Mormon Tabernacle Choir to be inducted in National Radio Hall of Fame
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"Music and the Spoken Word" featuring the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the longest-running radio broadcast in the world, is being inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame, a result of online balloting by the public.
The choir's program of inspirational music and brief spoken sermonettes was among six inductees in the "Class of 2010" of the hall of fame, which includes individuals as well as radio programs. The results were announced in a news release Aug. 4.
"We are extremely pleased that the 'Music and the Spoken Word' broadcast has been voted into the National Radio Hall of Fame," said choir president Mac Christensen. "We thank the Radio Hall of Fame and all of our listeners who honored us in this way."
The choir is featured along with its companion volunteer ensemble, the Orchestra at Temple Square, on the program.
The choir's musical director, Mack Wilberg, said, "This is especially significant for us, not only because of the very talented individuals who were also nominated with us in the National Pioneer category, but also because the selection was determined by vote of the American listening public."
Gregg Garber, vice president and general manager of Bonneville Distribution, which distributes the weekly half-hour show to radio and television stations across the country and around the world, said, "The same popularity that has made 'Music and the Spoken Word' a radio mainstay for more than 80 years has produced this vote, which will now put the show in the National Radio Hall of Fame. We couldn't be happier."
The choir and the honorees in the other categories will be inducted into the hall of fame in November in a two-hour radio broadcast emanating from Chicago.
The other inductees are iconic country music disc jockey Ralph Emery; disc jockey Terri Hemmert, the first female morning drive-time personality in Chicago; National Public Radio broadcaster Carl Kasell; urban radio pioneer Cathy Hughes; and Sam Phillips (deceased) a former disc jockey and owner of Sun Records, which showcased Elvis Presley and other popular music icons early in their careers.
