Limelight America

Dolphins, music and Australia. Welcome to Limelight America Music Episode 32 from our US20 Records-Winterstone (BMI) original music library - In this episode the full music score from the Newstar Productions Australian Dolphin Documentary MONKEY MIA performed by Emdee Ezz

The man who helped shape Public Television. In this episode we replay a visit with a close friend and colleague, Patrick T. Fitzgerald, the second general manager of WBGU-TV at Bowling Green State University, who devoted his career to the promise of public television, died Wednesday in University of Toledo Medical Center.

Mr. Fitzgerald — everyone affectionately called him “Fitz” — retired in 2010 from WBGU-TV as general manager. In 1989, he succeeded Duane Tucker, the station’s general manager when it went on the air in 1964.

One of his last big projects in 2009 was the station’s conversion to digital transmission. “He helped the station through a lot of transitions, new technologies, new developments, but at the same time he was a really rooted, balanced leader,” his daughter said.

He gave station staff the chance to grow and excel, said Pat Koehler, a friend and retired WBGU-TV development director. “Patrick was very optimistic and instilled the values of leadership in all of us as his staff,” Ms. Koehler said.

 Mark Zaborney at: [email protected]  

First Published November 1, 2013, 12:48 a.m.

Let the big band swing!

Meet me at the Savoy. This picture says it all. People lined up waiting to get in big band dance halls nationwide. Over the years I've had the pleasure of meeting and working with many big band leaders. Three of my most memorable encounters were with Henry Mancini, Roger Williams and the late Johnny Knorr who, along with his son Jerry played big band music for 60 years as they kept songs from the 1940's and 50's alive. He appeared with top entertainers like Helen O'Connell and Bob Hope. Johnny Knorr was very humble, even though the United States Postal Service gave him their most coveted award in 1996. Of all the people I've met, Johnny Knorr is the only guy I ever knew who had his own stamp! In this episode, 45 minutes of great music by the Johnny Knorr Orchestra. Enjoy.

Do not quit. You are closer than you think. Several years ago Limelight America introduced a new radio series about entrepreneurs called "The Dream Warriors" that made it's debut on America's first radio station, KDKA in Pittsburgh. In this episode you'll hear 24 one-minute mini-biographies from that series.

Television game shows (quiz shows) began in the early 1950's, ran into some rough waters with the TV networks being accused of cheating and then the shows evolved into more respectable formats that made the shows more transparent. In this episode learn about the ups and downs of game shows and some little known behind-the-scenes facts.

In this episode the fascinating story of Owens-Illinois.

In this episode some great big band selections and in case you missed it you might enjoy Music Episode 27's conversations with Barbara Mandrell and Kenny Rogers.

As we continue to grow our Limelight America Enterprise, new music episodes already in progress will feature one-on-one conversations with composers, producers and recording artists to learn about their paths to success.