Five Questions With…Tony Baglio

What brought you to hosting a show on WICN? Why do you love being on the air? 

After a 40+ year career in commercial broadcasting, I decided I’d like to do a radio show or podcast that featured music by artists from, or who have been influenced by New Orleans, its music and culture. I expressed that to my friend and colleague, David Ginsburg, who offered me the opportunity to do just that on 90.5 WICN.

What is your favorite WICN memory?  

My favorite WICN memory is listening to my very first show on my phone, while on vacation in Aruba!

FILL IN THE BLANK: The best concert I ever saw was ______________?

This is a tough one. I’ve seen so many great shows over the years! For historical significance, it would have to be The Beatles at Suffolk Downs in 1966. Other memorable shows include Tower of Power, Brian Wilson, Paul McCartney, Frank Zappa, The Meters, and many other artists who have influenced how I play and listen to music.

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? 

I’ve been fortunate in that I’ve enjoyed parallel careers as a musician and broadcaster. Music is, and always has been my passion. Being a musician is who I am, broadcasting is what I do, but both pursuits have been extremely rewarding.

Who are your favorite artists and/or albums of all time? 

This is another tough one. But, in no particular order, here goes! Everything by The Beatles, with special love for the U.K version of “Revolver,”  Tower of Power, the “What is Hip” album, Bob Dylan’s “Blonde on Blonde,” James Brown’s “Live at the Apollo,” the Zappa catalogue, especially “Apostrophe,” “Over-Nite Sensation,” and “One Size Fits All,” The Meters, “Fire on the Bayou,”  Chicago, the Terry Kath years, Mose Allison’s anthology, “Allison Wonderland,” and the list could go on and on. Quite simply, if the music moves me, I dig it, no matter the artist or the bag.