Five Questions: Wayne Glenn

Wayne Glenn, “The Old Record Collector,” has been playing music from his vast collection on KTXR-FM since 1978. On March 25, Glenn will have recorded 2,500 consecutive shows. Glen hosts “Remember When” 6 a.m.–1 p.m. Saturday and “Nostalgia Time” Sunday 6:30–10 p.m. He also is an author, having recently published “The Ozarks Greatest Hits,” a history of Ozarks music.

Q: How did you get started collecting records?

A: I had an uncle that enjoyed music back in the 1940s, and when he married, he had accumulated in six or seven years a lot of phonograph records – they were 78s, the old style. So when he no longer wanted those, I inherited them. I started in the 1950s listening to old music … and I just became a fan of that. So when I got older and had a little money, I started collecting more. … I originally collected records because I loved the music. I wanted to be able to get at the songs that weren’t on LP or 45. It did become an obsession. Today, I enjoy listening to Bing Crosby or Bob Wills or whoever it might be in any format. I no longer have that push to go out and collect records as much because CDs have spoiled me.

Q: Is there one record or group of records that you treasure most?

A: If you came to my home, I would show you my thousands of records and thousands of (compact discs), but I can’t really pick one out. I could show you four or five that commercially have the most value, but that’s not my angle. I collect records because I love the music.

Q: What is the secret to your radio program’s loyal following and its longevity?

A: One of the things that I have always done that is probably more unique now than it was then is deliberately take requests. I don’t think there’s anyone in Springfield who begs people to call with requests, suggestions of songs or singers or bands. I know if I lose the pulse of my audience, I won’t be on anymore.

Q: You’ve written about the Ozarks’ distinctive sound – what makes it so unique?

A: The Ozarks is considered, geographically, a unique music culture. To say what separates us from the Appalachian Mountains or the Rocky Mountains, I’m not able to define that. Part of it is the independence of the people. … The original Ozarks culture was based on isolationism – they lived in such an isolated way that they didn’t communicate a lot with the outside world. They were very independent and determined to keep their own style.

Q: What does the future hold for live radio and programs like yours?

A: There will always be a place for live, local radio. For example, (the evening of March 12) I was on doing my show, and we had storm warnings. I was able to give accurate updates by the minute as the information became available. I’m playing Spike Jones and his City Slickers, or Stevie Wonder, and then we’re coming back with live bulletins and updates about the weather. You don’t get that on satellite, or you don’t get that from New York or Dallas or wherever the headquarters for other formats is. Local (radio) will always have a place.[[In-content Ad]]