Rich Conaty, 1954-2016

[Harold Aherne]

Rich Conaty, the host of "The Big Broadcast" since 1973, passed away this afternoon after an illness of several months. More than almost anyone else living today, Rich's broadcasts each Sunday night kept the spirit and vitality of early 20th century jazz and popular music brightly glowing and in the public eye. Some of the artists themselves were regular listeners and/or his good friends.

For those who knew him personally, and the many more who didn't but were loyal listeners, his loss is a sharp and dissonant chord to finish a year with many blue notes.

More tributes will undoubtedly be coming from the media and, right here I hope, from those who loved Rich's work.

-HA

[William D. Ferry]

I've been a devoted listener for almost 40 years, and his show was the highlight of many a Sunday night. For introducing me to Jean Goldkette, Roger Woolf Kahn, Adrian Rollini, Joe Venuti and Eddie Lang, I will always be grateful...

[Red Bartlett]

Very sad!

Rivermont records had been releasing excellent "Big Broadcast" collections by Rich. They have 11 volumes and they're all great!! I've been wondering when the next volume was due... but I suppose the series will end.

http://www.rivermontrecords.com" target="_blank

[Mike Gebert]

I didn't know it till you said it, but he was responsible for this volume which includes my Great-Uncle Walter Davison.

[wich2]

He and Danny Stiles were a unique, quirky treasure of NY radio.

RIP.

[Marr&Colton]

I have a great memory about Rich---back in 1998 after he left WQEW AM (which I could often hear on my 1930s restored radios here in Toledo), he moved to FM so after contacting him, he agreed to dub a couple cassettes a month and send them back to me! I still have and play them! Loved THE BIG BROADCAST!