Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, the JAZZ.FM91 Broadcast Studio will be renamed ‘The Allan Slaight Studio’. The donor – a distant relative – wanted to celebrate Allan Slaight, his legacy in broadcasting and long-time love for jazz.
A Canadian music pioneer, media mogul, philanthropist, magician and Member of the Order of Canada, Allan Slaight, now 85 years old, has made an invaluable contribution to the growth and development of the Canadian music and broadcast industries. Having created Canada’s largest privately and solely owned multi-media company, and having been a broadcast innovator for 52 years, Slaight then assumed the position of Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Slaight Communications. Radio is not his only passion. He has served as a trustee, director and governor with various charitable, university, and art institutions. In 2013, out of his love for music, Slaight restored a grand piano that was damaged in Hurricane Katrina, belonging to legendary rhythm and blues pianist and singer Fats Domino.
Slaight began his broadcasting career in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan with his late night jazz program, Spins and Needles; and while in university he worked as a columnist and jazz reviewer for the college newspaper. With an extensive jazz record collection and long-time passion for jazz, ‘The Allan Slaight Studio’ at JAZZ.FM91 is the perfect tribute and honour.
“To know Allan’s career started by broadcasting jazz, gives us immense pleasure,” said Ross Porter, CEO and President of JAZZ.FM91. “He essentially created a broadcast empire that helped to change the face of media in Canada. We are deeply proud to recognize him.”
The donor made an unprecedented single donation to JAZZ.FM91. This gift will support the ongoing commitment JAZZ.FM91 has made year after year in celebrating Jazz and the Arts. In addition to the day-to-day operation of the station, it will play a vital role in helping us to produce over 30 concerts a year as well as delivering on-air specialty programming, and providing numerous music education programs such as Jazz 4 Kids and the JAZZ.FM91 Youth Big Band.
JAZZ.FM91 is referred to by Jazz Times as “one of the most vibrant and versatile jazz stations on the planet.” More than just a radio station, the JAZZ.FM91 enterprise is Canada’s only 24/7 jazz broadcaster and registered not-for-profit charitable arts organization dedicated to enriching the cultural, educational and community experience of its audience. JAZZ.FM91 can be heard live on the air at 91.1FM, streamed online at www.jazz.fm, or listened to on iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch, with the free JAZZ.FM91 App and via the JAZZ.FM91 Android App, available for download from the Google Play store.
