Because of one former Tyrone resident and record collector, 1340 WTRN has become the radio station to listen to on special holidays.
Following the live broadcast of Memorial Day Services from Soldiers Park, a new musical special titled “An American Tribute; Patriots on Parade” will air on 1340 WTRN Monday from noon until 4 p.m.
The radio show, again produced by former WTRN employee and resident Bill Dann, will feature patriotic tunes, songs of remembrance and even a couple of original forty five records never heard before.
Dann, who produces these type of radio shows, says, “it’s a labor of love and helps to build his resume, I enjoy it because I take pride in my record collection, and this is a way to use it.”
The show takes six to eight months to actually put together and produce before its distributed to WTRN and five other radio stations in Pennsylvania.
Dann has taken the last six months to put together Monday’s American tribute, going through his estimated collection of 20,000 songs, researching their place on song charts and finally choosing the right battle songs, tribute songs and marches that make the final cut for the actual four hour show.
According to Dann, listeners to WTRN have driven an excellent response to past shows he has produced.
“People have talked to WTRN President Cary Simpson and have even called me,” he said. “I know them from my days living in Tyrone and working on WTRN.”
Dann worked at the radio station from 1984 to 1994 before moving on to WBPZ radio in Lock Haven, where he’s been ever since.
All the songs heard on the program are from 45 rpm records and not from today’s modern day CDs. Some of the titles include “Ballad of the Green Berets” by Ssgt. Barry Sadler; “Ragged Old Flag” from Johnny Cash, Kate Smith’s classic “God Bless America”; “The Pledge of Allegiance” voiced by Red Skelton; and more from Elvis, Paul Harvey, Merle Haggard, The Boston Pops, John Wayne, Glenn Miller and even a young Abe Lincoln.
One song that stands out as a favorite to Dann is called the “Ballad of Two Brothers”, song by Autry Inman.
Dann explains “the song was done in 1968 during the Vietnam War. Its about two brothers marching for different reasons. One is protesting the war, and the other is fighting in the war. The army brother dies and the other brother sees the light and supports what his brother died for. All by the end of the song.”
If you listened last year to the first Bill Dann produced radio special during the 4th of July holiday. You can expect more of the same this Monday.
“It will be somewhat similar” added Dann. “The 4th of July show was somewhat more upbeat, with more red, white and blue patriotic numbers. Compared to the Memorial Day special that airs on Monday, but I think that people will really enjoy this as well. It’s a good mix of patriotic and tribute songs.”
Don’t miss what is becoming a holiday tradition on WTRN radio. Each holiday in the future may feature unique Bill Dann produced radio specials aired on Tyrone’s hometown radio station.
