(NEWARK, NJ) -- Michael Bourne, longtime radio host for WBGO in Newark, died on Sunday, August 21, as confirmed by family member Elizabeth Dicker. He was 75 years old.
Michael Bourne was a presence on the air at WBGO between the end of 1984 and the start of 2022, when he retired from full time hosting duty. He was the host of the Singers Unlimited podcast by WBGO Studios. Previously, he hosted the popular Singers Unlimited (1985-2022) show on WBGO. He also hosted the equally as popular Blues Break for several years. Michael was a senior contributor to DownBeat, writing for the magazine since 1969. Bourne earned a PhD in Theatre from Indiana University -- which came in handy with his role as a theatre critic for the WBGO Journal.
This week, WBGO remembers Michael's incredible contributions to the station through playing some of the artists and songs he cherished. The Take Five celebrating Michael's retirement in January has been republished on WBGO.org. And on Saturday, August 27 from 6:00am-8:00am WBGO will air a special two hour Blues Break celebration of Michael on 88.3FM.
When Michael retired in January, he penned a memory of his 37 years at WBGO. "On one of the great days of my 37 years on WBGO," he wrote was "talking with Dave Brubeck at his piano at his house in Connecticut. He played for me 'Strange Meadowlark' and my heart leapt."
WBGO is also capturing audio tributes to Michael at 973-297-1110.
Stay tuned for more celebrations of an incredible life in jazz radio. For full obituary on WBGO.org, click here.
WBGO is a publicly-supported cultural institution that preserves and promotes jazz, blues, Latin jazz and classic rhythm & blues. From its home base of Newark, New Jersey, public radio station WBGO has long been an anchor institution in community engagement through its music and news programming, live performances and partnerships. WBGO reaches a diverse audience from its broadcast location in America's number one media market, the New York/New Jersey metro area. Through programs such as Jazz Night in America, produced in partnership with NPR and Jazz at Lincoln Center, the organization’s reach extends to millions more across the country, and around the globe through WBGO.org and the WBGO mobile app and social media plus Facebook Live broadcasts. WBGO is broadcast at 88.3 FM in the NY/New Jersey area and may be streamed from WBGO.org.
