City, and an Honorary Doctorate from the College of Saint Rose, in Albany, New York. On the eve of his 85th birthday, Billy Taylor remains an active spokesperson for America's Classical Music, though his personal appearances, and now to a Global Audience with the debut of his podcast, "The Billy Taylor Show." write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |