My record store adventures opened another door for me. That door was my entryway into radio. For 25 years, I played music on the radio while fulfilling my quest to turn listeners on to music I admire. Somewhere along that path I made a detour and started interviewing authors on the radio.
Books proved to be just as exciting and vibrant for me as music ever was. I rarely look back. Next year will mark the 30th anniversary of my first author interview on the radio. When I pause to remember all those authors a lot of moments stand out.
There was the time I spent the day with the historian Studs Terkel. He was here to accept the first Dayton Literary Peace Prize for Lifetime Achievement. I had my assignment, to keep the octogenarian awake. I was warned, don’t let him nod off, he’s very difficult to wake up. We chatted all day long. That evening, I introduced him to the audience.
Credit: Contributed
Credit: Contributed
The singer Judy Collins came out to discuss her memoir. When she entered the studio she heard the music I was playing and burst into song. As I gazed into her eyes I recalled the love song Stephen Stills wrote for her, “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes.” Afterwards I walked her outside where a stretch limousine was idling. I quipped, “Hey, look, our limo has arrived!” She gave me an odd look then climbed into the back seat. It glided away.
The novelist Tom Robbins arrived at WYSO, a half hour late for a live interview. He had a guy he identified as “my lawyer” along with a harried publicist. I asked him; where were you? He replied: “We were down at the Trail Tavern drinking beer.” I had to ask.
We finagled invites to a birthday party for the billionaire Ted Turner. It was also a release party for Turner’s autobiography. The party happened at broadcaster Larry King’s place. There was a portrait of King over the bar composed entirely out of jelly beans. Ted Turner: “You’re from Dayton? I’m from Cincinnati!”
Credit: Contributed
Credit: Contributed
Amy Tan stopped by and brought her little dog. The studio airlock door slammed shut, coming within inches of closing on her wee pooch. She said: “Oh, he’s used to doing interviews with me. This is the first time I wasn’t going to have him with me.” Apparently she did not inform the dog.
So many stories. Some fun. Some are sad. Telling stories, I suppose that has been my purpose, too.
Vick Mickunas of Yellow Springs interviews authors every Saturday at 7 a.m. and on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. on WYSO-FM (91.3). For more information, visit www.wyso.org/programs/book-nook. Contact him at vick@vickmickunas.com.