Many of us felt we had lost a close friend when WXXI radio's Richard Gladwell succumbed to cancer last week. Richard, who hosted "With Heart and Voice" on Sundays, was a bright star in an increasingly monochromatic radio landscape. He brought not only knowledge and creativity but personality to his show. It wasn't just his British accent; he was warm and personal, convincing his listeners of what he obviously felt: that he cared both about them and the music he was playing.
Rochester was fortunate to have him, but thanks to the national syndication of his show and to the Internet, Richard's appeal was much, much broader. Tributes have been pouring in from around the world since XXI announced his death. As several of those tributes said, he was a unique, irreplaceable gift to his listeners.
Comments for "TRIBUTE: Richard Gladwell" (2)
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Louis Richards said on Oct. 21, 2009 at 8:29pm
I had the privilege of first meeting Richard Gladwell about 40 years ago; at that time he worked for the commercial Classical Music station, WBFB-FM, with a very young Simon Pontin. Richard was a quiet man and a very charming one with a delightful sense of humor. "Staid" is not a word I would use to describe him and I would see him, accompanied by his lovely wife, at unexpected venues around town enjoying the camaraderieof those around him.
I know it is a tired phrase but, in terms of broadcast music, the passing or Richard Gladwell really marks the end of an era; even those who never had the opportunity to meet him - his radio audience spanned our nation - will sadly miss his soft voice and lilting accent.
It was a pleasure to know a gentleman of Richard's caliber; nowadays, they are few and far between.
billmil said on Dec. 09, 2009 at 4:06pm
I write several months late because I pulled out back-recordings of WIth Heart and Voice from Advent season's past. He was an irreplaceable treasure. I particularly loved when he offered the rare comment on being a soldier on WWII; he offered a rare perspective indeed.
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