TCATS #288 - 90 YEARS!

An historic day, today was! Ninety years ago, the weekly tradition of Music & the Spoken Word began. The first song performed-- "The Morning Breaks" --was broadcast on radio back in 1929 and thousands were able to tune in and listen. Today's broadcast began with that very same song, but this time it was broadcast to millions around the world who tune in each week via radio, TV, satellite, and the Internet. Indeed the audience numbers have grown. But one thing remains the same: our goal to inspire, bring peace, and help others feel God's love for them. 

For fun, here are some facts and figures about this historic milestone.
Music & the Spoken Word...

**has been broadcast continually on the Salt Lake City-based KSL radio since 1929, making it the United States' longest-running national radio program carried continuously on a network. 
**received two Peabody Awards, and was inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2004, and the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2010.
**made its television debut in October 1949, and is currently the longest running non-news program on television.
**enjoyed its 4,687th episode today.
**has only had four individuals be the voice of the Spoken Word during these 90 years: Ted Kimball, Richard L. Evans, J. Spencer Kinard, and Lloyd D. Newell. 
**used to begin with the phrase "From the crossroads of the West...". Now it begins with "From historic Temple Square in Salt Lake City...".
**always begins with the choir singing "Gently Raise the Sacred Strain" and ends with "God Be With You Till We Meet Again."
**did not originally have accompaniment by the Orchestra at Temple Square. That began in 1999.  
**has had seven music directors during its 90s years: Anthony Lund, J. Spencer Cornwall, Richard Condie, Jay Welch, Jerold Ottley, Craig Jessop, and Mack Wilberg (with associate director Ryan Murphy). 

To end today's post, I just wanted to relate a special experience that occurred Thursday night during rehearsal. Usually every week, we have special guests who attend the rehearsal. They may be government officials from another country, a group of people from various conventions held here in Salt Lake, or local civic and/or religious leaders from other faiths, etc. This past Thursday, we had a special needs young woman join us. President Jarrett gave her the opportunity to stand and direct the choir from where she was sitting in the audience. The only song we were rehearsing that she knew well was "Love One Another"--so when we started that one, she courageously stood and did an excellent job directing in the background while Ryan Murphy directed from the podium. I was just mainly touched by all of her family in attendance. As each of them came in, they greeted this young woman with a big hug and settled down into their seats to show support and love. 

And isn't that what family is all about?

Until next time, God be with you.