Willis Conover in His Own Words

Tuesday, in an incident of particular serendipity, when speaking with Dana Demond, producer of the radio program posted yesterday, I discovered she had CDs of two fifty-minute radio specials produced in 1996 by VOA Radio Broadcast Technician David Bodington, who served as Conover's last Studio Engineer in 1993. Next week I will begin posting the various interviews from these specials, beginning with--in a reversal of roles--jazz master Gerry Mulligan's interview of Willis on his own life story.

In the meantime, the VOA Public Relations Web Willis Conover Web page has a series of short audio clips of Willis speaking:

Willis tells how he got into radio--Excerpt from an interview on his 10th anniversary (January 18, 1965). Listen here.

Willis explains how he learned his favorite music was "jazz"--Excerpt from an interview on his 10th anniversary (January 18, 1965). Listen here.

Willis's view on developing one's personal taste in music--Excerpt from an interview on his 10th anniversary (January 18, 1965). Listen here.

Willis's thoughts on building a radio program--Excerpt from an interview on his 10th anniversary (January 18, 1965). Listen here.

Willis's feelings about working for Voice of America--Excerpt from an interview on his 10th anniversary (January 18, 1965). Listen here.

Willis describes leaving commercial radio for Voice of America--Excerpt from an interview on his 10th anniversary (January 18, 1965). Listen here.

Willis calls jazz a 'living music', growing and changing--Excerpt from an interview on his 10th anniversary (January 18, 1965). Listen here.

Willis tells of writing the song "Where Does the Moon Go?" while driving--Excerpt from VOA's "Mail Bag" program with Robin Rupli (1990s), Listen here.

Song "Where Does the Moon Go?" as recorded by a Romanian musician. Listen here.

Willis explains how he came to write a piece of music, "Far Off, Close By"--Excerpt from VOA's "Mail Bag" program with Robin Rupli (1990s). Listen here.

"Far Off, Close By" by Willis, with Willis whistling. Listen here.

Willis tells of writing and recording a lyric as spoken word over music--Excerpt from VOA's "Mail Bag" program with Robin Rupli (1990s). Listen here.

Song with Willis speaking his lyrics over Charlie Byrd's playing. Listen here.