VOA Director David Ensor pays tribute to legendary radio broadcaster Willis Conover
April was Jazz Appreciation Month and VOA celebrated in two ways: by holding a jazz concert and dedicating a studio to its legendary jazz broadcaster, Willis Conover. For more than 40 years, from 1955 to 1996, Conover’s Jazz Hour program brought what he called “America’s Music” to millions of people around the world.
Both the concert and the studio dedication took place on April 29 at VOA’s Cohen Auditorium. Like any good Conover program, there were words of praise and plenty of great music. VOA Director David Ensor reminded the audience that in addition to being a VOA treasure, Conover is also a national treasure. His interviews with such jazz greats as Art Tatum, Billie Holiday, Benny Goodman and Duke Ellington, among others, are now in the National Recording Registry. The tradition of broadcasting jazz continues at VOA today, Ensor said, with the Jazz America program hosted by Russ Davis.
Music Time in Africa Host Heather Maxwell & her trio perform on stage
The music part of the celebration started with Heather Maxwell and Her Trio. When not singing (and swaying) in front of a mic, Maxwell is often talking into a mic as host of another long-popular VOA program, Music Time in Africa. The U.S. Navy Band, the Navy’s Premier Jazz Ensemble, continued where the Maxwell Trio left off, playing the music Conover loved, including some original pieces as well as works by perhaps his all-time favorite, Duke Ellington, whose “Take the A Train” opened and closed every Jazz Hour.
The plaque dedicating VOA’s Studio Four in honor of Conover describes him as “a true legend of international music” who “used the jazz he loved to bring people together." The VOA concert did that and more – there was even some dancing in the aisles.
Legendary VOA Jazz Radio Broadcaster Willis Conover & Some of his Guests
Legendary VOA Jazz Radio Broadcaster: Willis Conover
1/12Willis Conover in the studio with Irving Berlin
Willis Conover (1920-1996) was one of VOA's treasures, an internationally-known jazz aficionado, well-connected within the jazz community but little-known in the United States. During his more than 40 years on VOA's airwaves, Conover brought "America's music" to millions around the world. He was particularly popular in the countries behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War.
2/12Conover's welcoming reception during a trip to Poland
Willis Conover (1920-1996) was one of VOA's treasures, an internationally-known jazz aficionado, well-connected within the jazz community but little-known in the United States. During his more than 40 years on VOA's airwaves, Conover brought "America's music" to millions around the world. He was particularly popular in the countries behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War.
3/12Willis Conover works with an assistant
Willis Conover (1920-1996) was one of VOA's treasures, an internationally-known jazz aficionado, well-connected within the jazz community but little-known in the United States. During his more than 40 years on VOA's airwaves, Conover brought "America's music" to millions around the world. He was particularly popular in the countries behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War.
4/12Conover with Bing Crosby, after interviewing him
Willis Conover (1920-1996) was one of VOA's treasures, an internationally-known jazz aficionado, well-connected within the jazz community but little-known in the United States. During his more than 40 years on VOA's airwaves, Conover brought "America's music" to millions around the world. He was particularly popular in the countries behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War.
5/12Willis Conover with Sarah Vaughan
Willis Conover (1920-1996) was one of VOA's treasures, an internationally-known jazz aficionado, well-connected within the jazz community but little-known in the United States. During his more than 40 years on VOA's airwaves, Conover brought "America's music" to millions around the world. He was particularly popular in the countries behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War.
6/12Willis Conover with pianist Oscar Peterson
Willis Conover (1920-1996) was one of VOA's treasures, an internationally-known jazz aficionado, well-connected within the jazz community but little-known in the United States. During his more than 40 years on VOA's airwaves, Conover brought "America's music" to millions around the world. He was particularly popular in the countries behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War.
7/12Louis Armstrong (Satchmo) in Willis Conover's studio
Willis Conover (1920-1996) was one of VOA's treasures, an internationally-known jazz aficionado, well-connected within the jazz community but little-known in the United States. During his more than 40 years on VOA's airwaves, Conover brought "America's music" to millions around the world. He was particularly popular in the countries behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War.
8/12Willis Conover and assistant select music
Willis Conover (1920-1996) was one of VOA's treasures, an internationally-known jazz aficionado, well-connected within the jazz community but little-known in the United States. During his more than 40 years on VOA's airwaves, Conover brought "America's music" to millions around the world. He was particularly popular in the countries behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War.
9/12Willis Conover with Ella Fitzgerald
Willis Conover (1920-1996) was one of VOA's treasures, an internationally-known jazz aficionado, well-connected within the jazz community but little-known in the United States. During his more than 40 years on VOA's airwaves, Conover brought "America's music" to millions around the world. He was particularly popular in the countries behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War.
10/12Willis Conover waves to fans
Willis Conover (1920-1996) was one of VOA's treasures, an internationally-known jazz aficionado, well-connected within the jazz community but little-known in the United States. During his more than 40 years on VOA's airwaves, Conover brought "America's music" to millions around the world. He was particularly popular in the countries behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War.
11/12Dizzy Gillespie at VOA with Willis Conover
Willis Conover (1920-1996) was one of VOA's treasures, an internationally-known jazz aficionado, well-connected within the jazz community but little-known in the United States. During his more than 40 years on VOA's airwaves, Conover brought "America's music" to millions around the world. He was particularly popular in the countries behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War.
12/12Publicity shot of Willis Conover at the microphone
Willis Conover (1920-1996) was one of VOA's treasures, an internationally-known jazz aficionado, well-connected within the jazz community but little-known in the United States. During his more than 40 years on VOA's airwaves, Conover brought "America's music" to millions around the world. He was particularly popular in the countries behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War.
