Five Questions With…Vince Lombardi
Written by Emily Morrow on June 4, 2021
What brought you to hosting a show on WICN? Why do you love being on the air?
Having moved to the Worcester area in the mid-70s from the jazz-rich Patterson, NJ area, WICN answered my question, “Where’s the jazz?” After some 20 years, I had the opportunity to volunteer and subbed frequently. That led to a nearly 4-year gig as host of “A Tasteful Blend” and now it is my weekly pleasure to share this wonderful art form on the Thursday edition of “Standard Time.” Directing the activities of Audio Journal, a radio service for individuals who are blind, gave me the confidence to volunteer in the first place. My love of jazz and exploring its depths – and hearing from kindred souls – makes being on air a real pleasure.
What is your favorite
WICN memory?
Hearing that jazz fans Carl Cooper, Peggy Allen and Bunny Price would call each other to make sure they had on WICN “cuz Vince is playing that bad music again.” My other favorite memory is whenever Ed leaves…Enjoying laughs & musical notes with other jazz lovers.
FILL IN THE BLANK: The best concert I ever saw was ______________?
Not a big concert guy. I prefer jazz music in
clubs. Newport Jazz is always a joy. Al Jarreau put on a great show. Luther
Vandross lit it up. Pink Martini is an amazing group to see, incredible talent
and diversity.
Many listeners don’t
know that the majority of our hosts are volunteers that do this out of a
personal passion. What do you/did you do professionally off the air?
As mentioned, I served as Executive Director of the radio
service Audio Journal for over 20 years. I am an audio describer for live
theatre, museum exhibits, and a great variety of live events. I worked in
printing and publishing for many years.
Who are your favorite
artists and/or albums of all time?
That’s like asking “Which kid is your favorite?” Everyone from Armstrong to Zappa. Jobim, Berlin, Porter, the Gershwins, come to mind immediately – but so, so many to include. Miles, Coltrane, “Kind of Blue,” Sinatra & Jobim together ranks up there too.
