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Dick Cerri began producing and hosting MusicAmericana in 1961 at radio stations
WAVA AM & FM. The program was heard from 6 pm to 12 midnight seven nights a week. AM radio was the big vehicle for music in those days. FM was considered a stepchild, listened to, primarily,
for classical and elevator music. WAVA AM was a daylight only station which means it had to sign off at sundown. WAVA FM continued with the program till midnight. A lot of FM radio sets were sold in
those days.During its first decade of broadcasting, MusicAmericana introduced to the Washington-Baltimore listening area
folk newcomers Ian & Sylvia, Judy Collins, Joan Baez. the Limeliters, Tom Paxton,Carolyn Hester, the Chad Mitchell Trio, Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell, and many others. In the last decade and a half
, MusicAmericana has introduced folk newcomers Christine Lavin, Schooner Fare, Buskin & Batteau, Patty Larkin, Gregg Brown, Mary
Chapin Carpenter, David Mallett, Side by Side, Shawn Colvin and many others.From 1983 to 1998, MusicAmericana .
Showcases have featured more than 700 national, regional and local artists. The Showcases provided performers with a live, listening audience and important radio exposure. The Washington Area Music Association
presented Cerri with a Special Achievement Award for his contribution to folk and acoustic music. MusicAmericana was
selected for an Excellence in Radio Programming award by the Metropolitan Area Mass Media Committee of the American Association of University Women. |
