The Great American Songbook

The station focuses on American music spanning from the 1940s to the present day, encompassing a wide range of styles and artists. It is described as a non-commercial broadcaster dedicated to preserving and sharing the station, a foundational element of popular music. The station’s programming includes Vocal Jazz, Easy Listening, and Adult Contemporary music, with a particular emphasis on showcasing vocal performances and sophisticated arrangements. Listeners can expect to hear a diverse selection of artists, including Laufey, Jack Jones, Polly Bergen, Bobby Short, Michael, Jennifer, Wynton Marsalis, Cassandra Wilson, Dinah Shore, Don Cornell, Sarah Vaughan, Matt Monro, Sheldon Harnick, Doris Day, Marvin Gaye, Norah Jones, Johnny Mathis, Gretje Angel, Vic Damone, Marilyn Scott, Pat Boone, Chiara Civello, Red Norvo, Cleo Laine, Paul Carrack, Natalie Cole, Seth McFarlane, Rose Murphy, Paul Anka, Nicky Parrott, Sam Cooke, Judy Garland, Lou Rawls, Karrin Alyson, Harry Connick Jr., Shirley Horne, Andy Williams, Mavis Rivers, Dean Martin, Sophie Milman, Johnny Hartman, Bobby Troup, Anita O’Day, Roberta Gambarini, Tony DeSare, Nancy Wilson, Buddy Greco, Oscar Peterson, and Anita O’Day. Recurring segments like 'Miss JAZZ!', 'Brazilian Bossa Nova & Jazz', and 'Cabaret Legend' provide specialized musical experiences. The broadcaster also highlights artists with unique qualities, such as a 'sultry, languid contralto' and 'honeyed vocals', alongside close-miked piano and rich tonality. The station’s programming is curated by a team of individuals described as “chefs,” who have received recognition from peers and listeners. A notable segment, 'Ruby Dottie & Jean McGuire,' is described as featuring stars whose careers were revitalized through the station's broadcasts. René, a key figure in the station’s operation, hosts and contributes to the programming, often highlighting songwriters and performers he considers “Real American Ambassadors.” The station also features segments like 'Soulful Tone And Timing' and 'Jazz Elegance & Modernity.' The broadcaster’s content is supplemented by features like 'Ear Candy' and a music library for further exploration. The station’s history began as a personal hobby shared between René and a lifelong friend in the 1970s. Their early work included a 20-hour series on Sinatra, which gained national recognition through public radio. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, they continued to produce American Songbook radio shows. The transition to a 24/7 online broadcasting platform has presented both challenges and rewards, requiring financial support from listeners. A significant milestone includes the station’s achievement of nearly 20,000 “faves” from TuneIn listeners and over 2,000 followers on Facebook, demonstrating a dedicated audience. The station operates as a 24/7 online broadcast and relies on listener donations to cover monthly broadcast license bills. The broadcaster emphasizes that all donations are strictly used for this purpose. The station provides a 'Playlist' and 'Music Library' for listeners to explore. Contact information and a site map are available for those seeking further information. The station’s goal is to pay tribute to the station and its contribution to American culture, recognizing its influence on various popular music genres.