In Memoriam: Robert Sherman
Radio personality Robert Sherman, who graced New York’s airwaves for more than five decades, recently passed away. Sherman hosted three iconic shows on classical music station WQXR-FM and retired only a month before his passing at 90 years old.
In 1969, he began hosting “Woody’s Children,” a weekly folk music program, followed by “The Listening Room” in 1970, where established and emerging musicians like Jessye Norman and Itzhak Perlman, were interviewed and showcased for 23 years. Finally, it was Sherman’s passion for supporting young talent that led him to create “Young Artists Showcase” in 1978. The show, which is still on air, provides a platform for budding musicians to perform.
Sherman approached classical music as an inclusive experience for all, approaching his interviews as casual discussions rather than the common yet rigid question-and-answer format, drawing out insightful responses from his guests. Instead of coming to the interview with list of questions that must be answered, he came in prepared with well-researched knowledge that aided him in making guests feel welcome and open.
This same aptitude for speaking knowledgably about a subject led him to also pursue music criticism, most notably for the The New York Times. Aside from his recorded shows and written insights, it is perhaps his dedication for nurturing young and emerging talents that will be his legacy.
Photo courtesy of Steve J. Sherman
About ArtsWestchester
For more than 50 years, ArtsWestchester has been the community’s connection to the arts. Founded in 1965, it is the largest, private, not-for-profit arts council in New York State. Its mission is to provide leadership, vision, and support, to ensure the availability, accessibility, and diversity of the arts. ArtsWestchester provides programs and services that enrich the lives of everyone in Westchester County. ArtsWestchester helps fund concerts, exhibitions and plays through grants; brings artists into schools and community centers; advocates for the arts; and builds audiences through diverse marketing initiatives. In 1998, ArtsWestchester purchased the nine-story neo-classical bank building at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue which has since been transformed into a multi-use resource for artists, cultural organizations, and the community. A two-story gallery is located on the first floor of ArtsWestchester’s historic building on Mamaroneck Avenue.
For more than 50 years, ArtsWestchester has been the community’s connection to the arts. Founded in 1965, it is the largest, private, not-for-profit arts council in New York State. Its mission is to provide leadership, vision, and support, to ensure the availability, accessibility, and diversity of the arts. ArtsWestchester provides programs and services that enrich the lives of everyone in Westchester County. ArtsWestchester helps fund concerts, exhibitions and plays through grants; brings artists into schools and community centers; advocates for the arts; and builds audiences through diverse marketing initiatives. In 1998, ArtsWestchester purchased the nine-story neo-classical bank building at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue which has since been transformed into a multi-use resource for artists, cultural organizations, and the community. A two-story gallery is located on the first floor of ArtsWestchester’s historic building on Mamaroneck Avenue.