WFUV Host Remembered After 40-Years Behind Microphone with “The Big Broadcast”
by David Greene
Fordham University radio station WFUV paid tribute to one of their own as the station paused to acknowledged the passing of Rich Conaty, the host of the popular, ‘The Big Broadcast’ who succumbed to lymphoma on December 30, at the age of 62.
On-air personality Dennis Elsas broke the news to listener’s later that night stating, “He did everything with high standards and an open heart, if there’s any consolation… its the thought that Rich might be sharing a Hi-De-Ho with Cab Calloway in some bandstand in the sky.”
WFUV on-air personality Rich Conaty died December 30 at the age of 62.
Born and raised in Queens, Conaty began his career as a Fordham student in 1973, playing vintage jazz and swing music from the 1920’s and 1930’s, before stints at commercial stations WNEW-AM and later at WQEW.
A notice posted on the WFUV website stated, “Even though Rich hardly ever played a post-World War ll recording, the show never felt like a dated museum piece, because of his passion for the music. That passion was infectious.” The station says Conaty hosted more than 2,200 shows.
In a musical tribute to Conaty, Elsas then played “Thanks for The Memories” and “I Will Remember You,” by Bing Crosby and ended with the modern tribute “Around The Dial” by The Kinks.
WFUV has stated that a radio tribute to Conaty will be held later this month.
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