Music and the Spoken Word
On July 15, 1929 the first broadcast of Music and the Spoken Word was played. The announcer began with the now famous words, “from the crossroads of the West, we welcome you to a program of inspirational music and spoken word.” That first broadcast would start a tradition that has lasted 75 years.
Music and the Spoken Word is the longest running continuous network broadcast and is played on more than 2,000 radio and television stations. From it’s beginning, the program was a success. A radio network president in New York commented on the first broadcast, “your wonderful Tabernacle program is making a great impression in New York. Have heard from leading ministers, and all are impressed by the program. Eagerly awaiting you next.”
The voice of the program was Richard L. Evans and many were drawn to his soothing voice. For 41 years Richard L. Evans announced the songs and spoke the inspiring words of the broadcast. Many people claimed him as their spiritual leader. Harold B. Lee said of Richard L. Evans, “Richard L. Evans didn’t just belong to this Church; he belonged to the world, and they claimed him as such.” Following Richard Evans sudden death, Spencer Kinard became the voice of program. Following him in 1990 Lloyd D. Newell became the broadcaster and continues in that role today.
The program received national recognition for its 25th year of broadcasting Life magazine commemorated the heritage of the program, “Those who know this program…need no arguments for listening to it. Millions have heard them, and more millions we hope, will hear them in years to come. It is a national institution to be proud of.” And millions have heard this program and enjoyed the familiarity and peace that it brings each Sunday. Music and the Spoken Word has received other awards and recognition. It has been featured in the Wall Street Journal and other media; it was inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame and recently in 2003 received an award from the International Radio and Television Society.
The program is produced by the Tabernacle Choir and more than 50 crew members that are needed to ensure that the quality of the production is maintained. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is made up of 360 people between the ages of 25 and 60. All of the members of the choir sing and offer their time without compensation. Most are still working in their various occupations and join the choir out of a love of music and the choir’s message.
The choir is made up of some of the best singers in the Church and the arduous audition process makes sure of that. The process begins with the applicant submitting a recording of them singing without accompaniment. The second part of the audition is a written musical skills test and those who wish to be in the choir must score at least an 80 percent. Finally there is an in person audition where the singer demonstrates their ability to read music, their vocal range, and their ability to blend with the choir. This entire process takes six months.
Other Links: http://www.musicandthespokenword.com/members.php http://www.mormontabernaclechoir.org
