NY’s favourite classical presenter dies at 90
RIPThe ever-agreeable Robert Sherman, a presenter on WQXR for 60 years, has spun his last disc.
The son of pianist Nadia Reisenberg, Bob Sherman was also a critic on the NY Times, teacher at Juilliard and moderator for many concert organizations.
UPDATE: Jock Rockwell reminds us that, while reviewing folk music in Greenwich Village for the Times in the early 60s, Sherman could lay legitimate claim to have discovered Bob Dylan.
Bob was a knowledgeable, personable and wonderful fellow – I had the privilege of working with him on a couple of projects the last few years, and he was a joy to be around. Condolences to the family and all his friends and associates.
A wonderful person, he also gave many young, unknown artists a chance to heard on his radio programs. He was also the nephew of Clara Rockmore, the virtuosi Theremin player of yesteryear and his son, Steve, is a very talented photographer who has photographed countless classical musicians over the years.
Rest in peace, dear Bob!
Sad news, although he lived a very full life to the fullest. I grew up listening to him on WQXR radio. Those were the halcyon days of classical radio.
Wow – a tremendous career, and he practically died with his headphones on. I believe his retirement was announced just a few weeks ago!
In addition to his musical knowledge, Robert Sherman had a speaking voice that somehow sounded cheerful — even youthful — over the decades.
For decades, the sound of classical music on New York radio was accompanied by the dulcet tones of Martin Bookspan and Robert Sherman. Great radio voices married to impressive knowledge of the field, which they shared most affably both on the air and off. Both will be fondly remembered — far, wide and long.
Let’s also not forget Duncan Pirnie, Lloyd Moss, June LeBell, Nimet Habachy, among others.
I’m also old enough to remember when ‘QXR had a Saturday afternoon jazz show, “The World of Jazz,” with John S. Wilson, long-time jazz critic for the Times.
(Of course, I’m also old enough to remember that NY City had two classical stations with WNCN.)
Bob Sherman was ageless and a remarkable beacon in our often grumpy world. I was just reminded of attending the program marking the end of “The Listening Room” with special guests Victor Borge and Robert Merrill at Merkin Concert Hall. RIP dear Bob.
Bob Sherman was ageless, and you felt as though he was as youthful through the years as the first moment you met him. He had an innate gift of kindness, and no matter how nervous any of his young guests on the McGraw-Hill Young Artists Showcase – which was a ‘big deal’ to be on back in the day – his gentle voice and calm demeanor made you feel like everything would be ok. He did a fabulous job managing the Beethoven Festival marathon concerts at the Planting Fields in Oyster Bay, LI, and introduced me to the great Victor Borge in the 1980s as a possible sidekick for his tours. That is a separate story, for here, we pay tribute to the great Bob Sherman, whose unmistakable charm and legendary voice paved the way for many inspiring radio programs and everything else he put his hand on. He left a marvelous, timeless legacy.
Heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and close associates to Bob Sherman.
Bob was a wonderful supporter of the Rosalyn Tureck International Bach Competition. Since 2008, Bob presented six radio broadcasts about the competition, and their winners.
Rest in peace, dear Bob.