[JPL] Ty Bailey on WRTI's Harrison Ridley, Jr - "The Legendary Jazz Programmer"

[Ty Bailey]

Back in the late 70s early 80s my brother, who at the time was living in
Philly, introduced me to Harrison Ridley, Jr. who was recently presented
with an honorary doctorate of music by Villanova University where he taught
an Honors Course in African-American Music. At the time I met Harrison he
was already a mainstay at Temple Radio -"The Point" (90.1-WRTI). I was just
getting started with programming my own Jazz show. He was a real gentleman.
Harrison sent me some information, which I still possess and we tossed
around some points of view. Through the years in my travels up and down the
east coast and with frequent visitations to the Mays Landing/ Atlantic City,
NJ area, I always made it a designated choice on Sunday nights to catch
Harrison's show - The Historical Approach to the Positive Music. He was
always laidback on the air. but when he played those cuts (lots of vinyl)
there were no letdowns. Mr. "Yes Indeedy" knew his stuff. John Coltrane once
said that with music "the emotional reaction is all that matters as long as
there is some feeling of communication" and Harrison surely obtained that
with his shows. Dr. Harrison Ridley, Jr., this "Gentle Giant" - a knowledge
force in the world of jazz will be greatly missed.

 

Ty Bailey

Ty Bailey Productions

 

 "JUST JAZZ"

WVST-FM

www.tybailey.com