Rich Conaty, host of WFUV(FM)’s “The Big Broadcast,” will kick off a celebration of the program’s 35th anniversary on Jan. 6 at 8 p.m.
Airing on WFUV Sunday evenings, the show features classic jazz and pop tunes of the 1920s and 1930s.
WFUV says no fewer than 22 singers, songwriters and instrumentalists will be saluted throughout the month, including early crooner Russ Columbo, guitarist Django Reinhardt and the composers of “Charleston,” “Ol’ Man River” and “As Time Goes By.”
Additionally, Conaty will replay excerpts from interviews with artists featured on the show, such as Cab Calloway, Connie Boswell and Arthur “The Street Singer” Tracy. All three appeared in the 1932 Paramount film “The Big Broadcast,” the first film to star Bing Crosby.
“It’s amazing how many great songs were written and wonderful records made during the 1920s and ‘30s,” said Conaty. “It’s a rare week that I don’t turn up something that’s ‘new’ to my audience and me.”
