wartime era. Songs like, "Don't sit under the apple tree with anyone else but me," or We'll meet again, don't know where don't know when." Through these very hard and sad years, the radio brought comfort to millions of people across the world.

No matter what our age, when hearing a song or music from the past, whether it be pop, rock, country, Christian music, gospel, jazz, classical, funk, punk or rap, it brings back a special memory for many of us. A special romance, a vacation, school days,  high school prom, party or any memorable event, there will be some kind of a rekindling of thoughts when a "golden oldie" is heard. Today's radio is so diverse, that there is probably a station to suit all of the above musical tastes as well as interactive talk radio and public broadcasting stations.

After witnessing several years ago, the

joy and pleasure brought to my elderly parents on hearing some old melodies being played on the radio, songs they had not heard for many years, it was realized just how important music can be. The old music being played was from the 1930's and 40's which brought back memories of their youth, of the good times and of course the hard times, but good memories nevertheless. Watching them sing along and even dance to this music coming from the radio will be a lifelong, cherished moment.

Although primarily a country music station, every Sunday morning starting at 8 am, a local Athens Radio Station WLAR/WJSQ 101.7 FM, dedicate almost three hours to music from the 1930-40's and 50's era. The show which has been running for well over twenty years and for a number of years with Cleveland's WCLE, is named "Memory Music"and hosted by Bill

Atkins. Listeners are invited to write in with their requests and the music played is typically old contemporary music like that of The Ink Spots, The Mills Brothers, Arte Shaw, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Kay Starr, Pat Boone, Glen Miller, Nat King Cole, The Andrews Sisters and artists of the WW II era. Immediately after each piece of music has been played, Mr.Atkins informs his listeners of when the song was written, who wrote it, and when it was first recorded. Because the majority of the

listeners are probably between 65-100 years of age, as the years go by they become a minority listening group. However, it is vitally important that this

music, along with its memories be kept alive for our senior citizens to listen to. It would be sad for many of our aged listeners if Memory Music on 101.7 FM faded from the airwaves. Lets hope those responsible for the programming

schedule will continue to allocate a small slot to a worthy listenership. Just like furniture and ceramics of that time, the music should be considered valuable. Tune in to 101.7 FM next Sunday and listen to some real antique music filled with years and years of precious memories.
.