REVIEWS+

Radio My Way

by Ron Della Chiesa
with Erica Ferencik. Allyn & Bacon: Pearson. Nov. 2011. c.336p. discog. bibliog. ISBN 9780205252701. $29.99; pap. ISBN 9780205190782. $17.99. MUSIC
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Della Chiesa, a legendary radio personality at WGBH in Boston since the 1970s, is best known for his commentary on the Boston Symphony and as the host of Music America. It was in this latter capacity that he interviewed dozens of jazz, pop, Broadway, and opera celebrities, and he follows the autobiographical portion of his entertaining memoir with recollections of these performers. Though not a trained musician, Della Chiesa has an obvious passion for a wide variety of genres (excluding rock), and his expansive, genuine love of this great diversity of styles shines forth. Readers of all ages will enjoy the vignettes of the performers, some of whom, e.g., Tony Bennett and Gunther Schuller, became his close personal friends. With a selective discography for each of the interview subjects.
VERDICT This memoir, though not an essential purchase for all libraries, will certainly enhance collections in American music and media studies. Readers who grew up in the golden age of radio will be particularly enchanted with Della Chiesa's reminiscences.
Reviewed by Larry Lipkis, Moravian Coll., Bethlehem, PA , Oct 01, 2011
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